Spring Clean Up – Do it Now!

With the snow finally gone, it gives most of us great pleasure to swing open the doors and windows and let in the fresh air and sunshine. Spring represents a time for growth, renewal and new beginnings. But before that new growth can occur, we need to rid ourselves of the old. Consequently spring cleaning, both indoors and out, is required.

Sports Memorabilia ~ A Great Collector & Decorating Idea

Canadians are huge sports fans:  hockey, soccer, baseball, football, Nascar, golf, volleyball, basketball, bowling, etc.  Many of us are diehard fans of a particular professional team – the Leafs, Jays, Raptors, Tigers, Red Wings, Galaxy, Canadiens, Celtics.

When we attend live sporting events, we often want to remember these unforgettable moments.   

What is the Best Artwork for Your Cottage?

Trends indicate that summer homes and cottages are fast becoming one of the most popular real estate investments.  As the babyboomer generation ages, they are looking at cottages as future retirement homes or sound investments.  They also may have inherited the family cottage from aging or deceased parents.

Thank You for 25 Years of Patronage! Creative Art & Frame is Closing.

After over 25 years of business in the Masonville area of London, Creative Art & Frame will be starting their going out of business sale on Wed, Mar 13th at 9:30 am with discounts of 30% and more on custom picture framing and 50% and more on framed artwork. 

Print, Print or Print? What is a “Print” Anyway?

When purchasing art, the word “print” is often used to describe works on paper.  “Print” is used when referring to posters, fine art reproductions, limited edition reproductions, the giclée printing process, canvas transfers and original prints. This begs the question: what is a print?  If you think that the whole issue is confusing, you are right.  So let’s create some clarity so that you, as a consumer, will be more knowledgeable in your print purchasing.

Christmas Giving with a Conscience

Four Seasons of Golf: ‘Sunningdale’ ~ Shaun McGill

As crazy as the malls may be and as easy as it is to shop on line, as I prepare to do my own Christmas shopping, I consider my personal values.  There is a poster in the front window of Creative Art & Frame which says, “Thank you for supporting local, independent Canadian business”.  As much as I can, that is what I plan on doing.

Framed Art: The Perfect Christmas Gift

Framed Medals of Honour

With Christmas right around the corner, you may want to consider a framed piece of art for your favourite loved one.  Does your Christmas list include your parents, grandparents, spouse or significant other, children of differing ages, and special friends?

Consider the likes and interests of each person and your budget.  Framed pictures do not need to be expensive, but if you are looking for something very special, the sky is pretty much the limit.

Framing Works of Art on Paper: Why Use Mats?

1920s Collage

Works on paper are the most common popular form of art. These include: reproductions, limited edition prints, watercolours, pastels, acrylics and photographs. Works on paper require specific framing techniques to protect them from the environment and to ensure their longevity.  This article will focus on the purpose of matting and the different types of mats including: mat designs and mat cuts.

Why Use Mats?

Mats have three main purposes:

1. To prevent the art from touching the frame’s glass. It is important to have an “air space” between the artwork and the glass, otherwise moisture or condensation may build up and cause mildew or foxing to occur. Photos will often stick to the glass if a mat is not used.
2. For aesthetic purposes.  Mats come in a wide variety of styles, colours and types.  Well-designed mat combinations highlight the artwork and help focus the eye of the viewer on it.
3. For conservation purposes.  Acid-free materials are used to protect artwork that is irreplaceable, or has a potential monetary or sentimental value.

Putting the “Fun” in Fundraising

Many people are personally involved in fundraising, whether it is for their child’s minor hockey team, the PTA or a place of worship.  Others volunteer for a number of worthy causes: hospitals, the arts, social services agencies, the United Way or a variety of health-related organizations ~ cancer, diabetes, heart & stroke, etc.

Often these volunteer positions require working with staff development officers to raise funds for new equipment, programs, capital spending or operations.  One thing is certain, with government cutbacks and increases in demand for services, fundraising is more competitive then ever.  So the question remains ~ what can I do to generate additional revenue for my charity of choice?

Artwork on Canvas: What is it and How is it Framed?

A tour of any museum or art gallery makes it perfectly obvious that for centuries artists have been painting on canvas, primarily with oils and more recently acrylics. With today’s technology, reproductions are also available on canvas.  This is often confusing and may cause uncertainty about what is actually being purchased and its possible future value.

What is a Canvas Transfer?

Most reproductions can now be put on canvas.  The procedure involves applying a lamination film on the face of the reproduction, stripping the paper off the back and then mounting the image directly onto the canvas.  This technique has many advantages especially with larger reproductions.  Canvas transfers have:

• A canvas texture
• No glass
• No mats
• An Ultra-violet film which helps prevent fading and has a non-glare image
• The ability to be wiped down with a damp cloth

The canvas transfer technique is a good option for traditional or contemporary pieces that originally were painted onto canvas because it creates a more “authentic” appearance.