Contrary to what many people think, the designation “CPF” on our business cards does not mean that you want to bring your taxes to us. What it does mean is that all three of us have passed a written test administered by the Professional Picture Framers Association covering a wide range of topics from the names of moulding profiles to how to properly frame a painting that’s going to be hanging on a sailboat (that’s a real question). You need to work for at least one year as a picture framer before you’re even allowed to take the test. The CPF test is difficult enough that most framers don’t pass on their first attempt (although we all did).
Basically, what the CPF designation lets you know is that you’re dealing with a framer who has experience and expertise. There is no rule that says anyone has to become a CPF before they call themselves a picture framer, but when you work with a CPF, you know that you’re not working with a minimum wage mall worker who was just hired last week. Carter Avenue Frame Shop is proud to be one of the few frame shops in the country that is totally staffed by CPFs!
2186 Como Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
In St. Anthony Park near the Muffuletta and Bibelot.
(651) 645-7862
Professional Custom Picture Framing
Serving the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis with great design, guaranteed quality craftsmanship, and helpful service since 1975.
Mat width is usually determined by a number of factors such as the size of the piece, the scale of the room where the piece will be hung, the graphic strength of the work, the mat colors, and the look desired. Standard mat width is getting wider generally. Exaggerating the mat dimensions is sometimes done for a gallery or fine art look. The mat serves as a buffer between the frame and the work of art. It is essentially a place for the work of art to be. It should relate to the work of art and enhance the work rather than distract from it. Generally, wider is better than narrower, within limits.