Frame Destination Inc.

FDI Ready-Made Picture Frames “Easy on the eyes and even easier on the wallet.”

Mark Rogers — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:26:30 +0000

You’re a pro, semi-pro or amateur photographer and like a lot of us these days, you may be trying to cut back on your expenses. You need frames, but can’t afford to shell out the dough for a custom framer, and retail frames prices just don’t fit the budget. Ready-made picture frames are the perfect solution. When you ask the question “Where can I get a picture frame that’s easy to use, cost-effective and looks great?” Frame Destination Inc. has the answer. Check out our FDI Ready-Made picture frames. FDI Ready-Made picture frames are made of anodized black aluminum and come in multiple sizes – ranging from 8”x10” to 17”x25”, including digtal sizes such as 13×19. Each frame comes with white foamcore backing, glass and a complimentary hanging kit. The price is also quite nice starting at $11.95 each for an 8”x10” and we offer volume discounts. Just insert your photograph, attach the hanging kit and it’s ready for display. Great for gallery shows, art fairs and holiday gifts!

Buy them here: FDI Ready-Made Picture Frames

~Joely

Meeting the Needs of Digital Photographers and Artists

Mark Rogers — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:11:04 +0000

If you’re a photographer, you probably find yourself constantly looking for things to help you hone your craft, an artistic touch here, an artistic touch there. As photographers ourselves, can certainly relate to your search for both inspiration and convenience. That is why we’ve designed frames that meet the unique needs of all kinds of photographers, from the novice to the expert.

Mark Rogers, a photographer who saw a need for ready-made frames specific to digital photography, created Frame Destination Inc. Tired of finding frames that only came in standard sizes, he set out to create a company that would provide frames in unconventional sizes with the belief that artistry is not always conventional and its holders shouldn’t be either.

Since its inception, Frame Destination has offered a wide selection of framing supplies.
Among our latest products are stretcher bars, gallery pouch art storage bags, and the canvas floater frame, a frame that allows the image to give off the illusion of floating.
Our preassembled solid wood stretcher frames are ready for canvas prints. They differ from traditional stretcher bars in that they are pre-squared and stay square when canvas is stretched over them. Our taller stretcher strips are great for gallery wraps.

Artists of all types will appreciate that Frame Destination offers more than sixty frame sizes as well as customized sizes readily available from our website.

In addition to framing, we also sell quality conservation products, such as matting and storage supply. We know how important your photos are to you and protecting them is important to us!

Not only do we aim to sell quality products, but customers have recognized us for our outstanding customer service. We are also proud sponsors of Aardenburg Imaging and Archives, a company dedicating to helping others collect, share, and study digitally mastered photos and fine arts. Through increasing knowledge and experience, AaI & A is becoming the leader in teaching others about digital printmaking and print permanence. Our partnership with them helps our customers learn more about this form of artistry.

New Canvas Floater Frames

Mark Rogers — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:34:03 +0000

Riding on the heels of our successful stretcher frames for canvas; we are pleased to announce the release of our new Floater Frames for Canvas Gallery Wraps. These floater frames range from 1-7/8 to 2-3/16 inches deep. They are ideal for gallery wrap canvases that are between 1-1/2 and 2 inches deep.

Floater frames are named ‘floater’ because they make your canvas look like it is floating inside of the frame. This effect is caused by the inside edge of the frame being 1/2-inch from the side of your canvas. Normally, floater frames are used for a canvas that is shorter than the height of the floater, so the face of the canvas is recessed from the top of the frame.

Our F150 floater frame has an angled frame edge, which allows an elegant slope effect when floating a canvas that is taller such as our S280 or S150 stretcher frame. The F150 can also be used with our S260 or S140 to provide the traditional recessed look. Since the F140 canvas floater frame is 2-3/16 inches deep it can provide the recessed look for our 2-inch tall S280 and S150. Check out our updated Product Gallery to see a few examples.

Ordering is easy – pick a floater frame, select a color, and then tell us the size of your canvas. Your finished floater frame will allow a 1/2-inch float border around your canvas, and will include mounting clips and a free hanging kit.

Cheers,
Mark

Rough Guide to Framing Photographs

Mark Rogers — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:53:32 +0000

Customers who are first-time framers often ask “What’s the best way to frame my photograph(s)?”
There are two main considerations when framing your photographs: 1) Aesthetics and 2) Conservation.

AestheticsTraditional fine art paintings are often framed in decorative, baroque-styled frames. While this may be appropriate for a Rembrandt or a Monet hanging in the Louvre; photographs generally call for something more elegant and subdued, such as a wood frame with a simple finish or a sleek, dark metal frame. The key to framing photographs is subtlety; you want the viewer’s eyes to remain focused on the image, not the frame. Keep this principle in mind when selecting a mat as well. White, off-white or neutral mat colors are generally the best choices. In addition, black is sometimes appropriate, as are double mats in complementary colors. It all of course depends on the photograph; however, we at Frame Destination Inc. tend to favor the words of William of Ockham “All things being equal, the simplest solution tends to be the best one”.

