Shop Downtown St. Albans this Holiday Season!

Here's a little extra incentive to Shop Local this holiday season!  For every $100 that you spend between November 21st and December 31st in participating St. Albans, VT businesses, you can be entered into a drawing for a chance to win $500!  (Drawing will take place on January 11th, 2010)

This year there are 28 participating businesses:

Village Frame Shoppe
RSVP
Ace Hardware
Cosmic Bakery
As the Crow Flies
Eaton's Fine Jewelry
Godin's Furniture
Maple City Candy
Bayberry Cottage
Eloquent Page
Howards the Flower Shop & Antiques
Mom and Me & Daddy Too
Rail City Market
Sweet Nothings
Video King
Amy's Gift Shop
Better Planet
Dressing Room
Forever Bloom Quilt Shop
Jack Rixon's Pharmacy
Kevin Smith's Sports
Moonshadows
Sweet Repeats
Chow Bella
Jeff's Market & Wine Shop
Needleman's Bridal
Silver & Gold Jewelry
Tatro's Gourmet Soup and Sandwich


Sponsored by St. Albans for the Future (SAFF)

Rules and Restrictions:  Offer ends 12/31/2009.  Receipts must be dated between 11/21/2009 and 12/31/2009.  Receipts must be from one of the participating Merchants listed.  One entry for every different set of receipts totaling $100.  Receipts must be entered at participating Merchants.  Employees of SAFF and participating businesses are prohibited from participating in the promotion.  Receipts must be redeemed no later than December 31, 2009.  Winner will be notified by SAFF by January 18, 2010.

Hanging Your Artwork - Part 3 - Location

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing where you will hang your framed artwork.  What is the size and style of your artwork, and what is the eye level in the room where you will be displaying your art?

If your framed art is small and detailed, hang it in a small space where it can be easily viewed and appreciated at a close distance, such as in a hallway or on a narrow wall.  Large, "atmospheric" paintings should be hung in such a way to allow the viewer to stand back and enjoy.  These pieces can be hung in a larger room opposite an entrance, or at the end of a corridor.

When hanging your artwork, be sure to consider the average eye-level of the person in the room.  If it is a room where more time is spent seated than standing, the average eye-level should be lower.

Next Post - Groupings

Hanging Your Artwork - Part 2 - Lighting Your Artwork

There are two types of lighting techniques available for your home: ambient lighting or spot lighting.  Ambient lighting is most commonly used as it allows the artwork to blend in with the rest of your home.  Place room lamps where they will light your artwork making your room feel warm and inviting. 

To make your artwork "pop", you may want to consider using spot lights.  Spotlights allow you to better control the lighting, and are especially nice for artwork with bright color and contrasts.  Many newer homes already have can or track lighting installed.  If your home does not, you can purchase light strips (or picture frame lamps) which can be fastened to your picture frame or wall.  Be sure to keep your wiring as invisible as possible.  It is also important when using spotlights to not create unwanted shadows.  You will probably need to spend some time adjusting your light fixtures to get the lighting "just right". 

Hanging Your Artwork - Part 1 - Protect Your Art from Heat, Humidity and UV Rays

When hanging your framed art, be sure to take into consideration the place where you will be hanging it.  Do not hang your framed art where it may become damaged by heat, ultraviolet (UV) light or humidity, such as above a heater, under fluorescent lighting or in a bathroom.  Always hang your artwork out of the line of direct sunlight!  Be sure to ask your framer to use Tru-Vue conservation glass which will filter out most of the harmful UV light rays.  If you can not avoid hanging your artwork opposite several large windows, you may want to consider using Tru Vue Museum glass.  Museum glass does not only block out most UV light rays, but it also cuts down on the amount of glare and reflections in your glass making the glass nearly invisible.

Looking for Ways to Save on Your Framing this Holiday Season?

Recycle your frames!  Bring your artwork into the Village Frame Shoppe, along with your own frame and we can mat your art to fit your frame.  We will help you choose the best matting, mounting and glass options for your artwork, and then finish your framing like we would any other frame project - with a dust cover, bumpons and wire for hanging!  We are often able to repair your frames if needed, and occasionally we can cut your frame down to better fit your art. 

Buy ready-made frames and pre-cut mats!  Stop by the Village Frame Shoppe and check out our selection of ready-made picture frames and pre-cut mats!  We have several colors and sizes to choose from!  If you can't find a pre-cut mat to fit your picture, you can select from our popular pre-cut mat blanks and have us cut any size opening in it for you.

Ask to see our discount frame samples!   The Village Frame Shoppe has several in-stock discount frame profiles.  Many of the moldings are overstock items, or were purchased in bulk allowing us to pass the savings on to you.

Sign up for our email newsletter and be the first to know!  This is the easiest way to keep up on special savings offered by the Village Frame Shoppe.

Thank you for your business!
We look forward to seeing you this holiday season!