Great Picture Frames Blog http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog Displaying your photos, enhancing home decor and general home management tips Sat, 22 Jan 2011 18:42:02 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.5 Framing a Picture adds Emphasis http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/14/framing-a-picture-adds-emphasis/ http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/14/framing-a-picture-adds-emphasis/#comments Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:17:06 +0000 Mindy London http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/?p=317 Let’s face it, all your pictures have a special meaning to you because you may have been present during the photo-taking or you may have actually taken the picture. Photographs are a way to freeze time so that even in 50 years from now others can look at the photo and wonder what was going on at the time. Because all of your photos have a unique meaning, you need a special photo frame to showcase the memory for yourself and for anyone that sees it, now or in the future.

]]>
http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/14/framing-a-picture-adds-emphasis/feed/ 0
Choosing a Special Photo Frame for a Special Picture http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/11/choosing-a-special-photo-frame-for-a-special-picture/ http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/11/choosing-a-special-photo-frame-for-a-special-picture/#comments Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:34:05 +0000 Mindy London http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/?p=335 Today, right along with advancements in how people take pictures, frames have also evolved and now include wood, glass, fused glass, and floating glass frames. There was a time when wood was the most popular way to display photos, but now glass frames have become more popular than wood because they are contemporary, modern, and even futuristic in some settings.

Many people choose to print their special digital photos and then frame them in a fused glass frame, which is absolutely gorgeous as well as striking. Many use special photo frames for wedding photos because these are typically produced by a professional photographer and therefore something that you want to display proudly in your home or give as gifts to family members.

One of the hottest ways to display all sorts of pictures is by taking a wall in your home and using wall picture frames with many frames attached, which is not only stunning but it displays various photos you have taken over the years. Many of these wall frame collages come in black, which truly makes the pictures stand out, especially if you have old black and white photos.

However, you can find wall collages in many styles and colors to fit your decor like a glove. Displaying your pictures in special photo frames is a wonderful way to put your photos to good use and spice up your home with the wide variety of frames available today.

]]>
http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/11/choosing-a-special-photo-frame-for-a-special-picture/feed/ 0
Versatile Glass Picture Frames http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/06/versatile-glass-picture-frames/ http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/06/versatile-glass-picture-frames/#comments Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:33:26 +0000 Mindy London http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/06/versatile-glass-picture-frames/

Sharing memories and pictures of things you care about is part of what makes your home unique. Visitors to your home get a feel for who you are and your journey in life by viewing the photos you have on display and for those who live in the home, they are a constant reminder of the good things in life, besides adding beauty to the home decor.  Here are some more thoughts about using different types of materials to get different effects.

The pictures you choose to hang tell a lot about you, but so does the way you display them. Wide wooden frames show you have a natural streak and enjoy simplicity. Elaborately crafted metal frames show that you pay attention to detail and appreciate pretty things. Whatever you choose, you are making a statement.

If you choose glass picture frames, you reveal that you like subtle statements. Glass picture frames can add an elegant touch to any room. Because glass as a material is so basic, frames made from it work well in any type of room.

]]>
http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/06/versatile-glass-picture-frames/feed/ 0
Easy Way to Personalize a Picture Frame http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/06/easy-way-to-personalize-a-picture-frame-2/ http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/06/easy-way-to-personalize-a-picture-frame-2/#comments Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:34:29 +0000 Mindy London http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/06/easy-way-to-personalize-a-picture-frame-2/ Have you ever wanted to get a frame for a special photo that captured your feelings about it exactly?  Now you can with this design-it-yourself frame company.  Check it out and get a frame that says it all.

We all know about saying it with flowers, and we’ve maybe even heard about saying it with chocolates – but a message goes down really well on a photo frame too!

Because everything here is lettered by hand as well as painted by hand, we really can produce virtually anything you like.

Here’s the place to check it out: http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/2011/01/say-it-with-a-photo-frame-2/

]]>
http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2011/01/06/easy-way-to-personalize-a-picture-frame-2/feed/ 0
For a Unique Picture Frame Buy One from Burl Wood http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/09/12/for-a-unique-picture-frame-buy-one-from-burl-wood/ http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/09/12/for-a-unique-picture-frame-buy-one-from-burl-wood/#comments Sun, 12 Sep 2010 23:48:18 +0000 Kathy Page http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/?p=310 If you are looking for a unique picture frame for your photos or other pictures try one from maple burl wood. This special wood is great for a handcrafted photo frame with a definite rustic charm. The grain shows through in an unusual manner compared to normal-growing wood. Normal wood grows in a given pattern for the most part. Burl wood does not.

