Although there’s some debate over the etiquette of regifting, recycling is a no-brainer at our house. My wife and I are parents of a Gen Z teenager who has had “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” drilled into her brain throughout her young life. So when I ordered a frame to showcase a photo of said teenager, I was impressed with the super secure packaging. And my wife was excited to extend the life of the “festive” (her word) green bubblewrap.
First-Time FD Experience
As a freelance commercial photographer, I rarely frame my professional work because I deliver it digitally to my clients. Honestly, most of my photos of our family are stuck in digital limbo. But since our daughter is a senior in high school this year, we wanted to frame one of our favorite shots of her.
I had heard good things about Frame Destination, and so I ordered a custom frame [Wood Frame Profile 792 in Marshmallow White with Crescent 8Ply RagMat Museum in White and Anti-Reflective Water White-ArtGlass AR70] to showcase a 5x7 photo of our offspring. Here is how the frame arrived at our doorstep. The packaging fits perfectly in the box, with no room to slide around.
Bubbling Over
I counted four layers of bubble wrap encasing the frame. My wife quickly started calculating how many Christmas presents she could mail to out-of-state family using the bubble wrap. For example, the small gift box below (a flat glass ornament for our niece), took just half of one sheet of bubble wrap. I wanted to throw in some red confetti, but our niece’s mom hates vacuuming and would have killed us, lol.
Professional Application
While my spouse was in gift-wrapping mode, it got me thinking. Like I said, I don’t do much framing. If you’re a professional photographer or artist who does, you could reuse the bubble wrap any time of year for shipping art to clients or to galleries. My wife wasn’t super precise with the scissors. But you could take more care to cut the bubble wrap in straight lines and seal it with clear packing tape so it looks fairly seamless when the client or gallery owner opens the box.
One for the Walls
Here’s how the final piece came out. I’m very happy with the high quality of the frame and how nicely it complements this photo my all-grown-up girl. My wife is equally happy that we have some more of my work on our walls.
That’s a Wrap
Frame Destination, you’ve got some new fans in North Carolina. Keep up the good work, and I’ll work on displaying more of my original photography around the house.
Last Updated October 18, 2021
Although there’s some debate over the etiquette of regifting, recycling is a no-brainer at our house. My wife and I are parents of a Gen Z teenager who has had “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” drilled into her brain throughout her young life. So when I ordered a frame to showcase a photo of said teenager, I […]
It’s a big internet. And the holiday season is hectic enough without gift-buying stress. First we’ll share our top selects for the artists and photographers in your life. Then we’ll add some ideas for that DIYer neighbor, or the cousin who isn’t an artist per se, but sure appreciates a creative gift. Of course, when you land on something you like, be sure to share the link with loved ones whose list you’re on.
For the Artist on Your List
642 Things To Draw
Talk about thinking outside the sketchbook. This guided art journal invites you to try your hand at drawing everything from robots to rolling pins, pickles to kisses. A mix of simple and conceptual prompts will inspire the artist in your life, including yourself. Buy here.
Artist Canvas Apron
Brushes, paint tubes, and pencils, oh my! Where to stash them all within reach? This rugged waxed-canvas apron has a generous 16 pockets to load up with painting paraphernalia. It even wraps fully around, protecting your back side from inadvertent artistry. Buy here.
Hand-Made Leather Paint Brush Roll
The ability to carry art supplies effortlessly is appreciated, especially with the resurgence of plein air painting. We love this waxed leather paint brush roll for its vintage look and manual saddle-stitching. Buy here.
Artist Sweatshirt
Who can argue with this simple, colorful message? It could be just the inspiration your artist pal needs while keeping warm this winter. Pre-shrunk 50% cotton/50% polyester has a classic fit with double-needle stitching. Buy here.
For the Photographer on Your List
Fotografiska NYC Admission
This museum might just be the holy land for photographers. Founded in Stockholm to showcase the world’s best imagery in an approachable way, the iconic NYC location houses five floors of exhibits, cultural events, plus wining and dining on site. As the website invites, “Have fun. Stay late. Get deep. Spill your drink.” Buy here.
