Edition 26: The Lowdown on Frames
Sometimes what you're looking for just doesn't exist
Greetings, friends! And welcome to Caroline Finds It: my weekly newsletter where I reply to submissions from YOU for objects and products you need recommendations for.
This week’s edition is about accepting that sometimes the perfect thing you’re looking for might not exist. Sometimes good enough will have to do, or we have to take matters into our own hands and make the thing that we want. All of this calls into questions why we want the stuff that we want, and how we justify how far we’re willing to go to get it.
When it comes to deciding if I want to date someone, or if I want to be their friend, I look for two things when I visit their home for the first time: Do they have books? Do they have things hung on the walls? To me, these are basic requirements for any interesting person’s home, and a home without both is unacceptable, assuming the person has occupied it for more than 6 months. Anne in San Francisco is very invested in her home, and has a request that should, in theory, be easy:
“Simple, large statement wall frames. Why are they so expensive?! And surely there's a better option than IKEA, though I haven't found one.”
Dear Anne,
It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? That something so seemingly simple could be so hard to find. Part of the reason why large frames are expensive is because they’re, well, large, meaning more cost goes into materials and especially shipping. It’s as simple as that. Assuming the frames are glass, too, that’s added cost in materials and labor to ship them properly. In my opinion, it’s always worth it to take your time collecting wall things that you love and always worth the cost to frame them in a way that not only looks nice but also protects what’s inside. That said, not all things require such great care. When it comes to framing, I have a strict hierarchy. This is how it goes:
Tier 1: Local frame shop custom framing
This level is reserved for high value/sentimental things, especially ones that need really good UV protection. Also under this category: difficult to frame things, and odd-shaped things. My mom was a stickler about framing things properly in our house, and it was a common errand to hit up the framing gallery and wait around impatiently as she looked at different options and worked through measurements. If the thing you’re framing is something that you think you’ll keep forever, do yourself a favor is have it custom framed at a local framer you trust to guide you through the process.
Tier 2: Online Framer
By this, I mean Framebridge. I love Framebridge for important things that don’t require an enormous amount of choice when it comes to glass type, matting, the frame itself, etc. They’re a little less expensive than a traditional frame shop and make the whole process really easy. You choose what kind of frame you want, mail in the art or upload a photo, and it’s all mailed back to you in a couple of weeks. In some cities there are now physical locations to visit, too.
Tier 3: Readymade frames
This is the category we’re investigating today, and one that can be very frustrating. One thing I’d like to state is: if you’re going to use readymade frames, you have to accept that they’re probably going to look a little cheap. Plastic instead of glass, no hard wood, etc. In general, when dealing with cheap frames, I try to choose metal over wood because the laminate tends to peel over time. And how are the frames at Ikea so cheap? From an ethics perspective, it worries me and also makes me angry because it’s the standard that we now compare everything else to. If one option is significantly cheaper than all other options, there’s likely a reason, and it’s certainly not a good one.
Instead of recommending specific frames, I’m going to share a list of non-Ikea places to find them:
Frameiteasy.com
This website is amazing. You enter your exact dimensions and then choose the frame and matting and they send everything you need to you. The downside is that you have to assemble them yourself, but that’s where you’re saving — you’re doing the labor. It’s not hard though, and they’re made in the US, arrive quickly and look more expensive than they are. The vast majority of things in my shop were framed this way.
Other websites for large frames that cost less than $100:
Vossington - Modern profiles, not a ton of finish options
Postery.com - Fun colors to choose from!
Oppositewall.com - Lovely solid oak frames, and expensive-looking vintage styles
An art supply/craft store
You’re more likely to find good value here than you will at a home goods store. Blick, Michaels, Hobby Lobby — they all have frame sections with readymade frames in large sizes. While you’re at it, pick up some paint to DIY a few of them :)
The street
You think I’m kidding, but I’m not! Assuming San Francisco is the same as New York in that move-out day is pretty consistently the same each month, hit the streets towards the last weekend of the month to see what you can find! Don’t pay attention to the art, just look for good bones and be open-minded. You might be surprised by what you find. And if you live in a place that’s not a city, hit up some yard sales instead!
Thrift stores
The same goes here. Look at the frame not the art. You can often find someone else’s custom frames, and cutting open the back and replacing the art isn’t hard. Have the framing counter at your nearest art/craft supply store cut a fresh mat for you if you need it. Again, be open minded and be willing to take a can of spray paint to something if you like the size and shape but not the finish or color.
To everyone reading this: frames are expensive. They just are. Ikea has messed up our expectations and if you’re ready to get on the boat, let’s all vow to make more considered choices when selecting the things we care about and want to look at on our walls every day. Your home is your sanctuary! Take your time filling it, and fill it only with the things that make you feel the most like you! That’s the best kind of investment you can make.
QUICK ANSWER
Elizabeth in Brooklyn: “Your store used to carry (vintage?) deli style "Thank you" stickers - yellow with red graphics/font; had the price + net wt. etc. on them. (I have a few left and can send a picture if needed.) They used to be on a big roll and if possible I would love to buy a roll, but can't find it anywhere. Thanks so much in advance if this isn't a trade/your secret and you're willing to share!”
Aren’t those the coolest!? I saved some for myself and use them more than I thought I would. I acquired them from a vintage paper seller in Dallas named Birdie. She sold me lots of amazing product for my shop, and texted me a picture of those labels one day, asking if I wanted them. Obviously I replied “OMG YES! I’LL TAKE THEM ALL!”. I believe she got them at an estate sale. You can find Birdie’s insane collection of treasures via her Etsy shop. Unfortunately, these particular stickers are no longer available and impossible to find online, but I do know a couple of sites with TONS of deli/butcher/bakery labels to peruse. Check out Brenmar and Quipply. Enjoy this wild and wonderful rabbit hole! I especially love this one.
Another idea for you: do a high-res scan of the stickers you have left and have them made into a fresh roll. Sticker Giant is my favorite place for this. Choose the matte recycled paper option, trust me!
FAVORITE PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
The best thing my Nana ever gave me was a grippy rubber jar opener branded “Shipshewana Insurance Agency” that was, decades ago, a promotional item for the insurance agency my Papa worked for. I’ve been using it a lot this week as I’ve been brewing my own root beer (more on this in a future newsletter) and need to tighten and loosen jars often. I’ve used many promotional jar openers since then, and they are not all created equal! The closest thing to my jar opener that I know to still exist is the Handy Aid, which is Made in the USA, has a cute story and is available from Yuns. Gift it to your favorite pickle-eater, or kitchen alchemist!
Is there a product you’re looking for? Submit your request here. See you next week for a SPECIAL EDITION all about holiday cards! Please submit your card-related inquiries before EOD Sunday. xo Caroline