About Custom Framing
With custom framing, every single element from frame profile, mat board, backing board, tape, mounting method, glass choice, etc, are completely catered to you and the piece you bring in for framing.
We use quality materials and proper techniques, and as a result our skilled team will create a frame that, if looked after, will be around (and looking great) for decades not years.
During your consultation with us, we will find a perfect balance between what you love the look of and what suits your home, whilst also properly enhancing and protecting of your artwork.
Your budget is always part of the conversation too, and we’ll go through a range of options until we find the perfect choice.
A little bit about our frame range
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Supporting Local Businesses
Every sample we have on the wall is purchased via local businesses, whether they are sourcing supplies from all over the wold on our behalf, or manufacturing right here at home.
It is a relatively small market for this kind of material in NZ, so much of it is imported, but we have a Christchurch based manufacturer specialising in Picture Framing Moulding, who no only provides many finished profiles, but a lot of raw bases that we can add our own spin to.
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Solid Wood
99% of what we use are solid wood frames; and all from sustainable plantation forest. Solid wood frames are a big part of why our frames last such a long time.
We also offer Nielsen aluminium frames; and sometimes use MDF to create round and oval frames which are difficult and expensive to create from solid wood.
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Imported Ornates
Elaborate and detailed mouldings require significant scale to be economical. They therefore are not made locally. We have ranges from Spain and Italy, as well as the USA and many parts of Asia.
We have a wide but curated range of options to choose from to ensure you’re picking from the best on offer.
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Hand Finished in Italy - The Bellini Range
The most incredible collection of frame profiles come from Bellini, a company who specialise in hand finished frame profile, as opposed to machine finished like majority of our range.
The Bellini range just has something special about it, with many of the most classic and unique samples we have on display.
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Over 1000 Samples to Choose From
We have put a lot of work over the years into curating a range that is both vast but carefully hand selected by us to ensure the best of the best options are available.
We have a mix of things we use every day, and unique things that may be used only once a year, that all together creates an interesting selection for you to choose from.
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Looking for something we don't have?
Our wall isn’t the end of the options available. If you’re looking for something specific, we’re happy to bring options in from our suppliers that we don’t have on display in the showroom. We have access to their full catalogue, so if you’re after a certain look, or trying to match something, we’ll do what we can to hunt it down.
The Framing Process
From consultation to production
If you’ve never framed anything before, the process can seem confusing or daunting, but we promise it isn’t. Our team has decades of picture framing experience, and helping customers make the best decisions for their artwork is a core aspect of that.
We will ensure that you leave feeling as though you have made a fully informed decision on every step of the process. We are more than happy to explain how every part of the process works, and why custom framing can truly make all the difference for your artwork, but maybe the below will help give you an idea before you start!
The Consultation
A strong consultation process should be a conversation; a balance of listening to the client, asking questions, and expert guidance.
Every frame that goes through to production is thoughtfully selected, with your preferences, space and the artwork in mind. From the technical elements of construction and protection, to the aesthetic, we want you to know exactly what is involved so there are absolutely zero surprises.
There are a lot of choices, between the frame, boards, glass, and construction, but we will guide you through all of it, making sure the options are the perfect combo for you and your artwork.
Ask as many questions as you want! We love talking about the technical side of what we do, and are very happy to explain the process, and pros and cons of different products, and general framing and conservation principles.
Once you’ve finalised the options, it is over to the team!
The Production Phase
Once you leave, your artwork is stored safely until the team can start production work. Details discussed during the consultation are noted on the job sheet, and orders for stock placed where necessary.
The work starts in set up, where mat boards are cut, artwork is mounted, and everything is measured precisely. Once the artwork is set up, and the exact dimension noted on the job sheet, the mounted work goes to the finishing area, and the frame is made.
We are meticulous when it comes to crafting the frame to ensure every frame that leaves is up to our standards. If we wouldn’t be happy with it on our own walls, we are not letting it leave the building. Things like blemishes in the finish, or warping timber, are all things we look out for and cut around.
The glue holding the frame corners together needs to set, and once it has everything is put together. The artwork is fitted to the frame, ensuring the right glass and hardware is included, and there is no offending spots of dust!
The back is then taped, the hangers attached, and you contacted to say you can come by and collect your finished piece!
Upon collection, we will show you how it looks to make sure you are 100% happy with how everything looks. If you’re ever unhappy with anything in the frame, we will always make it right, just let us know.
Get In Touch
If you have any questions, or would like an indication of cost, please reach out. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.