Framing A Puzzle

You’ve just put in a lot of effort to complete a puzzle and you feel extremely satisfied to see the finished result. Maybe it took you hours, or maybe days, weeks, even months. But the next step can feel a little soul-destroying. All that fun and hard work just to break it up again and put it back in the box, maybe never to be looked at again.

Sure, you could take a photo of the puzzle to remember it and show off your achievement, but it just isn’t the same. So, why not frame the actual puzzle and put it up on your wall?

Choosing a puzzle to frame

Which puzzle to frame should be completely personal to you. Usually, it’s one that you’ve spent a lot of time on or that has sentimental meaning to you or a loved one you’re giving a gift to. Here are a few ideas:

  • A challenging puzzle – Perhaps there’s one puzzle that was a real challenge and that you spent a lot of time on, either alone or with friends and family. Frame it to show off your achievement.
  • A custom puzzle – You can get a puzzle printed with whatever photo you want, complete the puzzle, and then frame it for your wall.
  • A child’s puzzle – Celebrate your child’s achievement by framing the first puzzle they completed by themselves or preserve the puzzle that they repeatedly did as a child.
  • A couple’s puzzle – Did you and your partner spend one of your early dates doing a puzzle together on a rainy day? Frame it and remember those happy moments.

How to frame a puzzle

After you’ve completed your puzzle, you want to make sure that all the pieces will stay together even if you move the finished puzzle. The last thing you want is for some pieces to come apart once inside the frame.

One way to achieve this is to use glue on the puzzle. You can get special puzzle adhesive for this purpose, or you can opt for ordinary glue, but try to find one with low water content to reduce the risk of the pieces wrinkling or peeling. Spread the glue evenly over the face of the puzzle using a sponge or a piece of card, for example. You can use a paintbrush for this, but you may end up leaving brush strokes. A spray adhesive could also be quick and easy to apply.

Another option is adhesive tape designed for puzzles. This is usually quick and easy to apply and doesn’t create as much mess as glue. Once your puzzle is secure, you can bring it into a custom frame shop to complete the framing process for you. When choosing a frame, a float mounting frame is the best to choose for these purposes.

If you want to frame a puzzle for your home or as a gift, then contact Tanglewood Art and Frame or visit us in Clemmons, NC.

Photobooth Photo Ideas

You might find photobooths in shopping malls, bars and clubs, or at events like weddings, birthday parties, and corporate events. Wherever you come across them, they’re a great opportunity to take fun and silly photos with your friends, family, or partner.

So, you’ve got this printout of photos that are a great memory of the day, but what do you do with them now? Often, they get stuck in a drawer and forgot about. But it’s time to cherish those memories and display them proudly. Here are some ideas for what you can do with your photobooth photos and how to display them proudly.

Make a collage

If you’ve got a collection of fun photobooth strips from over the years, then combine them to make a frameable collage to display on your wall. You could stick them to a piece of cardboard, or something similar, in any arrangement you’d like. Bring your photobooth photos or a pre-made collage to Tanglewood Art & Frame to get your memories custom framed.

Add them to a scrapbook

If you have a photo album or a scrapbook full of memories, then photobooth strips are the perfect addition. You could stick a few together on the same page or scatter them throughout the scrapbook with other memories from each day or period of your life. If you had a photobooth at your wedding or another event, then you could make a wedding scrapbook filled with everyone’s photos for a fun way to remember the day and everyone who was there for you.

Use them as bookmarks

You don’t even have to do anything for this one. Photobooth photo strips are the perfect size and shape to place between the pages of the book you’re ready in order to save your place. And those memories will make you smile every time you pick up your book.

Turn them into fridge magnets

There are lots of websites and companies that can turn your photos into personalized fridge magnets. Pick your favorites to send in and stick them on your fridge so you can see them every day.

Create a giant photo strip

Why keep those memories in such small dimensions? If you have a single strip that you really love, then have it blown up to larger dimensions and custom framed to be hung proudly on your wall.

Turn them into a phone case

Another personalized item you can create is a phone case with your pictures printed on the back. Most of us have our smartphones with us around-the-clock, so having a cherished memory printed on it can be a great way to share and remember those memories.

All of the above ideas would make great gifts for the people you took those photos with, as well as being great ideas for yourself. If you want to get your photobooth photos custom framed in the Winston Salem and Clemmons area, then contact us today.

