Custom Framing – Whispering Woods Gallery

It’s Graduation Season!

Posted by Susan in Custom Framing, For the Community

It’s Graduation season and even though we are striving to live in a “paperless” world, 2019 graduates are still proudly receiving diplomas at their commencement ceremonies. A diploma is something to display, not put away in a closet or drawer. After all, it took much hard work over the years to earn it. Here are a few questions to ask when you frame your diploma.

What kind of glass will be used? Does it block UV rays to reduce the fading of the signatures? Do you prefer an anti-reflective solution?
Does the mat fit the certificate? Mats from a university book store diploma frame don’t necessarily fit your diploma. Why cover up something important?
How will the diploma be secured in the frame? Does it need to be dry-mounted? Is this a good idea?
Is this framing process reversible? Quality framing will come out of the frame in it’s original condition, without tape adhesive. Professional framers aim for their work to be reversible.
Is the hanging hardware secure and proper for where you will hang it? A ready-made frame might not have the hanging solution for your walls. A professional framer will provide a hanging solution that works for you.
Is it a great frame? Does it reflect my personality? Somebody in the fashion industry might pick something different than an accountant or attorney. Will the same frame be available for future diplomas and licenses? Is if made from solid wood or particle board?
Should I take this to an expert? Professional framers study for years. They know what’s best for your situation. You want this to last for generations. Why settle for anything less?

Stop by Whispering Woods Gallery. We’ll show you diplomas that still look great from generations ago. We care to do it right. You should too. Congratulation 2019 Graduates! From Whispering Woods Gallery

Gallery Walls

Posted by Susan in Art, Custom Framing, Uncategorized, Vintage

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.

Apartment Therapy has dozens of articles pertaining to gallery walls.
Here’s a great collection of gallery walls from Better Homes & Gardens.
The New York Times also shares ideas for creating gallery walls.

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

Posted by Susan in Art, Custom Framing

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.

Custom Framed Eagle Scout Pin

Posted by Susan in Custom Framing

We recently framed this Eagle Scout award dating back to 1963. Did you know that about over the years, 2.5 million Boy Scouts have achieved this rank? The Eagle Scout designation goes back to 1911 and only about 4 percent of Boy Scouts achieve this honor.

We took special care to design an aesthetically pleasing custom framed display for the simple Eagle Scout medal. We added an engraved plate to help tell the story. This will be proudly displayed in a home office.

What are your accomplishments? We can frame certificates, medals, photos, and pins. It’s never too late to frame your diplomas, athletic achievements or newspaper clippings. Stop by Whispering Woods Gallery in Holland, Bucks County and we will help you pick out the perfect combination to make your achievements shine!

What is Dry Mounting?

Posted by Susan in Custom Framing

Nearly everything we frame needs to be mounted in some fashion. There are many methods of mounting- hinging, wet mounting, lacing, stretching, and sewing. Dry mounting, used mostly for contemporary open edition reproduction pieces, will adhere regular prints and posters to rigid backings so they will look their best in the frame for years to come. This process keeps your art flat. Without it, your art can become wavy or ripple under the glass, this is caused by changes in temperature or humidity. In most cases dry mounting is permanent so we will automatically advise you when we feel it is appropriate or necessary. We will ask you questions to determine the value and type of art to help make the proper choice.

We rarely dry mount original art, limited edition pieces, articles of value or irreplaceable items. Dry mounting is not considered archival as it is not reversible. We cannot dry mount any heat sensitive item. Some art is damaged in transport, or from improper framing from years ago. Dry mounting can improve the look of the damaged art so that it can be enjoyed for years to come.

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Frame a Memory

Posted by Susan in Art, Custom Framing

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?

Posted by Susan in Art, Custom Framing

By using a floater frame the sides are visible.

The background and sides were gilded with gold leaf.

This original piece was crafted from paper money.

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.

You Name It, We Frame It!

Posted by Susan in Custom Framing

Whispering Woods Gallery has framed some very unusual items over the years. Framing isn’t just for pictures. You can bring in all kinds of treasures and we will transform them into one-of-a kind works of art for your walls. Consider the items that you already have that could be turned into art- grandma’s needle art, Dad’s fishing items, a sand dollar from vacation or your best report card from school. It’s fun to have special keepsakes on display where you can see and enjoy them.

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

Posted by Susan in Art, Custom Framing, For the Community, Photo Restoration

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!

In Memory of Dad

Posted by Susan in Custom Framing, Vintage

Custom framed high school photo — Dad’s high school photo

In honor of Father’s Day I recently custom framed my Dad’s high school photo. This original photo is dear to me because it was displayed in my Grandmother’s dining room on top of the china cabinet. I have fond memories of the 1920’s house at 2522 North Second Street in Harrisburg, PA. Growing up, I always admired the beautiful soft photography and how well that it captured my father. This photograph survived several damaging floods from the Susquehanna River throughout the years when most of the house contents were destroyed.

The framing is masculine and suited for my father. He was always well coordinated and stylish. My Dad loved neckties and the pattern of the frame reminds me of the patterns that he used to wear. I added an engraved plate so that he will always be remembered. I will add some details to the back of the framed photo so that others will know about his life. Stop by Whispering Woods Gallery to see this and many other examples of our fine custom framing. Do you have a memory that you would like to preserve? I am happy to help.

“Vintage is Now” Day 30 – My First “Bad Hair Day”

Posted by Susan in Custom Framing, Photo Restoration, Vintage, Vintage is now

Vintage baby photo custom framed — My first bad hair day

Today we complete the “Vintage is Now” photo series. We end it with a photo from the beginning of this framer’s photo album. This was the first photo taken of me and I was obviously starting the pattern of bad hair days.

This is a small photo with a simple rag mat embellished with five ruled French lines. I framed this years ago and it still looks classic. It hangs in a grouping in my home with other vintage photos. It makes me smile! Thanks for watching!

“Vintage is Now” Day 29 – Where will our images be 100 years from now?

Posted by Susan in Custom Framing, Photo Restoration, Vintage, Vintage is now

Vintage photography custom framed — Custom framed duo with french ruled lines on archival matting

As our month of showing vintage photo projects comes to an end, we wonder what will become of the photographic images of today? Photos like the two above have been treated well over the years. When our customers bring in vintage photos to be framed, we frame them to be protected and enjoyed. Sometimes we scan and reproduce so that other family members can have their own copies.

One hundred years ago, a printed image was precious. Times have changed due to digital photography. Most images are stored and not printed. It is so easy to lose a flash drive, hard drive or other storage device. Will our descendants be able to access our photos from dated devices?

Right now, a printed photo is still the best way to preserve an image. Having a digital back up is a smart idea too. Do you have a plan for your photo storage?

Thanks to Gary of Holland for letting us share his framed photos of his Mom. We know that he will enjoy the framed photos for years to come.