Tie One On...

Scarves are a versatile and stylish way to accessorize any outfit. From casual to dressy, a well-chosen scarf can make quite a difference, transforming a plain look to pulled-together-fabulous!

Scarves come in many fabric choices. Heavier weight scarves can keep you warm during the winter while light weight scarves can accentuate a simple T-shirt or sundress during the warmer months. Some scarves can be worn in any season.

Year-Round Scarves

Pashmina scarves come is a variety of weights and are good year-round. Available in almost every color of the rainbow, they coordinate nicely with a coat, jacket or sweater. Unlike wool, Pashmina scarves are woven with a natural fiber similar to Cashmere that won't irritate the skin. They are generally solid colors which takes the guess work out of selecting one as a gift. As long as you know the recipient's color palette, you can choose one that will be complimentary and worn often.

Winter Scarves

A nubby textured scarf or Cashmere scarf can dress up a coat or sweater in the cool weather. Knit generally feels more casual while Cashmere scarves feel more dressy.  Cashmere is extremely soft and warm and comes in infinite colors and weaves from neutral and conservative to bright and contemporary. Because winter scarves are functional and beautiful, they make perfect gifts.

Changing the Look of A Scarf

The way a scarf is worn can dramatically change its look. There are many ways to tie and wear a scarf. Above is one example of a style worn close to the neck. Below is a loose flowing look. Notice that the black T-shirt on the model is basically the same in both pictures, and yet, the outfit looks totally different with a different scarf choice.

The following video will inspire you by showing some simple yet stunning ways to wear a scarf.

Masten Fine Framing & Gifts carries a beautiful and varied selection of scarves. Stop by anytime to see what's new. We're always happy to make suggestions to help you find just the right scarf. We can also help demonstrate some fun ways to tie your scarf to make it a versatile wardrobe staple.

Come On Baby Light My Fire!

Fire dates back to caveman times. It's provides light and warmth. It cooks our food. Candles are a way to bring fire into our lives for other reasons. The flickering light of candles add ambience, romance and fragrance to our world. But what kind of candles will light up your world? Here are some options:

Candles for dinnertime

Choose unscented candles around food. You've spent all day cooking a spectacular meal, don't cover up the aroma with the scent of candles. Unscented tapers, votives and tea lights are best. They add elegance and make the meal feel like a celebration. When purchasing tapers, look for ones that are dripless. This will prevent a waxy mess on your table when dinner is over. When purchasing votive and tea lights, keep burn time and cleanup in mind. Some tea lights come in disposable clear plastic containers that are almost invisible and can be tossed when they are used up. 

Scented candles for a pleasing fragrance

Jar candles are usually the best bet for providing fragrance and hiding odors. They work equally well in the bathroom, kitchen and pet areas. Choose scents and colors that you like and that match the location. For example; you might use a citrus or herb candle in the kitchen and a fresh clean scent in a pet area. You may also want to consider a soy candle. Candles made from soy wax are healthier because they don't release petroleum soot into the air. They also burn more evenly and release more fragrance.

Candles for ambience and romance

When choosing a candle for your living room of bedroom, think about the appearance of the candle. Many candles come in decorative containers that can complement your decor. You can also purchase a candle that mimics the flame in a fireplace. "Ribbonwick" candles flicker like a real fireplace and are also scented. "Woodwick" candles lightly crackle as they burn, adding to the ambience.

Stop by Masten Fine Framing & Gifts for a beautiful selection of hand-dipped tapers, long-burning disposable tealights, scented soy jar candles and decorative Woodwick and Ribbonwick candles.

One Essential Tip For Hanging Pictures

Deciding where to place your pictures is the single most important aspect of hanging your art. Most people hang pictures too high. Perhaps you've had the experience of walking into someone's home and the art looks like it's trying to avoid high water. Art is always better lower than higher. But before you get to the "how" of hanging art, it's important to know "where" to place your art. The answer is simple and may surprise you. Hang your pictures at eye level! Here are the details:

When deciding what is "eye level", keep in mind the average person may not be your height. I'm over six feet tall so when I hang art, I place it at eye level for the average person. This is usually about 60" from the floor.

