The Framer's Workshop: Do-it-Yourself and Custom Framing

Take a look at the August edition of Domino Magazine! This magazine is full of easy DIY decorating hints and low-cost ideas for making the most of your space. This month their Domino-to-Go section features Artaissance art pieces all available with variable sizing on canvas or paper. Also check out the pop art room decor on page four! We have the full line of these Jonathan Adler frames. By the way, make sure you have the new address for Artaissance, now called Art That Fits.

Quiescent#6 by Campbell Laird
"Whether you're choosing one special piece or looking to transform your entire living space, Artaissance will help you write your story - the story of what you love and who you are. With Artaissance, you also have the option to choose canvas or paper to give your selection just the right look. We also understand the importance of having your art in the size you need to fit your unique space. We are here to make sure that whether you choose large or small, your art is presented in a way that will inspire you. Artaissance fine art reproductions can be custom sized, and the price ranges from $100 to $1000."

--Domino

Earlier this year at the framing shows, we were enchanted by beautiful stone lithographs of turn of the century inner labels from cigar boxes. We have framed a selection of these beautiful labels, which you can view here. Each label is framed with beautiful, individually cut unique mats, lovely frames, and UV protecting glass. These will make lovely gifts for the cigar aficionado!

See more here...

When Yoshiko Yamamoto came out with beautiful new tiles produced by Motawi Tileworks, we became Motawi dealers because we know how much our Bay Area customers like the arts and crafts style. You can find a selection of our Motawi tiles by Yoshiko Yamamoto and others on our new Motawi Tiles web page.

While visiting the Old Jewish Ghetto in Venice, Jeff and I walked into a local art gallery were greeted by an enthusiastic and friendly artist, Michal Meron. We were fascinated by her images of Jewish festivals in various European synagogues and by her Venezia series of giclees on canvas. She proudly showed us her Illustrated Torah scroll, and we were even more impressed. This artist has captured the heart of this ancient document with such a lively joy, using her illustrations to teach in a way that captivates everyone who walks into her shop. We were so excited by her art that we arranged to become a US dealer for her work. We brought the first five canvases back with us and plan to add to the collection soon. Visit our new Michal Meron web page for an enlarged selection of images. We have already ordered several copies of her whimsical "Cats of the Ghetto" print and will photograph it for you as soon as it arrives. We will glady order any prints or giclees on canvas from The Studio in Old Jaffa for you.

We had a lovely 17 days in Italy in April and May, and of course as framers, we can never resist stepping into every gallery we pass! Our biggest discovery was in the Old Jewish Ghetto in Venice, where we found the art of Michal Meron (next post). But first we just have to share our favorite vacation photo, a gallery dog in Venice, discovered sleeping in Bac Art Studio near the wonderful Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The engravings displayed are by Cadore.

Away from the tourist crowds in Venice, we discovered hidden canals and streets. The signs directed us to the Old Jewish Ghetto, with its ancient history, museums, synagogues, and local shops.

Below:

Signs to the Ghetto, Venice

Scroll down for 7 more of the 600 photos we took on our holiday full of art, music, food, wine, and wonderful people!

Below,

Bridge in the Ghetto, Venice

Frame Shop, Trastevere, Rome

Betty outside the Vatican

Recycling in parks all over Italy

View from Villa Rufolo, above the Amalfi coast

Cinque Terre village

Piazza Navona, Rome