Camera Harness
As photographers know, a typical camera strap takes a toll on your neck after a while. That’s why we appreciate this harness, which distributes camera weight, adds stabilization, and has two small pockets to boot. The quick-release buckles make it quick and easy to attach and detach the camera body. Choose from six designs. Buy here.
Camera Lens Coffee Mug
A fun, clever gift is always welcome. But when you can throw in practicality and quality, you’ve got the perfect aromatic blend of gift-giving. This mug features a screw-on lid that won’t spill, a retractable slide opening for easy sipping, and a stainless-steel lining to keep java hot or iced coffee chilled. Buy here.
Photographer Hoodie
Flaunt your talent to freeze time while staying toasty warm. Hand-warmer pockets are always a bonus. Cotton/poly ratio depends on the color you choose: black, navy, royal blue, dark heather, or heather grey. Buy here.
For the DIY/Creative Aficionado on Your List
3D Printing Pen
For the creative person who has everything, wrap up something they never saw coming. This basic 3D pen is a user-friendly entrance into the world of 3D art. Make custom items like coasters and bookends — or anything your imagination inspires. Buy here.
Felt Succulents Kit
No green thumb required for this gorgeous garden. Especially satisfying for those who love texture. Makes 18 felt plants. Buy here.
Hand Lettering 101
This introduction to calligraphy claims to be the world’s No. 1 best seller. We can understand why, given liberating instructions like, “dip your tails” and “throw in some loops.” There’s plenty of space to practice, and the spiral design lets your pages stay flat. Buy here.
Artful Phone Cases
“Electric Ocean, “Words of Affirmation,” “I’m a Mess,” and “Sun Palm” are just a few of the original designs for phone cases that make a statement while making you smile. Society6 is a global marketplace for independent artists and their creations of all kinds, from duvet covers to duffle bags. iPhone or Android sizes available. Buy here.
Frame Destination Favorites
Artie Leather Weight
Anyone who’s tried to hold down a print while mounting it for framing knows you can’t just grab random objects to do the job, or you risk scratching the print. Enter the Artie Leather Weight, featuring our famed panda mascot. Heavy enough to keep prints in place, but covered in soft, non-abrasive leather to protect the art. Priced low enough to buy a set of four, and cover every corner. Buy here.
Art Is Life Gift Card
We can’t help but sing the praises of our gift e-card. It’s delivered by email, so no gift wrapping required. Your recipients get to choose exactly what they want from our array of ready-made picture frames and other framing supplies. Plus, it’s a great add-on to the gift of original art: your recipient gets to choose how to frame it. Buy here.
For additional holiday gift ideas, see our 2020 list here.
Last updated September 22, 2021
It’s a big internet. And the holiday season is hectic enough without gift-buying stress. First we’ll share our top selects for the artists and photographers in your life. Then we’ll add some ideas for that DIYer neighbor, or the cousin who isn’t an artist per se, but sure appreciates a creative gift. Of course, when […]
As a panda bear who loves to climb trees — not all pandas can — I am mesmerized by Brenda Jiral’s paintings. Trees are a recurring theme in this fine artist’s most recent artwork, reminding her of strength, vitality, and her deeply rooted faith, as she shares on her website.
Firmly Planted, Freely Blooming
Brenda is not interested in painting a carbon-copy reproduction of landscapes and forests. Rather, she sees her work as an opportunity for the viewer to reflect and reconnect with nature. Although this Michigan-based artist creates much of her work in watercolor, she doesn’t call herself a purist — she embraces variety with opaque watercolors, gouache, acrylics, watercolor pencils, and other mediums. She’s even experimenting with tree-friendly mineral paper.
Framing Giants
The piece we feature above, titled “Mossy Giant,” is a 20”x10” watercolor and gouache on watercolor paper, mounted on a cradled wood panel and sealed with an acid-free wax sealer. The work is framed in Frame Destination Canvas Floater Frame F340 in a rich shade of Espresso. “The frame arrived in perfect shape and looks terrific with my art,” Brenda says. “It really complements the painting!” We couldn’t agree more.
