Whispering Woods Gallery

In Memory of Charlie

Posted by Susanon August 4, 2013August 5, 2013in Art, Custom Framing

Watermelons by Charlie Bofinger — Framed Watermelons by Charles Bofinger

Whispering Woods Gallery lost a good friend on May 27, 2013. Artist Charlie Bofinger of Feasterville was a frequent visitor at our shop. Charlie always had great stories about WWII, and being in advertising in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. He was a source of inspiration and in short, one of Whispering Woods Gallery’s best cheerleaders. We will miss him and share his loss with his family.

We recently framed this beautiful serigraph by Charlie for Caren of Holland. It will look amazing in her shore home. The clear colored matting and radiant green metal frame were a perfect selection.

To see the work of Charles Bofinger, we have his art shown here.

Washington Crossing the Delaware in NYC

Posted by Susanon June 3, 2013March 10, 2018in Art, Custom Framing, For the Community

I recently had the opportunity of joining a few PPFA framers in a walk through the American wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Suzanne Smeaton, the keynote speaker and educator at our 2013 PPFA National Convention, enthusiastically showed us some of her favorites in the Museum. Suzanne worked for Eli Wilner, the shop that created the new frame for Emanuel Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware. She oversaw the making of the new 3,000 pound hand carved, gilded frame. Below are a few photos of the Leutze piece. A very interesting short video appeared on CBS Sunday Morning explaining the amazing framing job.

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Memorial Day

Posted by Susanon May 15, 2013May 15, 2013in Art, For the Community

Richard Bollinger is one of Whispering Woods Gallery’s favorite local artists. We have sold his artwork from the first days of our shop in 1987. Each piece is unique and has significance. For Memorial Day, I would like to share a print of Rick’s called ” Memorial Day.”

Memorial Day print by Richard Bollinger
$90, signed, limited edition.

It’s spring time in Chester County. The fresh fragrance of new life is in the air. A bold palette of bright colors has washed over winter’s stark canvas. Rich tones of green and vibrant yellows punctuate the land in every direction. In this painting, watercolorist Richard Bollinger captures the dramatic shadows that are cast over a flowering hillside.

The morning breeze stirs the limbs of a century old oak and begins to move and gently unfurl our nation’s banner. The stars and stripes that are so familiar to this Pennsylvania landscape, today, take on a much greater significance. It has been raised this day to honor the countless men and women who have served this nation and have paid the ultimate price. It’s Memorial Day. Soon, warmer days will arrive and the activities of summer will take center stage. But this day, Memorial Day, we pause and reflect … we remember … and we are grateful!

Flag Cases-Creating Lasting Memories

Posted by Susanon February 22, 2013February 22, 2013in Custom Framing, For the Community

Future generations will only know who they are…when they understand the story of where past generations have been. Whispering Woods Gallery carries American made flag cases for American heroes. We offer a wide selection of flags cases for military burial flags and smaller 3’x 5′ flags. Stop by our shop to see our sample, which is from our Dad who served in the US Army in WWII.

So many different frames!

Posted by Susanon January 29, 2013January 29, 2013in Art, Custom Framing

At the West Coast Art and Frame Show there are thousands of unique moulding styles for us to view. It’s like picking out treats from the candy store without the calories!

Frames by airbrush artist Dennis Mathewson..

Need Gift Ideas? Whispering Woods Gallery is the place to create a lasting custom framed gift.

Posted by Susanon December 3, 2012December 3, 2012in Custom Framing

Remember to order custom framing as early as possible! We’ve had storms, power outages, and two snowfalls in the past months. Don’t wait another day!

