I need to confess something to you. And it's this. Although I really, *really* like to *make* art, all the precision and measuring of framing it...is not my thing.
Admitting that seems a bit embarrassing, seeing as how I enjoy the painting and drawing of it so much.
And so, I've kept it quiet. Until now. Because, when a friend mentioned putting off framing things too...I realised I'm not alone.
And so, if you hate framing as well, here are some alternative ways you might enjoy (or gift-because yes, it's "the season" for that as I type...) some scrummy art that can be enjoyed, without the need for fiddly framing.
And so, if you hate framing as well, here are some alternative ways you might enjoy (or gift-because yes, it's "the season" for that as I type...) some scrummy art that can be enjoyed, without the need for fiddly framing.
1. Get a Displate
Art can be printed on metal easily...and sometimes looks even better than on paper. Click or tap here for info.
Art can be printed on metal easily...and sometimes looks even better than on paper. Click or tap here for info.
 |
| Sadly, neither this cute dog nor the ultra-tidy room belong to me :-). But this scene from Displate does show what all my floral art looks like as a complete Displate collection... |
Fridge magnets themselves can display art surprisingly well, and at bigger sizes than I realised. (Though small ones can still be sent inside cards too, just like stickers).
 |
| Feel happier looking at your fridge, with this cute puffin... Tap or clik here to see more... |
Cushions, throw pillows, call them what you will, still make a great way to display some art, that you get to see every day, and actually use.
For example, you can buy these daffodils as a print...But you can also have a breath of spring and joy to hug in the depths of winter with this throw pillow/cushion cover:
 |
| Daffodils in Sunshine Yellow Cushion/Throw Pillow. Tap or click here to find out more... |
When you read that, you might automatically have thought about T shirts. They bear a huge number of designs. But other options are available too.
For example, if Christmas jumpers aren't your thing, you could nod to the festive season with these holly patterned socks.
 |
| Holly Patterned Socks-tap or click here for details. |
And if you're gifting things, am feeling that must have told you before about the surprisingly large number of people who are walking around the world sporting my marmot, or kingfisher socks...
But maybe you're thinking, "No, Clare, this isn't it. I have *pictures* that I need to frame, and I still hate framing...".
In which case, you might want to consider a new option, of pop-up frames.
In which case, you might want to consider a new option, of pop-up frames.
This is a solution I only came across very recently. So I have yet to try them out, and have no idea whether they are available outside the UK, for example
However, these people say that they're pop-up sturdy card frames solve many framing woes.
I'll add more info here when I have it. But it looks like it might be an especially good option if you need a very light frame, are framing for fun or household use only, or want to try out lots of options before settling for one look.
I'll add more info here when I have it. But it looks like it might be an especially good option if you need a very light frame, are framing for fun or household use only, or want to try out lots of options before settling for one look.
Yes if it's a really special gift or item, some things do still look absolutely great in a frame. But that doesn't mean you have to frame things yourself.
Here's the Barn, Owl, Night sky painting from a recent post, looking resplendent in a frame, which Redbubble can sort and ship for you.
And finally...
I've really only just scratched the surface of this topic, and know that there are a gazillion more ways to display and use art without having to do the conventional framing thing. To start with, I just wanted to get this post out to you in good time...And at least begin to map out some options for solving the perennial framing problem.
But it is my plan to update and add to this list regularly, and even maybe include some progress pics. So, literally, please watch this space...
For now though, hope this helps, and thanks ever so much for reading right down to the bottom.
As ever, there'll be...
More soon.