Spring Cleaning?

frame donation
Whispering Woods Gallery is collecting your unwanted used frames.
Call Sue for more information at (215)364-4321.

Are you spring cleaning, downsizing or redecorating? If you come across unwanted wood frames, we would be happy to get them to a local school district that will use them in their classes. Some students will use them for weaving and some will use them to create stained glass art. It does not matter if they are dented or chipped because they will be painted.

Framing Kids’ Art

Whispering Woods Gallery frames Kids' ArtFraming Kids’ Works of Art: A Different Approach
Kids’ works of art can be special and amazing pieces to display in the home! Many times, colorful mats and frames are incorporated into the custom frame designs, which can be just the right look, especially if the art will be placed in a child’s room or a playroom. But a different approach to share at the design counter is to frame the art in a more sophisticated way so it can be displayed nearly anywhere in the home!
Go for a Gallery Look
Colorful drawings, pencil sketches, photography, paintings and more can be framed with a white mat and black frame for a gallery-style design.
Make it a Masterpiece
Art on canvas can be beautifully highlighted with a wide frame – try frames with a gold, silver or black finish for a dramatic result.
Traditional & Transitional
Frames that highlight the beauty of wood can be a stylish option, and the art can be matted or not, depending on the substrate and medium. Modern and clean-lined profiles, rustic styles, or traditional furniture finishes can all work beautifully to create designs that highlight the art and work well in the home.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I framed the Declaration of Independence!

A few months ago I received a unique project to custom frame. Dominic of NJ came to me with a large copy of the Declaration of Independence reproduced full size onto calfskin parchment. It was the first time that I had seen a replica so close to the original Declaration of Independence. Each skin is stretched and hand scraped. To read more about the process of making these fine art reproductions, visit Patrigraphica of Cincinnati.

The document was cockled, and I was concerned because as a professional framer I will never permanently mount an animal skin. Diplomas printed on sheep skin or parchment are common and special care must be taken when framing. I consulted many of my colleagues on how to handle the skin, but there was no definitive answer. Dominic assured me that he was ok with waves and I proceeded to frame it.

I used a rag backing board, archival mats, Tru-Vue Museum Glass, and a black and gold Larson Juhl moulding from the Hudson line.  I hinged the parchment to the backing board using  Japanese paper hinges with wheat starch paste. A gold plate with a quote was added to the bottom of the mat.

Dominic said, “I was completely overwhelmed with joy when Sue revealed my project to me.” He was delighted and hopefully in the future he will add more historic documents. We wish Dominic years of success! For more information on the makers of these fine documents, read about Patrigraphica.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Frame Your Travels

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

You: A well-traveled collector with a vision  for housing your latest treasures.

Us: A custom-framing shop with expert framers, handcrafted frames and the great experience for framing treasures from around the world.

Make a trip to visit Whispering Woods Gallery, and let us showcase your newest discoveries!

Gallery Walls

vintage photo gallery wall
A recent photo wall gallery wall project framed at Whispering Woods Gallery

Gallery walls are a great way to make your home or office a place that feels just right.  Here are some articles that you might want to check out before designing a gallery wall.

This is your area so don’t be hung up about  breaking the rules! If you think that it works, consider it!  Many of the articles suggest not using the same frame for the entire collection. In the above photo, our client wanted to unify his family photos by using the same frame for all on of the items on his gallery wall. For his situation, it works.

Don’t be afraid to add three dimensional objects of different shapes and sizes to your gallery wall. A flea-market find, souvenir from vacation or family heirloom is an appropriate addition. Refer to Instagram and Pinterest for unusual ideas and layouts.

If you have a large amount of items to be framed for your wall, take your time, plan it out and work with an experienced framer who will help you through the process. Since it can be time consuming it’s best to call ahead to reserve a time period.

