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.

The Effect That Work Environment Has on Employees

Have you ever tried to work in a dark, drab environment? It can be soul-sucking and certainly not motivational. Yes, the décor and design of your office or other work environments can have a big impact on the productivity and happiness of your team. Read on for some tips on designing your office to boost employee morale and the benefits of doing so.

Make it comfortable

You should encourage your employees to take breaks rather than trying to make them work non-stop. Taking regular breaks helps to rest and refresh the mind so they can come back to their task and focus better on it. Adding chairs in the kitchen area, a sofa in the office, or a comfortable break room lets employees know they can take breaks and provides them a nice space to relax in.

Add some color

So many offices have whitewashed walls and gray furniture. This could have an impact on the mood of your employees, which then has a knock-on impact on their work output. Add a splash of color to the walls or furniture, or buy colorful artwork to decorate the space with. This can help to lift the mood of employees on a subconscious level. A good idea is to decorate the office with the brand colors of your business.

Adorn the walls

You don’t want so much decoration that the space is distracting, but completely bare walls can look really dull. You could have artwork, photographs, staff portraits, or certificates custom framed and placed on the walls around your office. This helps to add variety and character to the walls of your office and can also be a good way to display your company’s and employees’ achievements. Hanging a mirror is another option as this can make the space look bigger, often making it feel more comfortable.

Let employees customize their space

This is especially a good idea for offices where employees sit in cubicles. Each employee could personalize their space with photos and accessories that they like or that mean something to them. It also allows them to work in a space they’re comfortable with. One employee might want a fairly plain space while another might want framed photos of their family on their desk to boost their mood.

If you need custom framing services to brighten up the walls of your office, then contact us or visit us in-store in Clemmons to find out more about our services.

Elevate Your Space with Tanglewood Art and Frame’s Exquisite Art and Custom Framing

Every space deserves to be adorned with beautiful artwork that reflects your unique style and personality. If you’re searching for the perfect artwork or custom framing services, look no further than Tanglewood Art and Frame. With their vast collection of exquisite art pieces and meticulous custom framing expertise, Tanglewood Art and Frame is your ultimate destination for enhancing the beauty of your space. In this blog post, we will delve into the offerings provided by Tanglewood Art and Frame and how they can elevate your home or office décor.

  1. A Wide Array of Artwork: Tanglewood Art and Frame proudly showcases an extensive collection of artwork created by talented artists from various genres and styles. Whether you prefer contemporary paintings, traditional landscapes, abstract sculptures, or photography, their gallery has something to suit every taste and preference. With Tanglewood Art and Frame, you can discover captivating art pieces that resonate with you and transform your space into a visual masterpiece.
  2. Custom Framing Services: Not only does Tanglewood Art and Frame offer a diverse range of artwork, but they also excel in providing exceptional custom framing services. Their skilled framers understand the importance of preserving and showcasing artwork with precision and care. Whether you have a cherished family portrait, a valuable art print, or a unique piece of memorabilia, Tanglewood Art and Frame can create custom frames that enhance its beauty while ensuring its long-term protection. With their extensive selection of framing materials, finishes, and styles, you can personalize your framing to perfectly complement your artwork and interior décor.
  3. Expert Design Consultation: Choosing the right artwork and framing can be a daunting task. However, Tanglewood Art and Frame offers expert design consultation services to guide you through the process. Their knowledgeable staff will take the time to understand your vision, discuss your preferences, and provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re looking to create a cohesive gallery wall or select the ideal frame to accentuate your artwork, their design experts are there to assist you every step of the way.
  4. Quality Craftsmanship: Tanglewood Art and Frame takes pride in delivering top-notch craftsmanship in every aspect of their work. Their team of skilled artisans and framers pays meticulous attention to detail to ensure that each artwork and frame receives the utmost care and precision. With their commitment to using high-quality materials and employing expert techniques, Tanglewood Art and Frame ensures that your artwork and custom frames are crafted to perfection, guaranteeing longevity and visual appeal.
  5. Outstanding Customer Service: At Tanglewood Art and Frame, customer satisfaction is paramount. They go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service to their clients. Whether you’re a first-time art buyer or a seasoned collector, their friendly and attentive staff will assist you with enthusiasm and professionalism. They take the time to understand your requirements, offer tailored recommendations, and ensure that you are delighted with your chosen artwork and framing.

Conclusion: Tanglewood Art and Frame is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts and individuals seeking exquisite artwork and custom framing solutions. With their diverse collection of art pieces, expert design consultation, top-notch craftsmanship, and outstanding customer service, Tanglewood Art and Frame is your go-to destination for enhancing the aesthetics of your space. Visit their website or gallery today and unlock a world of artistic possibilities to elevate your home or office décor to new heights.

Unleash Joy and Cherish Memories: The Best Custom Framed Gifts for Dog Owners

Dog owners share a special bond with their furry companions, and what better way to celebrate that bond than with a personalized and heartfelt gift? Custom framed gifts for dog owners not only capture precious moments but also serve as a constant reminder of the unconditional love and joy dogs bring into our lives. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best custom framed gift options for dog owners, allowing them to preserve cherished memories and showcase their love for their four-legged friends.

