Thank you so much for collecting a print! These have been professionally photographed and printed on archival quality cotton rag paper, right around the corner from my studio! My printer and I have a great partnership and we are so thankful for your support.

Now for the fun part – framing! I love this process, especially when I get to stop in my local framer’s shop. It’s really fun to see all the different frame materials, color options, as well as mat board colors. Frames really are an extension of the artwork and a custom frame can help all styles of artwork fit seamlessly into any space.

 In order to protect these prints in the long term, I recommend having them framed as soon as possible since acid containing materials (such as cardboard) can cause them to yellow over time. If you are not able to frame your print promptly, I recommend at least removing it from the cardboard packaging, and if received in a tube, lying it flat with some clean pieces of paper over the image and laying heavy books on top to safely flatten it while you wait.

Framing Considerations:

Mat vs. No Mat: A mat allows the artwork some room to breathe, standout and take up some more room on your wall, but depending on your space, taste and vision this is completely your preference!

UV Protection: It’s great when you can find affordable frames, but if you spent a lot of money on your print and want it to last for years to come (and you plan to hang it in direct sunlight) I recommend making sure your glass has UV protection. Local framers and mail in framers will provide this, but Ikea for instance is not UV protected. Check the description for the frame and it should tell you if it comes with UV protected glass.

Framing a Canvas Print: Canvas prints don’t necessarily require a frame, they come with reflected edges which means the sides of the canvas are printed on as a continuation of the painting. They also arrive ready to hang. However, many of my collectors frame their canvas prints! I think a frame makes it even harder to distinguish between an original and a print, they look really sharp. My favorite way to frame a canvas print is using a simple wooden float frame. The frames you’ve seen me use on my site and social media are all unfinished maple wood floater frames. Any local framer could help you frame these and show you other finish options as well. If you prefer to use an online company like Framebridge, you can mail in your work and purchase one of these frames.

My favorite frame sources to choose from include:

(1)      Local Framer (McMillen’s and Fusion are great options if you’re local to Traverse City!) This is a more expensive option, but really allows you to customize your artwork to perfectly complement your space.

(2)      Mail in custom framing service: www.framebridge.com and www.simplyframed.com are two high quality options and reasonably priced.

(3)      Higher end ready-made frames: Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, West Elm

(4)      Budget friendly ready-made frames: Target, Blick Art Supply, Ikea, Michaels, JoAnn Fabrics

(5)      Vintage finds: I love going thrifting to find unique frames – you can take these to your local framer to have glass and wire replaced if they are empty when found and have them cut a custom mat size if needed.

Please feel free to email me at hello@katherinecorden.com with any questions!