See More of Brenda’s Work
You can peruse more of Brenda’s beautiful landscapes at BrendaJiral.com, Fine Art America, or in person or at Zeeland Art Gallery in Zeeland, Michigan. In my Q&A with Brenda below, learn about her art education, her trick for unblocking creativity, and her three favorite color names (two of which I can’t pronounce!).
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Brenda Jiral …
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
I began exploring art at a very young age. Once I discovered that I had the ability to draw, I couldn't get enough. In high school, I took every art class I could and pursued learning opportunities outside of school, at local colleges, and schools further away. I studied fine art in college, but put it "on a shelf" in order to get married and start a family. When my children were old enough, I dusted off my artistic ambitions and started taking classes at the local art center. Unfortunately, at the time, there were very little opportunities to continue my education. So I took it upon myself to learn any way I could. I checked out every painting book the library had to offer and watched countless YouTube videos, in an effort to learn more. I spent hours upon hours experimenting and practicing in order to teach myself what my education had lacked.
2. What role do you think the artist plays in society?
I believe that art enriches lives; not only those of the artists and collectors, but everyone exposed to it. It creates beauty, and beauty lifts the spirit of individuals and then society. In the words of Robert L. Lynch: ”The arts empower. The arts give a voice to the voiceless. The arts help transform American communities and … the result can be a better child, a better town, a better nation, and certainly a better world. Let’s champion our arts action heroes, emulate them and make our communities everything we want them to be.”
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
Be true to yourself. Don't create what you think people will buy or what seems popular at the moment. Create what makes your heart sing and people will be attracted to the genuine expression of it.
4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?
I have so many interests when it comes to art: different styles, mediums, subject matter, and techniques. I am most happy when I am experimenting with a new medium or technique. That mirrors my personality, as well. My tastes are eclectic in everything from food to house decor to music to art.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
I keep several art journals in my studio. When I am feeling blocked, I pull out one of my journals and play. I don't put pressure on myself to create a serious piece of art, the goal is to just enjoy the process, much like a child does. I find that practice frees me up and awakens new creativity and allows me to then move on to something more "serious."
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
My eyes and my mind.
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
I am working on a series of woodland scenes painted with watercolors on tree-friendly, mineral paper. I am having so much fun seeing how the paint flows and mingles on this new, paperless “paper.”
8. What is your favorite paint color name?
Oh gosh, how can I possibly choose just one? Since color is my favorite aspect of art, I am always finding new colors to explore. At the moment I can distill it down to three: Anthraquinoid Scarlet, Quinacridone Red and Cobalt Teal Blue.
All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.
Last Updated September 21, 2021
As a panda bear who loves to climb trees — not all pandas can — I am mesmerized by Brenda Jiral’s paintings. Trees are a recurring theme in this fine artist’s most recent artwork, reminding her of strength, vitality, and her deeply rooted faith, as she shares on her website. Firmly Planted, Freely Blooming Brenda […]
Over the summer, Frame Destination was a sponsor of the 15th annual Art In Bloom 2021, a fundraiser for the Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMCA) in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Flowers were the focal point of the event, and they were celebrated in floral arrangements, art exhibits, classes/workshops, and garden tours throughout the month of July.
I live in the Black Mountain area with my husband and Frame Destination co-owner, Mark Rogers, so I was able to take full advantage of all the activities. It was an extremely well-planned and executed event. BMCA’s director, Lori Cozzi, has an extensive background in arts education and academic management, and it showed in the careful attention to detail in all aspects of program. You can view the full schedule here.
Here are some of my favorite Art in Bloom highlights ...
Hands-on Classes with a Floral Focus
As part of Art In Bloom, BMCA hosted a three-week nature journaling workshop series taught by illustrator Stephanie Sipp. I participated in this enjoyable workshop, where Stephanie highlighted a different flower each week. The image below is from our dandelion class.