Tips for Your Wedding Photos

Your wedding day will, hopefully, be one of the most special and memorable days of your life, so of course you want the best keepsakes and photographs to remember it by. At Tanglewood Art and Frame, we’re here to custom frame your best memories, so let’s look at some tips and ideas for the photos of your big day.

Hiring a professional photographer

Obviously, weddings can be very expensive. If you’re working to a budget, this might tempt you to save on certain areas, for example by having a friend or family member be in charge of the photos during the day. While this can be a nice idea, hiring a professional photographer really puts your mind at ease that the photos are taken care of properly, so there’s one less thing to stress about on the day. And your friend or family member can enjoy the day, too, without the responsibilities of the photographer.

Posed and candid

It’s common to see wedding photos of the happy couple or the wider families and wedding parties posing nicely for the camera. These photos can be great and may be the ones to make it to your wall, but we’d recommend a combination of both posed and candid photos.

Some of the best moments can be captured while people are getting ready, walking up the aisle, and talking and laughing at the reception. So, as well as the more formal photoshoot, make sure your photographer is around for parts of the day to take unplanned and unposed photos.

Leave some photography to the guests

In a casual way, it can be a nice idea to have your guests snap some photos during the day and evening. Some couples leave polaroid cameras or disposable cameras around the venue for guests to use. They can pose for a photo or take candid photos themselves. The results can be really fun, especially once everyone’s had a few drinks after the ceremony.

Choosing your photos for custom framing

After the wedding, you will likely have to meet with your photographer to choose your favorite photos to be framed or placed in a scrapbook of the day. When choosing photos for your wall or mantlepiece, you may choose a few photos to be framed individually or you could make a collage of photos to be framed as one piece. Here, it’s a good idea to choose a mixture of posed and candid photos to get a full range of the day.

There’s a wide variety of materials and styles to consider when choosing all the elements of your custom frames, but we can help you make the best decisions to really complement your photos and make them stand out. Get in touch or visit our store in Clemmons, NC for more advice about custom framing your wedding photos.

How to Choose the Best Picture Frames for Your Decor Style

Picture frames are more than just functional accessories; they are an integral part of your home decor, adding personality and character to your living spaces. Selecting the right picture frames can enhance the visual appeal of your artwork, photos, and mementos, while also complementing your decor style. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best picture frames to match your decor style.

1. Identify Your Decor Style

Before you start selecting picture frames, it’s crucial to identify your decor style. Your decor style sets the tone for your entire living space, influencing your choice of furniture, color schemes, and decorative elements. Here are some common decor styles to consider:

  • Traditional: This style is characterized by timeless and classic design elements, such as rich wood finishes, ornate details, and antique-inspired pieces.
  • Contemporary/Modern: Contemporary decor features clean lines, minimalism, and neutral color palettes. It often incorporates sleek and innovative materials like glass and metal.
  • Rustic/Farmhouse: Rustic decor embraces a cozy and relaxed atmosphere with natural textures, weathered finishes, and vintage-inspired elements.
  • Bohemian: Bohemian decor is eclectic and vibrant, featuring a mix of colors, patterns, and textures from around the world. It often includes a variety of art and decor items.
  • Industrial: Industrial decor is inspired by urban spaces and incorporates raw materials like exposed brick, steel, and distressed wood.
  • Mid-Century Modern: This style reflects the design trends of the mid-20th century and is known for its clean lines, simple forms, and iconic furniture pieces.

Once you’ve determined your decor style, you can begin selecting picture frames that align with its aesthetic.

2. Match Frame Materials to Your Decor Style

The materials of picture frames play a significant role in defining their style. Consider the following frame materials that are commonly associated with various decor styles:

  • Wood: Wooden frames are versatile and can suit a wide range of decor styles. Dark, polished wood frames often work well in traditional settings, while lighter and distressed wood frames are perfect for rustic or farmhouse decor.
  • Metal: Metal frames, such as those made of aluminum or steel, are a staple of contemporary and industrial decor. They offer sleek and minimalist aesthetics.
  • Glass: Glass frames are an excellent choice for modern and contemporary spaces. They create a clean and elegant look, allowing the artwork or photo to take center stage.
  • Mixed Materials: Some frames combine materials like wood and metal or wood and glass, offering a unique blend of styles. These frames can work well in eclectic or transitional decor.

