The Art of Framing — Why Custom Framing Matters More Than You Think

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.

Shadow Boxes: The Perfect Way to Tell Your Story in 3D

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.

Why Custom Framing Matters: Preserving Art and Memories the Right Way

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 for Design: How Custom Frames Elevate Your Space

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.

Framing Your Holiday Trip: Turn Souvenirs into Lasting Memories

You’ve just returned from an incredible holiday — sun-soaked beaches, mountain hikes, bustling cities, or cozy countryside escapes. Your camera roll is full, your suitcase still smells like adventure, and scattered across your table are ticket stubs, postcards, foreign coins, maps, and maybe a tiny seashell or two. These keepsakes aren’t just trinkets — they’re tangible pieces of your experience. So, what do you do with them?

Instead of stashing them away in a drawer, why not showcase your souvenirs by framing your holiday trip? Creating a framed memory display is a creative, meaningful, and personal way to relive your favorite travel moments every day. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just returned from the trip of a lifetime, framing your memories can bring your walls to life and your stories to the surface.


Why Frame Your Travel Memories?

1. Preserve the Experience

Travel memories tend to blur over time, but physical items — your entry ticket to the Louvre, a handwritten café receipt, or that tiny train ticket in Japanese — can spark vivid recollections. Framing those pieces keeps them safe from damage and fading, preserving your adventure for years to come.

2. Personalize Your Decor

Your home should tell your story, and what better way to do that than with a custom display of your travel adventures? Framed travel souvenirs make for incredibly unique wall art. Unlike mass-produced prints, these displays carry your voice, your steps, and your perspective.

3. Encourage Storytelling

A framed trip display is a conversation starter. When guests spot your shadowbox filled with treasures from Thailand or Italy, it invites questions and lets you relive those stories. It’s a piece of art and a storytelling portal all in one.


What Can You Frame from a Holiday Trip?

Here are a few ideas of what you can include in a framed display:

  • Postcards: Pick ones with beautiful imagery or personal messages you sent (or meant to send).
  • Photos: Print a few standout photos to serve as the centerpiece of your layout.
  • Maps: Use sections of city maps or transit guides — they add color and context.
  • Tickets: Boarding passes, museum entry tickets, concert stubs, train passes — anything with a date or location adds authenticity.
  • Currency: Coins and bills from your trip not only look great but also give the frame a local flavor.
  • Pressed Items: Pressed flowers, leaves, or even beach sand sealed in a clear pouch can evoke the feel of the destination.
  • Small Souvenirs: Think keychains, patches, pins, or even a wine cork from that romantic dinner abroad.
  • Quotes or Notes: Add a short journal entry, a favorite travel quote, or even a few funny observations from your journey.

How to Frame Your Holiday Trip: Creative Approaches

1. Shadow Boxes

Shadow boxes are ideal for three-dimensional souvenirs like coins, pins, or shells. You can layer items, create a collage effect, and even add a background that reflects your destination (like a photo of the Eiffel Tower or a tropical beach scene).

2. Grid Layouts

If you’re going for a sleek and organized look, frame your photos and flat souvenirs in a grid. Use acid-free matting to keep items safe and spacing even. This style works great for minimalist interiors and Instagram-inspired displays.

3. Collage Frames

For a more casual, eclectic feel, use a collage frame with multiple openings. Mix photos with tickets and handwritten notes. This is a great option if you’re framing memories with kids or making a gift for a fellow traveler.

4. Single Feature Piece

Sometimes one item says it all — a stunning photo, a beautifully designed map, or a meaningful quote. Frame it large and bold for impact.


Tips for a Meaningful Display

  • Use Archival Materials: Choose acid-free backings and UV-protective glass to preserve items.
  • Tell a Story: Arrange items in a way that walks you through the journey — start with departure, move through the highlights, and end with something that symbolizes the end of the trip.
  • Add Captions: Little labels or notes beneath certain items can help explain their significance, especially if you’re including the display in a gallery wall.
  • Keep it Balanced: Don’t overcrowd the frame. Allow white space so each item can breathe and stand out.

Final Thoughts

Framing your holiday trip is more than a DIY project — it’s a way of honoring the adventure, the moments, and the memories that made the trip special. It turns fleeting experiences into lasting art, transforming your walls into windows that look back on joyful times.

So gather your souvenirs, sort through your snapshots, and start designing a display that brings your journey to life. Because the best way to remember your trip isn’t just by scrolling through photos — it’s by giving your memories a home on your wall.

Why You Should Always Hire A Professional Framer

When it comes to framing a painting, photograph, or anything else, you could simply go down to the store and buy a standard frame to place the piece in. While this may be the quicker and cheaper route to take, it has a few downsides since the frame and the materials weren’t chosen specifically for the piece you’re framing. This is likely to affect the appearance of the final result and could even damage the artwork if you have to cram it into a frame that’s too small. This method is also cheaper because lower quality materials are typically used, which will impact how well the artwork is preserved over time.

