Frame Story: Dan and His "Fur Family"
Meeting Dan: A Journey in Framing and Friendship
We first met Dan in 2015 when he visited our Red Wing shop after a Google search for framing and printing. Dan’s initial project utilized both services—printing his commissioned artwork and framing it. He was a pleasure to work with, easygoing, and appreciative of our high-touch service style.
"You all took some time to get to know me and you listen to my input when selecting frames. I was involved in the whole process. How often does that even happen anymore?" Dan remarked.
Meet Dan, Paavo, and Miss Belle! Paavo resides at Wishbone Ranch and is part of the non-profit "This Old Horse" retirement program. "Miss Belle" is a young Friesian cross who is still in training. "They bring a lot of joy and meaning into my life," Dan shared about his horses. In addition to being a horseman, Dan is a cat lover! Here's Angel and Smushie.
We are proud to continue helping Dan tell his story by framing his many commissions. Dan prefers framing that complements both the artwork and his home decor style, and he appreciates our Tru Vue museum glass for its unmatched clarity and UV protection.
"I have been super pleased with all the work you’ve done. Important since I look at them every day!" Dan shared.
Check out a few of Dan's amazing ‘pet’ projects!
Cead Mille Failte
"A hundred thousand welcomes" is the English translation of this Gaelic salutation. This cross stitch was expertly mounted over an archival board and framed with a perfectly patterned moulding. These projects showcase the time, talent, and creativity of needle artists, and we are experts at helping our customers achieve their finished piece. I wonder how one might express "a hundred thousand stitches"?
Inverted Jenny
In 1918, an upside-down biplane was mistakenly printed on the 24-cent airmail stamp. Only 100 of these stamps were sold, and they are now valued at around $100,000 each among philatelists. Normally, a print inspector or postal clerk would have immediately caught the misprint. However, the clerk who sold the original sheet of inverted Jenny stamps famously said, "How was I to know the thing was upside down? I never saw an airplane before."
In 2013, the USPS reprinted the famous and rare inverted Jenny to the dismay of hardcore stamp collectors. According to USPS policy, “Postal Service employees should refrain from intentionally creating philatelic rarities.” Agency watchdogs suggest that the post office violated its own code by recreating this rare stamp to make money.
We're not philatelists ourselves, but we know a good framing subject when we see one. Our inverted Jenny sheet is floated and matted with TrueVue museum glass and a Superior Moulding frame.
The Fabulous Fillet
In the world of framing, a fillet (pronounced "fill-it") is a tiny frame with a reverse lip that fits inside a traditional frame or beneath a mat. Fillets add extra flair or dramatic enhancement to a frame, providing an additional level of showcasing for a piece of art.
For instance, the ornate fillet around the pastel Madonna adds a touch of elegance to the rustic-style frame. Our first-place chapter winner featured a blue frame fillet that perfectly matched the bold blue in the needlepoint. Finally, the beautiful Belle is displayed with a bold mat edged in a delicate fillet, giving her design just the right amount of sass to match her personality, according to her owner.
Fillets exponentially grow the creative possibilities of framing design, and as we always say, the more creative options the more fun to be had!
The business of being in business...
Our Commitment to Excellence
Years ago, we made a pivotal decision to strive for the highest standards in our work. That became our business plan. In 2014, Valerie became the first Master Certified Picture Framer (MCPF) in Minnesota. This achievement was a significant milestone for us and has opened up many opportunities.
Valerie has continued to make valuable contributions to the framing industry, and this January, she will compete in a national framing competition in Las Vegas. These efforts drive us to continually improve our skills and services.
This is just the beginning of our journey towards excellence.
Why creativity matters
"Enculturation", 2012 by Cynthia Weitzel. Your creativity will outlive you and nobody is getting out of this life alive. That is a certainty and if you can accept that, then maybe you will ponder this: since you are not going to be around, how will you be remembered?
Creative prompts
What a wonderful environment for sparking creativity!
For me, creativity is often inspired by a blend of curiosity, emotion, and the beauty of the world around us. In your community, the preserved downtown, the Mississippi River, the bluffs, and the authentic working elements offer a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and stories that can trigger a creative response.
The changing of the seasons and the longer autumnal light add a unique touch, creating a canvas of brilliant colors and intriguing shadows that seem to invite artistic expression.
Here are a few creative prompts that might resonate with you in Red Wing:
Nature Walks: Take a leisurely walk along the Mississippi River or through the river bluffs. Observe the changing colors of the leaves, the reflections on the water, and the wildlife. Capture these moments through photography, painting, or writing.
Historic Exploration: Visit the preserved downtown and imagine the stories of the buildings and the people who lived there. Write a short story or poem inspired by a particular building or location.
Industrial Inspiration: Watch the barges, railroads, and manufacturing activities. The interplay of machinery, human effort, and the environment can inspire both visual and written art.
Seasonal Changes: Embrace the changing seasons. Create a photo series, paintings, or journal entries that document the transition from summer to autumn.
Community Connections: Engage with the local community. Attend events, talk to residents, and discover their stories. Use these interactions as inspiration for creative projects.