Tools of the Trade

The Fine Art of Framing Hand Tools

Put ’em back where you found ’em – or where you Framed ’em.

Sometimes handiwork is so valued and appreciated, you just gotta frame it! At the shop we have done a few projects that were focused around immortalizing hardworking tools. This also gives customers the opportunity to give meaning to everyday things through a non conventional medium. This first example was executed as a personal project by Walden Framer. This piece won Popular Choice at the Professional Picture Framers National Competition.

The last two were a custom order. The client brought in two old wooden crates full of even older tools. Through the mixture of tools, saw dust, and mouse droppings, our Walden Framer was left to cull through the boxes and devise a design layout. The tools were composed and then stitched onto grey denim board with wire. These projects are yet another example of unconventional framing – no glass! Everything is touchable and closer to its audience.

 

Sports Framing

 

The Art of Framing Sports Memories, Moments & Memorabilia

More than just fun and games

“Love the game so much that you will pass on your love of the game to another athlete who has seen your dedication, your work, your challenges, your triumphs… and then that athlete will, because of you, love the game.”

On the field or in the stands, as a spectator or as a competitor, we all have memories or mementos from a game or sporting event that holds a special meaning for us. We specialize in framing, preserving and displaying these sports related memories and objects, to share with the people we love for years to come.

Gather your goods

It all starts with the main ingredients of a Fan or an Athlete. These are the things saved or earned, that help tell your story:

• Ticket Stubs
• Marathon Number
• Score Card or Programs
• Newspaper Clippings
• Certificates & Awards
• Autographed Balls
• Game Day Photos
• Medals, Ribbons & Pins
• Team Jersey
• Tee Shirt or Shoe Laces
• Hole-in-One Ball

 

 

Shadowboxes and display cases

Think outside the frame. Dust off the football in the attic, dig out the hockey stick in the closet and get a grip on that signed baseball on your dresser-it’s showtime! We build custom bases and special order crystal clear acrylic covers to protect and display the “tools of the trade” of your favorite sports. Bats, balls and baseplates-sneakers, spikes and Formula 1 spoiler end plates. Go big, or go home!

 

 

 

Where’s The Minute Shop?

Walden Framer & The Minute Shop: A Framing Kinship

 A picture framer’s journey from Lexington Center to East Lexington.

Although Walden Framer is the new kid on the block, literally on the corner of Mass. Ave. and Bow Street, we’ve been around for a while as stewards of the The Minute Shop for ten years. Before The Minute Shop changed hands, we were the creative force behind some of the most creative picture framing in the area, winning framing awards and creating award winning framing for local families and businesses.

 

I Heart Lexington!

Twenty five years as a picture framer, and ten of them at The Minute Shop, meant that we had more than a shoebox full of memories and friendships in town. We framed personal milestones and precious moments, from baby photos to wedding Ketubahs, and lifetime achievements, from diplomas and degrees to marathon medals. In other words, we framed the cycles of life and put our heart into it.

 

Frame It Forward…

We’re dusting off the memories and rekindling treasured friendships. Our mission is to give you a better framing experience, offer a broader selection with better value, and win more framing awards. All the while, building stronger and more meaningful relationships with our neighbors. So please come and visit us – we’re just a stone’s throw from Lexington Center. We’re back, baby!

 

Kilted Framer

Uncustomary Custom Picture Framer.

Wearing of the kilt and Walden Framer.

“Why do you wear a kilt?”  That is the most commonly asked question of Walden Framer. There are a lot of different answers – some witty, some revealing. But in a word, the best answer is: “Freedom!” Our business is not business as usual, our dress is not business casual, and we have the freedom to do things differently. The difference in Walden Framer is in the differences. You’ll notice it from the moment you enter our frame shop until the moment you hang your framing on the wall. We celebrate the freedom to be different, and wear the kilt daily with pride.

 

 

Custom Frames & Custom Kilts

Being a custom framer, we understand the value of a custom made product. All of our framing projects are built by hand. Mats are cut, fabrics wrapped, and frames are joined not by an automated process, but rather with the skill and flexibility that can best be done by hand. So, it’s only fitting that our kilts would be custom made, by hand, by Rocky Roeger & Kelly Stewart-Roeger, Owners & Kiltmakers at USAKilts. Every product USA Kilts sells is proudly made in America, Scotland, England, Ireland or Wales. When we buy Celtic made products from them, we support Celtic artisans.

 

Support a man in kilts

We are proud picture framers, specializing in providing unique custom framing solutions and revel in our freedom to be different. As to the second most commonly asked question – “What do you wear under your kilt?”…socks and boots, of course!

 

 

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For information about traditional tartans see https://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/history.aspx

For information about modern kilts with an attitude see http://www.utilikilts.com.

The Gift of Framing

Love Bugs & Heart Rocks.

A Special Framing Project of Fondness and Found Objects.

When Merewyn spilled a small bag of rocks and birch bark on our design table, our hearts melted. She had brought us a collection of heart shaped rocks she and her husband, Alan, had gathered from their walks together while out and about. Her idea was to give it to Alan as an anniversary gift. We talked about some framing ideas and decided on a matting material and picture frame moulding with the texture and character of birch bark. We also decided not to put the piece behind glass, keeping the ability to still touch the rocks. She left the rest of the details to us.

Frame ideas brainstorm

The ideas came quickly for this framing project. We decided early on to stitch mount the largest heart rock in the center of the frame with twine. We loved the thought of heart and string, organic materials, bound imperfectly in place. Once Merewyn chose a layout option from some photos we emailed her, we began sketching out the details. Incorporating the twine with the frame by adding stitched corner accents would be a small detail with a big payoff.

 

Love what you frame & frame what you love

They say nothing is perfect. But this was. We were able to create the perfect framing solution for some precious objects for a perfectly matched couple. All we can say is Happy Anniversary and Thank You!

Ed, thank you!!! This piece means so much to us. Alan & I are often collecting little treasures for each other on our many walks and adventures. Each one represents a special memory or moment in time. In the midst of a fast moving, often stressful life these have become sacred reminders to slow down and see the simple beauty around us. Until now, they were scattered around the house (car, yard, porch) and near forgotten. To be able to have the hearts pulled together as a collection is the perfect way to remind us of what brought us together in the first place. Plus, it made a great anniversary gift!

I am so grateful to know about the work you’re doing, which far exceeds traditional framing. My wheels are already turning for the next project! See you in the shop soon! -Merewyn

 

Go Pro With A PPFA Framer

Our PPFA Membership is Your PPFA Membership.

Why choose a professional picture framer.

“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.”

When it comes time for custom picture framing, you should trust that your framer has the technical knowledge, creative insight and hand skills to properly protect and display all of your framing projects. Knowing when to take artistic license and when to apply proper archival practices can make all the difference. That’s what you should expect from a professional picture framer, and that’s why people trust Walden Framer. In the end, you should have framing that you love looking at, and the confidence it will last for years to come.

Frame with a winner

We are active members of the Professional Picture Framers Association so we can stay current with framing products and trends to offer you the best choices and selection available. To keep our hand skills razor sharp and frame ideas fresh, we compete in national and regional framing competitions. We have brought home many awards for picture framing excellence and hand crafted execution. The unique lessons learned from these creative competitions are carried forward into all of your framing projects. It’s a win-win situation!

Picture perfect framing

We welcome you to come into our frame shop and take full advantage of our PPFA membership. Ask framing “how-to” questions, seek frame design advice, challenge our craftsmanship and gain insight into how to make your framing the best it can be. You should feel good about your framing choices and confident in your design decisions. Together, we can make sure that you take home an award winning custom picture framing project.