Last month of Rarified framing!

Hi everyone,

I'm writing to let you know that this will be the last month of Rarified as a framing business.

I am moving on to my design label Samitomoto and the Samitomoto drawing game full time from mid May 2011. I will be taking in last framing orders for the next two weeks if you would love my design eye to elevate your art!

As a result I have all the framing equipment for sale, enough to set up a small shop or home studio for $6000.

I'm also selling the gorgeous she-oak counter from Rarified for offers above $2000, it is a lovely collector's piece.

I will no longer be running the Rarified email list, so if you'd like to sign up to the Samitomoto email list and stay in touch, please do so here.

I'd like to say a BIG thank you to all of you for supporting me through the six years of Rarified the shop and one year of transitioning between entrepreneurial projects! So many of you have become close friends and I'm so grateful for your support of Rarified and I over the years!

I still have a lot of left over stock from Rarified for sale, I shall add it here over the next two weeks.

Please give me a call on 02 6257 4270 if you are interested in any equipment or stock.

Best wishes,

Sam Simpson-Morgan

Rarified December News!

Hi All,

There’s still time to book in your Christmas framing!

It's been an amazing four months since Rarified Dickson closed its doors.

I am loving the personal feel of running my framing design studio from home and am thrilled that you have kept the support in Rarified and I very strong!

Please know that every dollar you spend at Rarified goes back into building my new design label Samitomoto, which in turns helps create products that help people to have more creative fun! So it's an amazing joint project and I truly appreciate you all helping me to move forward in this new journey!

There's still time to book your framing in before Christmas, yet please hurry as time is running out. If you have art you'd love to elevate with framing, please phone me soon on 6257 4270 to book your appointment. I'd love to help you!

Samitomoto Drawing Game

As part of my new design label Samitomoto, I have been busy developing a drawing game!

The Samitomoto Drawing Game is launching on the 16th December 2010. It is a fun, non competitive card game designed to help you to have creative fun drawing and to get into creative flow. It is designed for creative spirits from 8-80 years old!

Curious to know more? Become a fan of Samitomoto on facebook to receive product updates and news. Interested in the launch? We have some limited spaces available- please email me if you'd love to be included.

If you'd love to purchase a pack of the Samitomoto Drawing Game, phone me on 6257 4270 or email me at ssm@rarified.com.au. The games retail for $19.95 each. The Samitomoto website will go live in the next week and I look forward to sharing it with you!

In the meantime you can read the Samitomoto story here

As you can see I've been a very busy creative entreprenenur and I thank you for all your support and for your belief in me!

Cheers,

Samantha Simpson-Morgan

Samitomoto Magnet Boards

My new design label Samitomoto is all about sparking creative fun and inspiration!

It's core is a range of funky and sleek magnetic vision boards that I've designed and manufactured.

Become a fan of Samitomoto on facebook and find out more here . I've started a drawing group there also, so anyone who loves to draw on a weekly theme is welcome to join in the fun!

The 30 x 60 cm magnet boards retail for $75 each, they are made from powder coated zinc. They are also available in 60 x 90 cm. Each board comes with five super strong and sleek little stainless steel magnets. To order phone 02 6257 4270. We are also looking to wholesale to retailers and the online shop is coming very very soon!

Use them as vision boards, notice boards, mood boards or inspiration boards!

What's on your Samitomoto board?

Using colour when framing

This is a simply delightful framing job that I recently finished for a simply delightful client!

It's so wonderful when clients trust my colour sense, as through us both working as a team, magic may well result! The results here are wonderful.

Pictured are two works by Canberra design label Schmooks. Claire of Schmooks work is so delicate, playful and intricate, we chose to keep the frames consistent, in a creamy white box frame and to vary the matt colurs, so that each one was separate yet linked together as a whole.

For the pink image we chose a dusty pink outer matt and a warm white inner matt, to tone with the pink in the image and help it to stand out. The other Schmooks print pictured has a background of blue and so we chose to leave the blue alone in the framing and selected very soft matts of warm white outer and salmon pink inner to keep the image soft. These works, although different in colour can now hang happily as a set, linked by their frames.

The other image pictured showed how a childs art can be absolutely elevated with clever framing! A striking child's art piece image in red and purple, was given a fun twist by choosing a red inner matt with a creamy white outer matt and then framing the piece in a funky purple frame- the resulting colour just sings!

Buy Claire's work here

Rarified Framing House welcomes you and your art!

Hello everyone!

Well the move from Dickson to Downer was epic, but it's now complete!

We are now taking bookings for custom framing your beautiful art. We have decided to waive the booking/appointment fee, so give us a call and book your framing in!