3. Consider Frame Colors

Frame colors should harmonize with your decor style and the color scheme of your room. Here are some considerations for selecting frame colors:

  • Neutrals: Neutral frame colors like white, black, gray, or beige are versatile and can fit into various decor styles. They provide a clean and timeless look that complements most color palettes.
  • Warm Tones: Frames with warm tones like brown, gold, or bronze are well-suited for traditional, rustic, or mid-century modern decor styles.
  • Cool Tones: Cool-toned frames, such as silver, chrome, or navy, can enhance contemporary, industrial, or coastal decor.
  • Bold Colors: For a pop of color and a touch of bohemian flair, consider frames in bold and vibrant hues. These can add character and personality to your decor.

4. Frame Size and Proportion

When choosing picture frames, consider the size and proportion of the frames in relation to the artwork or photo you plan to display. Larger frames with wide matting can create a sense of grandeur and draw attention to the artwork, while smaller frames are ideal for more intimate displays.

Ensure that the frame size complements the scale of your wall and doesn’t overwhelm or get lost in the space. Additionally, consider the aspect ratio of your artwork or photo (e.g., landscape or portrait) when selecting frame sizes.

5. Matting and Mounting

Matting, the border around the artwork within the frame, can add depth and visual appeal to your framed pieces. The color and width of the matting should enhance the artwork and complement your decor style. In some cases, artwork or photos may not require matting, especially in contemporary and minimalist settings.

Consider the mounting style as well. Floating artwork within the frame can create a modern and dynamic look, while traditional mounting can provide a classic and timeless appearance.

6. Personalization and Customization

Custom framing allows for a high level of personalization. You can choose custom frame colors, materials, matting, and even add nameplates or engravings to create a unique and meaningful display. Personalized framing adds a personal touch to your decor and makes your framed items even more special.

In conclusion, selecting the best picture frames for your decor style involves careful consideration of materials, colors, sizes, and personalization options. By aligning your frame choices with your decor style, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing home that reflects your unique taste and personality. Whether you’re framing artwork, family photos, or cherished mementos, the right frames can elevate your decor and turn your living spaces into a gallery of memories and creativity.

9 Unique Custom Framing Ideas

Custom framing is an art form that goes beyond simply encasing a picture in a frame. It allows you to enhance and complement the artwork or object you’re framing, turning it into a stunning piece of decor. If you’re looking for creative ways to display your cherished items, here are nine unique custom framing ideas to inspire you.

1. Shadow Box Frames for 3D Objects

Shadow box frames are perfect for displaying three-dimensional objects like seashells, vintage toys, sports memorabilia, or even baby shoes. These frames have extra depth to accommodate your item while keeping it protected and visible. Consider adding a personalized nameplate or small plaque to tell the story behind the displayed object.

2. Floating Canvas Frames

Floating canvas frames create a contemporary and artistic display for canvas artwork. Instead of covering the edges of the canvas, these frames allow the artwork to appear as if it’s floating within the frame. This technique adds depth and sophistication to your artwork while drawing attention to the piece itself.

3. Multi-Aperture Frames

Multi-aperture frames are an excellent choice for displaying a collection of related photos or artwork. You can arrange a series of images in a single frame, creating a cohesive and visually appealing display. This works well for showcasing family portraits, travel photos, or a series of artwork by the same artist.

4. Jersey Frames for Sports Memorabilia

If you’re a sports enthusiast, jersey frames are a fantastic way to showcase your favorite sports memorabilia. Whether it’s a signed jersey, baseball bat, or basketball, these frames are designed to accommodate sports-related items. You can also include photos, tickets, or trading cards to complete the display.

5. Oversized Frames for Statement Art

Oversized frames can turn a small or medium-sized piece of art into a dramatic statement. These frames draw attention to the artwork, creating a sense of grandeur and importance. Consider choosing a frame that complements the style of the artwork and your decor to create a harmonious display.

6. Collage Frames for Multiple Photos

Collage frames are a versatile option for displaying multiple photos in an organized and visually pleasing way. You can create themed collages, such as family vacations, graduations, or anniversaries. Collage frames come in various layouts, allowing you to arrange your photos creatively.

7. Floating Shelves with Framed Art

For a unique and dynamic display, combine custom framing with floating shelves. Frame your artwork or photos and place them on floating shelves to create an ever-changing gallery wall. This approach allows you to swap out and rearrange your framed pieces to refresh your decor easily.

8. Multi-Opening Mat Frames

Multi-opening mat frames are perfect for showcasing a collection of small photos or artwork. These frames feature a mat with multiple openings, allowing you to display a series of images in an organized and attractive manner. Multi-opening mat frames work well for family portraits, baby photos, or even vintage postcards.

