Framerica Corp. Blog

Texture: Why we like to touch.

Corinne Renner — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 21:00:00 GMT

There’s something irresistible about texture… we love to touch! It’s instinctive, and born in us. An infant first explores the world through touch and, as adults we still enjoy the pleasures of touch—the softness of skin, the smoothness of velvet, the sleekness of a dog’s coat. We react on an emotional level to texture, just as we do to color, hence the importance of texture in art and design.

And here’s an interesting wrinkle on how we react to texture, both real and imagined. Did you know that tactile sensations associated with touch can result from interactions with actual texture and illusions of texture?

Texture is unique among the art elements in that it involves two sensory processes: touch and sight. You see an illusion of texture—and feel it. With your eyes tight shut, you feel texture, and in your imagination, see it.

Different textures elicit different emotional and/or intellectual responses. Here are a few examples to consider in a design context:

Satin feels smooth to the touch and gives an air of elegance.
Leather is associated with masculinity, sometimes success in the corporate world, or “living free” as with bikers.
Embossing adds stateliness to its surroundings.
Metallics, when shiny, add glamour, and when aged, a feeling of strength and timelessness.
Linen is smart and feminine, evoking summertime.
A hard texture, such as wood, is associated with ruggedness and the outdoors.

In visual design, especially in framing treatments, texture can be used for a variety of purposes:

Texture has the ability to attract and hold attention.
Texture can be used to highlight portions of an image, such as a rugged mountain reflected in a deep-grained wood moulding.
Texture can add to the perceived value of a piece by addressing the two senses of sight and touch.

Framerica is a recognized expert on combining texture with styles of moulding. This leading supplier offers a wide variety of textured mouldings such as Black Carbon Fiber™, Executive Leather™, Barnwood™ and many more. So consider adding that extra sensory dimension to your next framing project!

COLOR: Framing as self-expression

Corinne Renner — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:57:00 GMT

Color: A Reflection of the Economy, Mood of the Country… Your Business?

The other day, when I looked at the popular colors in clothing, cars, home décor—I surprised myself with a realization. A similar pattern flows through these three industries… that of color as a mirror of our collective mood in America today. By color, I don’t mean one prevalent hue, but the bright, strong splashes of color with underlying mute tones, and their many variations. To me, these reflect our conflicting feelings of pride in our country tempered with fear and uncertainty in the economy, jobs, and personal income. As I processed all this, I began to see that we can “paint” a picture of ourselves, and even our business, in the mood we want to project. Frameshops, where it’s all about color and style, have the power to really make a statement.

Consider what these colors convey:

Black: Power and authority, sophistication and timeless elegance.
Silver: A clean, intelligent image that mirrors technological advances in modern life.
Brown: Durability and credibility, as well as homely and comfortable, are positive messages given by the use of brown.
White: Simplicity and cleanliness. White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything.

The art and memorabilia we hang on our walls paints a picture of who we are through our choice of framing. Framerica, leading moulding manufacturer, shops multiple industries to find the trends and make them relevant to the art and framing industry. With ever-popular black, it has added texture to create Carbon Fiber^TM and sophistication for Scratched Black^TM. With silver, it has added antiquity to produce Aged Steel^TM that perfectly compliments popular artwork today.

Stay on top of the trends and try new products!

The Power of New...

Corinne Renner — Wed, 30 May 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Do you ever look around and wonder what it is that gives that successful retailer down the road an edge? Most likely the answer is: Keeping a Fresh Look. Now that may sound simple, but in this fickle economy, it is not. The decision to invest in “the new” takes courage, foresight, and above all confidence that you are a good business person, know your clientele and the market. The “new” is not just good business, it’s really important.

Here’s why:

New is exciting
New shows you are investing in your business.
New makes you look successful.
New gives you a reason to reach out to people…

and something to talk about.
New gives you something to promote.
New excites your staff and customers.

Adding new products breeds an air of success in a picture framing store. Moulding supplier Framerica knows this well. It believes that design never stops. This year it has released 100 new framing designs already, with more to come; last year it launched 150. It’s all about the psychology of “the new.” We’re all into it. You walk into a major retail store and are immediately drawn to “the new.” It’s exciting, it’s inspiring, and oh so tempting. Very likely you will buy. That’s the Power of New.

Spring Looks Great for Picture Moulding Sales!

Corinne Renner — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:08:00 GMT

The best forecast in a long time that relates to the picture framing business has just caught my attention.

So are you ready for a surge in framing sales?

The forecast is from IBM experts who cite a number of important trends that are bolstering home furnishing sales:

• The concept of “accessorizing” is moving from the apparel market to home furnishings as many homeowners during the past few years have decided to stay put rather than move.