Here are a few pointers for hanging your gallery wall:

  • Cut out the shape of each item from newspaper or kraft paper and use painters tape to arrange the cutouts on the wall to experience the final effect.
  • Lay the arrangement out on the floor near the wall to see the overall balance before committing to making holes in the wall.
  • Make sure that the items have proper hanging hardware. Wires attached to D-Rings used with professional picture hooks work in most cases. Frames with sawtooth hangers in the top center often get knocked down and should be used with caution. Screw eyes frequently come loose over time so you might please consider other options.
  • Don’t be afraid to hire a professional installer. If you cannot fit it into your schedule, don’t have the proper ladders or simply don’t enjoy the process, contact us and we can refer you to some local installers in the Philadelphia area.

 

Inspect Your Framed Art and Memorabilia

Inspect your framed art
Just because something has been framed, doesn’t mean it should be forgotten.

When you own framed art or memorabilia that means a lot to you,  pay attention to make sure it remains in good condition. The most common problems occur from damaging UV light rays, insects, moisture or temperature change. When you see signs of problems, bring your framed piece in so we can provide advice on how to correct the problem and how to stop further damage. Feel free to give us call at 215-364-4321 for more information.

Frame a Memory

Custom Framed Concert poster
The Dead & Company’s concert was so great that Josh and his family attended twice!
What a great way to savor the memory!

Some of the most special moments of our lives are over so quickly.  Custom framing allows us to capture those times for you so you can enjoy them for years to come.  Whether  you have photos and mementos from special events, souvenirs from a trip, a golf score card from your best game ever, or a playbill from your favorite Broadway show, Whispering Woods gallery can take your memories and turn them into beautiful artwork for your walls.

What is a Float Frame?

A float is a minimalist frame option sometimes used when framing art on canvas. The art drops into the front of the frame so none of it’s front surface is covered.  This is beneficial when the painting is extended over the sides or if the lip of a conventional frame would cover important parts of the art. Most float frames are simple profiles, but a second decorative frame could be added for a unique presentation.

In this example, Marena of Bensalem brought us her art that was designed with hundreds of paper hearts made from currency bills which were pinned to a hand pieced gilded background.  It was stunning! By using a float frame the viewer can see the textured sides of the art.

“Oh no, my picture has broken glass!” Glass replacement service

At Whispering Woods Gallery, we frequently replace broken glass. Glass can break for many reasons.

  • A proper hook was not used.
  • The hanging hardware was not sufficient for the piece. Screw eye hangers and sawtooth hangers usually are not the best choice.
  • The wire did not catch onto the hook properly.
  • The frame was jarred by a person or object.
  • House repairs to the roof or siding shook the wall.
  • The art was not hung on a timely basis and was jarred while on the floor.
  • The art was leaned against a wall without being secured.
  • The art did not have sufficient protection during transport.  Many times glass breaks during shipping or a move.

Our goal is to safely dispose the broken glass, remove glass shards, repair or replace a broken frame, and replace the glazing with the appropriate choice. If the mat is scratched we can replace it.  Prices vary according to size, type of glass, and complexity of the project. We stock five types of Tru Vue glass at our shop – Regular, Conservation Clear, Non-glare, Conservation Reflection Control and Museum. All glass is cut in our shop to fit your frame. Drop by with your  piece and we’ll get it fixed up fast. No worries!

 

Broken glass replacement
No worries, Whispering Woods Gallery can replace your glass!

Ready for spring? See our spring projects!

Whispering Woods Gallery is ready for spring! It’s a great time of year to look around your home and spruce up your walls. Enjoy some of our favorite spring themed projects. We are happy to help you celebrate by framing your favorites.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

 

Peter Keating – Bucks County Poster

BE49AF0D-4B8B-4053-B436-FADA79E88446

Whispering Woods Gallery offers local art and custom framing. This is a vintage Peter Keating Poster from 1986.  It’s a classic and timeless. Peter Keating, an artist who lived in Bucks County in the 1970’s and 1980’s, painted beautiful rural scenes of Bucks County.  We offer this poster in your choice of custom frame. It would look great in a home or office. If you are looking for local traditional art, give us a call at 215-364-4321.