When you bring in a piece of art, a family portrait, or anything that deserves to be framed well, the number of framing choices available can feel overwhelming. At Tanglewood Art & Frame Gallery (Clemmons, NC), our framers have decades of experience, and here are their top tips to help you choose the perfect frame for your space and your piece.

Understand Your Space & Style

Your framing should harmonize with your room. Think about the design of the room where the artwork will hang—its colors, textures, lighting, and existing furniture pieces. Is your décor modern or traditional? Bold or understated? Selecting the right molding and matting can either make your artwork fade into the background—or turn it into a striking feature.

Consider the Artwork Itself

Different pieces demand different treatment:

• Original Artwork or Heirloom Piece: Prioritize preservation. Use archival mats, UV-protective glazing, and sturdy, acid-free backing. This is especially important for pieces displayed in sunlight or humid areas.
• Prints or Posters: While less fragile than originals, they still benefit from quality framing to avoid warping, dust intrusion, or glare.
• Three-dimensional Items or Memorabilia: Certificates, medals, textiles, or keepsakes may require shadow boxes or special mounting techniques.

At Tanglewood Art & Frame, we handle everything from the tiniest miniature to ten-foot works, so we’re prepared for non-standard sizes and unique formats. Tanglewood Art and Frame

Choosing Frame Materials & Moulding

The frame you choose affects both appearance and durability. Consider these factors:

• Wood vs. Metal: Wood can bring warmth and texture; metal or composite materials may offer sleeker lines for modern interiors.
• Color & Finish: Natural wood tones, painted edges, distressed frames, or metallic finishes can shift the look dramatically.
• Width & Profile: Thicker frames can suggest formality and weight; thin profiles offer minimalism. The molding style should support the weight and character of the piece.

With more than 3,000 molding options available in our shop, we can help you find something that suits both your art and your aesthetic. Tanglewood Art and Frame

Matting & Glazing Choices

• Mats: These are the border that serves both visual and functional purposes. An acid-free mat protects the edge of the artwork, provides breathing room, and helps the eye focus. Your choice of single, double, or linen-texture mats can influence depth and contrast.
• Glazing: There are many glass or acrylic options, including UV-filtering glass or museum-grade acrylic. The choice depends on how much light the piece gets and whether you prefer reduced glare or maximum clarity.

Lighting & Placement Impact

Even the most stunning frame can be less effective if it’s poorly lit or placed. Consider the following:

• Natural Light Exposure: If the piece will hang where sunlight hits it, UV-protective glazing and fade-resistant mats are wise choices.
• Artificial Lighting & Shadows: Track lighting or picture lights can highlight the texture, color, and detail of framed art—especially when the frame catches the light just right.

Budget vs. Investment

Custom framing is an investment. While ready-made frames may appear cheaper initially, custom framing offers superior materials, better protection, and a tailored fit. At Tanglewood, we provide free framing estimates with no obligation, so you can explore options without surprise costs. Tanglewood Art and Frame

We believe in transparency and letting you see what your final piece might look like before it’s finished.

Final Steps: What to Do Next

1. Bring your artwork, photograph, or keepsake into our shop—walk-ins are welcome. Tanglewood Art and Frame
2. Speak with one of our framers about how and where you plan to display it: room conditions, lighting, décor style, and sentimental value all matter.
3. Together, select molding, matting, backing, and glazing that balance beauty, protection, and cost.
4. Sit back and let our experienced team take care of the fabrication. Once complete, you’ll have a piece ready for display that’s both meaningful and refined.

When you choose Tanglewood Art & Frame Gallery, you’re choosing craftsmanship backed by nearly five decades of combined framing experience. Tanglewood Art and Frame Whether you’re preserving a family heirloom or framing something brand-new, we’d love to help you bring it to life with the perfect frame.

Stop by 4152 Clemmons Road in Clemmons, NC, or call 336-778-0060 to talk framing today.

If you’ve ever picked up a beautiful print or inherited a cherished photograph, you know that presentation matters. At Tanglewood Art & Frame Gallery in Clemmons, North Carolina, custom framing isn’t just about putting glass over a piece of art—it’s about protecting memories, elevating decor, and creating something unique to you.

What is Custom Framing?