• Homes are getting smaller, compelling consumers to “resize” their furnishings to accommodate smaller spaces.

• Disposable income is rising as more people go back to work.

• Rental activity is increasing.

The way I see it, we’re all tired of skimping and saving. It’s time to break that cycle and bring positivity back into our lives with a fresh new look in our homes. There so much exciting new product out there to accessorize with.

At the recent West Coast Art and Frame show, Framerica - a trend leader in moulding design, released Aged Steel, Carbon Fiber and Scratched Black. They were show-stoppers, and I’m sure will appeal to your customers because they perfectly accent today’s trends in home décor. It’s the perfect moment for custom framers to re-hang their frameshops with the “New,” and promote… promote… promote.

When Made in America actually matters.

Corinne Renner — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT

The very notion of “Made in America” - at least from a marketing standpoint - is altruistic and born of national pride…a sort of “tug on the heart strings” between a proud manufacturer and hopefully, a willing customer. But it’s very real in terms of what it stands for: job creation, quality, value, ingenuity…

There is a certain “head held high” feeling that accompanies “Made in America,” and that feeling is embedded and embraced by American manufacturers, including Framerica. But while manufacturing or purchasing products that are “Made in the USA” may instill a bit of pride, no one will do it lest there is some real benefit.

Framerica understands that. It utilizes the flag in its marketing and practically screams patriotism with its corporate name but expects no one to make a buying decision based on it. It realizes that its products need to be better and more efficient than imported alternatives. They must be on the cutting edge of design, arrive to market “just-in-time,” and be of better comparable value. Perhaps of equal importance, they must be consistently of the best quality; and be innovative and timely. Only with all of these things in place can “Made in the USA” truly matter.

Ornament Frames - Add-On Sale

Corinne Renner — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:00:00 GMT

The benefits of “point-of-purchase” add-on sales whereby a customer enters your store for one thing (i.e. to pick up a completed piece or to have one done) but sees a useful and affordable item and takes that too is an integral component to adding to your bottom line.

It can help increase profits (especially when you utilize scrap moulding, glass, prints, etc.) and is a great way to show off your creativity. The concept is real, works in almost every industry, and is perhaps more important now than ever before. With today’s economic conditions the most difficult part will inevitably be getting consumers into your store. Once there, why not take every opportunity to add dollars to the sale by offering a framed accessory.

During holiday season many consider sprucing up their Christmas trees, mantles, etc. to ring in the season. Ornaments – which adorn every tree – provide a personal expression and taste for your customers in much the same way as a custom frame job. With some small scrap moulding, a small piece of glass or plexi and some turn buckles or flexi-points, you can provide a perfect counter point item. A family photo can be inserted into the magnificent small frame and hung on the tree by its pre-strung ribbon. It’ll undoubtedly capture a reasonable price point, boosting profits and keeping your store at the forefront of your customers mind each and every December.

Unique Photo Frames - Add-On Sales

Corinne Renner — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:00:00 GMT

In these difficult times there remains one ever shining bright spot in the lives of most: their families. Families will always generate lasting memories; and those memories will continue to be immortalized within the custom picture frames that the craftspeople of our industry make so well. In the following issues we will explore the opportunities that present themselves in your stores by way of families; the subtle and unusual marketing concepts and those more obvious things that you’re more likely to experience weekly.

Like picture frames, families are timeless. Perhaps now more then ever they deserve our attention just a little bit more.

January is typically a “clean up” month, or at least a chance to catch one’s breath. Your bins may be busting with scrap inventory and perhaps you’re not quite sure what to do with it. Luckily December is a great month for family memories. The holidays are a wonderful time, as families come together to celebrate and “everyone” brings a camera. Many of those new snap shots tell a story that should not be forgotten, and most certainly should not be put in an imported, “cookie-cutter” photo frame. That scrap moulding is the perfect opportunity to create “custom” photo frames with your store’s own style.

There are even more things to offer.

• PRINT PHOTOS IN-HOUSE FOR CUSTOMERS... Perhaps you have a small photo printer at your disposal. Suggest that your customers bring in a camera card so that you can help select the perfect candid – which you can print on site.

• ADD-ON COORDINATING PHOTO FRAMES TO A SALE... Or maybe you choose to market these special photo frames as an add-on item for those that came in to pick up a piece and just can’t help but take one of your affordable photo frames as well.

• FREE MATCHING PHOTO FRAME WITH PURCHASE OFFER... Since your cost-of-materials will likely be very low, perhaps you could offer one for free with any custom framed wedding portrait of a certain size or price. There are endless possibilities when it comes to “family framing.” Custom photo frames are a great way to get started.

