Larson-Juhl Interactive Frame Designer

This new interactive tool from Larson-Juhl allows you to see how a completed frame design will look before the framing begins.

Here are some screen shots to give you a better idea about how this feature works.

First you upload your art and here you choose your mat.

In this step you can try out different frames.

Here you can choose the wall color to see how it will look in your home.

Please note there is a mention of registration but I was able to use this without having to register so don’t let that stop you.

Using this state-of-the-art design tool, you can create and view frame designs for thousands of pieces of art. Once you are happy with your design, you can print it or email it to bayframes@att.net or send it to a client. Give it a try. It’s fun!
You can upload an image of your own or choose from over 3,500 images in the Larson–Juhl library.

At Bay frames we have a large selection of Larson-Juhl frame mouldings. Visit Bay Frames to purchase your design or allow our expert consultants to guide you.

To try this very useful tool just click on the following link: Larson-Juhl

Getting a Price Quote on the Phone:

When you call a professional picture framer there is some basic information that will help them give you a more accurate price quote by phone.

When calling for a quote, here is the information they will need, with a more detailed explanation below:

1. Size of artwork.
2. Type of art (poster, textile, canvas, photograph, original art, etc.).
3. General idea of width and color of frame you’d like.
4. Mats around the art or not.
5. Glass or Plexiglas

Size of Artwork: Measure the height and width.  This helps determine the amount of materials your art will require.

Type of Art: Each type of artwork has different material and labor   requirements.

1. Posters – Most requested frame is a simple black.  Most posters are framed without mats, though that is an option.  If a mat is not used, there will need to be narrow spacers used between the glass and the art so they don’t touch.
2. Textiles – This includes sports jerseys, silk embroideries, and needlepoint, anything that is made with fabric.  These require mounting onto a backing board and extra care.
3. Canvas – This requires stretching on bars or mounting on a board.
4. Photograph – These require either a mat board or spacers so the glass and photo don’t touch.
5. Original art or limited edition art with a high value – These require conservation materials in the matting, backing board and a glass with light protective features.
6. Objects – these require a deeper frame (called a “shadowbox”) and extra labor to secure them.

Frame Style:

1. Frames are available in all colors, widths and prices.  Let your framer know if you want economy or average or higher end for price quotation purposes
2. Width of frame becomes a factor on larger pictures.  A framer can put a skinny frame on a large job, but they will need to reinforce it, so there’s actually little price savings over a wider frame that is strong enough for the larger size art.

Matting:

1. Mats are often used to give the art a “finished” look, or to add size, or to add color to the framed presentation.  Mats also serve the purpose of keeping the glass off the art.
2. When matting, there is a top, wider mat and often another thin mat that shows on the inside edges.

Glass (sometimes referred to as “Glazing”):

1. Most art requires the glass to protect it.  The exceptions are oil paintings and some textiles.
2. There are options with glass, including non-glare, UV protected, and a combination of both.  Plexiglas is recommended for large framed art and also comes with similar options.

For Fast, Friendly, Affordable Framing visit our website: BAY FRAMES.COM

Join Larson-Juhl President & CEO, Steve McKenzie and Jamie McPherson of Hearth & Home Interiors as they discuss the power of custom framing. Great art can “make” a home, so learn from the experts on how they select art and framing for a room.

(less info)

“To increase the life and enjoyment of your print or photograph and to save money in the future on conservation treatments, you should invest in appropriate preservation matting and framing. Reviewing the following information and then interviewing the framer regarding the procedures and materials will help you decide.

What is preservation matting and framing?
It is the appropriate housing to display the intrinsic beauty and interest of an object, while prolonging its life by securing the object in a mechanically and chemically stable environment. It minimizes the problems caused by deterioration of the components of the object itself and other problems introduced by environmental factors such as air pollution, heat, light, and humidity.

What should I look for in a frame shop?
There is a growing awareness of preservation issues in the field of matting and framing. Indiscriminate use of terms such as “preservation quality” and “archival quality” can be misleading. However, there are established specifications for materials, and standards for procedures. Make sure the frame shop you select follows them. The field of Preservation is constantly evolving. Be an educated consumer by keeping abreast of new developments in the preservation techniques and materials used in this field.

What materials and techniques should be used for mats?
A mat is made of a series of components, as shown in this diagram. The mat must be constructed to fit the object. Objects should not be folded or cut to fit a mat/frame package. “

For more information on Preservation Framing  click on the following link to The Library of Congress.

“Bay Frames is a fabulous place and they employ the most talented and friendly people. I have been taking photos, art, etc. there for years. Liz at the front counter has become my go-to-gal. I put my object on the counter, she tilts her head, squints her eyes, says “humm” and when we are done I pick up the most amazing framed piece of art that my friends and family cannot believe didn’t come from a high priced San Francisco Gallery. And if you don’t have any art to frame you can buy artwork from their corner room. Check them out; you won’t believe how reasonably priced Bay Frames is and what a treasure you found in Fremont.” lana p.

“This place was a great alternative to the box stores like Michaels or Joannes.  They had a large selection of frames and competitive pricing.

I walked in at 4:30 knowing I’d need to make things quick since closing time was at 5.  Never once did Garret rush me through any decisions.  He was helpful with picking out mattes and frames and was an all around nice guy.

I’d go back to this place for sure.  Great selection of frames, good prices, and nice workers.  And of course… my newly framed pictures look awesome!”

tina c., Fremont, CA

Yelp Reviewer