The new Rarified is smaller, yet more personal, authentic and creative. Plus, the parking is free and you get Sam's undivided attention and design eye!

Pictured here is one of the two new consult areas, the 'cool colour zone'. It's a great example of what can be done with clever framing and a good hanging system. I would love every landlord in Canberra to install these systems! They leave the wall blemish free and offer great opportunities to display and rotate art collections easily and safely.

We sell this system, so if you'd like a quote on installing one in your home, give us a call!

And we also sell and design framed mirrors, perfect for introducing more light into a space and lovely to reflect your garden inside your home!

Final two hour sale of excess stock this Friday 23rd July!

Final sale of offcuts and excess stock! I've decided to hold one last sale in the Dickson Rarified space to clear things out at rock bottom prices, to save me moving any more and give you the chance to score a Rarified bargain!!

This Friday 23rd July, I will open the space from 10-12pm, cash only!

The space is rough and dismantled, but the prices are amazing!

All ready made frames $5 each! All framed stock left, $20-$50 each! Scrap pieces of matt board and foamcore (most larger than A3) $2 each- great for creative kids! All prints are half price and yes, there are Tintin prints!

Last week of Rarified Dickson- we are moving!

It's the last week of Rarified Dickson, before we move!

To put everyone’s mind at rest, I thought I’d put up answers to the questions I’ve been asked over the last few weeks, since announcing the Rarified move. I hope this helps to clarify things.

Are you closing the business?

No, I am not closing Rarified! I am moving it to a home business in Downer, so that I can continue to focus on creating beautiful and personal framing design and craftsmanship for you, without crushing overheads. This will also allow me to open an online shop and to build my new design label- Samitomoto.

Why are you moving?

The world has changed since the financial crisis and the growth of the internet. I see the strong trend continuing of artisan businesses moving online and away from commercial premises, to allow them to grow, reach wider markets and flourish!

When are you moving?

The Dickson Rarified doors close on Saturday 17^th July at 1.30pm. All this last week, all stock is on sale at 25% off the marked price! Come and get a bargain!

Appointments will start at Downer the following Thursday, Friday and Saturday, phone us on 6257 4270 for a booking!

Where are you going to?

I’m moving Rarified to an appointment only home design studio in Downer. Our contact number will stay the same, so once you book an appointment I will email you the address. I look forward to seeing you at the new form of Rarified!

Will you still be taking in custom framing?

Yes! I remain committed to designing beautiful framing that elevates your art and to delivering a high quality craftsmanship finish. Phone us for an appointment!

What is your new venture?

My new label Samitomoto is a label of products that help you to develop your creativity and to stay inspired! The first range of products is a range of funky magnet boards that you can currently purchase from Rarified and soon from our online shop! Curious to know more? Join our email list or phone for more information!

I am also planning the most beautiful and rare range of ready made frames in the world- also to be sold through Rarified and online and available at select retail boutiques- just a modest little aim!

Plus the online shop will sell a select range of funky and beautifully framed prints, just as you’ve come to expect from Rarified.

How will it work?

Phone us on 6257 4270 and book an appointment. Appointments will cost $75 per hour, for design advice, yet once the framing is booked in we will waive the design fee. That way if you just want to engage me for framing design advice- you can and this allows me to honour my design expertise and experience!

What are the benefits for me?

You get Sam’s expert framing eye and creativity, in an exclusive appointment, without interruptions and in a calm, creative and inspired space. Come and share a cup of tea and talk art and design with me! Plus, if you join the Rarified email list, you also get access to exclusive promotions and offers!

I look forward to continuing the Rarified journey with you! If you want to say goodbye to the Dickson space, this is your last week!

* Image copyight Samantha Simpson-Morgan 2010. Buy anything from Rarified this week and receive this drawing as a greeting card as a gift! See Sam's drawing blog here.

Keep Calm and Carry On- Last weeks of Rarified Dickson

It's been lovely to hear from you all, as we enter our last weeks of Rarified Dickson.

The good news is that Rarified is continuing, as a home based picture framing and design studio in Downer!

So, to all those people that have expressed their sadness, thank you, yet please don't be sad, the new form of Rarified will be brighter, more personal and much more creative!

We will still deliver you beautiful framing design, with a high quality finish. You will have the benefit of exclusive one-on one appointments with Sam and the team and you will also get to join the ride as we launch new design products, via the Rarified website. It's going to be great and I'm very excited!

However, we are now entering the last weeks of trading from Dickson. Our last day of trading will be Saturday 17th July. We are still taking framing orders, yet whilst we transition there may be a small delay on completion dates. So take advantage of this time because all prints and framed prints, ready made frames and greeting cards are on sale until we move!