It is a result of some trauma happening to the tree it grows on. It is actually a deformed growth on the maple tree. After it has grown to maturity it is cut off the tree to be used in various woodworking projects. It can even be made into large items such as furniture. But this wood truly makes photo frames that have a style all their own.

This wood gives a touch of ruggedness to any frame design. There is usually at least one edge left rough to show off this burl wood’s beauty. A most unusual design has three of the four edges left uncut to show the all-natural-maple burl and how it was shaped as it grew. These exposed edges are what were on the outside of the tree as the burl was growing.

These unique picture frames made from burl wood look like they belong in an old log cabin or old lake cottage. But these handcrafted photo frames can go in most any house that is decorated in a casual manner. In an ultra fancy house you could also have them for conversation pieces.

Picture frames like these always make great gifts too. Framing up the kids’ pictures to give to the grandparents or the picture of the fish your husband caught on vacation are just two ways to use these frames. You might have a beautiful photo of the ocean from when you visited that would be perfect with this style of frame.

Through shaping the wood creatively and carefully sanding, the wood is made extremely smooth. The wax finish on them protects them, too, and makes them easy to dust. Before the wax goes on, though, the wood is first treated with several coats of tung oil. The oil and wax together give the burl wood a rich finish. All the unique grain of the wood is brought out through this treatment.

Various unique styles of frames can be found for you to choose from. There are even double and triple frames too. One very unique single frame has a clock in it along with the space for the picture you choose to place in it.

So if you are looking for an unusual way to frame your precious pictures look to these unique picture frames made from the maple burl wood. Whether they are just for you own enjoyment or for a gift for others you will be satisfied with your purchase. Each one of these handcrafted photo frames come out just a bit different from each in characteristics. This makes them more than just a frame, they are pieces of art.

]]>
http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/09/12/for-a-unique-picture-frame-buy-one-from-burl-wood/feed/ 0
How to Take Care of Your Photo Frame http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/25/00/ http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/25/00/#comments Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:00:52 +0000 Kathy Page http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/?p=306 Now that you’ve spent your time and money on a picture frame, it is important to understand how to avoid damaging your frame and photo.Although there are many ways you can ruin your photo and picture frame, there are four simple things you can do to keep your picture frame looking good for years. Many people don’t realize how easy it would have been to protect their picture frame and photo until it’s too late. With these few important tips you can keep your frame and picture looking good for years.

Avoid Your Picture Frame From Getting Direct Sunlight

We all know the kind of damage the sun can do to your skin and your photos are no different.The sun s UV rays can badly damage your photos so decrease the risk of fading and damage by preventing your frames from getting direct sunlight.

If it is impossible for you to avoid exposing your picture frame to direct sunlight, there are a couple of things you should do.The first thing you should do is make a copy of your special photo so if the photo is every damaged you ll still have a good quality image. The other thing to do is use UV glass or UV acrylic, which will significantly reduce the UV exposure to your picture.Although your photo will be protected, your picture frame will still likely fade in the direct sunlight. Some of the frames most sensitive to fading are ones made out of natural materials like fabric, paper and wood picture frames. You should also be careful with stained or colored frames like red, green or blue picture frames.

Watch Out for Moisture

We all know about moisture damage caused by flooding, but have you considered damage caused by steam? Pictures and picture frames are damaged by this type of moisture. Make sure you avoid displaying pictures in a hot steamy bathroom or in a kitchen next to a stove or kitchen sink. If you choose to display your photos in these high risk areas, be sure you have extra copies made of your important photos and only display them in an aluminum metal picture frame so it can t be ruined by moisture. The best frames for moist areas are metal picture frames that are made out of aluminum and won’t rust.

Be cautious of picture frames with a sealed back. A sealed back frame is either taped closed or has a paper glued to the back of the frame to protect it and give it a professional finish. A sealed back on a frame does not protect your photo but instead can damage it by trapping moisture inside.Moisture is naturally found in the air in the form of humidity.When the temperature outside the picture frame is different from that on the inside of the frame, moisture builds. If there is a sealed back on your picture frame, there is no way for the moisture to escape so it’s absorbed by your photo.

If you live in a climate with high humidity, you should consider getting some spacers or mats so your pictures will never get stuck to the glass. When a picture touches the glass continuously in high humidity, the picture can stick to the glass and be permanently damaged. Spacers or mats keep the glass from resting on the picture and gives the picture some room to breathe.