Custom framing goes beyond the off-the-shelf frames you find at big-box stores. When you walk into our shop at 4152 Clemmons Road, you’re greeted by hundreds of frame moldings, dozens of mats, and a selection of specialty glass and preservation materials. Tanglewood Art and Frame Our team works with pieces as small as miniatures and as large as ten-foot paintings—plus anything in between. Tanglewood Art and Frame

Because we offer over 3000 molding choices and more than ten glazing options, we can fine-tune the balance between aesthetics and preservation. Tanglewood Art and Frame

Benefits Beyond Beauty

1. Protection & Longevity
   A custom-framed piece protects from dust, moisture, sunlight, and pollutants. Archival mats and UV-filtering glass reduce fading and deterioration. Your art or photo will last longer—and stay looking better.
2. Exact Fit & Tailored Style
   Off-the-shelf frames may not fit perfectly. Custom framing ensures the piece is properly supported and displayed without awkward gaps or poorly matched molding. You get a cohesive look that works with your wall colors, décor style, and the piece itself.
3. Add Value & Personal Meaning
   Whether you’re displaying family heirlooms, diplomas, awards, or original artwork, a quality frame gives respect to the piece. It can transform something ordinary into a showpiece and increase its visual and sentimental value.
4. Preservation of Memory
   Special items like milestone certificates, children’s art, or memorabilia deserve to be preserved thoughtfully. Custom framing at Tanglewood Art & Frame makes sure those items don’t just sit in storage boxes—but live on your walls.

What to Expect When You Visit Tanglewood

When you come to our gallery, you’ll see an array of framed art, mirrors, and unframed pieces ready for your browsing. Tanglewood Art and Frame Walk-in customers are welcome, though appointments receive priority to reduce waiting. Tanglewood Art and Frame+1

Our hours run Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday mornings. Tanglewood Art and Frame+1 During your visit, you’ll work with trained framers who guide you through molding selection, mat color, glass types, and finishing touches.

Choosing the Right Frame for You

• Style & Décor Compatibility: Do you want modern minimalism? Classic wood tones? Something ornate? Choose molding that complements both your piece and your interior.
• Glazing Options: Standard glass, UV-filtering glass, non-glare finishes, or conservation-grade glazing depending on exposure to light or value of the piece.
• Matting: Mats help draw your eye in, provide spacing, and protect the edge of paper or fiber media. The right mat color or texture can turn ordinary into extraordinary.
• Preservation: Acid-free mats, backing boards, proper sealing, and considerations for humidity can all help preserve your piece long term.

Why It’s Worth the Visit

A beautifully framed photograph, print, or piece of art becomes a focal point wherever it hangs. At Tanglewood Art & Frame, we believe every piece deserves that level of care. Our personalized service, extensive options, and passion for what we do mean you get more than a frame—you get a lasting legacy.

Stop by our gallery at 4152 Clemmons Road in Clemmons, NC—or call ahead to schedule a framing appointment. Let us help turn your treasured items into framed works you’ll enjoy every day.

It’s a great moment for parents when your child comes home from school with their latest creation, and you get to stick it up on the fridge to show them how proud you are. But these moments shouldn’t just be limited to what they’re told to draw in school. They could be having fun with drawing, painting, and more creative pursuits after school, at the weekend, or in the school holidays.

Creating art has so many benefits for kids. Mentally and emotionally speaking, art can be a great way to express ideas and feelings, especially at an age where they might not have the ability to really express how they feel through words. It’s a way of expressing themselves and exploring their thoughts and personality. It’s also a fun and engaging activity, providing some variety, especially if you’re trying to encourage your child to spend less time in front of screens.

Art also helps your child’s development in a number of ways, helping to support their education at the same time. It aids in developing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, among other abilities. It can also be a useful tool for understanding concepts being taught to them, which is why drawing and painting are such popular activities in schools.

So, how do you encourage your child to pursue art and other creative activities in their free time? One way is to get involved with them. You could each sit down and draw or paint a picture. Encourage them to draw whatever they want or you could set a theme or something more specific to draw. For younger children who may not be able to create their own art, you could draw an outline of a picture for them and have them color it in, similar to a coloring book but in a more engaging way that lets you bond with your child.

Buying your child a variety of arts and crafts supplies can also encourage them to be more creative. If you buy a selection of coloring pencils, crayons, and paint supplies, then they can choose what they want to do and what to create. Designing a space for their art activities can also be helpful, especially for messy activities like painting where they need to be able to create without making too much mess.

Finally, celebrating your child’s art by praising them and displaying their art will encourage them to do more.