9. Acrylic Box Frames for Keepsakes

Acrylic box frames are a sleek and modern way to display keepsakes and mementos. These frames consist of a clear acrylic box with a removable lid, making it easy to arrange and rearrange your items. They’re ideal for showcasing items like seashells, vintage keys, collectibles, or sentimental objects.

Tips for Choosing Custom Frames:

  1. Consider the Artwork or Object: The frame you choose should complement the style and colors of the artwork or object you’re framing. Think about how the frame can enhance and draw attention to the piece.
  2. Matting Matters: Matting can add depth and contrast to your framed item. Consider using matting to create a visual separation between the artwork and the frame.
  3. Think About Conservation: If you’re framing valuable or irreplaceable items, it’s essential to use archival-quality materials to protect them from damage over time.
  4. Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix different frame styles and sizes to create an eclectic and personalized gallery wall.
  5. Customize with Mats and Nameplates: Mats and personalized nameplates can add a unique touch to your custom framing project. They can provide context and a personal touch to the display.

In conclusion, custom framing offers a world of possibilities for showcasing your artwork, photos, and cherished items. These nine unique custom framing ideas can help you transform your space into a gallery of memories and creativity. Whether you’re framing family photos, collectibles, or artwork, the right frame can elevate your decor and provide a stunning focal point for your home.

Encouraging Your Kids to Create Art

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.

The benefits of kids creating art

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.

How to encourage your kids to create

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.

Printing Your Photos at Home vs. In-Store

Most of us take a lot more photos than we used to since we have a pretty high-quality camera with us at all times thanks to smartphones. But these photos often get left on our devices and barely looked at again. Printing some of your best smartphone photos can allow you to frame your favorite moments and hang them on the wall or display them on shelves in your home.

You want to make sure that these photos look good, so what are your options for printing them? Let’s compare two options of printing your photos yourself at home or having them professionally printed in-store.

Home printing

You may be able to print your photos at home using your regular printer with some specific photo paper to produce a slightly sturdier and better-quality end result. Or you can get better results by purchasing a quality photo printer. Obviously the second option is costlier, but could give you much better-looking photos. 

Generally speaking, you will need to adjust some of the settings on your printer or your laptop/computer to get the best results, which may require good knowledge or research into photography and printing. If you’re printing photos regularly, then this extra investment in terms of time spent learning the tools and money spent on a new printer can be worth it. 

However, if you’re just printing a few photos a year, then it will be more cost and time-effective to simply choose between getting your photos printed professionally in-store or compromising on quality by printing your photos at home on good-quality photo printing paper.

Professional printing

Various stores offer printing services, from general stores and supermarkets to more specialist printing companies. The specialists are likely to be more costly but also produce better results, while general stores may be cheaper and more convenient but with slightly lower quality. Overall, it can be much more convenient to rely on professional, in-store printing rather than having to mess about with your own printers, cartridges, and paper to figure out how to print good-quality photos at home.

Another option is to use an online printing service, which will print your photos and mail them to you. All you have to do is send in digital files of the photos you want printing, plus information about the number and size of prints required. 

When your photos are ready for the wall, come to Tanglewood Art and Frame to have them professionally custom framed, making sure you present them nicely in your home. Contact us for custom framing services around Advance, Winston Salem, Clemmons, Lewisville, and Mocksville, NC.

The Best Custom Framed Gifts for Dog Owners

For many people, their pets are just as much a part of the family as any person, so they deserve to be a part of the family portrait or have their own frames on the wall.Whether you’re buying a gift for a friend or family member with a beloved pet dog or want to celebrate your own dog through custom framing, then we’ve got some ideas for the best things you can frame.

A dog portrait

A simple photo of your dog looking adorable would make a great addition to your walls or shelves. Choose a favorite photo to have custom framed or even book a doggy photoshoot to get professional shots of your pet. If you’re looking for a gift for a friend, then one of these photoshoots could be the perfect option. 

A painting of your dog

Instead of a photo, you could opt to commission someone to draw a painting of your dog, which would usually be based on a photo you provide for them. This allows you to enjoy an artistic interpretation of your pup in whatever style or colors you’d like. Or you could leave it up to the artist to decide these details. You can even commission funny dog portraits like the uniformed dogs here.

