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Jim Miller

Jim Miller

SPFG, Supreme Picture Framing God
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I've got a big, expensive piece in blue and purple tones to frame in a nice moulding to match the bathroom cabinets. The space is limited. She chose a 3/4", but should I use a shadowbox? Any suggestions for a supplier? How should it be mounted? She said the house is very old and the walls are hard to work with. She wants a low price, so how would you price this?
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Yes, an inquiry like this is a problem because it invites us to assume too much. In some threads the conversation might go ten or more posts before the real issues are identified. Sure, this hypothetical example is extreme, but not by much.

C'mon framers. When you need accurate information or just want good suggestions, please give us all the details that are pertinent to the topic.
 
Jim Miller said:
Yes, an inquiry like this is a problem because it invites us to assume too much. This hypothetical example may be extreme, but not by much. C'mon framers. When you need accurate information or just want good suggestions, please give us all the details that are pertinent to the topic.
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Framer or shopper posting?
 
The following was made a sticky on the PPFA's Framer's Corner:

To help receive the best answer possible, here are some suggestions as to the information you will want to include in your questions:

  • The medium of the artwork, such as oil on canvas, acrylic on canvas, needlepoint worked in wool, flat panel wood carving, photo on RC paper, crayon on construction paper, etc.
  • The size of the artwork, or at least an approximate size.
  • The condition of the artwork. Old, new, brittle, torn, cockled or rolled?
  • How will it be displayed? Mats or no mats? Float mounted or in a window mat?
  • Any special considerations, such as the need for two-sided viewing or for the artwork to be easily removed from the frame?
  • What is the objective in the framing? Is it to preserve a valuable family heirloom, or is it a piece of decorative art meant for short-term display?
  • Are there any special display conditions, such as a high-traffic area, a child's play area or a humid environment?
The more we know, the more we'll be able to help.


I'd add to that: Please make the title of your thread descriptive. Now only will it help get more views and produce an answer faster, it will also help in the future when someone does a search.

And this applies more to Warped: Please don't post a link, especially to a Youtube video, without a comment or with just LOL, OMG! or What do you think of this?
 
Why cant we just say......

DO A FLIPPIN' SEARCH before you post!!!!!! :D
 
Jim; I do see your point and agree.

However, when you are a newbie to framing, you don't know yet what to ask and what to look for. That comes from experience. This forum tends to all 'us'. Sure, most of us have seen the questions umpteenth times before; but to a newbie; that's just it; brandnew problem and an earnest desire to learn.

And most newcomers don't even think about using the search option.
 
Actually, threads with vague titles pose a similar problem.
 
Ylva said:
... most of us have seen the questions umpteenth ...
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It's not that questions are repetitive, or naive, it's that there isn't enough information to actually answer the question.

And, As others have pointed out, titles not only help with searching later, but actually can create interest and thus answers.
 
Well maybe there should be a "sticky" saying.....

"If you dont want to look like an IDIOTSTICK.... use the search function first..... ALSO..... make sure you post in the right forum......"


Still waiting for that Margarita....... <tapping foot>
 
Cliff Wilson said:
It's not that questions are repetitive, or naive, it's that there isn't enough information to actually answer the question.
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Exactly. I wouldn't go too hard on a newbie who starts a thread with familiar questions. Sometimes the search function is cumbersome, and sometimes the previous discussions just don't answer the right questions.

And, As others have pointed out, titles not only help with searching later, but actually can create interest and thus answers.
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Yes, most topics appeal to more than the one who starts a thread of inquiry. And if the conversation proceeds well, there might be some information useful to almost everyone.

And avoid frankenthreading.:kaffeetrinker_2:
 
The flipping search button doesnt work for me. Interesting stuff though, that I have to wade thru, and educational, but not what I'm looking for. So, I post a redundant question.
 
nikfrz said:
The flipping search button doesnt work for me. Interesting stuff though, that I have to wade thru, and educational, but not what I'm looking for. So, I post a redundant question.
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Its the same for me, since the whatyacallit server? changed the search area has not worked as well as before. Always meant to say summit.
just been lurkin bout the edges and a bit busy;)
 
If you can't find what you are looking for using the forum's own search facility, then consider using the 'site:' option within Google ... for example let's say you want to find Grumble posts containing the word 'canvas' ... type the following into the Google search box:

canvas site:thegrumble.com ​

You can also combine other Google search options with the site: feature. For example when searching for a particular phrase add parentheses around the phrase, as in the following example:

"canvas stretching machine" site:thegrumble.com ​

You can also use the exclude feature. So let's say you want to search for canvas stretching machine, but you are not interested in anything that mentions Tensador, then just add '-Tensador' to the previous search argument:

"canvas stretching machine" -Tensador site:thegrumble.com​

There are many other Google search features, but most things can be found quickly on TPFG using just the above handy subset.
 
well of course, thats how i found the grumble in the first place :icon19: makes perfect sense now you mention it!
 
Good suggestion Andrew. I didn't know about site specific searches.
Maybe we need a thread with tips on how to search.
 
But then when you wanted to search for the thread on how to search, would you type 'search' into search?
 
I think we could all maybe be a bit more patient and tolerant of newbies too. Most of them don't know framing jargon, and are not necessarily good at expressing themselves either.

The Grumble needs new members for replenishment, just as our businesses do. If you don't want to reply toa question, don't. But let's try not be rude or condescending. A simple suggestion to use the Search function should be sufficient.
 
It's always frustrating when you get vague enquiries from customers. But they can be forgiven for total lack of knowledge when it comes to the intricacies of framing. When you get similar questions from people who are in the business of framing, that's quite alarming. OK, no matter how many courses you do, only time and practice will turn you into a competent framer. Even then you never stop learning.

Most jobs that come though your door are going to be quite straightforward. But every now and then there are going to be the tricky ones. Someone who has just started a business and not too experienced is going to be eager to get the job and probably won't notice the pitfalls until they actually come to it. That's when they ask for help on the G. The typical one is doing a multi-layer mat + fillets or spacers or both and wondering how to pin it into a frame when the sandwich sticks 1/2" out of the back. An 'old hand' would have discounted unsuitable mouldings at the design stage.
If I had to give a noobee one piece of advice it would be - consider the practicalities before the aesthetics. :)
 
johnny said:
I swear sometimes this forum has more issues than a TK "limited edition"
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The Grumble does not just have issues - it has a subscription!!!
 
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