It’s that time of year again: students are heading back to school, and with the house suddenly a little quieter, you may find yourself with more time to focus on your space.
Before the colder months settle in, why not use that extra time to bring a little more personality and joy into your home? Custom picture framing can be a great way to showcase the things that matter to you, whether that means artwork, photographs, textiles, or something a little more unexpected.
With more than 75 years of combined experience, Casual Cat can help with your framing needs using a variety of designs and materials. We’ve worked on projects ranging from gallery walls and textiles to letters, jewelry, jerseys, and more.
But if you’re thinking about tackling a framing project yourself, you may want to consider what goes into custom picture framing with Casual Cat.
The Common Problems With Pre-Made Frames
When it comes to framing something in your home, grabbing a pre-made frame may seem like the easiest solution. And sometimes, it is. But when you’re trying to display and protect something meaningful properly, a standard frame may come with a few challenges.
Cheap plastic and thin fiberboard can bend under humidity or weight, causing the frame to warp, bow, or separate at the corners.
If the inner groove of the frame is too wide, the item inside may rattle or shift. Over time, that movement can put the display at risk of damage.
Even the hardware can become an issue. Swivel tabs and flexible points can snap after repeated use, particularly if you’re frequently changing what’s inside the frame.
Humidity can also affect the artwork or paper being displayed. If paper is taped too tightly inside a frame, it may expand and buckle.
Then there’s the glass itself. Without UV-protective glazing, photographs and other materials may also be more vulnerable to fading over time. Dust, fingerprints, and other particles can become trapped beneath the glass, taking away from the appearance of the piece.
DIY Custom Picture Framing: Easier Said Than Done
When you’re framing something sentimental, it’s understandable to want to make the project feel personal. A DIY frame can seem like a fun way to add your own touch while saving money.
The problem is that custom picture framing can be more complicated than it looks, especially without the right tools or experience.
For example, creating clean 45-degree mitered corners calls for accuracy. Without the proper equipment, even small inconsistencies can leave visible gaps where the frame pieces meet.
The materials you choose matter, too. Some craft-store tapes and adhesives contain acids that may stain or damage photographs, prints, and other materials over time.
And while a DIY project may appear less expensive at first, it’s important to consider the total cost. Depending on the project, you may need materials and tools such as quality wood, strap clamps, glass cutters, adhesives, and more. Once you add everything together, the cost can approach, or even exceed the price of having the project professionally framed.
There’s also durability to consider. A frame may look great when it’s finished, but will it adequately support the mass of what you’re displaying?
The Value of Professional Custom Picture Framing
One of the biggest advantages of professional framing is the fit. Rather than trying to make an existing frame work for your piece, the frame is created specifically around the item you want to display.
With experience in custom framing, you can consider proper hinging, dust sealing, and material selection when putting together your display.
That can be especially helpful when you’re framing something that doesn’t fit the standard dimensions of a typical photograph or print. Scout flags, completed jigsaw puzzles, needlepoints, hand-drawn maps, and other unique pieces can require a different approach.
Casual Cat is also a member of the Professional Picture Framers Association, which is why our experienced team understands the goal isn’t simply to find a frame that fits. The frame can be customized to the size of your piece while also complementing your personal style.
Whether you’re displaying artwork, a textile, or another sentimental item, you can choose elements such as patterns, colors, and textures to create a finished display that feels right for your space.
Ready to Frame Something Special?
Your next framing project doesn’t have to be a DIY headache. If you have something special you’d like to display, Casual Cat would be happy to help with your custom picture framing project.
Have questions? Feel free to contact us via our website or by phone at (603) 882-1443.