ConservationFraming is a form of archival storage. Digital images are, for the most part, ‘safe’ when properly stored on electronic media, but once printed onto paper they become subject to the same dangers of light, dust, moisture, temperature extremes and acidity as film prints. Mats and mount board come into direct contact with your photograph. Using acid-free, archival quality mats and mount board to frame your photographs is the best method of protecting your image against acid and moisture, both of which can lead to staining and irreversible damage. Conversation is a science onto itself; further information about conversation matting and framing can be found at the Library of Congress’ guide to matting and framing website http://lcweb.loc.gov/preserv/care/mat.html.

Click here: for additional information about framing photographs.

Purchase fine art photography frames, archival mats and mountboard at:
Frame Destination, Inc.

The Science of Photo Storage

Mark Rogers — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:48:30 +0000

Digital images are, for the most part, ‘safe’ when properly stored on electronic media, but the rules of the game change once they are printed. Once on paper they become subject to the same dangers of light, dust, moisture, temperature extremes and acidity as film prints. Two excellent options for storing your printed photographs are: 1) Archival Storage Boxes and 2) Print Sleeves. The best Archival Storage Boxes are made from acid-free materials and are designed to neutralize any acids that may make their way into the box. Print Sleeves are ultra-clear, acid and pvc-free storage sleeves that protect prints from moisture, fingerprints, scratching, dirt and harmful airborne pollutants. They are safe for inkjet, laser and all photographic prints. For ultimate protection; place your printed photographs inside Print Sleeves and store them in an Archival Storage Box.

Read more about the Science of Photo Storage here.

Purchase Archival Storage Boxes here.

Purchase Print Sleeves here.

A Resource for Framing and Mounting Techniques

Mark Rogers — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:29:02 +0000

Now that you’ve seen your hard work and creativity come to fruition, you need to display it so it can be enjoyed by all. But assuming that all framing and mounting techniques are created equal would be a mistake. Methods that are appropriate to your specific piece are critical to the integrity and preservation of your work. Frame Destination offers artists a comprehensive overview of the various mounting techniques on their website. We would like to take minute to review these and help direct you to more this valuable resource and comprehensive guide to picture frame mounting techniques for a full review of techniques.

Guidelines in Preparing for Photo Mounting

When mounting photography, you need to keep in mind that fluctuations in temperature and humidity can affect the piece – even indoors. This can result in the photo buckling or turning up at the corners. Common mounting techniques to prevent this unwanted scenario include the use of acid free hinging tape or tissue, affixing photo corners, or hinging the image to the mount board with a v-hinge or t-hinge. Additional methods include dry picture mounting, wet mounting, spray mounting and pressure-sensitive (adhesive) mounting.

Each of these photo mounting techniques comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, depending on your specific set of circumstances. For instance, if ventilation is a concern in your physical environment, you may want to avoid spray mounting, because the glue can be hazardous to your lungs. Another consideration would be the desire for long-term conservation, in which case the use of photo corners is recommended, as they do not require the use of any chemicals.

Full Resources Online at Frame Destination

Save Time and Money on Framing Supplies

Mark Rogers — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 17:06:27 +0000

Are you a budding artist or an aspiring photographer? Do you have work laying around that you would love to frame and put on display, but you’re not exactly sure how? Frame Destination can help. We are your one-stop-shop for all the framing supplies and advice you will ever need to preserve your unique artwork.

Picture frame supplies are not “one size fits all”. There are numerous options to fulfill certain requirements, and the expert staff at Frame Destination can assist you in determining which are right for you and your work. We offer quality, ready-made frames in a variety of styles at a reasonable cost. We can also help you customize frames specifically for your digital photographs. As a leader in the framing supplies industry, Frame Destination was one of the first to realize the importance of developing products tailored to digital photograph sizing.

In addition, we can save you precious time and money on framing by offering superior products and knowledgeable, friendly advice. From t-hinging and photo corners to stretcher bars, Frame Destination is your complete resource for picture frame supplies of any kind. For your convenience, we also offer bubble bag gallery pouches for the safe transportation of your art.

Visit the Frame Destination website today and learn why our value and customer service are second to none. We strive to be your number one choice in quality framing supplies.

Cheers,
Mark
Frame Destination, Inc.

Art Packaging Simplified with the Gallery Pouch

Mark Rogers — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 18:38:45 +0000

Art Packaging Bubble Bags

The Gallery Pouch reusable art packaging solution from Frame Destination has simplified Art packing, shipping and transporting of picture frames and gallery wraps. Feedback from galleries, museums and artists who use art packaging for shipping and protecting their fine art are in agreement that the Gallery Pouch is the preferred solution.

