Tag: custom framing

Forever Framed

By on January 10, 2022 in Art, Framing, Standard Post
“Built to last”

In this day and age, the phrase can sound more like marketing fodder than a true commitment to quality. But as professional certified framers, we take it seriously. This means we use the highest grade of conservation materials when framing your artworks, photographs, special objects, and memorabilia.

The conservation and archiving industries have learned much over the last 30 years, and are always endeavoring to improve standards and practices. As conservation conscious framers, we believe it is imperative to learn and follow the standards set by the Professional Picture Framer’s Association to ensure that your projects last a lifetime and beyond, and as certified experts, we are committed to continuing education in this field.

When designing and building a framing project, we practice three “P’s”: Protection, Preservation, Presentation. Not every project demands all three P’s, but we will always endeavor to “Do No Harm” by considering conservation methods and materials first.

Protection: We mitigate the risk of damage from light by using UV protective glazing (glass or acrylic) made right here in Minnesota by TruVue. UV glazing is recommended for all artworks, including oils. All light will act to fade artworks, not just the sun! Glazing also helps to protect artworks from dust, grime, sneezes, fingerprints, and physical damage.

Projects are sealed in the back to guard against insects and other pests, and harder substrates are included to guard against punctures. A gently sealed (not air tight) framing package creates a more stable environment when it comes to temperature and humidity fluctuations, and will discourage the growth of mold. When applicable, we also seal the wood on a frame to protect the framing package from acid, and avoid direct contact of artwork to wood whenever possible. The examples demonstrate various degrees and types of damage that can occur.

Preservation: We use archival quality mat boards, backing boards, and mounting materials. You may hear materials described as “acid free,” which is a general term suggesting the material is pH neutral. The highest conservation grade substrates are those that have been neutralized and buffered to slow the process of oxidation, and/or alpha-cellulose mats in which the lignin has been removed. Solid cotton substrates are natural to preservation standards.

When the project is truly priceless, our mounting methods are non-invasive and completely reversible. In the examples shown, not only was the artwork in direct contact with a acidic wooden board, but it was taped to a non-conservation grade mat board with masking tape. The glue could not be removed and the points of contact had faded and burned the art paper.

Presentation: We make it look GOOD! The appropriate style is of course relative to the client, the space, and the subject being framed. Browse our blog and social media for examples of some of our great designs.

Because every framed artwork or item is unique, it is our privilege to serve you by appointment in order to ensure the time and care that you and your projects deserve. Make an appointment today by calling 651-385-0500 or using our online scheduler at www.redwingframing.com.

 

 

Custom Framing-Pandemic Style

By on April 25, 2021 in Art, Creativity, Framing, Needle Arts, Standard Post

As we look back at the past year, a lot of emotions bubble up, and the strongest one is gratitude.

Thank you Red Wing Framing customers for making us essential.

The past year, that word “essential” has taken on new meanings. It seems to get tacked on to just about everything these days! Essential workers, essential businesses, essential services, essential…custom framing?

Yup.

Dear customer, friend, by allowing us to frame, preserve, restore, and enhance your essentials, you have made us essential. We have seen quite an uptick in family mementos, treasured photographs, personal crafts, stitchery and needle arts, children’s art, sports memorabilia, spiritual art and icons, lots of personal and collective historical figures and items, political posters, and “saved” thrift store artworks.

So thank you. You are 100% essential to us. Our hearts are full, our shop is bustling, and we are proudly soldiering on as an essential preserver of personal, collective, and public essentials! Make an appointment with us today, to preserve and display YOUR treasures.

A few favorites from our crew…

Angelic counted cross-stitch.

Stitchery! Valerie says, “There is something about stitching that is very comforting to me. It is one of my own personal passions and I was able to get some great stitching in this last year. It has been a great joy to see how others have stitched through the COVID year as well. Our personal creative passions help to slow down the craziness of life and leave riches for generations to enjoy. Let’s keep creating!”

Still life floral, oil on board.