Pawprints

Let your dog leave a mark in your home by framing a print of their pawprints. Simply dip the bottom of your dog’s paw in paint (make sure it’s safe for dogs!) and gently place their paw down onto a piece of paper or card. You can do this for one or more paw and can choose whatever colors you’d like. Properly wash the paint off their paws afterward. Or, instead of paint, you can have their paw imprinted in clay or a similar material.

Their collar and tags

Want to remember how cute your dog was as a tiny puppy? Save their old collars to display inside a frame when they move up to a bigger size. You can keep their tags on the collars too with their name displayed. If they have multiple collars as they get bigger, then you can frame them together, each circled inside the next.

Give the gift of custom framing to yourself or a loved one to commemorate a family dog. Contact Tanglewood Art and Frame to find out more about our custom framing services around Winston Salem and Clemmons, NC.

Fun Creations with Your Kids

When it comes to decorating your walls or shelves with artwork and frames, why not get your kids involved to add some more fun and personality to your décor? And you can enjoy a fun, family activity as well by creating something together. Here are some simple ideas for fun, creative activities you could do with your kids to make colorful creations for the walls of their bedroom or other places in the house.

Handprints

Most kids will love the idea of getting messy and sticking their hands in paint without getting in trouble for it! Handprints in a picture frame make for a simple yet effective aesthetic. You may want to do this with your baby’s hand and footprints to look back at how small they were. And if you have more than one child, they can stamp their handprints in size/age order. 

If you’re willing to take the risk, then colorful handprints can also make a fun and eye-catching decoration for the walls of the nursery or kids’ room. Draw out a border around the room in the middle of the wall and have your kids fill it with handprints! Look for non-toxic paint so that it’s safe for babies and infants, or you could even make your own safe paint.

Decorated frames

Good-quality and nice-looking frames don’t have to be your typical stained wood or sleek metal. Liven them up by letting your kids loose with the paints or crayons. This is a good way to personalize a baby photo or a photo of your kids playing together. They could draw or paint their art onto a plain frame or you could have fun with splatter art by flicking paintbrushes at the frame in different colors of paint.

Squirt gun painting

Water fights with squirt guns are already a fun activity, but you can also have fun with them without getting wet by using them to paint a blank canvas or piece of card. Buy a few of those cheap, plastic squirt guns (or use ones you already have lying around) and fill each with a different colored paint. 

Squirt the paint at the blank canvas from close up or further away and in different colors to create fun and interesting patterns. Do this outdoors to keep your home safe from flying paint, and make sure you lay some ground rules so your kids don’t start spraying paint on each other’s clothes or in faces.

What fun and imaginative creations could you make with your kids? If you need a custom frame for your creations or for their photos and artwork, then contact Tanglewood Art and Frame or visit us in our Clemmons store.

Creative Ways to Display Small Framed Photos

We love big, framed statement pieces on walls. They make great focal points in your décor and are a good way to show off your photos, artwork, or certificates. But you can’t make all your photos statement pieces. Whether it’s holiday photos, family photos, or anything else you want to keep front of mind, there are lots of creative ways and places you can display small framed photos.

Photo wall

Why hang one photo when you could hang lots of little ones? Have a selection of small photos printed and framed and arrange them on your wall like a photo collage. You can hang them uniformly in rows or in a more random, stylistic arrangement. Hang them closely side by side or with space in between. The possibilities are practically endless.

Surround a statement piece

Maybe you want to show off photos from your wedding day or from your travels. One good way of doing this is to choose one photo to have as the large, central piece. You can then print other photos you like in smaller dimensions and hang them around the center photo. You could choose just a few photos or a dozen or more, and arrange them in any shape or pattern you’d like.

Stand them up

By placing small photos in a frame with a stand, you can place them on any surface you’d like. Your bedside table, mantlepiece, window ledges, and shelving units are all great places to position your photos. You can have your favorite memories in pride of place. Choose a frame that matches the surface you’ll be placing it on or, conversely, one that contrasts it nicely to make it really stand out.

Make a statement

I know we started out this blog looking for alternatives to large statement pieces, but going back to this idea, why not make a large statement piece from your collection of smaller photos. You can arrange your photos however you’d like, just like you would for your photo wall. But, this time, don’t frame them individually. Lay the photos out in a collage, place them on a mat or backing board, and then frame this piece together in a larger frame. This way, you’ve got one central piece for your wall but containing lots of memories.

If you have photos and can’t figure out the best way to show them off in your home, come into Tanglewood Art and Frame in Clemmons, NC. We can give you our professional advice and provide high-quality custom framing services. Contact us first if you have any questions.