No matter how large the picture frame, place the center of the art at eye level. When hanging 2 frames (one above the other), take the center of the total height for both pieces and make that eye height. The same goes for groupings. Try to place the center of the grouping at eye level.

Also keep in mind whether you are standing or sitting. The eye level in a hallway is much different that in a living room or dining room. In mostly seated areas lower your art slightly to be closer to a seated eye level.

When hanging your pictures over a mantel or piece of furniture, the eye level rule does not work. Try to place the bottom of the frame approximately 6"-12" above to top of the furniture.  Use the higher number if you have items sitting on the surface, or the lower number if the surface is clear.

Remember that no matter what advice you choose to follow, it's your home and your personal style. When in doubt, always do what you think looks best! If you have questions or need help, contact Reed at Masten Fine Framing & Gifts. He can provide you with answers to all your framing questions.

Texture For Extra Pleasure!

Color is not the only way to create drama and interest in a room. Using pattern and texture can enhance color or bring a visual and tactile interest to a monochromatic living space. This really is much easier than it might seem. By interspersing a few patterned or textured items you can transform your space.

Monochromatic Patterns & Textures

 

The living area in the above photo has a magnificent black and white patterned sideboard that serves as the focal point of the room. It is enhanced by several other contrasting textural items; a velveteen sofa with patterned pillows, two patterned upholstered chairs, a tufted center ottoman and decorative accent pieces. Even though the patterns contrast with each other, they work together to add visual interest to neutral colors creating a dynamic and formal atmosphere.

Vibrant Color + Texture

Combine color and texture for an eclectic contemporary feel. This dining area uses contrasting traditional patterns on a variety of surfaces which, when combined, make this room playful and fun. Again, the patterns and textures compliment each other without matching. Using compatible color schemes is the key. The wall covering and rug compliment the leaded windows. The colorful yellow benches and black and white damask table runner add drama to the look. Finally, the chandelier truly marries the concept of traditional and contemporary.

Casual Texture in the Kitchen

A combination of different surface materials and textures creates a casual look in this modern and functional kitchen. The light toned wall tile and granite work island contrast the dark hardwood floor, cabinetry and appliances. The gold sink and light fixtures warm the look while the bold striped floor runner ties the color scheme together nicely.

Relax with Texture

This sumptuous room was created using multiple textural elements. The neutral colors and soft surfaces enhance the relaxed feel while the bold wall pattern adds structure and architecture. The pink ottoman and the animal print rug add color and prevent the room from being too monochromatic. The mirror above the bed adds depth and reflects the gorgeous chandelier. This bedroom invites curling up with a good book and a hot cup of tea!

Masten Fine Framing & Gifts can offer design tips as well as decorative accents and custom framing to provide you with everything you need to create an extraordinary living space of your own. Call us at 303.832.6565 or come in for a visit!  Click HERE to find us on Facebook!

Giving a Gift With Style!

Finding a memorable gift doesn't have to be a chore. If you take a little time before you shop, you'll be able to select a treasured gift.

To begin, ask yourself a few simple questions:

• How does the recipient spend his/her spare time?
• Is he/she passionate about a hobby such as cooking, gardening, reading or music?
• What are his/her favorite colors? Do they prefer a contemporary or traditional style?
• Does he/she have any collections?
• Have they ever admired something you own?

Start narrowing your search by looking for a gift that is compatible with the lifestyle and preferences of the intended recipient. If you've already received a compliment on something you own, consider giving a similar item. (You know it will be appreciated because the recipient has already said they love it.)

Gurgle Pots

A colorful Gurgle Pot is a beautiful addition to any table that creates a lighthearted gurgling sound when liquid is poured. It's sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. When not being used as a pitcher, it makes a whimsical decorative vase. This gift choice is fun and useful. It comes with "The Gurgle Pot Story" to add to its uniqueness.

Metal Wine People

A metal wine character is a great gift when paired with a delicious bottle of the recipient's favorite wine. It can also be used on the kitchen counter to camouflage your favorite bottle of olive oil. The handmade character will be used over and over again and will always be the "talk at the table." They come in several styles, so you're sure to find one that matches the personality of the person lucky enough to receive the gift!

