the framing library | frameworks northwest

Understanding the design process behind custom framing. 

If you’ve never had something custom framed before, it can feel intimidating.

You might be wondering:

• What if I don’t know what I’m doing?
• Are there too many choices?
• Is it going to be expensive?
• What if I pick the wrong thing?

First — take a breath.

You don’t need to know anything before you walk into our Port Townsend frame shop.

You bring the art. We’ll take care of the rest.

Custom framing should never feel overwhelming.

At Frameworks Northwest, we work with you to choose the ideal frame, mat, glass, and overall design — always making sure the choices highlight the artwork, not overpower it.

We carry over 2,000 frame mouldings and 900 mat choices.

You won’t be sorting through them alone.

We narrow it down to a few strong options and build the design right in front of you. You’ll see it come together. You’ll know when it feels right.

That’s how professional framing is done.

Every piece we frame includes 99% UV-protective glass — that’s our baseline, not an upgrade.

From there, we help you choose the right level of clarity and glare reduction based on where the piece will hang.

Because we take both craftsmanship and preservation seriously. 

Our team invests 40–60 hours every year in professional education and industry training. We stay current on conservation techniques, materials, and best practices so your artwork isn’t just beautiful — it’s properly protected.

That’s simply the standard we hold ourselves to.

Custom framing is not a mass-produced product. Each project is designed specifically for the artwork, the space where it will hang, and the materials needed to protect and present it properly. 

The cost of framing depends on several factors — the frame moulding selected, mat design, glass options, and the materials required to preserve and support the artwork.

In our workshop, every project is measured, designed, built, and finished by hand. We work with conservation-quality materials designed to protect artwork for decades.

Good framing does more than surround artwork with a border. It protects the piece, presents it beautifully, and ensures it can be enjoyed for generations.

Many clients bring us pieces that are meaningful — family photographs, original artwork, textiles, or objects with personal history. Our role is to help design a frame that respects that importance and preserves it properly.

People come to Frameworks Northwest for a reason.

They trust that we’ll take the time to design something that truly works for the piece.

Here at Frameworks Northwest, custom art and picture framing isn’t about being overwhelmed by thousands of choices.

No — it’s about preserving something that matters to you.

• A family photograph
• A watercolor from a trip
• A concert poster
• A child's drawing

The choices are simply tools.

The purpose is preservation, presentation, and respect for the piece.

If you’ve been hesitating, bring it in. We’ll walk through it together.