A framed photo can be the ultimate gift for a family member, a close friend or a colleague. It is special and personal. Whether it shows a loved one, a holiday or a favourite artwork, a framed photograph can take someone's breath away.
A frame doesn't have to be a period piece or an antique to have personal value. You can make any frame personal with a touch of your own, perhaps to mark a birthday, a christening or a wedding. Here are a handful of ideas.
Write a personal message on the back
We usually send a gift with a handwritten card. Instead, write your message on the frame itself. The backing board is a good place. It is more personal than a card, and it can stay hidden as a sentiment that only you and the recipient know about for years to come.
You can write on a backing board with pen, marker or pencil. If you use pen or ink, check first that it doesn't bleed or show through.
Write on the mat board
A mat board, or mount, is the card that sits between the frame and the artwork and gives it a finished look. A personal message on the mount takes a gift to the next level.
Use a pen that won't fade. In our experience pigment ink is the best bet. Ballpoints and many other pens use dye ink, which bleeds into the board. To be certain, use a gel pen or any pen labelled "pigment".
Add a lick of paint
Buying a frame in one colour doesn't mean you can't change it. Paint brings any frame to life:
- Add meaningful words around the frame.
- Paint shapes on it.
- Use stencils.
- Use painter's tape to make geometric shapes and patterns.
- Blend colours for an ombre effect.
If you're not sure how to paint a picture frame, phone us or drop us a line on social media and we'll be happy to help.
Don't leave the frame empty
If you give a frame as a gift, put something in it, even temporarily: a handwritten note, a magazine clipping, a postcard or a child's drawing. It shows the frame off properly and gives the recipient an idea of how it will look with a photograph or artwork inside.
Use the frame to present the real gift
A frame is a lovely gift on its own, but it doesn't have to be the main one. Use it to show off something else. If you are giving tickets to a favourite band's concert, for example, present them in a frame instead of an envelope. It makes far more of an impact.
Need help choosing a frame for a gift? Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@EasyFrame.co.uk. We'll always chat, even if you don't want to buy.