If your child creates something that’s worthy of remembering and celebrating, then why not get it custom framed to stick up on the wall or on the mantlepiece? Contact Tanglewood Art and Frame or visit us in-store to find out more about our custom framing services around Clemmons and Winston Salem, NC.

When it comes to custom framing, one of the most common questions people have is whether to use a mat or go without one. Mats can dramatically change the look and feel of your artwork, poster, or print—but they also serve important practical purposes beyond aesthetics.

If you’re trying to decide which option is right for your piece, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of using a mat, along with tips for making the best choice for your space and style.

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What Is a Mat in Framing?

A mat is a border—usually made of paper or board—placed around your artwork inside the frame. It creates a visual buffer between the piece and the frame itself, often enhancing the presentation and protecting the artwork.

Mats come in various colors, textures, and thicknesses, allowing for a wide range of creative options in your framing design.

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Why Use a Mat?

1. Protection for Your Artwork
A mat keeps the artwork from directly touching the glass. This is especially important for valuable pieces, photographs, or prints, as direct contact can lead to sticking, warping, or moisture damage over time.

2. Enhanced Visual Appeal
A well-chosen mat can make the artwork pop. Light mats can create a clean, modern look, while bold colors or double mats can make a piece feel more dramatic or formal.

3. Balanced Proportions
For smaller pieces in larger frames, mats create breathing room and help the artwork look proportional to the space.

4. Flexibility in Display
Mats give you creative control. You can use wide mats for a gallery-style look or thin mats for a subtle, elegant touch.

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When to Skip the Mat

While mats have many benefits, there are situations where going mat-free is the better choice.

1. Contemporary or Minimalist Style
If you’re going for a sleek, modern look, framing without a mat can create a clean, edge-to-edge effect that feels current and bold.

2. Oversized Posters or Prints
Large posters or prints often fill the frame naturally, so a mat isn’t always necessary. This can also keep the cost of custom framing down.

3. Budget-Friendly Option
Skipping the mat reduces the overall cost of framing, which can be helpful if you’re framing multiple pieces or working within a set budget.

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Tips for Choosing the Right Look

• Match the Art, Not the Room: While you want your framed piece to complement your space, always prioritize what enhances the artwork itself.
• Consider Scale: Small pieces often benefit from wider mats to create visual presence, while large pieces typically stand strong without one.
• Experiment with Color: Neutral mats are classic, but adding a hint of color can tie a piece into your décor or highlight a detail within the art.
• Think About Longevity: If your piece is valuable or sentimental, adding a mat for protection can help preserve it for decades.

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Custom Framing Makes the Difference

Whether you choose to use a mat or not, custom framing ensures your piece is displayed beautifully and safely. A professional framer can help you select the right materials, glass, and frame style to enhance the artwork and protect it over time.

By experimenting with different mat sizes, colors, or even going mat-free, you can create a presentation that feels uniquely yours.

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The Bottom Line

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the “mat or no mat” question. It all comes down to your style, the type of artwork, and how you want it to look in your space.

A mat can elevate and protect your piece, while a mat-free frame delivers a sleek, modern vibe. The key is choosing the option that highlights your artwork and fits the personality of your home.

When in doubt, consult a professional framer—they’ll help you find a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and budget so your artwork, poster, or print looks its absolute best.

Framing a special photo, artwork, or keepsake is about more than just protecting it—it’s about displaying it in a way that enhances its beauty and fits perfectly in your space. When deciding between custom picture frames and ready-made frames, many people focus only on cost. While ready-made frames are convenient, custom framing offers benefits that can make a world of difference, especially for meaningful or valuable pieces.

Here’s a closer look at why custom picture frames are worth considering—and when a ready-made option might still be the right choice.

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1. Perfect Fit for Any Size or Shape

One of the biggest advantages of custom framing is that it works for any size or shape of artwork. Whether you’re framing an oversized poster, a panoramic photograph, or an unusual keepsake like a jersey or shadowbox collection, a custom frame is built to fit.

Ready-made frames only come in standard sizes, which often means cropping your piece or settling for a poor fit. With a custom frame, your piece is the star—no trimming or awkward gaps needed.

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2. Endless Style and Design Options

Custom frames allow you to choose from a wide range of materials, colors, and finishes so you can create a design that complements both your piece and your home décor.

Want a rustic wood frame for a landscape photo? A sleek black metal frame for a modern print? Or a bold color to make your artwork pop? A professional framer can help you pick the perfect combination of frame, mat, and glass to achieve your vision.

