You are decorating.
You have found the perfect piece of unframed artwork for your space.
Now it is time to entrust your artwork to a custom picture framer.
Not only is this step important to protect and preserve your work but, if not framed aesthetically correctly, the whole feel and look of your piece can get lost in the design.
So how do you decide on the right custom picture framer for the job? Let me tell you about my Big Blue Purse experience...
While shopping in a big box store one day I came across a purse with the exact look I had been searching months for: oversized, double handled, faux blue crocodile skin and only $29.
99.
What a find! I used that big blue purse for three weeks and then noticed one strap was ripping.
No problem.
I will just get it professionally repaired.
I was advised that all the straps were starting to detach.
Gluing was not an option.
Re-stitching the straps would cost $60.
Unfortunately because the purse was plastic, the extra stitching holes would compromise the structure.
The repair shop could not guarantee it would last another three weeks even with the repairs.
So the big blue purse sat unused for weeks until I finally gave in and placed it where it belonged...
the garbage! Sometimes you get what you pay for.
Visually the purse was what I wanted but I also needed it to be useful for longer than a few weeks.
I would have gladly paid more for that purse, if only it would have met all my needs.
And so it is with Custom Picture Framing.
Sometimes you may think you are getting a bargain but in the end you are not getting exactly what you need.
Frames may be of lesser quality materials, scratch easily or are easily broken at the corners.
Matting choices may be limited and geared more to keeping expenses down than making your artwork look as unique as you would like.
Do not get me wrong, sometimes inexpensive is what you need, but...

• Sometimes you need an experienced custom framing designer who knows how to protect your artwork from damage and ensure its longevity.
  
• Sometimes you need an experienced custom framing designer who is not going to sell you outdated designs or materials.
  A framer who takes an active interest in emerging design trends not only in home decor but also in the fashion industry.
  Colour and design trends are seen on the runway long before they reach furniture and accessory industries.
  
• Sometimes you need an experienced custom framing designer who takes time to listen and understand your needs.
  A framer who knows how to inject your personality into the framing design to create a "wow" factor without overwhelming or underwhelming your artwork.
  

The design process is a critical part of the whole "custom design" experience, otherwise you might as well just do it yourself using ready-made materials.
To keep costs down, top-notch framing designers are not always found in bargain or chain stores.
So do not let cost be your sole decision making factor.
Ask the following of your custom picture framer:

• Do they guarantee both workmanship and design?
• Do they have several years experience and an active interest in education?
• Do they have examples of their own designs that show an eye for detail?

Next time you are thinking about custom picture framing think about my Big Blue Purse and remember: Sometimes it is worth paying more to get what you really need!