Artwork is not only found within the constraints of the frame, in some instances it is the frame itself.
Whether it’s a family heirloom photo, signed sports memorabilia or a priceless original watercolor, artwork is not only visually enhanced by stunning framework but it can also have its value increased, as well. Jim Roden has been creating artistic frames using innovative and standard techniques since he founded The Framery in 1970.
When you walk into the The Framery in Ridgefield, you can enjoy viewing collections of art, antiques and furniture even before you begin your frame-shopping experience.
“Our business truly is different from other shops because we are also the manufacturer and creator of the moldings,” Roden said. “We buy direct, 10,000 feet of molding at a time, and finish it ourselves. All of the raw products and finished frames are in our back room ready and waiting for our customers. Quick turnaround and custom orders are easy for that reason. The second reason is that we can make almost anything … just ask.”
Custom Frames
Roden and his assistant, Barb Deuchler, expert frame designer, have crafted some interesting frames throughout the years. They recently completed a unique display case for a collector who had many signed baseball hats. The customer needed to be able to open the box and add hats on an ongoing basis. Another customer wanted to preserve a gun and a badge that belonged to his grandfather who was a Kane County sheriff. “The revolver looked like it was right out of Al Capone’s day,” Roden said. “We designed the frame to reflect the pieces.”
Conventional framing – cutting matte and putting on the glass – is the easy part. “The important aspect, however, is knowing the combinations of colors and textures to allow the artwork to be shown off at its best,” Roden said. “That is the facet of picture framing where we shine. Some people are talented with a violin and other people are creative with a camera. We are really good with color.”
Frame customers have many diverse and distinctive requests. Roden and Deuchler welcome new challenges that customers bring to them.
“We understand that people have many options for buying framing services. Some clients come to us from referrals and others when they get tired of buying off-the-shelf, simple frames,” he explained. “We also have customers who bring in work that was framed improperly that needs to be framed correctly. We pour out the same passion and creativity regardless of the reasons.”
Many of The Framery’s customers bring in old paintings in need of repair. The cleaning and restoring of antique images and artwork are precursors to creating the perfect frame to display. “We patch paintings and touch them up,” he said. “It takes a tremendous amount of patience and the result is gratifying when the customer is happy.”
Because The Framery stocks more than 250 styles of moldings, it can accommodate large-quantity distributors, catalogue companies, quick-turnaround jobs or over-sized projects.
Extensive Capabilities
The Framery has supported customers with urgent framings for funerals and wakes as well as quickly matted and framed 50 frames for fundraisers.
“We just framed a Chinese piece of art that measured 42-by-80 inches,” Roden said. “I don’t know how they are going to transport it, but it sure is enormous and stunning.”
Most customers rely on The Framery’s design and color consultation.
“Picture framing is an art unto itself,” Roden said. “We listen to our customers and find out the background of the piece as well as where it will be displayed. Customers take away the experience of creating a unique piece of artwork infused with their personality. Your interior art is a reflection of the personality of your business and family and provides the finishing touches for your décor.”
Roden would not be so successful without his right-hand person, Deuchler. With more than 19 years of framing experience, 10 of which have been with The Framery, Deuchler brings creativity and organization. “Barb is the one that makes this place work … end of story,” Roden said.
Roots in Crystal Lake
When Jim was just starting out in downtown Crystal Lake, next to Heisler’s Bootery on Williams Street, his shop was the first frame store in town.
At the time, he was maintaining three businesses: a paint store, a manufacturing company where he created and sold picture frames wholesale and the retail frame shop. In 1979, the factory burned down; he then moved the manufacturing portion to the current Ridgefield location. The Framery was not relocated to Ridgefield until 1999.
“I renovated the building and wanted to make it feel and look as close to what it might have been when it was originally built,” he said. “We refinished the original tin ceilings and stripped the original maple floors. I mixed up a bronzing powder with a metallic base and then suspended it in a clear acrylic. We sprayed it on the ceiling and it created the right authentic effect.”
The duo creates frames for clients with the same passion, striving to get the perfect effect that complements the artwork.
>> For more, visit The Framery at 8404 Railroad St. in Ridgefield/Crystal Lake, call 815-459-4540 or visit www.jamesframe.com.
