Category: Custom Framing

Celebrating 33 Years!

Posted by Susanon in Custom Framing

Enjoy some of our favorite photos from over the years. Click on a photo to see the full caption and larger size. Continue clicking on the arrow for a slideshow. We truly thank all who have supported us over the years!

Another favorite in the shop. My Grandmother’s calling card.
One of my favorites! Dad sits on the front counter. He’s with us always!
A very rare photo of our grandparents. My grandfather died in 1929. This was the first photo restoration project in our shop.
It’s ok to have a bad hair day! Photo circa 1962.
A few years ago I wrote a blog post every day for thirty days showing my favorite vintage photo projects. This one is in my dining room. I fondly remember Ed’s parents! If you have not checked out the “Vintage Is Now” project, just mouse over “Blog” on the menu.
I can’t thank my friend Steve enough for the support and friendship over the years. As a neighbor and fellow framer I have always appreciated his wisdom!
Another favorite in the shop. I found Mom and Dad’s cake topper and created this by scanning photos from Ruthie and Harold’s wedding album.
I frame lots of fun vintage postcard projects. This one has Mom and Dad where they met in Atlantic City.
Here’s a part of history that must be shared. A vintage postcard of the SS Leopoldville, which was torpedoed in the English Channel December 24, 1944. Seven hundred US Soldiers were killed. Miraculously our father, Harold Gittlen was rescued.
I was awarded the MCPF designation in 2007, the highest recognition in our industry. There are only about seventy who have earned this.
So much gratitude goes out to Paul Papier for the outstanding professional photography over the years. If you need photography call Paul!
We love our customers! To each and every one of you, thank you for your support over the years!
I have displayed at many vendor shows over the years.
In 2014 I was awarded two Design Star awards. On the left is Greg Perkins, one of the best frame designers in our industry.
In 2015 I was awarded First Place in Design for Textiles! This was a proud moment with Drew Van Pelt the former CEO of Larson Juhl
I was honored to win another Design Star award in 2017 in Las Vegas.
Marlee had the coolest living room!
Postcard montages take us back!
I was awarded the PPFA Service Award, for my dedication to the framing industry. I proudly display this at the shop!
Photo restoration brings back memories. It delights me to bring happiness to my customers!
This was the start of Whispering Woods Gallery. Fall 1986.
I travelled to Jackson, Mississippi to learn how to frame from Herb Carithers, an innovator in the framing industry.
Larry built our shop in every way. Circa November 1986.
Larry, circa 1987.
Setting up shop in 1986.
Here’s our Dad helping us set up shop in 1986. We remember him everyday.
Our opening party. Thanks to Phyllis, Mom-Mom, for teaching me about the framing business.
We remember Seymour Grant of Grant’s Brandywine Gallery who shared everything he knew about how to run a successful framing business. We got a great start. 1987
An early art show with a local artist.
Rachel used to visit the shop on Saturdays. Where has time gone?
Mom was always ready to help out. She was our best cheerleader!
Debbie might be behind the scenes but works non-stop to make us look good.
Ed, you always make us look great!
I really enjoy framing our four footed friends. Nick was “Best of Breed” in Westminster in 2019!
Volunteering for PPFA, took me to many Museums, frame shops and framing manufacturers.
I was honored to frame this for an Emmy award winner.
Most of you have enjoyed dessert from our friend Pat. Sadly he retired from the baking business after 33 years. We miss him every day!
I visited Lucy to show her some of the important framing that we do to preserve her history.
Thank you for 33 years!
This shadowbox was featured in Picture Framing Magazine.
It brings me joy to frame your family!
Another article in Picture Framing Magazine!
Framing memorabilia from our soldiers is an honor. Thanks to all of the Mom’s and Dad’s that served to protect our country.
Here’s our latest illuminated sign.
Thank you for all of the support and love that you have given Whispering Woods Gallery! We couldn’t have done it without you!
Please help us win again. We need your votes!
Thank you!
Our Brand Logo
We love our customers!

 

Spring Cleaning?

Posted by Susanon in Art, Custom Framing, For the Community
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.

Jonah Frameworks

Posted by Susanon in Custom Framing
Custom Frames of Jonah Frameworks

Whispering Woods Gallery is delighted to offer the moulding of Jonah Frameworks. Their frames are crafted from raw imported and domestic wood and are assembled, sanded and finished by hand in Northeastern Pennsylvania. We love to work with Jonah because a frame of any wood and finish can be fabricated to our specifications. We can order the exact frame just for you and we are proud that it comes from a local source.

