Frame your Digital pictures online

" Smart Framer"The SMARTER and FASTER way to Frame

FrameCo has developed "Smart Framer" an online Digital picture framing design tool so you can see your artwork, needlework, or photographs all framed online. Learn how to match colours, and see how different size of mats and frames change the look of your pictures digitally.

• Choose from over 100 mouldings and 80 mat colors.
• Learn how to match colours of mats and frames
• Take digital photo's of your needlework, watercolours and artwork, then frame them all online.
• The moulding and your picture are scaled proportionally - What you see is what you get.
• Smart Framer features a "cropping" tool so that you can change the size of your pictures.
• Order your selected moulding and mat boards online.

The best method to clamp a Picture Frame

The best method to clamp a picture frame ready for joining is with a strap clamp. But the strap has to be made from metal strapping. Packageing tape clamps are not strong enough to hold the frame whilst joining.
You always should use a v-nail to join picture frames..and the reason is that v-nailing is easier than any other method. Glue alone is usually not strong or stable enough.
If you are joining useing a PushMaster, and the timber is hard then tap the end of the PushMaster with a hammer..but unless you are holding the frame firmly then the frame corners will collapse..so a strong clamp is essential.
Hobby picture framers need plenty of help. We are usually cutting our frames with a mitre saw so the corners are not as good as a professional guillotine cut. So before we join the whole frame, it is an advantage to see all the corners lined up together BEFORE you join the frame. With the FrameCo strap clamp you can do that. Strong metal band with an excellent tightening method for pulling up the strap really tightly . And you get to see all the corners before joining

Picture Framing as a small business

Every day one of our customers tells us their story about how they have turned their hobby of picture framing into a profitable small business. As the investment in a range of FrameCo framing tools is minimal, it's easy to get started and make the hobby pay for itself, or have the framing support your principal business. Michelle is a member of the AFPS -Amateur Picture Framers Society- and here is her storey.
..." I started framing in order to support our photography business but it has since evolved into a thriving small business... from home, all of its own. I found when I started that the time & the materials made the product seem expensive, however I soon learnt that people are prepared to pay for individual, high quality product and service. So I am focusing on this and trying to make ourselves stand out from the crowd. It is important to distinguish ourselves from the mass produced frames in shops or quick frame shops that we have, as it is a completely different market. I love my hobby and the flexibibility and creativity that it gives me, it is a far cry from my previous work in social care". Michelle - UK

FrameCo UK Newsletter

Dear Framers

• Upcoming Exhibitions
• Free Training Courses
• Basics of Picture Framing Courses
• Amateur Picture Framers Society
  

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers a happy new year and hope you will all have a succesful and rewarding year ahead. The first part of 2006 is a busy time for us at FrameCo, attending many exhibtiions and offering new dates for training courses across the country. Below are details of exhibitions and courses taking place over the next couple of months.

Exhibitions

Visiting us at an exhibition is a great way to see our products and staff at first hand. We are always available for a demonstration on any of our tools or to offer any advise to our customers.

International Woodworking Alexander Palace - London Feb 17th - 19th
Focus on Imaging NEC, Birmingham Feb 26th - 1st March Stand No.L5
Hobbycrafts SECC, Glasgow - March 9th - 12th Stand No.B12
Woodworking Exhibition SECC, Glasgow - March 17th - 19th Stand No.68
Hobbycrafts NEC, Birmingham March 30th - April 2nd Stand No.B03

Free Training Courses

Having already held 5 free training sessions during October and November we are delighted to announce some new dates for 2006. These free sessions fill up really quickly so to register your place get onto our website and follow the link to workshop dates

www.clubframeco.com/workshop.php

Basics of Picture Framing Courses

Our 1 day course is a great starting point for anyone looking to start picture framing. We cover the basics of frame production, mount cutting and various fitting techniques. For further information please following the web link for workshop dates.

Wimborne, Dorset Friday 27th January
Aylesbury, Head Office Friday 3rd February
Stoke on Trent Friday 10th February
Guildford Friday 17th February
Aylesbury, Head Office Thursday 23rd February
Glasgow Tuesday 14th March
Edinburgh Wednesday 15th March
www.clubframeco.com/workshop.php

Book early to avoid dissapointment.....

Amateur Picture Framers Society - APFS

As a pioneer in the development of DIY framing tools and systems, FrameCo has sponsored the formation of the Amateur Picture Framers Society to foster the continued development of DIY Picture Framing.

Between the Framers Forum, the Frequent Framer Newsletter and the Free to download How To notes you will find all the frequently asked questions relating to picture framing answered on this site.

PLUS, you also get a discount on all items from the FrameCo catalogue and online sales. Check out the website today and take advantage of this great framers aid

www.amateurframers.com

Thank you for your continued custom and we hope to see you very soon.

Martine, Matthew and David.

FrameCo UK Team