Florals! Clare says, “One of my favorite quotes is by Lady Bird Johnson, ‘Where flowers bloom, so does hope.’ This past year, hope has been in great need and too short supply for many folks, so it makes sense that people want to be surrounded by the simple and timeless beauty of nature. Flowers don’t care about the pandemic or about politics. They just keep delivering their elegance, grace, and steadfastness. Flowers bring hope of renewal, and they’ll always look great in a frame on the wall facing your Zoom webcam!”

“Live Long and Prosper” puzzle.

Puzzles! John says, “Puzzles have boomed in the pandemic era, and we’ve had a lot of fun seeing what our customers have put together. Pandemic puzzles will represent various memories of these times. They invoke a sense of comfort and maybe even exemplify a “job well done” while one has waited to go back to his or her job. Or maybe a puzzle is just a puzzle, too!”

 

 

In With the Old…

By on January 4, 2020 in Art, Creativity, Digital, Framing, Needle Arts, Photography

In 2019, we framed and preserved an influx of antiquated artworks, thrift store treasures, historical relics, and found family heirlooms and photos. So we are starting the New Year quite inspired by our customers’ “old is new” projects and we hope to see this trend continue. Nothing wrong with brand-spanking-new, but with so much societal focus on “reduce, reuse, recycle,” we’d love to motivate YOU to have some framing fun your “old” finds.

We have a few customers who are topnotch treasure hunters and well versed in the art of “lost art.” They’ll find old, discarded, and forgotten artworks in secondhand and antique stores as well as online (Etsy, Ebay, etc.). Originals, prints, etchings, drawings, paintings, needle works…the variety of media is endless, and the conditions of the artworks vary. The name of our game is both preservation and presentation—we prepare the art to be displayed in a fittingly aesthetic manner and ensure it will be protected for many ensuing years of enjoyment. Old family pieces and “lost and found” childhood artworks have also been high on the frame-worthy list. Check out a few of our favorite “up-cycled” artworks. Its amazing what a fresh frame and mat can do!

Another facet of the “old is new” movement is the restoration of old family photos. Our digital experts can revitalize, refresh, and digitally repair your old photos. Need some extra prints of Great Aunt June for your cousins? And yikes…does that photo have an old coffee stain across Grandma’s brow? We can fix that, and we can print that! We are also experts at caring for original photographs. The science behind preserving old photographs is special and extensive, and our certified professionals will help you make the right choices with materials and mounting processes to ensure safekeeping of your photographic heirlooms. The safest place for your old photos, if not in an acid-free album in the dark, is in a frame with UV glass and archival materials.

This photo had fade marks, poor color, and insect excrement. Our digital team brought the image back to life.

Great Grandpa’s military portrait had faded and torn. We proudly restored this photo and provided prints for the extended family.

The old photo on the left had tears, fading, and other flaws that we touched out before printing for our customer.

So what do you have under the bed in that old “family box” that might be worth displaying? How about that drawing your daughter did in 8th grade, or Great Aunt June’s cross-stitch sampler? Come across a painting at the Salvation Army that warrants a revival?

Art is all around us, and we challenge YOU to make the old new in 2020.

Welcome Northfield Framing & Fine Art Printing!

By on August 26, 2019 in Business, Framing, Local, News, Shop, Standard Post

We are very proud to present
Northfield Framing & Fine Art Printing
Est. August 2019

 

Since opening Red Wing Framing & Fine Art Printing in 2002, our goal has been to create a triple focus of certified custom framing shops which are easily accessible to a large portion of south central Minnesota and western Wisconsin. With the addition of Northfield to our Red Wing (2002) and Rochester (2014) outlets, our dream is being realized. We are grateful to our customers, friends, families, and business supports who have helped make this happen. Thank YOU!

Our new shop is located in the beautiful Bridge Square of downtown Northfield, MN. The area has ample parking along streets and neighboring lots, and our design and retail shop has fantastic mojo. Northfield is a community rich with industry, agriculture, arts and culture, a fantastic foodie scene, and two prestigious universities, Carleton College and St. Olaf College.

In addition to our wide selection of custom framing samples and fine printing offerings, we are excited to offer readymade frames, framed and loose prints, original art, artisan crafted jewelry, handmade quilts, bags, and notions, pottery and Motawi art tiles, art cards, and fine gift items. Please stop by and see us Thursday (11-7pm) and Friday/Saturday (11-5pm)! Shop our wares, design a project with our master framer, take a seat in our comfy chair, and enjoy the opulence and warmth of our brand new space.