If you want to hear about our closing/moving party, please join the Rarified email list!

Bye for now.

Rarified is proudly offered for sale!

After almost six years of operation, from start up in August 2004 and six wonderful years later, Samantha Simpson-Morgan is proudly offering Rarified for sale!

Rarified is a beautiful picture framing gallery located in Dickson Canberra, Australia. The emphasis is on gorgeous custom designed framing, using colour and design to 'elevate your art'.

Rarified is situated in a great inner city location, surrounded by cafes and restaurants, with a very loyal clientele. The 100m2 space boasts high ceilings, clean white gallery walls and a north facing front window. There is plenty of scope to add more designed retail stock!

The attached custom framing workshop is light, airy and designed for operation expansion and ease of work flow.

Rarified is profitable, systemized and would suit a buyer who ideally has some framing experience, yet most importantly, has the passion and entrepreneurial drive to take Rarified forward!

Price- $75 000 NEG, walk in walk out. Includes all stock, equipment, fittings, systems and database and more!

Sam must sell as she is committed to a new entrepreneurial design project.

As this is a heart business, Sam would like thank everyone who has been a part of this amazing ride, Rarified wouldn't exist without you! So thank you, thank you, thank you!

So if you know anyone who would love to talk to Sam about purchasing Rarified, please phone 6257 4270. And for updates on the sale progress and to learn about what Sam is doing next, please make sure you join the Rarified email list, see here or join the facebook page here

And if you'd like Sam's expertise before Rarified sells, please book in your framing very soon!

Many thanks!

April Tintin Promotion!

Put some magic and adventure into your life and nourish your inner child with the Rarified April Tintin promotion!

Purchase Tintin posters for $50 each- normally $90 each!

Or purchase framed Tintin prints for $250- normally $320!*

Hurry, offer runs from 27th March 2010 until 30th April 2010!

*Not to be used in conjunction with other offers. Offer ends 30th April 2010. Promotion framed prints include a simple black or white frame only, with a single matt.

** Image- detail from Tintin 'Blue Lotus' print by Herge.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone!

Yes, I know it's not that new anymore, yet Canberrans will know that the year proper kicks in once the January coast break is over!

At Rarified we are raring to go into 2010 and have many exciting new projects lined up for this year.

To celebrate the new year, here are two lovely paintings by local artist Karen Green that are currently for sale in the Rarified gallery. Titled 'Sunflyers' and 'If I close my eyes', these paintings are vibrant celebrations of domestic life. You can see and learn more about Karen's work here

Images copyright Karen Green.

'Rarified Draw' Competition terms and conditions

It's on! The Rarified Draw!

We want you all drawing and creating, plus you can win $200 and have your work on the Rarified gallery walls!

This month's theme is 'Summer Dreaming'.

How do I take part?

For full terms and conditions read below;

The Rarified Draw- terms and conditions.

Entry is open to Australian residents.

There is monthly theme to draw, decided by the Rarified team. November ‘09’s theme is ‘Summer Dreaming’.

The theme, plus terms and conditions are to be posted on the Rarified Framing Gallery face book page.

Entries must be created on the matt board postcards supplied by Rarified and stamped with the Rarified Draw stamp, retailing for $2.50 each at Rarified or 10 for ten dollars.

Rarified Draw postcards may also be available to purchase at participating art and craft stores. Art stores please contact Rarified for the postcard wholesale rate.

Entrants must fill in the entry form supplied.

The theme will be announced at the beginning of the month.

Works on the Rarified Draw postcards may be drawings, photographs, collages, or paintings, but must be the original work of the entrant.

The postcards will be displayed pinned or clipped anonymously on the gallery walls and staff members and customers will be invited to vote.

The winner will be decided by popular vote and announced on the last Thursday of the month. The November/December winner will be announced at Rarified on Thursday 10th December from 6.00-7.30pm.

There will be one vote allowed per person.

In the case of a draw, the Rarified team will decide the winner at their own discretion, on the basis of creativity and originality in the interpretation of theme.

The Rarified team members and their families are permitted to enter, but are not eligible for prizes.

The monthly prize may vary, yet will be posted on the Rarified Framing Gallery facebook page and the Rarified blog.

The December prize will be $200.00 cash.

We encourage that the postcards submitted are for sale, with Rarified deducting a 30% commission.

We encourage that postcards not be priced below $50.00. Works that sell will be marked with a red dot and available for collection by the buyer at the end of the month.

Rarified reserves the right not to display or accept works that are considered offensive, racist or overtly sexual in nature.

Entrants accept that their works may be copied for promotional uses and posted on the Rarified blog and face book page.