Ready-made frames are limited to whatever styles are on the shelf—often basic black, white, or wood tones—with little room for personalization.

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3. Better Protection for Your Piece

For valuable, sentimental, or delicate items, protection is key—and this is where custom framing really shines. Professional framers use archival-quality materials that help preserve your piece for decades.

Custom frames can include:

• Acid-free mats and backing to prevent yellowing
• UV-protective glass to shield against sun damage
• Spacers to keep the piece from touching the glass

These upgrades ensure that your artwork or keepsake stays in excellent condition for years to come.

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4. Professional Quality and Craftsmanship

A custom frame isn’t just built to size—it’s built to last. The craftsmanship in custom framing provides a professional, polished finish that elevates the look of your piece. Corners are tight, mats are perfectly aligned, and the piece is securely mounted.

With ready-made frames, quality can be hit or miss. Over time, mass-produced frames may warp, discolor, or fail to keep your piece properly secured.

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5. Showcase Sentimental or High-Value Items

If you’re framing a wedding photo, a child’s artwork, or an expensive print, a custom frame is worth the investment. It honors the importance of the piece while protecting it from damage.

For everyday prints or temporary décor, a ready-made frame can be fine. But for something you want to display long-term, custom framing ensures it looks as special as it feels.

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When Ready-Made Frames Make Sense

There are situations where ready-made frames are a practical choice:

• Temporary displays or inexpensive posters
• Tight budgets for framing multiple prints at once
• Standard sizes like 8×10 or 11×14, where ready-made options are plentiful

For quick, cost-effective solutions, a store-bought frame can work well.

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The Bottom Line

While ready-made frames are convenient and affordable, custom frames offer unmatched fit, protection, and personalization. They’re an investment that not only elevates the look of your piece but also ensures it lasts for years without fading or damage.

When you want to showcase something truly special, custom framing is the way to go. With the help of a professional framer, you can create a display that’s both beautiful and built to last—a perfect reflection of the memories or art you’re preserving.

When it comes to showcasing art, photography, or memorabilia, a frame isn’t just a border — it’s part of the story. At Tanglewood Art & Frame, we believe custom framing elevates your pieces beyond aesthetics; it protects, preserves, and enhances the emotional connection to your artwork.

Why Go Custom?

Custom framing isn’t just for fine art or gallery walls. Whether it’s a child’s first drawing, a cherished concert poster, or a family heirloom, each piece deserves thoughtful presentation. Our designers work one-on-one with you to select materials that not only complement the art but also suit your personal style and space.

Archival Quality, Lasting Beauty

We use museum-quality, acid-free mats and UV-protective glass to ensure your artwork stands the test of time. Off-the-shelf frames may fade or warp — but custom frames are crafted with care and precision, offering both longevity and style.

It’s All in the Details

From handcrafted mouldings to meticulously measured mats, we obsess over every detail. And because we handle everything in-house at our Winston-Salem location, you get local expertise, exceptional craftsmanship, and service you can trust.

Want to see how the right frame can transform your space? Stop by the shop or schedule a consultation. Let’s give your favorite pieces the spotlight they deserve.

Some memories are too special to tuck away in drawers or boxes. Whether it’s your grandfather’s war medals, a wedding bouquet, or a baby’s first shoes, shadow boxes offer a beautiful and meaningful way to turn keepsakes into lasting displays.

What Is a Shadow Box?

A shadow box is a deep, glass-front frame used to display and protect dimensional items. At Tanglewood Art & Frame, we specialize in designing custom shadow boxes that are as unique as the stories they hold.

More Than Display — It’s Preservation

Not only do shadow boxes turn your items into art, but they also help preserve delicate objects using archival materials and UV-protective glass. We carefully mount items without damaging them and design layouts that highlight each detail.

Popular Ideas for Shadow Boxes:

• Military medals, flags, and badges
• Sports memorabilia like jerseys or game balls
• Wedding keepsakes: invitations, photos, dried flowers
• Vacation mementos like maps, tickets, or seashells
• Baby items: hospital bracelets, shoes, and photos

Handcrafted With Heart

Our team will guide you through the entire process — from layout and design to material selection and final assembly. Each shadow box we create is a one-of-a-kind piece, crafted with intention and care.

If you’ve got a box of keepsakes waiting for a second life on your wall, let’s make something beautiful together. Reach out or stop by to start designing your custom shadow box today.