Floral Design Meets Fine Art
You’ve heard of wine and food pairings. Apply the same idea to nature and art, and you get a picture of the Preview Party hosted prior to the start of the garden tours. Artwork from various regional galleries were matched up with floral arrangements created by designers from the Ikebana (Japanese flower art) and Western traditions. This was a unique way to merge two artistic disciplines while encouraging people to think about the many forms of art. Below are two unique pairings from the preview party.
“Interior” by Fine Artist David Bryan with Floral Designer Sue Grier.
“It’s Not Just Black and White” by Fine Artist Bob Travers with Floral Designer Jan Braakman.
Garden Tours with Plein Air Artists
“En plein air” is a French phrase that loosely means putting brush to canvas “out in the open air” rather than in a studio. There were six incredible gardens featured on the tour with one or two plein air artists working at each one. My assigned garden stretched across three lots and contained winding rock paths, Japanese maples, sedum, and a variety of other seasonal flowers. I chose lightweight oil pastels as my medium due to their portability, which turned out to be a good choice as the garden was on a slope. The image below is the beginning of my painting; keep scrolling to see the final piece.
Plein Air Art Revealed
In the week following the garden tours, BMCA hosted a closing exhibit of artworks created in the gardens. There were over 20 beautiful images on display in both wet and dry art media, as well as photography. Participating artists had the option of a 50/50 commission split with BMCA or a donation to the center.
My finished garden tour artwork is on the right above. Before the event, I had ordered Frame Destination Profile 554 — a funky, distressed wood frame that complemented the abstract impressionist style of my painting. BMCA suggested naming our work so that it could be identified with each artist’s assigned garden. Since my garden location was Cottage Settings Lane, I named the art “Perfect Setting.” I don’t know if it was the art, the frame, or the title, but my plein air oil pastel sold!
Inspired to Participate in a Plein Air Event?
If you are interested in taking part in a live plein air painting event, I strongly encourage you to take that step. Here are a few helpful hints:
Choose your support and/or image size first and order any framing supplies in advance. For ideas on how to frame your art once it's ready for the spotlight, see our new options for plein air painters.
I had only four days to finish and frame my artwork before the gallery drop-off date. Frame Destination offers a rush service and express shipping if you find yourself in a real time crunch.
Pack for your health, safety, and comfort. Bring plenty of drinks, snacks, a chair or stool if you need one, and rain gear. A thunderstorm developed toward the end of my painting period and I was glad I had my jacket.
Bring business cards and be ready to talk about your work and yourself. People are curious about art and artists and will be taking your picture, looking over your shoulder, etc. I’m an introvert, so this part was harder for me than the thunderstorm. But I did manage to relax, meet new people, and have some fun!
Let go of performance anxiety. People know this is unfinished work and are curious about the creation process. If you are a newbie plein air artist, please don’t let anxiety stop you. Check out our blog on plein air painting for more information on plein air painting.
Sponsorships and Scholarships
Personally, I very much enjoyed Art in Bloom and was proud that Frame Destination could help sponsor it. It was a wonderful way to honor our Advocacy for Artists brand promise. In fact, here are a couple ways you may be able to take advantage of our promise in your local art community:
Event Sponsorships. In 2021, we have opportunities for art clubs to gain sponsorships and event giveaways ranging from $75 to $1000 per event. Frame Destination is committed to supporting art financially, wherever we can.
Art Scholarships. We’re offering a $500 Frame Destination Scholarship to four deserving candidates each year, two per semester. Applications are open to both undergrad and graduate students attending any accredited university within the United States.
If you’ve never been to North Carolina’s Black Mountains, the Art in Bloom event is the perfect excuse to visit this beautiful area. Maybe we’ll see you next summer!
Last Updated November 1, 2021
Over the summer, Frame Destination was a sponsor of the 15th annual Art In Bloom 2021, a fundraiser for the Black Mountain Center for the Arts (BMCA) in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Flowers were the focal point of the event, and they were celebrated in floral arrangements, art exhibits, classes/workshops, and garden tours throughout the […]
Plein air painters know the importance of dressing properly in preparation for Mother Nature’s fickle shifts in weather. Equally important is adorning your painting, once it’s complete, with the proper picture frame. With that in mind, Frame Destination has added a beautiful array of new frames perfect for plein air canvases.