 

Archipelago Excursion Candles

For the person who "has everything, " a consumable gift like a scented candle can be the perfect choice. Our Archipelago candles are named after memorable destinations such as Charleston and Dubai. They are soy based, heavily scented and burn cleanly for 60 hours. We carry a large selection in many colors and scents, so choosing the right one should be a cinch.

Jilzara Handmade Jewelry

A unique piece of jewelry is always a welcome gift! Consider a Jilzara bracelet or necklace. This lovely jewelry is crafted from handmade clay beads. Each bead is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Available in a rainbow of color choices and several styles, you're sure to find the perfect thing to please just about anyone on your gift list.

If you get stuck, don't hesitate to ask the staff at Masten Fine Framing & Gifts for suggestions. We have thousands of gift items in all categories. We'll help you find exactly the right gift - or we can offer a gift certificate to be redeemed by the recipient in-person at their convenience.

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Creating a Unique Look with Clocks

Using clocks as decorative accents is an attractive and functional alternative to artwork and mirrors. A single clock or a grouping of clocks in various sizes makes a dramatic impact and can enhance any space beautifully. Clocks can hang from a wall or grace a mantel, bookshelf or table. Read on to learn how to create some fun looks with clocks in any room.

Rustic & Relaxed 

 

This oversized, rustic clock is a warm and inviting addition to the casual atmosphere depicted above. It's a unique "non-art" decorating solution. It functions as a backdrop for a textural layered effect that is enhanced by placing plants and objects in front of the clock. This relaxed and inviting look would work in any room.

Eclectic Grouping

In contrast to the first example, multiple clocks are arranged in this seating area. The varied assortment of styles create a dramatic display that enhances the exposed brick. This decorating style is perfect for a space with high ceilings such as an urban loft or office, or a room with a vaulted ceiling.

Cozy Work Space

This tiny home office is livened up and made interesting by the use of multiple wall clocks. They are unexpected in this space and create depth and texture. The Roman numerals on the clock faces provide a shared common element while the variation in clock sizes and materials is complemented by the rich natural tones of the wicker and wood furniture

An Eclectic Collection

Finally, this eclectic decorating style is enhanced by clocks grouped with framed artwork and decorative pieces. It illustrates how the varied components work together to create a visually interesting arrangement. It's a perfect way to show off your collections. The look can be easily altered to reflect evolving personal tastes and style.

For more decorating ideas and a selection of beautiful and unique clocks, visit Masten Fine Framing & Gifts at 429 E 17th Avenue in Denver. We can help you choose the perfect clock (or clocks) for your living or work space.

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More Than Just a Place for Your Poker!

A fireplace is an important focal point in any room and offers a great opportunity for an inspiring decorative display. But, creating an attractive and engaging mantel can present a challenge. While it's tempting to hang a piece of art over the mantel and call it a day, there are many more options you can incorporate to create visual interest above your fireplace. In addition to flat artwork, consider including wall mounted sculpture, rugs, mirrors and dimensional objects when designing your display.

No Art? No Problem!

In the above example, decorative objects take the place of framed art. The variation of size and  placement of the objects creates visual interest while the colors compliment the furnishings and wall color. The result is a beautiful mantelpiece that gives the room a formal, yet approachable style.

Texture is the Key

 

This rustic stone fireplace is a perfect spot for art and floral arrangements placed side-by-side. Here, texture is the key. Notice that both the artwork and the dried arrangements incorporate the color and texture anchored by the stone fireplace. Instead of being hung, the pictures lean against the wall which gives them a unique perspective and angle. The the combination of stone, wood, floral, and fine art creates a room that is relaxing and comfortable.

Repeating Objects and Color

Perfect for a bedroom, library or den, the botanic art above this mantel captures the beauty of nature year-round. In this example, the theme is color and repetition. Repeating one color helps to integrate the multiple pieces of the display. Although this style has a more formal quality, it is softened by the floral arrangements making it a comfortable spot to read or relax.