At Tanglewood Art and Frame, we believe that every piece of art—whether it’s a fine painting, a beloved photo, or a cherished keepsake—deserves to be displayed with care, intention, and style. Custom framing isn’t just about putting something in a frame; it’s about enhancing, protecting, and celebrating the things that matter most.

In a world full of ready-made frames and mass-produced décor, it can be easy to overlook the value of custom craftsmanship. But when it comes to something meaningful—like a wedding photo, a child’s first painting, a diploma, or an original piece of art—there’s no substitute for a frame that’s made just for it.

Custom Framing Protects What You Love

The materials used in cheap, store-bought frames often contain acids and chemicals that can slowly damage your artwork or photographs. At Tanglewood, we use archival-quality materials that prevent yellowing, fading, and deterioration over time. We offer UV-protective glass, acid-free mats, and conservation-grade mounting methods—so your piece not only looks beautiful but stands the test of time.

Design Is Personal—Your Frame Should Be Too

Framing is about more than preservation. It’s about presentation. The right frame complements the colors, textures, and emotion of a piece. It also reflects your personal style and the space where it will live. Whether your taste leans modern, traditional, rustic, or bold and eclectic, we help you choose the perfect combination of frame, mat, and glass to elevate the artwork and make it truly yours.

Our experienced team takes the time to listen, explore design options, and offer expert advice. We view each piece as a collaboration with our clients—something we create together.

We Frame More Than Just Art

Some of the most meaningful pieces we frame aren’t traditional art at all. Jerseys, concert tickets, medals, baby shoes, handwritten letters—we’ve seen it all. If it matters to you, we can frame it with creativity and care. Shadow boxes and dimensional displays are some of our favorite projects, because they tell a personal story in a beautiful and lasting way.

Local, Trusted, and Experienced

Tanglewood Art and Frame is proud to be locally owned and rooted in the community. With decades of experience in custom framing, we’ve built a reputation for quality, creativity, and friendly service. We’re not just here to sell frames—we’re here to help you honor your memories and celebrate your style.

So whether you’re looking to frame a gallery-worthy canvas, a sentimental photograph, or something entirely unexpected, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.

Framing is about more than preserving art—it’s also a powerful tool for enhancing the design and personality of your home or workspace. At Tanglewood Art and Frame, we specialize in custom framing that not only protects your treasured pieces but also elevates the look and feel of the room they’re displayed in.

A thoughtfully chosen frame acts like an interior design element in itself. It adds depth, structure, texture, and visual interest to any wall—whether you’re showcasing a fine art print, family photo, or vintage map. By combining form and function, custom framing brings harmony to your décor while highlighting the character of what you’re displaying.

Your Art, Your Space, Your Style

When you work with a professional framer, you’re not just picking a frame—you’re crafting a look. Our team at Tanglewood works closely with homeowners, designers, and collectors to create frame designs that suit both the artwork and the environment it will live in. We consider wall color, lighting, furniture style, and even how the piece relates to other artwork nearby.

Have a minimalist aesthetic? A sleek black or natural wood frame might be the perfect fit. Want something more classic or ornate? We offer a wide selection of carved and gilded mouldings that can transform a piece into a statement. The options are endless—and we’re here to help you find the perfect balance.

Frame a Gallery Wall with Intention

Gallery walls are a popular trend in home design—and one of our favorite projects. Whether it’s a collection of black-and-white family portraits, eclectic art prints, or travel mementos, we help you frame each piece in a way that complements the others and contributes to a cohesive whole.

A well-designed gallery wall can bring personality and sophistication to a space—especially when the frames are custom-matched in scale, color, and proportion. Let us help you curate and frame your collection so it tells your story with style.

Framing for Businesses and Offices

Custom framing isn’t just for homes. We also work with local businesses, interior designers, and real estate professionals to bring a polished, professional touch to office environments, lobbies, and meeting spaces. Whether you’re framing certificates, artwork, or custom prints, we create pieces that reflect your brand, culture, and design goals.

Why Choose Tanglewood Art and Frame?

With decades of experience and a commitment to craftsmanship, Tanglewood Art and Frame is Fort Worth’s trusted destination for custom framing. We combine artistic expertise with a designer’s eye to help our clients create pieces that look beautiful, feel meaningful, and stand the test of time.

Ready to transform your walls? Stop by our showroom or book a consultation—we’d love to help you frame something incredible.