If you really want to respect the art and present and preserve it in the best way possible, then it is always better to have it professionally framed. Here are a few reasons why you should hire a professional, custom framer.

We know how to preserve art

There are a lot of different components and materials that go into framing art, and we understand each of them in great detail. This means we can choose the glass, matting, and frame that will best complement and protect your artwork. More than just appearance, quality framing materials help to keep your art in good condition by preventing sun damage, glare, and other factors.

Size matters

You can choose from a range of stock sizes when you buy a frame in store, but they’re just that – stock sizes. This means that none of them are likely to fit your artwork perfectly. When you choose custom framing instead, the frame is made to fit the artwork, not the other way around. This means the frame will be the perfect size for the piece of art or photograph you want to hang.

Looks matter, too

The same goes for the appearance of your artwork, the way it looks in the frame, and the way the framed piece looks in the room. With store-bought frames, you just have to try and get the best match from what’s available. With custom framing, the color, style, and material of the frame can be chosen to perfectly match the piece it will frame, as well as complementing the design of the room at the same time.

If you need custom framing in the Advance, Winston Salem, Bermuda Run, Clemmons, Lewisville, and Mocksville areas, then get in touch with Tanglewood Art and Frame or visit our custom frame shop in Clemmons, NC.

Bring New Life to Your Family Photos

When we were young, homes always had framed family photos up on the walls. Embarrassingly cute photos of you as a baby, your parents’ wedding day, photos of your grandparents in their youth. Today, it is so much easier to take good quality photos with just a tap of your smartphone screen but, often, that is where they stay. Last year, it was estimated that a total of 1.2 trillion photos would be taken over the world! Maybe we upload them to social media if we like the way we look in them, but photos are rarely printed out and framed anymore.

In theory, it’s great that we can easily store thousands of family photos on our phones and digital devices. But, the reality is that they rarely get revisited and are even at risk of being lost. By returning to tradition and putting your family photos up on the wall, you can preserve and bring new life to these treasured family photos.

Choose your best photos

Before digital cameras and smartphones, we took pictures and had them all printed without really knowing what they would look like. Maybe a few turned out well and we had them framed and put up on our walls. Today, we are constantly taking photos and we can instantly decide whether to keep or delete them.

You no longer have to waste time having your photos develop, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t print them at all. It means that we can be really selective about which family photos get the special treatment of being custom framed for your home or to give as a gift. It means that we can have some really great photos to admire every day rather than forgetting about them.

Preserving family photos

A good family photo on the wall will never go out of style because they’re the moments in life we want to remember. The best way to preserve these moments is to have them printed and custom framed. Through custom framing, you can keep them protected from the elements with quality framing materials, like glass that protects from UV rays. You can also present them in a way that makes them stand out and complement the rest of the room with different styles of frames and matboards to surround the photo.

You’ve probably got some amazing family photos saved somewhere in the cloud. It’s time to dig them out and get down to your local framing shop so that those pictures can always be remembered in your home. Contact us for custom framing around Advance, Winston Salem, Bermuda Run, Clemmons, Lewisville, and Mocksville.

Why You Should Use a Professional for Your Custom Framing Projects

Custom framing is an art form in itself. Whether you’re preserving a cherished family photograph, showcasing a piece of fine art, or displaying memorabilia, the frame you choose can enhance its beauty and protect it for years to come. While it might be tempting to take a DIY approach, enlisting the help of a professional framer ensures your project is handled with the care and expertise it deserves.

Expertise and Experience

Professional framers bring years of experience and a trained eye to the table. They understand the nuances of design, color theory, and proportion, helping you choose the perfect frame, matting, and glass to complement your piece. A professional will work with you to ensure the finished product enhances your art, photograph, or keepsake, rather than overshadowing it.

Additionally, framers know how to handle delicate and valuable items. Whether it’s an original painting, a signed jersey, or a vintage map, professionals use techniques and materials designed to preserve the integrity of your piece. This is especially important for items that are fragile, sentimental, or irreplaceable.

High-Quality Materials

Unlike off-the-shelf frames, custom framing projects often require specialized materials. Professionals have access to a wide variety of high-quality frame mouldings, archival mats, and UV-resistant glass to protect your items from fading, discoloration, and deterioration. They can also guide you in selecting the best materials based on the item’s age, medium, and display location.

Customization Options

One of the biggest advantages of professional framing is the ability to fully customize your project. Professionals can create unique designs tailored to your style and space. Whether you’re looking for a sleek modern frame or an ornate vintage-inspired design, they can craft a solution that reflects your vision.

