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.
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.
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.
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.
Today’s project was for a customer that I will always remember. A few years ago Karl came to me with several military medal projects to be framed. Karl and I worked on one project at a time, framing his grandfather’s and father’s German military medals. Karl was a retired college professor so he enjoyed telling me the history of each project.
The third frame consisted his own medals from WWII. I noticed that his medals were the same as my father’s Army medals from WWII. Karl’s regiment preceded my Dad’s regiment. He enthusiastically told me details of his experience in Europe as an Army interpreter for Felix Sparks. He answered my many questions. At the holidays Karl came back and presented me with a book called “The Liberator” by Alex Kershaw which is an account of the liberation of Europe.
On April 29, 1945 Karl was part of the 45th Infantry Division that helped liberate the 30,000 starving prisoners of Dachau. Thanks to Karl for sharing his story and for serving our country.
Welcome to Whispering Woods Gallery’s series of vintage photo projects. Every day in April we are featuring a custom framed vintage photo project from our shop.
Today’s project dates back to 1910. We framed three very dear items for Mary of Holland, Pa. The Chicago Kindergarten College certificate and photograph had been previously framed and had sadly suffered damage due to improper framing materials. We scanned the photo, fixed the imperfections digitally and made a new copy for this project. We used the original certificate, covering the discoloration with the oval mat. We sewed the ring to the backing board so if needed, it would be in it’s original condition.
The frame’s pattern mimics the flourishes of the Copperplate pen and ink writing. The warm tones of the mat and frame work well with the three items. Having a three dimensional object in the frame makes the project come alive. Do you have an idea? We are happy to help! Stop by the Gallery to see similar projects.
This photo reprint of the USS Rawlins was recently framed to celebrate a 90th birthday for a sailor who served on this ship in the South Pacific during WWII. We were asked to include the ribbons of this very young sailor who was anxious to join the war.
We love the patriotic colors and we thank this fine soldier for protecting our country!
A few months ago we worked on an interesting project of framing many snapshots for a new resident of a nearby independent living community. She stopped by the shop with a very large folder of her favorite photos. There were dozens of images spanning many decades! It took a while but we narrowed them down to make two pleasing arrangements. Each photo was meaningful and would bring joy. The framing was exactly to her specifications to fit in two places in her living area.
We had several challenges. We had to select from so many important photos. Also we had to keep the size to a minimum. All of the photos were from different time periods so nothing matched. All of the photo sizes were unique making layout a challenge.
The end result was perfect and we are delighted to preserve these memories for a resident new to the area.
One of our customers came in with these snapshots to create a meaningful birthday gift for her husband. We experimented by moving the photos around to come up with this creative arrangement. At Whispering Woods Gallery every framing project is a custom design.
We framed the original snapshots using a double solid color archival matboard, TruVue Museum glass and an elegant Larson Juhl frame that is perfect for vintage items. The largest photo was embellished with a classic corner cut with a computerized matcutter.
Most of us have a few boxes of vintage photos in our closets or under a bed. Why not pick some favorites and make them come back to life? They make a great gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, anniversary or holiday gift giving.
Day 19 of Whispering Woods Gallery’s “Vintage is Now” goes back to WWII-1945. US Army combat engineer Warren Stichtenoth created this “Cannon Bunker” sketch and a local resident, Wayne Potok recently custom framed it to remember his Dad, Charles Potok.
We included original photographs with the sketch and added an engraved brass plate giving pertinent details. The combination of items worked out very nicely.
Sadly many our WWII vets are not here share their experiences. Through photos we can share history and keep their memories alive.
Day 17 of Whispering Woods Gallery’s “Vintage is Now” series features a simple project that means a lot to me. This is an original photo of my grandmother Sophie with her calling card. Similar to a business card, a calling card announced your arrival when visiting. I feel honored to have this as it is a great reminder of my hard-working, determined grandmother. It’s on display at Whispering Woods Gallery.
The Larson Juhl vintage style frame is perfect for the early 1900 period of the project. The open v-groove leads you from the photo to the calling card. My choice was TruVue Museum Glass to protect from damaging UV light rays.
I know that Grandma would have approved! To see the complete series of “Vintage is Now” visit our Blog Page.
Welcome! Today’s “Vintage is Now” photo is from a 1952 wedding album. This was the matron of honor and sister of the bride and her husband. The photography is stunning showing the reflections in the mirror. We proudly display this in our shop.
The custom framing is a bit creative! It has curvy mat cuts in the solid color core matboard. The mat colors were carefully selected to blend with the tones in the photo. The shimmery Larson Juhl frame is gutsy but works well. It also comes in silver and gold and is a best seller at Whispering Woods Gallery. The TruVue Museum glass invites you right into the photo.
Whispering Woods Gallery is an award winning picture frame shop in Bucks County, PA. With 31 years of experience will we creatively frame your photos, documents and memorabilia. We hope to see you soon!
Whispering Woods Gallery 