Sometimes Simple is Best

The stacked stone work surrounding this fireplace is unusual and beautiful. The frame placed above the mantel is intentionally left empty to highlight the variation of the stone. Balanced placement is crucial in a simple arrangement. The ship and candlesticks give this a relaxing vacation home feel - perhaps on the beach!

If you have questions about designing your mantel, need picture framing or an unusual object to complete your vision, please stop by Masten Fine Framing & Gifts. We would love to help you.

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Thinking "Inside" the Box

Shadow boxes are a great way to display and protect objects that don't fit into conventional frames. Almost any object or collection will work in a shadow box frame. Vacation souvenirs, mementos from a grandparent, a favorite collection, a child's outfit or almost anything you can think of is a possibility. A custom shadowbox can be made to almost any depth to create a dramatic and unusual piece of art for a space in your home or office.

A Wedding To Remember 

Wedding flowers surrounded by a favorite photograph, invitation and other mementos from the special day will be a proudly displayed treasure. A shadow box accommodates the combination of three dimensional objects and photographs in the same frame, capturing the beauty and feeling of the occasion.

Celebrate A New Baby

Welcoming a new baby to the family provides a wonderful opportunity to create a display of items. Consider birth announcements, photographs and other pieces that convey the significance of this happy time. Use your imagination to create a collage celebrating the new arrival. Perfect for a nursery wall now, the shadow box will be a valued keepsake in the years to come.

Showcase An Autographed Collection

Sports memorabilia is often displayed in shadow box frames. In addition to a sports jersey, you can include ticket stubs, team pictures and other items to make an impressive display for a den, game room or office. The combination of several objects will make your display more interesting and help tell a story that will be preserved for years to come.

Souvenirs From An Outdoor Adventure

Almost any collection can be arranged and given a new life in a shadow box. Souvenirs from a hiking trip or an outdoor adventure can be protected and preserved in a shadow box frame. The example above emphasizes the beauty found in nature while helping to preserve the fragile items.

If you have an item or a collection that you would like to incorporate into a shadow box, visit Masten Fine Framing & Gifts. Our 27 years of experience can help guide you toward a creative and beautiful design that will showcase your special items and last a lifetime.

It's Never Too Big!

A very large piece of art can help an ordinary room look and feel extraordinary. A large poster or fine art original makes a statement, creates drama and can become the focal point of a room. Chosen properly, it can bring the decor to life and give your space a unique personality without looking out of place or dwarfing the room.

Oversized art can have a great effect in any room of your home. Any large wall can potentially accommodate a piece of oversized art. Don’t be afraid to use larger pieces in living and dining spaces, bedrooms, or hallways and foyers.

Illusion of More Space

In this relatively small seating area, the art gives the space personality and actually makes the room feel larger. Much like adding another window, it opens up and expands the room. In the evening, the attached picture lights enhance the illusion of space. The picture also accentuates the colors of the furniture and decorative accents, and creates a relaxing, restful environment.

Create a Backdrop

This example illustrates the dramatic effect that large art can have in a larger space. The light colored abstract painting creates a stunning backdrop for the contemporary furnishings and helps to brighten an otherwise dark corner. Like the example above, the art repeats colors that are already present in the room.

Focal Point

A single piece of beautiful art creates more drama than multiple smaller pieces by drawing your eye to one central area. This art was carefully chosen to enhance the tranquil and rejuvenating feel of the bedroom. Restful to the eye, this bedroom is a terrific example of how art can set the tone of the room.

Drama and Mood

 

Finally, this side-by-side example illustrates how a hallway, entryway or foyer can benefit from unique oversized fine art. The pieces shown above seem out of scale for their location, but are completely well-suited to the spaces they occupy. They provide mood and personality while welcoming those who pass through to the main rooms with a lasting visual impression.

Masten Fine Framing & Gifts can give you tips for selecting the right artwork and then help you select a frame that will complement your piece of oversized art beautifully. You can choose from thousands of frame samples to find the look that enhances the art and the space in your home.