Long-Term Value

While professional framing may seem more expensive upfront, it offers long-term value. Proper framing protects your items from damage and extends their lifespan, saving you the cost of repairs or replacements down the road. The finished product will also look more polished and professional, making it a timeless addition to your home or office.

Trust the Experts

Custom framing is about more than just presentation—it’s about preservation and storytelling. By trusting a professional, you ensure that your treasured items receive the attention and care they deserve, resulting in a stunning, long-lasting display. Ready to frame your memories? Call your local professional framer today!

Cool Things You Can Custom Frame

Custom framing is a fantastic way to showcase and preserve items that matter most to you. Whether it’s a sentimental keepsake or a piece of art, custom frames add a personal and polished touch to your treasures. Here are some of the coolest things you can custom frame to make a lasting impression in your home or office.

1. Artwork

From paintings to sketches and digital prints, artwork is one of the most popular items to custom frame. A custom frame enhances the visual impact of the piece and protects it from damage. Choose a frame and matting that complement the colors and style of the artwork to create a stunning display.

2. Photographs

Family portraits, vacation snapshots, and wedding photos deserve to be celebrated. Custom framing adds a professional touch to your cherished memories, allowing you to create a gallery wall or a standalone centerpiece. You can even include multiple photos in a collage frame for a unique presentation.

3. Sports Memorabilia

Whether it’s a signed jersey, a ticket stub from a memorable game, or a championship trophy, custom framing can turn your sports memorabilia into a showcase-worthy display. Shadow boxes are a great option for larger or three-dimensional items.

4. Certificates and Awards

Diplomas, certifications, and awards represent significant accomplishments and milestones. Custom frames give these achievements the recognition they deserve while protecting them from wear and tear. Add a professional finish with high-quality matting and UV-protective glass.

5. Travel Souvenirs

Maps, postcards, and foreign currency from your travels can be beautifully framed to create a personalized reminder of your adventures. You can even include small items like coins or tickets in a shadow box for a unique keepsake.

6. Textiles

Framing textiles like scarves, flags, or antique fabrics can preserve their beauty and add texture to your decor. Custom framing keeps these delicate items safe from fading and deterioration while turning them into eye-catching wall art.

7. Children’s Art

Turn your child’s artwork into a masterpiece with custom framing. Whether it’s a finger painting or a school project, framing their creations is a great way to celebrate their creativity and add a touch of whimsy to your space.

Conclusion

Custom framing offers endless possibilities to display and preserve the things you love. From artwork and photographs to memorabilia and textiles, a custom frame can transform your items into stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces. Visit your local custom framing expert to start creating your personalized displays today!

Framing Your Experiences with Maps

Are you looking for some different ideas of what to frame and hang on your wall? Here at Tanglewood, we can provide custom framing for pretty much anything. And we’ve got an idea that could look good on your walls, celebrate your experiences, and even reflect your goals – scratch maps!

In case you don’t know, a scratch map is a map of the world or a certain area that you can scratch the surface off to reveal something underneath. They are typically used to essentially tick off countries or cities that you have visited and show you all the ones you haven’t been to yet. They’re great for travel addicts, but if that doesn’t describe you, then you can buy scratch maps or lists with lots of different themes.

Maps of the world or a country

As we’ve already mentioned, you can get a scratch map of the world, a continent, or a country. If you don’t do much international traveling, then you could get a scratch map of the US and check off all the states you’ve visited.

Must-read books

If you prefer a good book over a plane journey, then you can also find scratch maps with lists like “The top 100 books to read before you die.” Once you buy it, you can tick off all the books you’ve already read and then set a goal to read the rest of them in the future.

Must-see films

And there’s a version of the above product for movie buffs, too. How many of the top 100 movies have you seen? Or you could find a more specific poster like ones listing the top movies of the 20th century or the top musical films. Next time you’re bored in an evening, you can consult your list to see what film to watch next.

Bucket list

Do you have a bucket list? If you’re stuck for ideas of what to add to yours, then you can buy a scratch-off bucket list filled with things that people typically want to do before they die. Daring things like sky diving and driving a motorbike, but also more laidback things like writing poetry and making a birthday cake.

Places to visit

A little more specific than a scratch map of the world is a scratch-off list of specific places and landmarks to visit. Have you been to the Grand Canyon or the top of the Empire State Building? What about Big Ben, the Taj Mahal, or the Sydney Opera House? This kind of list will give you great vacation ideas, both nationally and internationally.

There are loads of different scratch maps and lists that could suit your interests, so find one and start scratching. And get in touch for custom framing for your scratch map. Framing it and hanging it on the wall can serve as your motivation for checking the next thing off the list, while also displaying your achievements so far.