Framing For The Family - Children's Walls

Corinne Renner — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:45:00 GMT

Have your customers ever included their children in the framing process?

It can be surprising, especially when you see them become excited and involved in the selection. And while encouraging their creativity is a good thing, their young tastes may not quite blend with the home décor. But their own creativity and design sense works perfectly in one part of the house: their room.

The walls of a child’s room offer the perfect opportunity for parents to let their children make some important, individualistic decisions. Perhaps they would like to select a favorite drawing for framing? Allowing the child to become involved in the decision-making is the key.

There are many things to offer parents. You might suggest using scrap moulding for example (maybe something you have is fun and funky), which will save parents money and may even encourage them to get something else framed. Or maybe you can add-to the sale with a ready-made frame? For safety, make sure you frame using Plexiglas. And for added value, use flexi-points in fitting the artwork so that the parent (or older child) can switch the photograph or artwork anytime they desire.

It’s always a good idea to frame a few examples to inspire your littlest clients. Recent reports suggest that children and teens increasingly drive the economy while parents put off their own discretionary expenses; and families are more apt to spend money on items that “feather their nests” in lean times. The opportunities in this category are truly endless. Perhaps a “Picture of the Week” that a child can change with Mom or Dad, or a tabletop frame from a family vacation to Disney, or maybe just a framed print or poster featuring the child’s favorite band, movie, or sports hero. The possibilities are as varied as children’s interests.

Framing height charts and party remembrance boards signed by friends and family will remind the child of special times and provide lasting memories. Even a simply framed chalkboard, bulletin board, poster frame or certificate can make the child feel like their room is a special place. You can likewise create shadowboxes in every price range that can house sports memorabilia, trophies or a special keepsake.

Thank you for choosing Framerica

And the winner of 1,000 Feet of moulding is....

Corinne Renner — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:21:00 GMT

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!
The names were thrown into the Boxer® and our VP of Marketing has pulled his selection.

And the winner is...

Oh wait... can't read it?? Well I guess i'll just tell you then.

GREG BRONICK FROM FLORIDA FRAMES!!!!

Congratulations from everyone here at Framerica!

For those who didn't win this time around please keep your eyes peeled on our Twitter or Facebook as well as our Website for future promotions, flash sales and fun framing ideas!!

Be sure to check out our site for all the new mouldings that we premiered at this year's WCAF!

Hope you had as much fun as we did!!

Thank you for choosing Framerica

Framerica's BonanzaWood® Saves Millions Of Trees!

Corinne Renner — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:32:00 GMT

BonanzaWood® moulding is engineered to exhibit properties superior to traditional woods. It was conceived as an affordable and renewable wood source and has quickly become the industry standard for value and consistency.

Each year, millions of tons of wood waste is collected. Post consumer goods like pallets, skids, construction materials, trim ends and saw dust (which would have otherwise been destined to mass burning or landfills) along with wood chips are reclaimed, cleaned and milled to uniform size particles. Excess moisture is then removed and a binder is added via computer controlled processes. Thereafter, intense steam, heat and pressure are applied to form a solid material. The “perfect wood” is born...BonanzaWood®

What Is BonanzaWood®?

BonanzaWood® is a select stock of perfectly engineered composite wood, with a very smooth, fine-textured surface. It cuts like wood, joins like wood, and readily accepts nails and hangers.

By choosing BonanzaWood® - and indirectly supporting its massive recycling effort- Framerica®’s customers effectively keep hundreds of thousands of mature trees standing. Framerica® is proud of BonanzaWood®, both what it serves to accomplish and what it has come to stand for.

Framerica's Contribution
To that end, a respect for the Earth’s natural resources underlines Framerica®’s entire manufacturing process. A purpose-built plant was specially designed to curtail any negative effect on the environment. Sawdust generated by the milling of BonanzaWood® products is circulated through a state-of-the-art furnace system where heat energy is used in the moulding manufacturing process as well as heating the facility. State-of-the art energy efficient light fixtures and power systems reduce energy requirements. Incoming packaging materials including wood, cardboard and scrap metal are recycled via Framerica®’s local initiatives. Framerica® is not alone, but its “Earth Friendly” policies will continue to establish a model for the future.

Framerica®’s Bonanzawood® means beautifully designed mouldings of the finest quality and best value… manufactured in the U.S.A.

FRAMERICA OFFERS EPP-CERTIFIED MOULDING AND RECYCLES MATERIALS

Corinne Renner — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:32:00 GMT

The Green Effect...

