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Framing is one of the hottest topics among needleworkers. Everyone has had, or knows someone who has had, a disastrous experience with a professional framer … including me.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n The only thing sadder than losing a project through a framing disaster is robbing yourself of enjoying your finished projects when you allow them to languish in a box or drawer because you are afraid to trust a framer. Ever. Again.<\/p>\n So, what can you do?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Check References<\/strong> It\u2019s the Person, Not the Store<\/strong> Start Small<\/strong> It\u2019s Okay to Test<\/strong> Is the Framer Listening?<\/strong> Know Your Boundaries<\/strong> Be a Responsible Customer<\/strong> Leaving your needlework to be framed requires that you trust that a good job will be done. When you get to the point where you can leave the piece in your framer\u2019s hands and look forward to picking it up with never a moment of worry in between, you know you have one you can trust!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n When you’re not busy stitching,\u00a0please\u00a0“like” the\u00a0Jean Farish Needleworks<\/a>\u00a0Facebook page, too!\u00a0This is the best place to make comments about this blog as I get way too many spammers if I allow comments here.<\/em><\/p>\n Want to shop for\u00a0JFN designs? Go to\u00a0my Etsy shop<\/a>!<\/p>\n
\nIf you belong to a stitching group (in person or online) ask for references. If it\u2019s an online group, avoid asking generalized questions and be as specific as possible, especially when asking about the big box stores. \u201cDo you trust the XYZ Chain in My Hometown to frame your needlework?\u201d is better than \u201cWhich chain does the best framing.\u201d I say this because….<\/p>\n
\nYour needlework will be framed by a person, or two, or three. So the first thing to ask is \u201cAre you the one who will be doing the framing?\u201d If yes, make note of her name. If not, ask if you can meet the person who will do the framing. Next, you want to know about her training and experience. \u201cHow long have you been doing this?\u201d and \u201cHow did you learn?\u201d are good questions. Work them into the conversation rather than making it sound like an interview. Frankly, you want this person to buy into the fact that you are trusting her with your precious project. Seriously.<\/p>\n
\nBuild trust by first taking a small project to be framed. All too often, I see stitchers who only use a professional for an elaborate project that took months, if not a year or more to complete. Not a good idea, unless you know for certain that people YOU trust have come to trust this framer.<\/p>\n
\nSo, you know you want an acid-free mounting board and acid-free mat. Or, if you are not using a mat, you know you want a spacer between the needlework and the glass. Give the framer a chance to tell you that this is their standard treatment for needlework. If it doesn\u2019t come up, ask a question: \u201cWhat do you use for mounting?\u201d rather than stating what you want. And if the answer is not acceptable, this is when I would leave the store. You should not have to tell a reliable framer to use acid-free products when framing needlework!<\/p>\n
\nIt is not a good sign if you say you want a traditional frame and something edgy is presented. It\u2019s not a good sign if you say you have a budget and the only choices presented are the big ticket styles. It is a good thing to say what you want and to have the framer show you things in that range as well as alternatives. You want a framer who has a good eye. He may see the piece in a new light that you find refreshing. However, it IS your project and you need to be sure you are making the decisions. It is not fair to say after the fact, \u201cWell, this isn\u2019t what I wanted but the framer said….\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIs it okay with you if the piece is sent off to another location? If not, ask if everything is done right there. Do you care how long the process will take? If not, ask. If the time it will take is longer than you find acceptable, ask if there is any way to shorten it. Maybe the frame you chose is a special order. Ask if there are moldings in stock or styles that she can get in less time than the one you chose. Do you absolutely want museum quality glass? Make sure it\u2019s available.<\/p>\n
\nIn this technologically advanced age, it\u2019s easy enough to take a photo of the molding and mats that are chosen at the time of your order. When you pick it up you can be sure it\u2019s what you ordered.<\/p>\n