Anatomy of Plein Air Picture Frames
As the co-owner of Frame Destination and a plein air painter myself, I had a genuine interest in helping select our six new frames. The three criteria I used were:
• Larger rabbet depths (at least half an inch) to accommodate canvases.
• Wider faces to give plein air painting an undeniable presence.
• Gold and other metallic tones that evoke plein air’s mid-19th century roots.
Six New Beauties
Frame Destination uses profile numbers to organize our frames. But really, numbers just won’t cut it when it comes to sharing the artistry of our latest plein air frames. So let’s take a peek at each one, and quickly mention why we love it.
The soft slope of this contemporary frame lures the viewer’s eye straight into your painting, while a high-gloss Gold, Silver, or Black finish is softened with visible brush strokes. It’s like saying “wow” in a whisper.
Dazzling detail, anyone? Slanting unexpectedly outward, this frame features a semi-gloss Black surface. The Antique Silver finish adds an elegant flair to the inner and outer edges.
An extra touch is extra special. The simple, contemporary lines of this frame mix wonderfully with antique finishes like Pewter, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The thin black lip overlapping your art adds a subtle glamour.
If you can’t get enough of the modern farmhouse look, this frame is for you. A tiered edge adds a soft curve inward toward your painting, with a lightly distressed finish in French Vanilla, French Grey, or Antique Black.
The gentle convex arc of this wide-faced frame lends dimensional interest, while the rich finishes in Smoke, Silver, Gold, or Bronze are lightly distressed to temper the glitz just a bit.
Drama-rama! Here’s another reverse-sloped frame, but with more contemporary lines than Profile 723. Organic scratch-work adds realism to the Charcoal or Bronze finish without taking away from the striking beauty.
Well, there you have it: Our latest collection of plein air picture frames. Let us know how else Frame Destination can help stoke the fires of your plein air obsession.
Last Updated August 25, 2021
Plein air painters know the importance of dressing properly in preparation for Mother Nature’s fickle shifts in weather. Equally important is adorning your painting, once it’s complete, with the proper picture frame. With that in mind, Frame Destination has added a beautiful array of new frames perfect for plein air canvases. Anatomy of Plein Air […]
If Jen Sterling had any doubts about the decision to sell her company and pursue fine art full time, this surely was confirmation: Art Folio Annual named her among “the world’s most exciting artists” in 2021.
Nothing Vanilla Here
The self-taught abstract artist from Annapolis, Maryland, started her career as a graphic designer. Most recently she was “Founder and Chief Red Head” of Red Thinking, a brand strategy/design firm that she sold to her employees. Color played a huge part of her branding work, and is equally prevalent in her fine art. Although a painting coach once told her she needed more neutrals in her work, she retorted, “I am not neutral!”
Colors, Layers, and Textures
“City Lights in the Rain,” featured above, reflects the direction that much of Jen’s work is going as she experiments in-depth with colors, layers, and textures. The 30x30 acrylic on canvas is framed in our Canvas Floater Frame F120. “I’m a super fan of both the Frame Destination float frames and the [GalleryPouch™] storage envelopes,” Jen says. “The simplicity of the frames lets my work shine. The storage envelopes allow me to preserve that shine between shows and on the way to the buyer.”
See More of Jen’s Work
You can find a gallery of Jen’s paintings on her website, on Facebook (where you may also encounter “art boots” and bullet journals for sale), and Instagram. In my Q&A with Jen, discover details about how she made the leap from corporate world to art world, what pulls her out of a creative block, and her favorite color name (hint: she made it up).