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Creating the Illusion of More Space in Your Home

Today, the concept of small-space-living is increasingly popular. Not only are small spaces more affordable, but they are readily available in urban areas. Living in a small space doesn’t have to feel cramped or tight. There are several innovative ways to make a small living space appear larger and well-proportioned.

One way to make a room appear larger is the strategic use of mirrors. They can mimic the look of windows, brighten a room by reflecting light, and make a room appear larger. A mirror can also be a beautiful accent; a piece of art in its own right. 

Illusion of Additional Windows

The above photograph illustrates how mirrors can be used to create the illusion of windows. Using multiple mirrors makes the dining room appear much larger by reflecting other areas of the room while also reflecting light and making it brighter.

Make a Bold Statement

 

 

A ‘statement mirror’ is a gorgeous addition to a space of any size. In a smaller room, it creates an illusion of additional space and also serves as a piece of fine art. In this example, the mirror is the primary focus of the room. It is so large, that it is leaning rather then hanging. The frame can be ornate or simple, and provides contrast while complimenting the furnishings and other elements of the decor.

Welcoming Mirror

A beautifully framed mirror in an entryway or foyer enhances the space while offering guests a spot to touch-up before entering or leaving a residence. A mirror in the entryway is warm and welcoming and provides a much-appreciated touch of hospitality.

Accentuating a Piece of Furniture

Mirrors enrich the beauty of a room and its furnishings by reflecting a combination of decorative elements. A mirror's reflection of the surrounding furniture and decor can add a sense of depth. A mirror also creates a warm, open environment by reflecting color and light to the best advantage. 

If you are considering an accent mirror for your home, but don't know how to start, measure the space and take a photo with your phone. Bring the measurements and photo to Masten Fine Framing & Gifts. We can help you select the perfect ready-to-hang mirror or make a custom mirror for less than the furniture stores charge. 

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How To Create A Framed Grouping

Grouping frames or creating a collage of images can be a wonderful way to create an impressive accent display while highlighting pieces that have a common theme. No space is off limits. You can use a space over a couch or other large piece of furniture, a bare wall over a staircase, or the wall space running the length of a hallway. There are several ways to create an eye-catching, interesting collage that will enhance a space in your home or office.

Using a Frame Border

The example above illustrates how you can use one or two larger pieces placed in the center surrounded by smaller ones to create a border. This technique is especially good for a flat space that will be used as a visual accent above a piece of furniture. This grouping is easy to master by following a few simple guidelines: a) Use complimentary color or black and white images to achieve continuity. b) Select frames in the same color or two complimentary colors and arrange them to showcase the images to their best advantage. c) Experiment with a contrasting wall color to really make the frames and images ‘pop’ against the background.

Working With a Center Line

Establishing a common center line separating two rows of images creates the continuity needed to generate visual interest by varying heights and shapes at the top and bottom of the collage. This technique is especially good for long continuous spaces like hallways because it gives the viewer a chance to see each image as part of the group and individually. The same guidelines suggested above apply, although there is a bit more room for variation if the collage is especially large. You can also employ this technique at an angle to work your way up a staircase wall.

 Linear Hanging Images

Selecting frames of approximately the same size and color in different shapes, and using images that are either color or black and white enables you to hang them from a cord, ribbon or wire vertically. Although the frames appear to be hanging from the ribbon, the ribbon is placed first and then the frames are hung from picture hooks. This is especially attractive when using wedding photographs or pictures of children. Often seen in a child’s nursery, this is a fun way to display pictures with special sentimental value.

So…What’s Wrong With This Grouping?

Now that you’ve learned about some different methods used to group images, look at the example above and try to figure out what’s missing. Something makes it incomplete. How would you fix it? 

Now It's Complete...

By making the suggested correction, a better balance is achieved and the entire collage is more attractive and interesting.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Use craft paper or cardboard sized to duplicate your frames and find the arrangement you like best by moving them around on the wall. Once you settle on an arrangement, start hanging the frames. Before you know it, you’ll have created a fantastic photograph or art collage.

Masten Fine Framing and Gifts can help you with ideas, materials and framing to assure your project will look great! 

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