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Framing Made Easy

Posted by Susanon in Custom Framing

Here are some tips from a professional picture framer to have a great frame shop visit.

-Call ahead. If you tell the frame shop a bit about your project ahead of time, they can research the item and look for creative ideas for presentation. The frame shop put together a presentation of images that will show you the possibilities. They can pull frame corners ahead of time that might work for you. If you are a previous client they can look up your style preferences.

-Make an appointment. Framers wear many hats but if they are expecting you, they will be more focused on your project.

-Take photos of the space where your picture framing will hang. Bring in paint chips, fabric swatches or floor samples if it matters to you. Show your framer pictures of your home or office or what you would like your room to resemble.

-Measure the area(s) where it might hang. Describing a space as “small” or “large” might be a bit general to design proportions for framing.

-If you are not quite sure, ask if you can borrow samples to take back home or to the office.

-If your framer is experienced they should be guiding you to a design that is both structurally sound and tasteful. Be open to new ideas and feel free to ask questions. Ask to see examples if you can’t visualize.

-Creating a great design takes time so don’t be rushed. If you bring a lot of items all at once, it might be too much for one session.

-Tell your framer if you have time constraints, budget limitations, or if the item will be shipped. Framers are usually flexible and want to work with you.

Quality custom framed photograph
Professional picture framing not only looks great but will last for generations.

Susan Gittlen is one of seventy Master Certified Picture Framers worldwide and has been professionally framing at Whispering Woods Gallery in Holland, PA since 1986. She has won numerous framing industry awards from the Professional Picture Framers Association and Larson Juhl. She has had several articles published in Picture Framing Magazine.

Framing Kids’ Art

Posted by Susanon in Art, Custom Framing, For the Community
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.

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Some recent customer projects

Posted by Susanon in Custom Framing
Customers at Whispering Woods Gallery
A few recent custom framing projects at Whispering Woods Gallery.

Upper Left: Vacation memories of Italy with photos and souvenir cards
Upper Middle: Custom framed postcards of Winchester Virginia
Upper Right: A Charle Bofinger embellished canvas giclee
Middle Left: Original art framed to start a collection
Middle Center: Vintage drawing from the 1950’s
Middle Right: Proud Dad picking up his daughter’s diploma
Bottom Left:  A precious family photo with description
Bottom Middle: A framed tool belt of a departed employee to a local business.
Bottom Right: A custom framed map of the Holyland dating back to the mid 1600’s.

 

We never “tire” of vintage at Whispering Woods Gallery!

Posted by Susanon in Custom Framing
Vintage Tire Advertisements
Vintage Tire Advertisements Custom Framed
We never “tire” of framing vintage at Whispering Woods Gallery

Those who frequent Whispering Woods Gallery know that we love to frame vintage items. It seems as if there is always a vintage item in the shop in the process of being framed. Framing vintage helps preserve the past and makes a unique presentation for your home or office. Vintage also makes a thoughtful gift.

We recently framed six vintage tire advertisements for a local tire company. Each one was a little different but kept the same basic format of a simple black frame with a mat. We know that they will look great in the office and will delight clients and employees.

Are you looking for a something from the past? Let us know and we can direct you in the right direction. One of our favorite places is Golden Nugget Flea Market in Lambertville NJ.  Also you might check out Brown Bros Auction in Buckingham. Also  the Allentown Paper Show held twice a year for a two day show has much more than paper. You can spend all day browsing posters, trinkets , cameras and small antique items. If you like to buy online Ebay and Etsy are great if you know what you want. Also be sure to check out our vintage postcards from our Etsy shop, “Greetings From Susan,”  24/7. We are happy to help you with your upcoming project. Feel free to call us at 215-364-4321.

I framed the Declaration of Independence!

Posted by Susanon in Art, Custom Framing
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.

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Frame Your Travels

Posted by Susanon in Art, Custom Framing, For the Community

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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!

It’s Graduation Season!

Posted by Susanon in Custom Framing, For the Community
Penn State Diploma Framing with Medal

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

Diploma Framing at Whispering Woods Gallery

 

Gallery Walls

Posted by Susanon 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.

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.