Look to the attic for ‘frame-able’ treasures

By themselves, they’re merely objects: old photos, christening gowns, calling cards or notes, many of them stored away in an attic or underneath a bed. Yet stacked in those boxes is the potential for more than just a memory —- all you need is a frame.

“There are so many objects people have that evoke memories of their heritage, and that in and of itself can become a work of art,” says Steve McKenzie, president and CEO of Larson-Juhl, a high-end frame manufacturer.

At Larson-Juhl’s Norcross headquarters, McKenzie demonstrates how a person need look no further than a hope chest or the attic for stylish wall art. Aged jewelry purchased in a Moroccan market shines against a smoky blue linen matting. A bride’s lace gloves add charm to a wedding photo. A child’s painting smacks more of Jackson Pollock than primary school when paired with a bold mat and ornate gold frame.

“Those become heirlooms that will last forever and become tomorrow’s antiques,” he explains as he matches the items with complementary frames.

Of course, proper presentation and preservation is key to keeping them in pristine condition.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite has shadowboxes in its patient spaces professionally assembled for a variety of reasons, says Natalie Owens, senior interior designer.

“Aesthetics and preservation are considered, but safety is our primary concern,” she says, explaining that they go to pros so that each piece is framed with Plexiglass and special hardware to ensure it won’t fall off the wall. The hospital is decorated with everything from school-themed collages and donated objects (such as a guitar signed by Garth Brooks) to artwork made by young patients.

“I think the kids really love to see their artwork on the walls,” she explains. “It makes them feel special and it makes it their space.”

Those Children’s Healthcare pieces are framed by Caroline Budd of Caroline Budd Picture Framing in Atlanta, who, with 30 years of experience, knows exactly why some projects are best left to the pros. Clients often come to her to fix their homemade shadowboxes containing items damaged from glue, tape and other fastening materials.

“Hot gluing stuff down is not the way to do it,” Budd warns. (She adds that if people insist on framing their important artwork at home, they should use copies to avoide damage to originals.)

Museum-quality framing —- often hand-sewn onto backing —- allows objects to be removed at any time without fear of damage. If Budd must use a glue, she creates a dissolvable substance from cooked rice or wheat flour.

“Every single christening gown we’ve ever done can be [safely removed], worn and put back in the box,” Budd adds.

Of course, professional framing is considerably more expensive than a DIY craft project; some custom projects can cost several hundred dollars or more. McKenzie and Budd explain that the cost is due to the time-consuming nature of building frames to exact specifications, the work in properly mounting and preserving the objects and the quality of the frame itself.

“It’s a piece of furniture. It’s not something you’ll just put up this season or for a year,” Budd says. “It’s like a chair, but has so much more in it that is emotionally gripping.”

FRAMING 101

Tips from Larson-Juhl’s Steve McKenzie …

1. Take stock of what personal objects merit preservation and could tell a story in a frame. Start wherever you’ve got your junk stored: your basement, attic or box under your bed. Ask yourself: “What’s important to me?”

2. Think of your style. Do you like simple or ornate? Traditional or modern? For family photos, however, consider using a traditional frame for a timeless look.

3. Do you have a place in mind where it will hang? If so, think about the colors in that room and whether you might rotate the piece throughout the home.

4. If your art has a busy background, try a large neutral mat to help focus the eye and declutter the visual space.

5. If it is contemporary art, consider balancing with a traditional frame, or vice-versa.

6. If doing multiple pieces, such as family photos, unify them with the same mat or frame.

7. If the item could fade, use UV-protection glass.

8. Before committing to a framer, ask to see samples of his or her work to ensure the quality matches your needs and taste.