In my thirty years of picture framing, I’ve seen many styles of frames come and go and come and go again.  Rustic frames, like the so-called “barnwood” frames were hot when I started framing in 1981.  Of course, we used them a lot on wildlife prints, which were all the rage back then.  Most of those old barnwood frames were flat, splintery styles that tended to not age very well.  Recently, several lines of surprisingly beautiful rustic frames have been introduced.  They tend to have more style, more color range, and more durability.  I have to say that I am amazed how good they look on a range of types of art.  They are much more refined and subtle than the old barnwood frames.

Just some of our new rustic mouldings

Larson Juhl is arguably the world leader  in the manufacture and distribution of picture framing mouldings and supplies.  Larson Juhl’s people have made a big difference in our business with their quality products, service, and support.

Moulding is the stuff of which picture frames are made.  Moulding, like many products, is often imported from Asian countries, Eastern European countries, Italy, and Canada.  However, Larson Juhl maintains a strong presence in American-made moulding with its Ashland, Wisconsin, manufacturing facility.  They specialize in making beautiful moulding from American hardwoods like cherry, walnut, maple, oak, and poplar.  There are surprisingly few American moulding manufacturers, and Larson Juhl is a leader with their state-of-the-art factory in Ashland.  We also like that is made by our good neighbor, Wisconsin.  Take a look at this video of moulding being manufactured by Larson Juhl.

I recently installed a couple of pieces of new art in the home of a long-time customer who has a knack for using art to beautiful effect in her home.  She graciously allowed me to photograph some of the art she has purchased and framed with us.  Notice in the following photos how her art is almost always part of a vignette, interacting beautifully with what is around it.  The art is hung at eye level, or sometimes below that, in order to relate to the furniture.  We are very proud of this work.  Take a look and see how beautiful great art and framing can be in your home.

Canadian artist Eric Waugh in the kitchen

Small woodblock in hall

Leslie Gerstman irises watercolor above mantel

Peter Kitchell triptych above stairway

Cadillac Jones abstract in dining area

Abstract floral still-life off living room

Entry hall table with abstract

Heather Judge floral in living room

Lourenco street scene in bedroom

Lisl Gaal Twin Cities landscape in sewing area

landscape in bedroom

Penny Feder floral in lower level

McGinnis abstract in office

Mary's first purchase at CAFS 25 years ago - still looks great!