Spring cleaning time is fast approaching, and you may find treasures that you never knew you had. A look around the house could yield photos or objects hidden in an attic, an old trunk, or even a shoebox. These items often give glimpses into family history. What better way to preserve these memories than to frame them?

Snapshots and memorabilia tell a story, and are a nice way to remember a special person or activity. Embellishing the frame design with both a photograph and added certificate of recognition makes an impressive presentation. The person you are honoring or the family you are presenting to will have a memory to last a lifetime.

A nameplate with a description of the person’s accomplishments can also add to the design. Perhaps the person wrote something, and you want to use an excerpt beneath their photo. Collages of photographs or magazine articles can also be incorporated with a small commemorative plaque for a unique arrangement.

Whatever finished product you aim to achieve, we have the resources to create a beautiful custom-made mat and frame design for your project. We can frame your family photos using design styles and colors to achieve just the right look for your home. Whether your furnishings are contemporary or antique, we have the right design for you. A wall of family history is a pleasure for you and a conversation piece for your visitors.

Frames should complement both their environment, and the art they adorn. “From a design standpoint, our frames are seen as an interior finish,” says Marion, “homes employing finishes like hardwood, granite, real stone, custom millwork and designer furniture should have art and framing of a similar caliber.”

Whether the framing project is truly valuable or simply priceless, we are seeing a definite shift in trends regarding what clients are framing. More people are preserving or restoring family heirlooms such as antique photographs, hand-made textiles, and military medals. “We are seeing a nostalgic movement where people are reflecting on their heritages,” says Marion. He maintains this trend seems most prevalent with Baby Boomer clients. “When these clients come into the store, their aim is to surround themselves with framed memories, which tell a visual story, rather than an oral one.”

The right framing treatment not only enhances the presentation of your cherished items, it can also extend the life-span of items that might otherwise fall victim to damage from excessive handling and improper storage. No matter what your project entails, the Art Consultants at H. Marion Framing will ensure that the appropriate materials and preservation framing techniques are implemented so that your project will be around to delight future generations.

Local picture framer follows Andy Warhol’s prediction and gets 3 minutes closer to his 15 minutes of fame! Jan Marion of H. Marion Framing Studio recently participated in a promotional video for Tru Vue’s Museum Glass® Feeds America program, through which H. Marion Framing will help generate up to $25,000 in donations for Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief charity. Customers will have a chance to win up to $500 in-store, or $150 in Discount Certificates toward future art & framing purchases at H. Marion Framing Studio.

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Always select preservation grade materials like acid free mats and ultra violet filtering glass. Especially if a print or jersey has an autograph; this will ensure that the signature does not fade.

Mount the jersey or artifact using reversible techniques: that means never use tape or glue. In the case of a jersey, simply sew it down with a needle and thread.

Never allow the glazing (glass or acrylic) to rest on the jersey or photograph. Always use a spacer: in case there is a change in temperature and condensation forms on the inside of the glass, the extra air space will keep this moisture from wicking into the cloth or damaging the photograph.

Why go through all this trouble? We never really know what will be priceless 50 years from now. Using preservation practices will keep your jersey or artifact in “mint condition,” thus preventing any decline in its appearance and value.

Most often a picture wall includes a variety of different frames. Some of the best picture walls display a very eclectic mix of sizes, colors and styles that reflects a range of personal preferences and experiences.

The artwork may be united by a theme, subject matter, or by media. Perhaps color is the unifying factor: color-themed picture walls can have a vibrant impact without committing to a fresh coat of paint. You needn’t limit your wall to just pictures either: enhance your arrangement by including mirrors, shelves, or objects in the mix.

Determine your spacing before hanging: try organizing the picture arrangement on the floor in front of the wall where it will hang, then hang pieces one-by-one. To get a more accurate visualization, cut pieces of newspaper to the size of the framed items and tape them to the wall with removable tape.

When placing several different sizes of frames and art together, arrange each piece so that one outside edge is in line with another picture next to it, either vertically or horizontally. This technique helps bring a sense of balance to the grouping. Keep the space between frame edges fairly small to visually “gather the group together”. The grouping can build from the center and spread out in all directions. Or you can plan to have it develop into a rectangular shape. Irregular shapes are best if you plan to add to the wall over time.

While light is necessary to enjoy your picture wall, avoid direct sunlight or other strong direct light on the art. Keep track lighting and overhead picture lights away from close contact with artwork - heat from the bulbs can cause damage to the art, and fluorescent lights (including the new compact curly bulbs) may cause artwork to fade.

A picture wall can be a significant design element in your home or office and a great source of enjoyment. Select a wall, gather a few of your favorite images, and let our designers help to get you started.