Custom Frames

I spent the day touring (and practicing in) a couple of custom framing stores today. I am looking into doing it for my 'real' job, and the gentleman who is looking to get back into the business was nice enough to introduce me to some of his friends at their places of business.

First up was Framed in Time in Framingham, MA. The owner, John Fournier, was nice enough to allow me to test my skill in matching a variety of images with appropriate & attractive mats and moldings. I felt like I was back in school taking a test! By the time I was done, the pressure of the challenge (as well as the lovely frame artist who was running the front of the store while I worked) left me sweating. But my choices were praised for the most part, and I left the store with a bit more confidence than I'd had when I began the task. The entire staff was very friendly and knowledgeable, and John was very generous with his time and work materials. Check them out.

Then it was off to Maynard, MA to visit Gallery Seven. The owners, Nick Johnson and Kelli Costa, were both very gracious with their time. They allowed us a look in their basement production room, which was very cool. Their classy upscale (yet super-friendly) gallery does more than just custom framing, they also feature the works of several local artist and photographers (including Nick), and do in-house shows from time to time.

It was great to observe first-hand how friendly and helpful the framing community is, as I listened to the various people give each other helpful hints and leads, and reminisce about how they got into the business and met one another. Food for thought...