Framing Window Cards

[fenwic]

I have a small collection of window cards and have a few questions about framing them. I've searched and read through a few threads but didn't see an existing discussion that fit. Apologies if I missed anything.

Where do you get your frames? I'm very interested in Triton Gallery's wood frames. Does anyone have an opinion (and/or photos)? They look good, but before I shell out $45 a pop, I'd like to have more information. (I don't live in NYC, or I'd check them out in person.)

I visited http://www.hollywoodposterframes.com and http://www.wholesaleposterframes.com, and they look fine, but I'd really like wood frames.

I've also looked at custom framing at chain stores and local shops, but that seems to be the priciest way to go.

Speaking of which, what about acid-free backing and uv-protection? Is it a must? Obviously, we want to preserve our window cards, but we also want to pay rent and eat, so I'm wondering what most collectors here do?

Thanks in advance! I enjoyed the "Show us your Broadway poster wall" thread (https://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.php?thread=1012488) and hope to have a similar wall someday :)

[ryandl15]

Hello. Several of the window cards I have are framed in frames from playbillstore.com. They fit the window cards perfectly. Most of the ones that I own, however, I simply purchased frames (16x24) from Michael's. With these, they are a little bigger than the 14x22 window card itself, but I like having the white background sort of 'frame' the poster itself within the frame, if that makes sense haha. Michael's normally has good deals on frames, sometimes even buy one, get one free.

Hope that helps!

[xoffender45]

I second ryandl15's comments. All of my window cards are in Michael's frames. Cheap, and attractive. Like my ex.

[fenwic]

Oh! I forgot about playbillstore.com, thank you. But do you prefer the frames from Michael's? I considered matting my window cards, so I think I understand the appeal of the extra bit of white background, and it's certainly less expensive than custom framing. But speaking of playbillstore.com, do you happen to have any of their Playbill frames? I don't know if I want to frame any of mine, but I'm curious about the frames...

Thanks for your reply!

[fenwic]

Hee, thanks for your reply, xoffender45 :) I did go to Michael's, but went straight to custom framing. I'll go back and check out the 16x24 frames. Thanks!

[Bettyboy72]

The best bet is the Playbill frames or if you get a 70% off custom framing coupon from Michaels or Jo-Anns, I'd go that route. They do amazing work.

Sticking windows cards in oversized frames without a proper matte often looks very cheap and tacky in my opinion. If you want to display them handsomely as decor, get frames that fit them properly.

[Eris0303]

Michaels has specials on framing fairly frequently - just keep your eyes open for them. I've had all my windowcards done at Michaels and will continue to bring them business in the future.

[fenwic]

@Bettyboy72 Ah, I live pretty close to a Jo-Ann's store. I didn't realize they do custom framing, thank you so much for the lead :)

[fenwic]

@Eris0303 Thanks so much for posting a pic, that's gorgeous! I've been thinking about doing something similar with Macbeth (Trafalgar Studios). Do you go the whole preservation route (acid-free backing and uv-filtered glass)?

[Bettyboy72]

I frame all of mine similar to Eris @ Jo-Anns. They do great work and the women who work there all know me. To keep costs down, just choose a simple frame you like, no matte and regular glass.

The cost goes up if you use a matte (and they charge for each opening cut in the matte-for example Eris has two opening, one for the poster and one for the ticket- and they charge more for non-reflective museum glass.

[fenwic]

@Bettyboy72 I've checked Jo-Ann's website (and YouTube channel) and am excited to go down there and price them out. There's a coupon (and they accept competitor coupons, too!), so I assume I'll get the best available price. I plan to keep it straightforward for most of my wee collection. Only the Macbeth will get the super-custom treatment :) Thanks again for the lead!

[inception]

I just had this done at Michael's. I got double matting and the anti-glare glass so even with the coupon it was pricey (over $200), but I am happy with how it turned out. I don't have a big collection otherwise I wouldn't get a lot done this way. I really like the way the ticket was put in the frame on the pic above, and might consider that if I were to get another framed in the future.

[Eris0303]

No, I did the regular paper/glass. Even without it was still $200+ w/ a coupon

[Marianne2]

AC Moore also does custom framing, if you have one near you. Very often they have a 60% off coupon for framing in their ads that are in the Sunday newspapers.

[trentsketch]

I used to work in custom framing. If you want to protect and display windowcards, you're going to have to get a mat to keep them off the glass or plastic in front of the frame. They will stick because of the moisture in the atmosphere sooner or later, making them impossible to remove without damaging them.

What you can do at a store like Michaels is use a coupon to buy a larger frame then you need and ask the framing counter to order a custom mat so it fits the frame. A single mat will come with conservation quality backing board and everything will be assembled for you. I don't know if they added an assembly fee or not in the past few years.

If you're willing to spend a little extra money, the custom metal frames in the chain stores are surprisingly good quality and very cheap compared to wood and composite options. Glass will be the most expensive part but then you'll have better proportions for the window card. The wood frames are very poor quality, as a rule, which is why they push you to get the much better quality inserts/linen liners so your framed item isn't wrecked by cheap stain and glue.

Never use the chain stores unless they're having a sale on framing and always read the fine print to see what the requirements are. A few times a year, you can even just get a mat for 50% off. Most of the time, the discounts require molding and glass.

If you just go with the poster frames or ready made wood frames, make sure you have a coupon, as well. The overhead on those is sky high because they order in bulk. Wait for the weeks where the 15/20/25% off all frames can stack with a 25/40/50% off an item/your total order including sales items. That happens every few weeks (because they can take the loss and still make money).

Eris, that is a gorgeous mount for that window card. Do you ask for the same employee every time? I wouldn't risk my order with anyone else if that's what one person was willing to design for me.

[jonartdesigns]

although they aren't wood quadro frames does sell relatively wallet friendly 14x22 frames the price used to be better but still, 60 bucks for 4 frames isn't too shabby

[Melissa25]

So glad to discuss this topic and hear what others are doing. I have always spent the money on customized frames with mats at Michaels and have always been happy.

[IMG]

[IMG]

I always wait for the 60% off coupons and even with those a framed/matted window card is around $140.

[veronicamae]

I frame mine all the same - in an off-the-shelf 18x24 flat black frame with a custom mat from Michael's. I couldn't find 16x24 frames when I started this project - would have preferred it to be even on all sides, but I'm 7 posters deep into it now so I'm not going to start over. lol

On a couple of them, I used embellishments, but got too lazy to continue this. Eventually I'll get new mats for these two to do away with it altogether. And if I could figure out how to post more than one photo, I would do that.

http://instagram.com/p/gysqw-v-D3/
http://instagram.com/p/fdPKt1P-Fa/

[broadwayboy924]

I recently framed my first window card for my first apartment. I went to Aaron Brothers which is notoriously expensive for framing, but also known for doing amazing work. I simply couldn't afford $200+ right now, so I saw a frame on their shelf I liked and framed it myself carefully. $28 and 15 minutes later, I was very happy with the result :))

[saulssweetie]

I love seeing window card collections. Mine are all over the place, many just stacked away in storage sadly. I generally buy frames from Triton, but seeing all the ones with matting is definitely making me reconsider.

Melissa25, I love yours!

[Melissa25]

Thanks saulssweetie! Please post some of yours I would love to see them.

My newest addition is Venus in Fur. I loved this play and especially Nina's performance. Quite sexy.

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[saulssweetie]

^^I'm a little in love with all of your window cards. The mattes are gorgeous.

[Melissa25]

^^I like yours and am especially jealous of the "Amour" window card. I really regret missing that show. Thanks for sharing!