Notes From A Master

How To Become A Picture Framer Apprentice

2012-02-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

Professional picture framers spend years perfecting the art of preserving prints.

Picture framing is a deceptively difficult skill to master and requires a very steady hand. Framing a piece of artwork or a photograph is tough to do without harming it. You must be able to accurately manipulate the picture, keeping the edges safe from damage, then carefully apply a semi-permanent adhesive to keep the art firmly secured within the frame. Most professional picture framers started out as apprentices, generally doing between two and four years of on-the-job training with a master picture framer.

Instructions

1 Search out a nearby framing company that specializes in pictures and artwork. Schedule a meeting to speak with one of the master framers about the job. Picture framing is a career path with few formal training options, so master framers are generally very excited to help people get started on their own framing careers.

2 Ask the picture framers you meet with if they have any apprenticeships open. Have them direct you to other framing businesses that may have openings. Apply for a part-time job at department stores that offer picture framing, and use this as a ground-level opportunity to learn about job skills needed.
3 Take classes in art preservation and art history to learn more about the techniques preservationists use to frame pictures properly. Begin your on-the-job training as an apprentice framer. Keep a small notebook on you at all times to jot down notes and observations. You may have to work for free as an apprentice until you have the experience to expertly mount a picture. Use this time to soak up as much information as possible about the profession.

Want to learn more, click HERE to see Hight Street Gallery, a master framer.

Custom Picture Framer-Why do you need one?

2011-10-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

High Street Gallery located in Auburn, California has been providing custom picture framing services to the Auburn area and local surrounding communities since 1996. Kelli Fortenbaugh MCPF, and owner of High Street Gallery, has worked in the picture framing industry for over 24 years and is a Master Certified Picture Framer (MCPF). She is also the current president of the Northern California Chapter of Professional Picture Framers Association.
We specialize in the exotic and unusual. Click here to read all about the services we offer.
Are you interested in having a custom frame done? Click here to read our article entitled, "Before You Visit Your Custom Framer", featured in the Sierra Heritage HOME magazine . High Street Gallery, just a click away:
http://www.thisismytownusa.com/high-street-gallery.php

What Items and Objects can be Frames

2011-08-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

Picture Frames - What Items And Objects Can Be Framed?

By Cleo Gib

It does not matter if we have to in case an award, diploma, certificate, portrait, mirror, artifact, sports jersey, children's art work, flag, or any other valuable, the chore of picking out the perfect frame can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many different frames in that without the advice of a professional it may be tough to find the perfect casing for all your different wall decorations.
Trends are changing. Today, people like to frame more than just precious, old paintings or family photos. An array of items is being framed, even valuable memorabilia. What is the sense of having a collection of military medals, butterflies, or autographs when they are locked up in a drawer?
While magnificent watercolors once decorated the walls of many homes, modern folks also like to brighten up their rooms with stylish posters. Many frames are designed to highlight the depth of placards, announcements and advertising sheets. Sure, it may not look like a promotion, but when you are hanging a Star Trek poster over your mantel, you are actually endorsing the movie, the TV show, or your passion for Sci-Fi.
Stacking frames are constructed in such a way that they create a 3D effect. Shadow boxes, on the other hand, are much deeper than regular frames. Because of the extra space between the backing and the glass casing, you can actually place an object inside the box. These frame types are used to better preserve and display sculpted artwork, signed baseballs, miniatures, and other valuable objects.

Want more information on your specific needs, contact: High Street Gallery
http://www.thisismytownusa.com/high-street-gallery.php

Master Framer Series - What is Object Framing?

2011-03-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

An object frame, also called a shadow box frame, refers to any collection of items enclosed in a frame where depth and special mounting techniques are employed. Many different kinds of objects including memorabilia and collectables, antiques or personal items can be arranged beautifully inside of a frame and preserved for future generations. Items may have historical, monetary or sentimental value with the ultimate goal of bringing a sense of appreciation or emotion to the viewer.

For the custom picture framer, the interior construction of the frame is the primary concern. During the process of choosing the color, fabric, wood products and perhaps theme, decisions are being made to accommodate the items correctly and with preservation in mind within the framed environment.

UV or ultra-violet filtering glass and acrylic are available to protect against light damage. Most newer windows already have a UV coating that is primarily intended to protect flooring, wall and window treatments, and interior furnishings from damaging sunlight. This technology, however, offers zero protection for artwork or other collections because interior lighting will cause colors to fade and general deterioration as well. Acrylic is always the choice for oversized pieces because of its light weight and durability.

A wide variety of attachment devices are used by picture framers to hold onto and preserve almost every kind of object imaginable. Adhesives are avoided whenever possible as they can sometimes cause damage in their application and through time, most adhesives will age, dry and crack, and ultimately fail. Preferred methods involve but are not limited to bent wire inside plastic tubing, nylon filament, synthetic fabric mesh, Japanese rice papers, tacks and clips of all shapes and sizes, and sometimes the good old fashioned needle and thread. Objects usually require some kind of special tools or handling. Things like cotton gloves and even dental tools are common professional frame shop necessities.

Event boxes are some of the most fun and creative framing projects. These consist of photos and a collection of souvenirs from any particular moment in time. Weddings are one of the easiest to ensemble because they are often color coordinated with many choices of party favors created just for the event. Linens, flowers and lace, announcements and invitations, even the postage stamp can be of significant or sentimental value. Always remember to include some photos. Those are always what tell the real story years and even decades after the special event changed from something to plan and look forward to and became something to show your grandchildren some day. Vacations are also great for memory boxes to hang on the wall where you can revisit those locations every time you walk through the room.

Sports jerseys are a popular collectable. The picture framing industry manufactures color choices to match every sports team across the country, so we can frame yours to the exact team colors. It is definitely recommended for you to have the uniform signed if possible before framing. We also frame balls, bats and rackets and any other kind of sports memorabilia and even musical instruments sometimes accompanied by signed photos and ticket stubs.

At High Street Gallery, we have framed some really interesting items throughout our more than fifteen years. Everything from postage stamps and foreign coins to antique surgical instruments have been framed. We have created memory boxes displaying family heirlooms such as a grand father’s wallet, watch and eye glasses, military dog tags and discharge papers along with medals and enlistment photos, religious icons, and the list continues. .

One favorite project was an eighty year old Christening gown along with a portrait of the original owner of the gown sitting in an antique rocking chair holding her great granddaughter in her arms with the baby wearing the gown and just being home from church herself. Another time a one hundred year old, international, hand-made button collection made its way across the work table. Each button had been individually researched and its origin and material was labeled on the backing, and there were more than two hundred of them. Pet memorials, pressed flowers and poetry, concert tickets to ceremonial items, it can feel warm and comforting to have some treasured possessions on the wall instead of in a box, a drawer or in the closet somewhere, lost and forgotten.

Why look for a Certified Picture Framer?

2010-12-29T10:22:00.000-08:00

When seeking to protect and preserve your memorabilia, artwork, and valuable items, look to a master with the thorough knowledge of techniques and materials for the best possible presentation.

The designation of MASTER CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER is awarded by the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) . This certification signifies that a framer has demonstrated superior framing skills and has passed the industry's most comprehensive test of practical preservation and framing knowledge.

PPFA initiated the MCPF program in 2003 to raise the standards of the framing profession. The improvement in educational standards within the industry and the recognition of those framers who have proven their knowledge and expertise would establish a professional criteria for the proper identification and preservation of frame artwork.

Trust your valuable items to a professional – look for the MCPF designation.