“Come on in, the framing’s fine!”

New Gallery Collection: Alphonse Mucha

By on September 9, 2018 in Art, Creativity, Framing, Gallery Posts, Shop, Standard Post

We are pleased to exhibit the first framed pieces from our collection of prints by Alphonse Mucha. Mucha was a Czech artist (1860-1939) who “could draw before he could walk.” His career as an artist took off after he was chosen “in desperation” to fulfill an immediate art poster demanded by Parisian stage star Sarah Bernhardt for her production, Gismonda. Bernhardt fell in love with Mucha’s work, and his creation revolutionized the art poster industry. Mucha worked in high demand for years after.

Today we enjoy his works in various forms, including print replications of his production posters and decorative panels. Mucha was championed for bringing beautiful artworks to a wider public, making his prints and posters affordable and available. According to the Mucha Foundation, “It was Mucha’s belief that through the creation of beautiful works of art the quality of life would be improved. He also believed that it was his duty as an artist to promote art for ordinary people.”

We are thrilled to present our first set of framed Mucha prints, for sale and view in our galleries. Each is framed with exquisite and preservation quality materials to honor the compelling vision of the artist, and the inspiration and beauty he aimed to elevate for all people. Silk mats, museum glass, and delicate style frames show off the magnificent women, and the interpretation of each work will be an individual experience that viewers will enjoy. Learn more about Alphonse Mucha at www.muchafoundation.org, and stop in to our galleries to see the collection for yourself! Framed works as well as prints are for sale in our gallery.

 

What We Did On Our Summer Vacation

By on September 9, 2018 in Business, Framing, Gallery Posts, Standard Post

Our customers had a busy and fun season, which means so did we! Stop in with your summer vacay projects and keep the smiles of the season going strong all year long…

Worth It.

By on April 25, 2018 in Art, Business, Creativity, Framing, Needle Arts, Standard Post

What is it that makes something worthy of framing? Should it be a work from a notable artist? Should it cost X amount of dollars? Should it be historically significant?

Sure! In May 2018, the Peggy and David Rockefeller family will auction 600 million dollars worth of original works by artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Picasso in New York City, USA. These pieces surely fit all of the above criteria, and we’d certainly be proud to frame the work of such masters.

Son’s Stormtrooper Mask

Grandmother’s Needlepoint

In the business world, perceived value is defined as “the worth a customer ascribes to a product or service.” In our business world, perceived value can be used to describe the non-monetary value a customer ascribes to the artwork or object considered for framing. Our very proudest projects are those that connect to our customers’ stories—your hearts, your histories, your lives and families, your memories, your hopes.

Travel Postcard

So what if your project is just something your son drew in kindergarten class, or, just this old needlepoint that your grandmother stitched, or just some picture you found and liked? (Yah, we hear the word “just” a lot.)

Frame-worthy? ABSOLUTELY!

Puppy Paw

Van Gogh Print

Literally, JUST Wrapping Paper! Why not?

There is no price one can use to describe the worth of such projects. What is the value to you or your son who sees his professionally displayed artwork and is encouraged to continue creative and educational endeavors? What is the value of preserving your grandmother’s stitchery, passed down through generations of family who will remember grandma’s name and story? And what if its “Just some picture you liked”…well, there is a reason it drew a connection, and doesn’t that connection merit saving? The motives to frame something don’t have to be deep or philosophical, but the impacts of these projects can be truly priceless.

You have brought us your project to frame. We are honored to learn and share in your story. Fine custom framing is our heart and our story, and we are equally privileged to work with your $66 million Van Gough or your late pup’s paw print in plaster. If it matters to you, it matters to us.

 

So, is it frame-worthy?

Yes, and you don’t need to justify it.

The 2018 International PPFA Convention Review

By on March 3, 2018 in Business, Design News

By Valerie Becker, MCPF

 

In January, I spent a week in Las Vegas for the annual Professional Picture Framing Convention. It was a great success! My first year on the Competition Board has passed quickly! It is fulfilling to be a part of the team with my colleagues Robin Gentry (Bowling Green, KY), Alan Abeyta (Phoenix, AZ), and Elizabeth Hellsten (San Antonio, TX). Here are some highlights from the convention, held at the Paris Hotel.

