Wes looked around the living room the other day and said, "you know, I think this one's about finished." And he's right. We've furnished it, painted it, hung curtains, put down a rug, and I'm always adding and taking away accessories here and there, just because it's fun.
The only thing left on my "list" is to hang something above the sofa. We bought a set of four (reproduction) architecture prints on our honeymoon in Charleston and they need to be framed. But how?! I'm not usually at a loss, but framing brings me totally to my knees. For one thing, it's super expensive! But even if I could afford it, I don't think I could decide how to frame them.
I love the frames in this room by Martha Stewart (via Style Court, who happens to be writing a series on framing). I suspect they are antiques, and I'm certainly not holding out for four identical frames in the size we need. Where does one find new frames that look like this? Not at Hobby Lobby, I've discovered. Man, do they have some big frames.
The framed prints in this room (featured in Cottage Living) caught my eye. Wes really likes these so-called floating frames, and though I've always been lukewarm about them, I like the scale of these. OR should I break up the set of four, and do a gallery-style grouping? Oh me, decisions, decisions.
Now it's your turn. Where do you get things framed? What kind of frames to you like? What would you do with our architecture prints Help!
I'm from Birmingham, and I've gotten prints framed at the frame shop over by the new WalMart near Crestline Park/Irondale. I can't remember the name off-hand. It may just be the Frame Shoppe. Anyway, the shop is the retail outlet for a frame supplier out of Birmingham, and they do everything themselves. They usually have a super fast turn around, less than a week. I've gotten things in a day or two before.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I saw this post on Design Sponge about Night Owl Paper Goods (also Birmingham!) and the owners had some architecture prints framed very simply. http://www.designspongeonline.com/2008/12/sneak-peek-night-owl.html
It might not be the most exotic of answers, but nearly all of our home's frames hail from Ikea. Their clean lines look more expensive than their often below $20 price tags- and their variety of sizes, colors, and mats result in a professionally framed look for about a tenth of the price. Happy hunting!
ReplyDeletexo,
Sherry
www.thisyounghouse.com
Hobby Lobby seems to have a 50% off framing sale a LOT! I have had several things framed there. They have lots of options too! Check their website - I bet they'll have 50% off now (if not, it will be soon)
ReplyDeleteI usually do thrift stores/ antiques for my own frames (partly bc I'm cheap & partly bc you can get really high-quality frames for less. It would definitely be tough to find 4 identical but pairs are pretty easy to find. (I've found 2 pairs in the same size in a really similar frames & have used them as a set of 4) Here's one of my pairs at the bottom of this post: http://purestylehome.blogspot.com/2008/11/flea-market-finds-from-trip-with-eddie.html
ReplyDeleteThen, if the pictures don't fit perfectly, use the matting to make it all work out.
I hope you find the right frames & can't wait to see pics!! :)
www.americanframe.com
ReplyDeletecustom framing usually with your first matte free. lots of material and color choices. and i don't know why, but they're exponentially cheaper than taking it to a custom framing shop, like at michael's, etc.
We use Aaron Brothers, but it looks like they aren't in Alabama. Michael's, Target and Walmart usually have frames on the cheap too.
ReplyDeleteYou STILL haven't framed those?!? Honey, they're too pretty to not be shown off!! If my memory serves me correctly, isn't there a great framing place in Homewood, right around At Home? Though I could be wrong, it's going on two years since I've been there :(
ReplyDeletethose prints are amazing and i love the idea of hanging them in frames like the cottage living ones. i must be honest and say i am a hobby lobbier. you cant beat 50% off.
ReplyDeleteJennifer- you're going to have the BEST time this weekend- Eddie & Jaithan are awesome & you'll get a long so well!!! Have fun & thanks so much for stopping by!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Let me know what frames/from where you decide! I have some similar prints that I need to have framed- but like you- custom framing is so expensive! Meghan above mentioned the Frame Shop in the shopping center off of Montclair- It's close by but I've never been there...
ReplyDeleteMichael's has 50% off custom framing sales all of the time. For pre-fabricated frames, try Garden Ridge. I always look for wood frames but have found some pretty composite ones for prints or paintings I don't plan on keeping in the same frame for a long period of time. Garden Ridge has the best deal on mats. You can double mat your own prints too if you feel like they need it.
ReplyDeleteI personally like a mix of old chunky frames found at flea markets and antique shops, just have one common theme amongst them all to carry it through.
ReplyDeleteThat said, it's hard to find them! Prints, paintings, and framing stress me out big time! Not that these are suitable for your prints, but I love them-spotted them at Paper Affair and said to myself "I can make that!", so after finding some damask stamps and rustic barnwood looking frames-I'm addicted! http://www.lavilleframes.com/mmg_details.php?prodId=208&category=2
Dina from ATL
I personally think that beautiful frames really make or break whatever they are framing. There is a great (trade only) framing place here in Atlanta called Fred Reed - not everything is super expensive, and they will work with you to get the price to where you want it. There is also another amazing place in Atlanta called Avery, and they have gorgeous frames. I think the framing business must be hurting right now, I got a call from Avery that they are offering an extra 10% off, which is unheard of for them.
ReplyDelete