FRAMING

FRAMING

Frames! Oh My, they really are a crucial part of hanging art in your home and when I finally took the plunge and offered them on my website it really did make the difference, especially when you wanted to order a print as a gift. I am sad its not something I am able to do currently, I will try and source a new framer to partner up with, but for now here are some links to Framers that make Beautiful Frames and some tips if you want the DIY option.

First up some Links:

My all time favourite East London Framer, when I lived on Columbia Road in my 20s I always came back to even after leaving London was Jacksons Framing. I would say go in person if you are East London based, Claire the lady that runs it, she is knowledgeable and highly skilled. I have had frames hand painted colours by the team over the years to match a specific colour on a print, and will happily take her advice on what will and won't work. A bespoke service, not cheap, but beautiful quality frames never are and these are a piece of art in themselves.

No website currently but head down in person you won't be disappointed, Jacksons Framing, 18B Long St, London E2 8HQ  020 7729 4230

West London https://www.jwhiteframing.com/ they have all the funky neon spacer options (and some of my prints on the walls) 

Sadly The Arc in Bedford have now closed the Framing Studio :(

I am on the hunt for a new Framer in the Bristol / Somerset area so I may be able to offer a Framed option again in the future. I will keep you posted if I find one, and please shout me if you have any recommendations.

Now for the DIY options:

You can't beat good old IKEA for a Frame, I used to love they offered them with Glass too, sadly no more, and I understand why with breakages, so if you don't mind the perspex option they really are a great price at around £19 for a big square.

The LARGE Hearts and Flowers Screen Prints that I print will fit in a Large Square Frame from Ikea the 50cm x 50cm - HOWEVER you do need to get a NEW MOUNT for it to work well, I have done it in the past and it still works out a lot cheaper than a custom made professional frame.

You can get a custom mount made and mail ordered from the guys at EasyFrame.co.uk - literally go on the website, select "mount only" https://www.easyframe.co.uk/picture-mounts and you can then put in the exact size you need made, any colour etc... if you like the "double mount" option then select a neon (or any shade) to be underneath, go wild.

My Large Hearts and Flowers Prints are printed on paper that is aprox 45cm x 45cm - the Ikea Frame size is 50cm x 50cm- So your outside measurement is the Frame size 50cm - the inside measurement/cut out "the aperture" I would recommend having at 44cm so you have some paper overlap at the back of the mount board. (If I am framing myself, especially with bigger prints I normally put a bit of masking tape at the back to hold it in place so it doesn't slip over time) I don't think the pro's would recommend doing this as it could potentially damage your art, so its personal choice.

If you are feeling creative and want that NEON SPACER POP, then have a play, I used to use Washi Tapes on the inside of the frames under the glass, you could mask up and try paint, or I know at the Arc the pro framers carefully cut strips of neon cardboard to add to the front of the Spacers. It makes for a cool effect to enhance the colours in your Screen Print.

Not just for mount board, I would highly recommend Easy Frame for custom mail order Frames as well https://www.easyframe.co.uk/ I have used them loads over the years and continue to for my home framing now. They are super friendly and if you get stuck you can give them a call and they will help you get it correct.

If you are wanting to have the option of "Spacers" under the glass, you do need to order a slightly thicker Frame. I used to ask them not to stick mine down as if you want to add washi tape and customise them its easier to get a neat result with the spacers out and stick them down yourself once the tape is in place.

But go mad, you can pick and mix any mount, frame, colour, size you like. They do FABULOUS neon frames, I have a fetching neon orange up on my office wall now.

For Smaller Square Frames, keep an eye out in Homesense and TK Maxx, I sometimes find bargain frames and I like that mostly they seem to still use glass. Dunelm also have some nice Frames at cheaper price points, it just might be that you need to order a mount to fit the artwork for that perfect finish.

Smaller Prints are easier to Frame than Large Prints on the whole. I will send prints A3 size and Smaller Flat in a board backed envelope with helps too. The Larger prints I have to send rolled, so if you go to a Framer, they will flatten them again before they frame, however if you are doing at home then its best to get them unrolled rather than leave in the tube for too long. On a clean surface flatten out and put some heavy books on top for a few days, this will make it easier to frame and keep in place behind your mount.

I hope that helps a bit, I would say if you can afford it professional Framers are worth the money, its a skill, I have both in my home but you really can tell the gorgeous custom made frames and I would always choose this for a special or expensive piece.

However DIY frames you can have lots of fun with, customising and can also achieve a brilliant result at a fraction of the cost.

Hannah x 

 

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