The first day was spent unpacking the competition pieces that were sent in for judging. On day two, the judges came in at 8 am and worked late into the night. There were a lot of pieces to judge!

PPFA competitions offer two categories. The PRINT category is a specific artwork chosen by the competition board each year. The challenge is to frame the designated print using proper PPFA established techniques and appropriate design. The OPEN category is a fun group in which the framer chooses his or her artwork or object to design and frame. Since I am on the Competition Board, I cannot compete for the length of my term, however, I am greatly enjoying the educational benefits of being on “this side” of the game!

On the third day, before the tradeshow opened, we hung all of the competition pieces for display. The winners of the competition were announced at the annual PPFA President’s Dinner. The display was huge, inspirational, and demonstrated beautiful craftsmanship.

 

 

Congratulations to this year’s
PRINT and OPEN winners!

First Place, and First Time High Point Entry: Karen Fox, Art Heads Custom Picture Framing, Lake Oswego, OR.

Janine Buechner, MCPF, Artists Guild LLC, Sturgeon Bay, WI

After our initial competition duties, it was time for education. The Competition Board taught two classes: Understanding Competition and a Judge Update class. One of the priorities for the Competition Board is to train and recruit judges for the competition.

 

 

 

 

 

I was also able to take a few classes for myself, in order to keep my Master Framing designation up to date. My MCPF recertification is required every four years. There was a little time to catch up with my frame vendors, and to hunt for next year’s competition PRINT. The final day was spent carefully repacking the competition pieces for shipment to their owners. It was wonderful to be in the midst of so many fantastic colleagues!

I have two more years serving on the Competition Board for PPFA and I’m looking forward to an exciting year of industry competition, inspiration, and education.

Frame Story: Dan and His “Fur Family”

By on February 22, 2018 in Art, Creativity, Framing, Local, Neighbors, Printing

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 accordingly. Dan was cool, easy to work with, and he appreciated our high touch service style.

“You all took some time to get to know me and you listen to my input when selecting frames and I was involved in the whole process. How often does that even happen any more?” he 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 said of his horses.

As well as being a horseman, Dan is a cat man! Here’s Angel and Smushie.

We are proud to continue to help Dan tell his story by framing his many commissions. Dan prefers framing that fits both the artwork and his home decor style, and likes 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 projects!

Ready to tell YOUR story? Let us help you share it through custom professional framing!

Framing a Nation

By on September 10, 2017 in Framing

We were honored this past August to have a hand in preserving a very significant and special piece of history. The letter, dated 1920, contains a seal that holds pieces of lead from the “bone box” which held and transferred the bones of “probably thirty Pilgrims who died in Plymouth two hundred and fifty years ago.” The writer eloquently stated, “In looking at this piece of lead you will visualize the entire compass of American history starting with a handful of stalwart men on Plymouth Rock, to a nation of 110,000,000 people.”

Whoa.

These relics were brought to us by a passionate historian to be framed for display by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, and more importantly, preserved for coming generations. The piece will initially be exhibited at the Mayflower Society House for the 2017 Pilgrim Congress. This assembly meets every four years to elect its Governor and officials and honor its 30,000 members across the globe.

Our MCPF Valerie Becker considered the aesthetics of the display venue in the design process. It was suggested that the finished piece should be quite grand, and we were excited to deliver! The design features an exquisite Larson Juhl Biltmore Collection frame, and a complementary Nurre Caxton fillet surrounding each mat opening. Two solid and pure cotton base mats add support and depth, further highlighting the significance of the relics.

Our Master Framer left no stone unturned when it came to considering the archival preservation of this piece and the materials involved in the project. Extensive care was taken to ensure that these historical objects will remain protected from dust, UV light, acid producing papers, material gasses, and other elements that cause deterioration.

We are humbled to be given this opportunity and experience. Our customers’ passions are OUR purpose, and we are grateful to have such wonderful, interesting, and meaningful projects to share.

 

Our customer (center) posed with the Curator and Assistant Curator at Pilgrim Hall Museum.

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