FAQs

How should I go about framing my artwork or print?

Framing Original Art

When it comes to framing original art, there are a couple routes you can take:

1. Custom Framing- In person. This involves bringing in your original painting to a local frame store or the framing department (within larger art supply stores) and working with a framing professional to hand select materials for your frame. This option is more costly, but will ensure your work is handled professionally and framed to best suit your needs.

2. Ready-made Frames- Online. You can purchase frames online that are either custom made (from sites like etsy, pictureframes.com, arttoframes.com) or ready made to fit the size of your canvas. When I frame original work, I do so in solid wood floater frames. A floater frame allows for a bit of space between the frame and the work (as opposed to the frame sitting flush with the painting). This is a personal preference. I have included an image of a floater frame below.

   When purchasing frames online, you will need to know the exact measurements of your work - including length, height, and depth. The depth of the work is also known as the rabbet. For example, a typical work may be 18 inches height, 24 inches length, and 1.5 inches depth (or rabbet). Jerry’s Artarama & Blick Art supplies are two online retailers that I have purchased art supplies from numerous times and are a good place to start. Ready-made frames are typically more cost-effective, but they do require more work on your end. They typically come with hardware, but will require tools (like a drill) to secure the hardware to both the frame and your artwork.

Framing Prints

There are similar options for framing prints as for original work. Below is more print-specific information for each category.

1. Custom Framing. A local frame shop or framing department will provide you with many, many options for framing your print. Including colors for the matting, frame material/color, and type of glass. This is a good option if you want to ensure your print is handled by a professional, if the print is an atypical size, or if you would like more options for your frame/mat. Custom framing for prints can be pricier than framing original works on canvas because of the addition of glass and matting. Expect custom frames to cost more than the print itself.

2. Ready-made Frames. Many frame options are readily available in the sizes that I offer for my prints. The brass gallery frames that are shown in my photos on the prints page are from West Elm. They are a higher budget ready-made frame, but I found both the frame and the matting to be high quality. View them here.

   When searching in store or online for a frame, be sure to take note of the “image size” that the frame holds (this would be the print size). If matting is included, be sure that the image size for the mat matches as well.

3. Vintage Frames. Many of the prints and photographs hanging around our home are in vintage or second-hand frames. I pick these up from thrift stores, garage/estate sales, and antique stores. They are a cost-effective way to find a unique frame for your print. On my Instagram profile, you can find a video tutorial on framing using vintage frames under the “Framing” story highlight.

The work I loved already sold, can I commission a similar piece?

Yes! While my availability for commissions varies season to season, I am happy to work with you to create a work that you love. I never duplicate my original work, but will create a painting with a similar composition/colors that would be uniquely yours. Commission pricing is the same as my original work sold in collections - I price each work by size. There are currently no additional fees for commission-based work. Commissions are a personal experience and I work one on work through emails and by phone to ensure that we end up with a piece you love for many years to come. For commission inquiries or any additional questions, visit the Contact page.

Where can I see your work in person?

In 2022, I am primarily selling my work online, as it is still the best fit for our family and the time I have available. If you are local in West Michigan, once work is released on my site and available for purchase, feel free to email me and I am happy to find a way to show it to you in person. I am also willing to send videos and additional photos if that would help.

This summer, on Saturday, July 16, 2022, I will be at the Made Market taking place at the Goei Center in Grand Rapids, MI. I will have original artwork and prints available for purchase (in person!). Look for more information in coming months to be shared on Instagram.