Our Capabilities

DESIGN

We have the expertise to work with you to execute the appropriate design style that marries the frame with the artwork, be it historically accurate, contemporary, primitive or whimsical, we aim for design solutions that stand the test of time.

ON-SITE FRAME MAKING and ASSEMBLAGE

It all happens on-site here at The Drawing Board! Your artwork never leaves our shop. We cut moulding and build frames to order. We also have the ability to resize your vintage or repurposed frames to create the look you’re after.

CUTTING GLASS and PLASTICS

We stock a selection of clear glass, conservation glasses, Museum Glass®, acrylics and mirror which we cut to order.

MAT CUTTING and DECORATION Experienced hand cutting and computerized mat cutting on-site gives us great range. We can create elaborate multiple openings or shaped mat openings in a snap. We also hand paint French mats the old fashioned way with watercolor, a brush, and a ruling pen. We offer a selection of beautifully hand wrapped fabric mats, fillets, ovals or circles that can be created by our skilled staff. When economy is the main concern we have precut mats in standard sizes that are mass produced.

ART RESTORATION and CONSERVATION

There are cases where the artwork will benefit from treatment by a conserator prior to framing. We are knowledgeable about art restoration and conservation practices and have long standing relationships with excellent conservators. We will offer you our advice and expertise in arranging for the appropriate services that are required to accomplish what is needed for your artwork.

ARCHIVAL MOUNTING This is the part of the frame package that you don’t see but has the potential to preserve or to cause damage. We are experienced in cooked starch paste hinging techniques and mylar encapsulation. We use many noninvasive archival mounting techniques. Some of the materials that may use to create custom mounts for you include Japanese papers, wheat starch paste, mylar, cotton and linen thread, piano wire, shrink tube, acrylic, cotton muslin, hardware cloth, etc. Collaborating, researching and improving preservation mounting techniques is an important part of what we do.

DRY MOUNTING and LAMINATING When preservation is not a concern, dry mounting is often a desirable presentation solution. We provide dry mounting and laminating services up to 40”x 60” with our heated vacuum press. We also offer cold pressure sensitive adhesive and wet paste mounting.

SHRINK WRAPPING

We offer shrink wrapping. It’s a great temporary solution to protect your artwork.

FRAMING NEEDLEWORK and FABRIC

Sewing, pinning, lacing and stapling are some of the methods we employ. We frame cross-stitch, crewel, needlepoint, antique samplers, quilts, doilies, weavings, flags, scarves, molas, clothing, hooked rugs and tapestries to name a few.

CANVAS STRETCHING

We can stretch canvas any size or shape, before or after it’s been painted on.

OBJECT BOX FRAMING We can design and build deep frames, sometimes called shadow boxes, for 3-dimensional objects. Enjoy your collections, memorabilia, antiques, jewelry, fossils, masks, clothing, equipment, military awards, wedding mementos and other cool stuff.

MIRRORS

The possibilities in custom mirrors are practically unlimited. Any of our custom frames can be used to create spectacular mirrors.

OVERSIZED WORKS OF ART

No problem! We will work with you to create the best framing solutions for showcasing any size piece of art.

DO-IT-YOURSELFERS

We have photo frames, ready-made frames, and precut mats. We also have the ability to cut moulding and make it into a frame that you can assemble yourself. We can provide you with materials or parts. We always have sale matboard pieces and bargain frames at wholesale prices.

EXHIBITION DESIGN Finding economical solutions for artists to mount exhibitions and/or present work for resale is a challenge that we are very interested in meeting. We believe that we can assess needs and offer a better value for the dollar than available elsewhere.