Going To The MAT-tresses
I’ve always loved the term ‘go to the mattresses’. But it has nothing to do with today’s chitchat. No one’s embroiled in a turf war here. It’s just that I’ll probably never have another chance to use it so…consider it done. Now, to the business at hand—
When it comes to framing precious artworks, MATS are important. And for a number of very good reasons. Not only do they protect your art from prolonged contact with the frame and glass, they also enhance your overall display with additional color and, if you like, texture. A single mat is standard fare and double mats are a step beyond but a TRIPLE mat is the ultimate indulgence. The Godiva chocolates of art framing.
You can pick up your mat colors from color within the art. Add texture with boards that are heavily stamped or woven. Go all out with boards wrapped in silk, satin or linen. Or add additional strips of wood between the boards for a truly luxurious touch. Make it as simple or as intricate as the art allows.
My favorite place to frame newly purchased art and prints is The Great Frame Up. With locations across the country, consider yourself blessed if there’s one near you. Framing your art yourself is a wonderful hands-on experience. Unfortunately that option isn’t available at every location. But you can still spend hours with the crew selecting mat colors and frame styles. There are 100′s to choose from. 1000′s of combinations. So be prepared for a gloriously long day. There’s so much to look at and so many ways to go.
Purchase a FASHION+ART print, grab a tasteful and trusted friend and make a day of it. Share the experience of art! That’s what friends are for.
See you in The Gallery.
entryway image from the lovely ladies at Interior Philosophy in Atlanta, GA.
Options Reign Supreme
Last time, we talked about having limited wall space. Today let’s talk about the opposite. Having all the wall space in the world. Perhaps you opt for a minimalist look. It’s an admirable choice. But when you go that route you must remember that each piece of furniture, each piece of art, each table accessory must be selected with great care. Every single item makes it’s own statement. And the beauty in today’s world of interior design is the freedom of that statement, no matter the decor.
You would expect just the style of art that’s on display in the image above from Sweden’s Skona Hem magazine. A traditional portrait painting falls safely within the confines of a room featuring delicate antique furnishings. Nana’s sitting room, perhaps? One lump or two in your tea?
But in the second image, we take a different tact with STATE IT IN BLACK from the Pure Fashion Collection. While maintaining the feeling of elegance, we now have a new vibe entirely. A master couturier’s salon—The House of Dior, circa 1960— where the champagne flowed like rain and customers were treated to personal fittings and private fashion shows. In the first image, I hear Chopin and Mozart. But below, Dinah Washington is wailing What a Difference a Day Makes. Change the art, change the mood. It’s so easy. But it packs one heckuva punch!
It works, don’t you agree? But how can you go wrong with a gilded frame and haute couture fashion? It’s THE answer for almost any decor. And now that the prints of FASHION+ART are available unframed, the choice is yours! So join us in The Gallery where your options reign supreme.
Icing On The Cake
Have you ever purchased a piece of art, brought it home and found yourself at a loss on where, exactly, to hang it? Perhaps the dilemma is a lack of space? Or you’re certain that one more nail in the wall will bring the entire house down. So what do you do? Toss the art in a closet and forget about it? Girl, please. Create a scene instead! Not the kind that will land you behind bars but with a few knick knacks and a bit of fabric, a still life scene that makes your friends go, “oooooh, now why didn’t I think of that?”
The point is to beautify your surroundings and display your artistic good taste. For who? Why darling…for you! The envy of your friends is just icing—sweet icing—on the cake.
DOUBLES ONE is from the PURE FASHION COLLECTION and now available in The Gallery—unframed! Join us.
Show Us What You’ve Got, Pro!
Is your business card the absolute bomb? Does it win raves every time you hand it out? Well show us why! Like our FASHION+ART Facebook page, join our event SHOW US YOUR BUSINESS CARD, and post your card for a chance to win!
How do you win? Get the most likes! Tell your friends. Your family. If you get the most likes—you win!
And what do you win? The FASHION+ART note card collection OF YOUR CHOICE!
So like our page and join the event. Show us what you’ve got. The contest ends on October 3. Get busy!
A Big Shot of Boldness
The simpler the art, the more elaborate the frame.
That’s my first rule of thumb when it comes to displaying art. And what’s simpler than a pencil sketch? Clean. Unencumbered. Devoid of color. All focus is on the line work and how it curves and flows across the page. But framing a pencil sketch needs a big shot of boldness. Or it gets lost in the room. So frame it ’til it screams. Frame it ’til it shouts! HEY! HEY YOU OVER THERE! Look at me!
STATE IT IN BLACK, BOWLICIOUS and JACKIE are right in their element here. Perched above the delicate Catherine daybed, with a gorgeous backdrop of SAVILLE wallpaper from Graham & Brown, it’s layer upon layer of pure elegance. Click on the image for a closer look. Sometimes a lack of color speaks louder than every shade in the rainbow. Can you picture this trio in your place? I can. How about right over there…?
Keep in mind now, every FASHION+ART print is available not only unframed but at a brand new price. So join us in The Gallery. Enter one of our collections. You’ll see the difference in more ways than one.
FASHION+ART—Unchained & Unframed!
There are many who say that change is good. And while I’m usually a stubborn traditionalist, desperately clinging to a things’ original form and purpose, I must agree. Change is indeed good sometimes. And this is one of those times.
Phillip and I have moved to sultry Savannah, Georgia. And I really like it. But fate has stepped in and determined that we reconfigure our original product, the FASHION+ART print. Simply put, our big, beautiful mat cutter is buried deep in the bowels of our storage space. And there’s no way to get to it!
So rather than shut down the operation completely (are you mad???) we’ve come up with the next best thing. Our FASHION+ART prints are now available WITHOUT the mat and frame. Finally. (for those of you who always wanted it that way.) Offered in one perfect size, 13″ x 19″, our new prints range in price from 60.00 – 95.00.
So here’s your chance to score the piece you’ve had your eye on forever. And at a brand new price. That is, until we unearth the mat cutter ha-ha.
The prints are now on display unframed in The Gallery. Your options have just multiplied, darling! So spread the word and take full advantage.
The FASHION+ART Gallery is open—
Eliminate the Clutter
When the weather is warm, eliminating clutter opens the room wide and breathes fresh new air into your space. Your choice of art can enhance the mood of the season. KISS ME, WINDY and BOWLICIOUS says “It’s summer” in such a big way. A chair, a plant, a cocktail and you are set.
Join us in The Gallery where it’s always cool—