Whispering Woods Gallery Holiday Framing Ideas

Ebu-Arts

Posted by Susanon November 28, 2012November 29, 2012in Art, Custom Framing, For the Community

For those who have stopped by Whispering Woods Gallery in the past month, you might have seen a very interesting piece of stamp art that we framed. This piece was the fourth Ebu-Arts piece created by Win Straube. Those who saw the piece enjoyed looking at the stamps and reminisced about using their favorites from the past. It was quite an eye catching piece enjoyed by all ages. You will be happy to know that previous pieces are available as posters and as limited editions. Ebu-Arts is located just over the bridge in New Jersey and we thank them for letting us frame their fascinating collection.

Thanks for voting Whispering Woods Gallery as your pick for the #1 frame shop!

Posted by Susanon September 23, 2012November 29, 2012in Custom Framing, For the Community

Whispering Woods Gallery was a nominee in the 2012 Philly Hotlist competition for Best Custom Framing. There were over 6,000 businesses in 140 categories represented in the Philadelphia area. We came in first for the entire Philadelphia area, competing with 24 other frame shops. For those who voted, we sincerely thank you! It was a very close race and in this case every vote counted.

Our long time neighbor What’s For Dessert also had a close race. Pat Bryson, owner of What’s For Dessert had the lead for best Philadelphia area bakery for most of the time, but fell back to the #2 spot at the end. What’s for Dessert, you have our vote!

Forties Flashback

Posted by Susanon July 31, 2012July 31, 2012in Custom Framing, Photo Restoration

What does a picture framer give as a gift? What he or she does best, a framed picture!

I recently needed a gift for an 85th birthday celebration. As it was a surprise, the family of the recipient provided me with a few snapshots. The more casual snapshot proved to be the best choice. We digitally fixed a few scratches and minor blemishes, enlarged the photo and picked a lovely time appropriate framing package.

What a perfect way to remember a special wedding! Imagine the possibilities lurking in your photo albums!

Made in the USA

Posted by Susanon July 6, 2012July 19, 2012in Art, Custom Framing, For the Community

Recently some framers had a discussion about which products in our industry are made in the USA. I knew that some of our moulding was made here, but I did not realize how many other products in our shop are also from the USA.

Here’s a few: Our glass, acrylic, Framerica moulding, Nielsen moulding, Vermont Hardwoods moulding, Laville moulding, some Larson Juhl moulding, most of our flag cases, most of our matboard, some Kodak photo papers, wood glue, mounting adhesives, glass cleaner, and most of the art that we carry.

Although we can’t change the economy in one day, it’s something that you might consider the next time that you make a home decor purchase. When you visit our shop, ask and we will certainly help you pick products made in the USA.

Framers wear many hats

Posted by Susanon June 29, 2012June 29, 2012in Custom Framing

These days framers wear many hats. Many of us do photo restoration. We’ll scan your vintage photos. We’ll make a sign-in board for your party. A recent project was with a talented invitation designer, Stephanie Pryor. She designed an elegant wedding invitation and had it letterpressed onto pure cotton rag board. So here’s where I (the framer) came into the picture. I had the honor of cutting beautiful, crisp, pristine bevels into each of the invitations and reply cards. As you see, the results were gorgeous! Over the years I have worked on many invitations, but this one will be remembered!

The Touch of the Master’s Hand

Posted by Susanon June 23, 2012June 23, 2012in Art, Custom Framing

Leanna and Mary came to me a few weeks ago wanting a special gift for their beloved pastor and his wife who were leaving the area after many years. They wanted something meaningful yet simple because the recipient’s new home would be on an Indian Reservation. They had a favorite poem, “The Touch of the Master’s Hand” but didn’t know the options.

Leanna and Mary had the perfect idea for a gift and with “The Touch of the Master’s Hand,” it really did turn out perfect! Sorry, I couldn’t pass that by since my title is Master Certified Picture Framer… First we gave Leanna and Mary several layouts of the poem and after a few rounds of tweaking it was perfect. Then we picked a lovely tan parchment paper, complimentary matting and a rustic but elegant Larson Juhl frame. Rounded corners cut with our computerized mat cutter made the piece compliment the rounded curves of the violin. When completed the piece truly played a beautiful tune!