  1. Custom Framed Pet Portraits:

A custom framed pet portrait is a timeless and elegant gift that celebrates the unique personality and beauty of a beloved dog. Professional artists can transform a favorite photo of the dog into a stunning work of art. From realistic oil paintings to vibrant watercolors or even digital illustrations, the possibilities are endless. The custom framing adds an extra touch of sophistication, making the portrait a cherished centerpiece in any home.

  1. Paw Print Keepsakes:

Paw print keepsakes are a touching way to capture a dog’s paw impression and create a lasting memory. There are various options available, including clay imprints or ink prints that can be framed. These framed paw prints not only showcase the unique markings of a dog’s paw but also serve as a tangible reminder of their presence in our lives. Personalize the frame with the dog’s name or a heartfelt message to add an extra touch of sentimentality.

  1. Collage Frames:

Collage frames offer a creative and versatile way to display multiple photos of a beloved dog. Choose a custom collage frame that fits the dog owner’s style and preferences, and fill it with a selection of their favorite dog photos. From puppyhood memories to outdoor adventures and heartwarming moments, the collage frame allows for a beautiful storytelling display. Each time the dog owner looks at the collage, they’ll be reminded of the happy times shared with their furry friend.

  1. Name and Breed Frames:

Personalized name and breed frames are a delightful gift for dog owners. These custom frames feature the dog’s name and breed in an artistic design, making them a stylish addition to any home decor. The frame can be further customized with additional details such as paw prints, dog-themed motifs, or a special quote. This gift not only celebrates the dog’s individuality but also showcases the owner’s pride and love for their specific breed.

  1. Memory Shadow Boxes:

Memory shadow boxes provide a unique way to preserve and display cherished mementos and keepsakes associated with a dog. These custom framed boxes can include items such as a collar, favorite toy, photographs, and even a lock of fur. The shadow box serves as a sentimental tribute to a dog’s life, capturing memories that hold deep meaning for the owner. The custom framing adds an elegant touch, making the shadow box a beautiful focal point in any room.

  1. Customized Quote Frames:

A customized quote frame with a heartfelt message or a dog-related quote can evoke emotions and touch the hearts of dog owners. Whether it’s a meaningful quote about the bond between humans and dogs or a personalized message expressing love and gratitude, the custom framing elevates the significance of the words. The frame can be adorned with dog-themed graphics or decorative elements that reflect the owner’s taste and style.

  1. Pet Memorial Frames:

For dog owners who have experienced the loss of a beloved pet, a pet memorial frame can provide solace and comfort. These custom framed gifts can be designed to include a photo of the departed dog, along with their name, dates, and a touching tribute. The frame serves as a memorial to honor the dog’s life and offers a tangible way to keep their memory alive.

Custom framed gifts for dog owners offer a meaningful and personal way to celebrate the bond between humans and their canine companions. From pet portraits and paw print keepsakes to collage frames and personalized quote frames, there are endless options to choose from. These custom framed gifts not only capture cherished memories but also serve as lasting reminders of the joy, love, and happiness dogs bring into our lives. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just to show appreciation, these gifts are sure to bring a smile to any dog owner’s face and warm their heart for years to come.

Fun Family Photo Ideas

Having a professional family photoshoot is a great way to get high-quality photos of your family that you can frame and cherish forever, proudly displaying them on your wall. Whether it’s just a couple, parents with their kids, or the whole extended family, you can get great results for your family portrait. 

But maybe you don’t want the old, stuffy idea of four people stood together nicely in perfect height order, or sat politely with their hands on their laps. If this isn’t for you, then you don’t have to worry. You can do lots of fun or crazy poses during your professional photoshoot. The photographer may even have some of their own ideas that you can try.

Here are some fun ideas that could make a great family photo for your walls…

Green screen

If you don’t want a traditional picture in front of a plain backdrop, find a photographer who can do photoshoots in front of a green screen background. This means you can choose from a variety of backdrops, whether you want to transport yourself to Paris or fly off into space. You can choose a variety of fun and interesting backdrops and strike a pose in front of them.

Get messy

If you’ve got young kids, then life in your house likely never looks as neat and tidy as a posed family portrait does. Celebrate this messiness in your family photo by capturing a moment of fun and chaos. You could have a water fight or a food fight in front of the camera and let the photographer capture the chaos. Your kids are sure to love it, which is easier than trying to convince them to smile for the camera.

Dress up

You don’t have to be in your Sunday best to take a family photo. Why not dress up as your favorite characters or celebrities? This is one that’s likely to appeal to kids and adults alike. You could all dress up as superheroes or characters from your favorite movie, for example, even better if they’re a family themselves. Get fun and wacky for an interesting family photo that shows off your personality.

Recreate an old photo

This is a popular one for grown-up siblings to do for their parents. Find an old photo of when you were babies or young children – the goofier and more embarrassing the better! Now recreate that photo by striking the same poses and even recreating the outfits you wore (or didn’t wear in the case of embarrassing bath time photos). These photos can make fun and touching gifts for your parents.

Make your family photos fun and unique, and make them worthy of the wall with custom framing from Tanglewood Art and Frame. Contact us to find out more about our services in Clemmons and Winston Salem, NC.