Be Careful of Using Spray Cleaners

This may seem obvious, but there are many people who don t realize the damage that can be done by spraying glass cleaner on the picture frame glass. Anytime you’re cleaning your picture frame, remove the picture from the frame if you plan to use a spray cleaner.The sprayed liquid cleaner can seep underneath the glass and stain your photo. If you don’t want to take the time to remove the picture, use a cloth with the cleaner instead of spraying the cleaner directly onto the glass.

More Frame Care Tips

Another important tip to remember to avoid damaging your picture frame is never stack your picture frames without protecting them. If you are moving or need to store your frames, be sure to protect them with bubble wrap or thick towels. Metal and wood picture frames are difficult to repair, so take extra precautions to properly protect them when storing.

If you remember these tips for protecting your picture frames, you will never have the disappointment of a damaged frame or picture. Keep these tips in mind and you will have picture frames that retain their beauty and look good for many years.

Author Resource:- Autumn Lockwood is a writer for http://www.YourPictureFrames.com and loves taking pictures. Come check out our antique frames at: http://www.yourpictureframes.com/categories/Antique-Picture-Frames/ or our ornate frames: http://www.yourpictureframes.com/categories/Ornate-Picture-Frames/.

]]>
http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/25/00/feed/ 0
Picture Frame Mat – Beauty and Functionality by Janet Hastings http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/24/picture-frame-mat-beauty-and-functionality-by-janet-hastings/ http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/24/picture-frame-mat-beauty-and-functionality-by-janet-hastings/#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:00:53 +0000 Kathy Page http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/?p=304

When it comes to displaying pictures, photos, or artwork, it is important to consider not only the appearance of the final product, but also the materials that will be used. The proper materials can ensure that you get the overall “look” that you are going for and also assist in protecting your pictures for many years to come. One particular option which has grown in popularity is the use of a picture frame mat to provide an interior frame for your picture or photo.

Framing mats can be purchased to fit any standard size frame and for just about any standard size photo or picture as well. They can be found in stores ranging from department stores and hobby/craft stores to specialty picture frame stores. For those frames and pictures that are not a standard size, it is also easy to get custom matting made. For custom mats you will typically have to visit a store that specializes in picture frames and it will cost more than a standard frame mat.

Typically when someone uses a picture frame mat they are going for a specific aesthetically appealing look or design, much like and sometimes in conjunction with interior decorating. It is important to consider many variables to achieve the desired appearance such as the color of the matting, the width of the matting borders and the thickness of the matting. Something to keep in mind when choosing the matting color is the overall design that you are targeting. The matting and the frame need to complement each other and you have to be careful not to use colors which will detract from the picture or photo that you are framing. Some combinations simply don’t work well. For the best results, have the picture, matting and frame together when making your selections to ensure the color schemes work properly.

Another important factor to consider when choosing picture frame matting is the quality of the matting itself. The thickness of the matting as well as the material play important roles in preserving the picture it frames. If the picture that you are framing is a keepsake that you would like to preserve for many years to come, it only makes sense to spend a little more money and buy a better quality mat.

In general, picture frame mats are a great investment that will enhance the beauty of pictures and photos when framed and help in providing necessary protection against the elements of the environment. Take the time to choose your mats carefully for both and you will enjoy your pictures for a long time.

For more information regarding picture frame mats, please visit the following site at picture frame mat .net.

Janet Hastings has a love for all things artistic and enjoys sharing with others her artistic expression and creativity. Whether it involves interior decorating, arts and crafts or overall design, she considers herself a student as well as a teacher and loves to give the knowledge she has obtained to other like-minded people. Feel free to visit picture frame mat .net for further ideas on picture frame mats and other similar resources.

]]>
http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/24/picture-frame-mat-beauty-and-functionality-by-janet-hastings/feed/ 0
Learn How to Hang Picture Frames Easily http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/22/learn-how-to-hang-picture-frames-easily/ http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/22/learn-how-to-hang-picture-frames-easily/#comments Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:00:09 +0000 Kathy Page http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/?p=302 Sometimes it’s not obvious how to attach a photo frame to the wall and have it end up in the right place.  We found a checklist of the steps required to do this correctly and simply and want to make it available to you.  Visit this site the next time you want to precisely place a picture frame on the wall and you’ll have it quickly done.

http://www.askthedecorator.com/Hanging_Pictures_Checklist.shtml

Let us know if this was helpful, ok?