A Unique Art Packing Solution for Artists

Artists appreciate the unique features of the Gallery Pouch. Made from clear polyethylene, you can still see through the bag, so that when artwork is packed inside there is no need for unpacking it to see which piece is inside. The durability of the Pouch has been lauded as well. Both the flat bag or rounded tube versions are crafted from three-sixteenths of an inch thick polyethylene, which create a very strong and durable bag that will stand up to reuse with style. The Gallery Pouch is simple and easy to use; there is a velcro closure on either the width or the length, providing the ultimate ease of use. Pouches are available in over one hundred different sizes, and you can even get them custom sized as well. These lightweight art packing solutions, use air bubbles sealed within polyethylene layers, making them an inexpensive yet durable option that helps to cut down on shipping costs on art packing used for shipping or transporting artwork.

Customer Feedback on Gallery Pouch Art Packing

The Gallery Pouch is a true success story in the field of Art Packaging. Our customers have liked this product, and have found it to be more durable, protective and easier to use than conventional art packing methods. With regard to the Gallery Pouch, our customers report that in the past they had trouble with screws damaging frames located on the bottom of a stack of artwork packaged with ordinary bubble wrap, but the Gallery Pouch is, “strong enough to not ever have to worry about that problem, which for us, is huge. So we were very happy with it and its performance . . . ”. Others say that Gallery Pouches “allow me to have custom-sized, water proof and cushioned storage for my valuable work. . .”. Another satisfied customer states that “Having purchased more than 60 Gallery Pouch bubble bags to protect framed images for art shows during transport, I’m extremely pleased to see how sturdy they are, and how well they hold up . . . I am very pleased to see that Gallery Pouch bags live up to the quality I have come to experience from Frame Destination!”

We offer sample Gallery Pouch Art packing bags, so you can see for yourself just how strong they are. You can check these and other art packaging supplies at www.framedestination.com.

Archival Storage Boxes: Protecting Your Memories

Mark Rogers — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:56:34 +0000

If you were inside a burning house, you’d be frantic to grab for things: your kids, your pets, your spouse, and yes, even your mother-in-law. You might also grab, if you were able, as many photographs as you could handle.

In fact, photos are among the first material items people think to save in times of disaster. The reason for this is simple. Photos are more than just paper images: they are tapestries of our lives.

Photos give us insight into our past, they let us smile at past memories and cringe at past hair-dos, and they keep our loved ones alive, even after they’ve moved on. For all these reasons, photos are worth protecting.

There are many ways to protect your photos. Some people prefer to backup each photo by scanning them onto a computer disk. But, depending on your collection, this can take forever. Most people don’t have the patience or time to commit. Frame Destination offers artists and photographers a variety of archival preservation and conservation methods for your photos.

Archival Print Storage: The Easy Way
If you’re looking for photo protection that is a – forgive me – snap, try the following steps:

A Fire Resistant Safe: A fire resistant safe is a good idea for archival print storage. This kind of archival print storage is ideal for photos – such as those of ancestors – you want kept somewhere they won’t be touched….not even by flames.

Photo Archive Boxes: Photo archive boxes not only give you the ability to keep your photos safe, but they also allow you to put them in order. You may want to get a variety of archival storage boxes and sort your photos chronologically. You can even put your photo archive boxes in your fire proof safe.

Photo Sleeves: Obviously, fire is not the only threat to a photograph. Photos can be ruined by a variety of things. They can be smudged, ripped, bent, or even have coffee spilled on them. Photo sleeves offer an extra layer of protection. They keep foreign materials off of your photos, which is key in keeping them preserved.

Mat Board Opening Size

Mark Rogers — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:18:28 +0000

Dimensions for mat board openings can be very confusing. It is very counter intuitive, but the opening of a mat board should never be the same size as the photograph or print being framed. Usually it is a little smaller and sometimes it is larger, but not the same. Most pre-cut mats are cut 1/2 inch smaller than the photo print. That allows the mat to overlap the image by 1/4 inch on both sides. That brings up another confusing issue. If you want 1/4 of overlap the mat window must be cut 1/2 inch smaller and not 1/4 inch smaller because there are two sides. Personally I think 1/4 inch is too much overlap and so do most custom framers so the default for prints that are smaller than 18×24 is 1/8 inch overlap on Frame Destination pre-cut mats. For example, an FDI mat for 11×14 print would be cut to 10-3/4” x 13-3/4”.

Sometimes people will do what is called float mounting where the mat opening is larger than the image being framed. This is done to ensure that no part of the image is covered up and also to allow for a signature below the image. When doing this it is common to leave a 1/4 to 1/2 inch gap between the image and the mat board for the top and sides of the print. That means that width of the mat opening will be 1/2 to 1 inch larger than the image. When leaving room for a signature the bottom gap will usually be 1/2 to 1 inch. That results in the height of the mat being 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches larger than the visible part of the image.

Cheers,
Mark
Frame Destination, Inc.