Framerica’s BonanzaWood moulding is one of the pioneering products in the picture framing industry’s green effort, says Corinne Renner, the company’s marketing representative and graphic artist. “It contributes to no deforestation, and utilizes wood waste from post-consumer products that would have otherwise been destined for landfills,” she says. “To that end, Framerica’s products have earned Environmentally Preferred Product (EPP) certification from the Composite Panel Association of wood manufacturers. BonanzaWood has the ability to save what the alternatives cannot - deforestation from solid wood and the oil consumption attributed to plastics.”

Pioneering Picture Frame Moulding...
Framerica adopted BonanzaWood as the primary core for its mouldings more than a decade ago. The wood, which is engineered to exhibit superior properties to traditional woods, is constantly improving its eco-friendliness. The company believes that the framing industry might be at a genuine crossroads and that its BonanzaWood might be a sound option for the future of an industry looking to reduce its eco-footprint.

Eco-Conscious Manufacturing
Several years ago, Framerica adopted an earth-friendly policy, which includes burning the bulk of waste residue and using it to heat facilities, using energy-efficient light fixtures and power systems, recycling packaged materials such as skids and crates from incoming goods, reprocessing cardboard and recycling scrap metal. “Our purpose-built facility was specially designed to curtail any negative impact on the environment,” says Jay Van Vechten, Framerica’s Vice President of production. “We reuse and recycle everything possible. Doing our part for the environment is a mission we take seriously.”

Benefits of Made In The USA - Framerica

Corinne Renner — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:45:00 GMT

NOT MADE IN CHINA...

Imports, and specifically the potential or reality of consumer concerns about China. Look, as one of the few remaining domestic moulding manufacturers, Framerica has long touted the benefits of buying domestic. And the benefits are real: JIT inventory, quality and consistency, customer service. Add the eco-friendliness of BonanzaWood to the mix and the list, from our perspective, is formidable.

Contamination across the board

Fortunately, the list of negatives associated with importing has grown in recent months - with the contaminated pet food and lead infested toys now affecting the perceptions of consumers. We’ve begun to see labels that read: “Not Made in China” and “Lead-Free.” These are seemingly powerful indications that individuals are making buying decisions based on the reports – particularly when retailers pit domestic and imported goods against each other.

None of the above has Framerica feeling complacent – after 40 years we’ve seen enough to know that emerging countries, competitors and products are improving daily, and we will continue to do the same.

An American Competitive Edge

Framerica introduced Vintage™ – a new and expansive collection of gold and silver offerings (old world patina finishes). Were proud of them; they’re beautiful and useful and priced at a value.

Framerica has sold gold and silver mouldings for years, but not like this. While we are confident that our woods, colors, and of course our blacks can favorably compare to any moulding in the industry, the same wasn’t evident with gold and silvers…until now.

So what’s the point? Vintage™ rounds out our line to where we really can offer our customers a one stop shop. Made in America; good for the environment.

Thanks for reading.

Is Trade Advertising Dead?

Corinne Renner — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:45:00 GMT

The proliferation of the internet is interesting on so many levels. I can remember stopping at the local coffee shop on the way to the office and finding that it had already sold its entire stock of newspapers. And that was by 8 a.m. That’s not the case anymore though – I think because so many people get their news online. I too am now accustomed to logging on at first light to get the scores, breaking news and gossip before Matt Lauer even has a chance to give an opinion. Does anyone even buy the newspaper anymore? Surely they do, but less and less each day I would suppose.

I don’t think the same is true of trade magazines. Monthly mags are far less appealing online, and since they’re received only 12 times per year, it seems less annoying than having to purchase or receive it daily. I suppose that negates the need to try and read its articles off a computer screen. And not to sound as though we’re from the “Lincoln Administration,” but there is something nice about having a tangible stock of bound paper in one’s hand. It’s nice to read press releases on the industry and see page layouts and artwork (don’t forget moulding). Perhaps that sentiment means more in the art and framing industry than most others?

I could be wrong, and please tell me if you disagree. My guess is that trade magazines are received and read each month by most people in the industry and seen as a valuable asset for news, information and products. My guess is that the vast majority are still reading these almost exclusively in “hard copy.”

On a side note, I think that trade magazines are more important now than ever before. As trade shows shrink in attendance, and world markets are in constant flux, the news is important. Framers and manufacturers alike can be kept abreast of the latest happenings…surely that helps everyone.

Framerica's Going To The West Coast Art & Frame Show

Corinne Renner — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:23:00 GMT

Framerica’s products have always set new standards in design, value and quality. Focusing on the most current design trends Framerica’s new Reclaimed™, Industrial™, Mottled Metals™ and other new collections encourage you to “Take A Closer Look™.” Be sure to visit Framerica at the West Coast Art & Frame Show to see our latest picture frame moulding offerings at Booth# 402.

For more information call 1-800-372-6422 or visit www.framerica.com.