Now for Artie’s Eight Q&A with Jen Sterling …
1. What is your background; how did you get started?
Abstract expressionist. Colorist. Entrepreneur. Wife. Mother. Color has always had a profound influence on my state of mind. For 30 years I worked in corporate branding and color almost always played a pivotal role in the brand systems I developed for my clients. In 2020, I sold my last company and transitioned to being a full-time artist. Some of the paintings I create come out of me in just a few hours, fully-formed and ready to blast onto my canvas. In some instances, the art is built slowly over several weeks and layers until it has developed just the right feeling; it evolves into something I did not visualize prior to beginning. Some of my favorite pieces are those that develop over time. They begin with a seed of an idea or a fragment of an image that pops into my head. Slowly, form and motion start to creep in and energy bubbles up. I get more and more excited about what is happening, and that excitement gets translated through my brushstrokes onto the canvas. The goal of my work is to inspire energy and excitement from within — to empower the viewer to do something bold. My paintings are not meant to be “vanilla” or just match your couch. These images are meant to make you feel strong and powerful, to help you feel the excitement I had in creating it, and to burst into your morning with a zing or invigorate your senses after a long day. Ideally, my art reminds you that life is for feeling, stretching, and living. I graduated from George Washington University earning a BA in Visual Communications with a minor in Psychology. I live with my husband, daughter, and our “furry children” in Annapolis, Maryland.
2. What role do you think the artist plays in society?
Each artist can choose their role(s). Some will record history, some will make a statement or push an agenda. Some will “color inside the lines” and some will push boundaries and break rules to make society grow or change. Some choose to make an impact across an entire society, others choose to move a small niche audience. Regardless of the specific role, I feel strongly that a society can not survive without artists. Artists are the bubbles in the champagne that bring awareness, feelings, and knowledge to the surface.
3. What has been a formative experience or the best advice you’ve received within your career?
I maintain a forum (a group of friends/advisors) that I meet with regularly. We discuss business, family, and personal topics. During one of our quarterly meetings, I was expressing my extreme unhappiness in my then-situation at work. They walked me through a visioning exercise that made this clear to me: Not only was I meant to pursue my art, but it wasn't something I had to wait until retirement to do. There was a path right in front of me and they helped me to take the first step. The next 24 months was a whirlwind as I sold my company and set up my art business. I will never forget that day or what they did for me.
4. What ways does your work reflect your personality?
Color. LOTS of bold and joyful color. I am driven to use it, wear it, and splash it anywhere I can. It has such a fundamental impact on my mood and I use it as a tool to help others feel the same power.
5. Creative blocks, do you get them? If so, how do you overcome them?
ABSOLUTELY. Different solutions work at different times. I may dig into books or social media accounts of artists I admire for inspiration. Other times I start by closing my eyes and just making marks on a canvas. Then I have something to react to and build upon.
6. What is your most indispensable tool? (Not counting the obvious, like paints, brushes, canvas, camera, etc.)
Assuming you would also exclude my Mac and iPhone, I would have to say books. I am an avid reader and researcher. Being able to reference works that inspire me, stories that keep me going strong when I am feeling low or at a loss, examples of other artists' work, and sometimes completely unrelated topics that may trigger a random idea that eventually finds its way into my work.
7. Do you have a new project you are working on, or a new passionate idea?
I have spent the past month building a business and marketing strategy for my art. I really spent a lot of time on the left side of my brain. This month I am working through ideas for a new series of work. I have a one-man show scheduled for this fall and I am determined to make a splash with a powerful presentation.
8. What is your favorite paint color name?
It is one I made up: ”squished bug green." It certainly brings a certain color right to your mind, doesn't it? 😉
All artwork and/or photographs used in this post are subject to copyright held by the featured artist.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT? Simply respond to the questionnaire here to apply to be included in an upcoming Artie’s Eight Spotlight.
Last Updated September 01, 2021
If Jen Sterling had any doubts about the decision to sell her company and pursue fine art full time, this surely was confirmation: Art Folio Annual named her among “the world’s most exciting artists” in 2021. Nothing Vanilla Here The self-taught abstract artist from Annapolis, Maryland, started her career as a graphic designer. Most recently […]