Holiday Gifts of Framing Art and Pictures

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(ARA) - The stores are packed every year around this time with people looking for the perfect gift for that special someone in their life. But how much of an impression is that serving platter, sweater or bottle of wine going to make?

"Not much of one," says Paula Piper of Walnut Creek, Calif. "The best present for someone you really care about is one that's personalized. " Piper has been giving her husband, her kids and even herself personalized presents for years.

Each time a holiday, birthday or other special event rolls around, Piper presents her family members with another custom-framed treasure. "We recently moved into a new home and as a special present to myself and my family, I had portraits of each child custom framed. They're now hanging up in the hallway leading to my kids' bedrooms. Thanks to the presentation, they look more like works of art than photographs."

"That's the beauty of custom framing," says Kim Ahern of the Art and Framing Council. "It exponentially enhances the beauty of a piece by allowing you to showcase the photograph, painting, collectible or memorabilia that's important to you. Custom framing makes whatever you frame uniquely yours and preserves it for years to come. It then becomes a family heirloom."

Ahern also points out that custom framing lends itself well to matters of the heart. Sentimental things like wedding invitations, wine labels and roses can be preserved and given to loved ones to commemorate special occasions. When holidays and birthdays loom, your custom-framed pieces make great one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends. Just be sure to get your items to your framer at least two weeks before you need them, she adds.

One of Piper's favorite framed photos in her home is a picture she took of her 9-year-old daughter. "Cydney is a competitive gymnast and we took a precious photo of her doing a split in a field of grass and flowers. I had the image matted in shades of purple to bring out the purple flowers, and behind the conservation glass, it really pops."

When Piper's family puts up this year's Christmas decorations, among them will be a custom-framed shadow box featuring artwork her daughter did in kindergarten. "I had a piece of canvas she had painted along with a sketch she had done of a candy cane framed with matting all around it," says Piper. "When she grows up and has kids of her own some day, I'm sure it will be precious to her."

Ahern has a beloved heirloom of her own, a custom framed collection of antique Christmas ornaments that once belonged to her mother and grandmother. "I had them custom framed so I don't have to worry about them getting broken," she says.

Piper feels that "contrary to popular belief, custom framing isn't really all that expensive. " A good framer will work within your budget and there are many different options. "I take advantage of specials at my local frame shop and don't spend much more than I would have for a really nice store-bought frame."

But, she concludes, "The difference in price is really meaningless when you see the end result."

To learn more about custom framing, log on to the Art & Framing Council's Web site, www.artandframingcouncil.org and click on the section, "For the Public. "

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