Stockholm Framing & Fine Art Printing
We've expanded our print shop space and enhanced our moulding chop shop capabilities in Stockholm, WI. This location won't serve customers directly, but it will focus on printing and frame building production to support and supplement our main operations in Red Wing, MN. Everything is on wheels and is extremely flexible.
We now have a space that we can safely build oversized frames, spread out for large print projects and even begin to experiment with custom staining.
Welcome Alysa!
We are thrilled to announce that Alysa Toov has joined our Northfield location. With a working background in custom picture framing shops, Alysa has a keen understanding of design and frame construction and creates a warm and inviting design environment.
She is a thoughtful designer, dedicated to meeting the unique needs and preferences of her customers.
Alysa appreciates all forms of art and loves hearing the stories behind her customers' projects. She holds a Master's degree in art history from the University of St. Thomas.
In her spare time, Alysa enjoys hiking, playing tennis, fly fishing, and spending quality time with her family.
Clare Lorraine earns MCPF
‘Do no harm’ is a fundamental principle of the Professional Picture Framing Association (PPFA) accreditation process. This credo forms the basis for professional picture framing credentials and standards. Custom picture framing encompasses the preservation, protection, and presentation of art, artifacts, and documents.
There are 75 Master Certified Picture Framers (MCPF) worldwide, with the MCPF being the highest certification level within the PPFA. Framers are eligible to take the MCPF examination only after five years of professional experience, passing the Certified Picture Framer (CPF) exam, and being re-certified at least once. It’s an arduous journey.
In case you missed it, our very own Clare Lorraine earned her MCPF designation last October. Clare is dedicated to her profession and is a lifelong learner, so it's no surprise she pursued her MCPF. She also had the privilege of working under the guidance of another MCPF, Valerie Becker. Together, Clare and Valerie make a formidable team, and clients greatly appreciate having their expertise for design projects.
Pictured above: Elli Wollangk, MCPF (examiner), Clare Lorraine, MCPF and Robin Gentry, MCPF (examiner)
The framing milk run…
Five years ago, our plan was to implement a 'spoke and hub' framing and printing production and delivery model. However, the pandemic changed everything, and now we have adopted a dynamic 'milk run' production and delivery model.
Each shop location (Red Wing, MN. Rochester, MN, Northfield, MN and Stockholm, WI) now contributes to the overall operation, offering unique project capabilities based on specific requirements. While this requires highly flexible production scheduling, it has significantly reduced overhead expenses.
For small businesses, survival means being agile and adaptable, ready to roll with the punches.
New/old neon sign
Check out our new/old retro sign! This rebuilt 45-year-old beauty just came out of retirement. It was designed and built at Neo Neon Studios in Minneapolis and inspired by the iconic work of Tom Carnase, a renowned font designer from the 1960s to the 1970s, who was dubbed "the master of letterforms" by Idea magazine.
Tom Carnase has crafted some of the most unforgettable product lettering and logographic designs over the past 50 years, catering to a who's who of corporate clients, including Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Saks Fifth Avenue, Consumer Reports, Fortune magazine, L'eggs, and Avant Garde. He has designed hundreds of typefaces and has profoundly influenced an entire generation of graphic designers.
The font used for this sign belongs to the Burorama family, created in 1970, which beautifully blends the essence of flower power and art deco typography.
Big Turn Music Festival - 2024
The 2024 Big Turn Music Festival was a delightful throwback for us, with helium balloons, a neon sign ambiance, and amazing music spread across two nights of fun and festivities. It brought warmth and excitement to what would otherwise be some of the coldest, darkest, and slowest days of the year.
Little Free Art Gallery
Our very own Clare had an innovative idea (and execution) to activate the neighborhood: a Little Free Art Gallery! The concept is for local artists to share their work, donate art supplies, or simply showcase their creativity for the benefit of the entire community.
The Gallery is located just outside our shop, right next to the sidewalk! Come visit and contribute!