]]>
http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/22/learn-how-to-hang-picture-frames-easily/feed/ 0
Looking for Some Inexpensive Ways to Decorate? http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/18/looking-for-some-inexpensive-ways-to-decorate/ http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/18/looking-for-some-inexpensive-ways-to-decorate/#comments Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:00:02 +0000 Kathy Page http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/?p=297 Many of us would like to spice up the house a little or even add just a bit of individuality and pizazz to the office. However, it can get expensive if you buy finished decorative items for either place.  Would you like to learn some ways to add accents to ;lyour living and working spaces that won’t cost you an arm and a leg?

We came upon a Squidoo lens that gives some great ideas.  If you’re not familiar with Squidoo, it’s a web site where users of the site can post their own material and there are some very informative folks out there.  Here’s the link to the page mentioned here:

http://www.squidoo.com/Picture-Decor

Let us know what you think about this page—did you try any of the ideas?

]]>
http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/18/looking-for-some-inexpensive-ways-to-decorate/feed/ 0
How to Select the Right Photos in Your Round Picture Frame by Autumn Lockwood http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/15/how-to-select-the-right-photos-in-your-round-picture-frame-by-autumn-lockwood/ http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/15/how-to-select-the-right-photos-in-your-round-picture-frame-by-autumn-lockwood/#comments Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:00:32 +0000 Kathy Page http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/?p=294 Round picture frames add an artistic dimension to any picture frame collection. There are many different kinds of decorative round frames however, not every photo will look good in a round picture frame. After you have read this article, you will have a better understanding of what type of pictures to avoid in round frames and which ones will look the best so you’ll always select the right frame for your photos.

Round picture frames are a fun way to display photos, but sadly most people display the wrong type of pictures in them. So, to help you avoid the pitfalls of using round frames, it’s best to start off with the types of photos to avoid using in round frames.

What to Avoid With Round Frames

Round picture frames are a great choice in certain circumstances, but there are times when you should avoid using a round frame. Here are the two top things to avoid in round picture frames:

1) Close-up Headshots: The round shape of the frame tends to give faces a more full appearance. No one wants to look round or have a full looking face so never put a close up head-shot in a round frame. In almost every case it will be unflattering to the person in the picture so don’t do it. The only case where up close pictures look good in round frames are pictures of babies.

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t do headshots of people in a round frame but just don’t get too close. If you’re a good distance away, headshots look good but you should always be conscious to how the frame makes the person’s face look.

2) Cropping the Photo Too Tight: When cropping your photo to fit in your round frame be careful to not crop the photo too tight to the subject in your picture. You want the subject in the photo to have some space around them so they never look like they’re crammed inside the frame. Any picture you display in a round picture frame needs to have the subject positioned with an equal amount of space around them so the picture and frame complement each other.

Remembering not to crop your pictures too tight and not to use close up shots are two important rules that are easy to follow. That leaves a whole bunch of photos that you can use in round picture frames.

The Types of Photos to Use in Round Picture Frames

There are lots of photos that will look great in a round frame. Round picture frames help add a unique look to your decor and your photo no matter if you display it by itself or as part of a wall display. Here are just a few ideas of what will look great in a round picture frame:

1) Landscape pictures are wonderfully suited for a round picture frame. Framing a landscape image in a round picture frame makes it look like you’re looking through a small window at the beautiful scenery outside. Round frames are best to use with landscape scenery taken at a distance so it best fits the dimensions of the frame.

2) Pets are a favorite choice for round decorative picture frames. No matter if it’s a picture of their head or their entire body, the compact size of most pets makes them a great candidate for a round picture frame.

3) Drawings, sketches, needlepoint or other artwork can be beautifully displayed in a round picture frame. If you are looking for a unique way to enhance and display your artistic creation, consider using a round picture frame.

4) Baby pictures are an excellent choice for round picture frames. Round frames and the cute round shape of babies look great together. Just make sure to center your baby’s picture properly within the baby frame for best results.

5) Don’t limit your thinking to pictures. Photos and artwork are not the only items that look great in a round frame. Mirrors are great to put in a round frame as they add light and depth to any room. Not only will you have a useful item on your wall, but it will add a beautiful stylish touch to your decor.

If you’ve never used a round frame, now is a good time to try one. Now that you know what to avoid and what type of photo looks best in a round frame you will feel confident selecting a round picture frame that will add a stylish beauty to your home.

Autumn LockwoodAbout the Author:
Autumn Lockwood is a writer for YourPictureFrames.com and loves taking pictures. Your Picture Frames offers a large selection of quality picture frames in a wide variety of finishes, styles, colors and sizes. Shop for frames and see our selection of round frames and square photo frames now.
]]>
http://site.greatpictureframes.com/blog/2010/08/15/how-to-select-the-right-photos-in-your-round-picture-frame-by-autumn-lockwood/feed/ 0