Entrants who are under eighteen years of age must nominate a guardian to receive their prize.

Good luck and get drawing!! Postcards are available now to purchase at Rarified, pass this on to anyone you know who loves to create....

images- Entries for November 'Summer Dreaming'.

Enter the 'Rarified Draw' drawing competition and win $200!

Ok all you people who love to create! The' Rarified Draw' competition is here! For details on how to enter and full terms and conditions, please visit and become a fan of Rarified Framing Gallery on facebook! Get drawing as the first entries will have the advantage of receiving the most votes, plus the winner will receive $200! This month's theme is 'Summer Dreaming'. Official entry postcards are available to purchase at Rarified. Please pass this on to anyone you know who loves to draw and paint!

Framed Prints

Rarified currently has lots of gorgeous framed prints on the gallery walls.

Here is a taste! To see the whole album of images, including prices and sizes, become a fan of 'rarified framing gallery' on face book. Or click here.

We love to use colour and design when framing artwork to elevate it! If you love what you see here, just imagine what we could design to elevate YOUR art! Phone us on 6257 4270 to arrange a free framing design appointment!

Image copyright- Druvert- 'Bowls and Flowers'.

Rarified mirrors

At Rarified we are often asked if we frame mirrors and the answer is- yes!

There are a selection of small and large framed mirrors ready to buy in the gallery, in gorgeous frames!

Or, if you would like to design one specifically for your space, we'd love to help you!

Winner- Win a Rarified $900 framing stimulus package competition!

We have a winner!

The Rarified team would like to congratulate Mandy for her winning entry in the 'Win a $900 framing stimulus package competition!

We asked you to; describe Rarified in five words.

The winning entry described Rarified as;

'Fabulous, Funky and Friendly Framers'!

We felt that summed Rarified up really well, extra points for the alliteration!

Thanks to Mandy and all the other lovely creative entries. Thanks for all your positive feedback and for taking the time and energy to enter, we really value your support!

New prints in stock by 'Schmooks'!

We have some gorgeous framed prints in stock, by Illustrator Claire Cimbora of Schmooks. Buy unframed prints here

We asked Claire some questions about her lovely work;

What inspires you in your work?

'Much of my inspiration comes from my little son. I find his innocence both enchanting and fascinating. I sit and watch him talk with his teddy bears and send rockets to the moon while in his imaginary play-land.

I also think there is a deep connection between my work and the happy memories of my own childhood.'


What does your work mean to you?

'Sweet innocence. Playful curiosity. Inquisitive charm. A touch of mischief and light-hearted fun. Enchanting scenarios and endless adventure.

Each illustration has its own story, adding another layer to the work. It also provides the viewer with a more intimate connection to the work.'


How long have you been making art, where do you want to take it in the future?

'I have been illustrating all my life really. From a young age I was always encouraged to be creative and had a strong passion for art. About two years ago I was asked to illustrate a book, it wasn’t until then that I started to take illustrating seriously.
I began with cards, creating personalised gifts for friends and family. From this I developed a series of playful artworks, which are now part of my Schmooks collection.

Schmooks itself is a work in progress. I have been lucky enough to have several stores in Australia stock my work and I would like to extend this overseas at some point. I am looking at working on a series of childrens books in the near future as well as collaborating with a children’s author at the end of this year. The beginning of next year I am looking at exhibiting my work internationally.'

If you are looking for an original gift, or would like to support local talent, come and browse Claire's work framed at Rarified.

Wallstock Tintin 'Les Autos'

A very cute new Tintin print has arrived; 'Tintin Les Autos'. Featuring Tintin, Snowy and Captain Haddock driving in a funky yellow car, framed in a simple black frame with white matt, this framed print is retailing for $300. Outside frame size- 535 x 750 mm. Available while stocks last.

New Cazzam design - 'What Public Servants Think'

'What Public Servants Think' is the newest print design in our 'What Things Think' print series, designed by Sam Simpson-Morgan and Cass Rhemrev. Buy this in-store at Rarified, or purchase online and see the entire range here This image is a humorous take on the average daily life of a government worker. We hope it makes you laugh! (No bricks through the Rarified window please!). Stores interested in wholesale orders, please contact us direct.

Exhibition- AG Stokes 'Garden:Renewal of Spirit'

Recently we framed beautiful artworks by Ann Stokes for her exhibition, please go along and support this local talent!

Stokes is interested in the way landscape can convey a mood and act as a metaphor for thought and action.

In her words; ‘These current paintings and prints celebrate the continued, if embattled, existence of the suburban garden. The garden hangs on in suburban blocks despite the assaults of drought and global warming and predictions of the demise of the back yard.

The garden is a microcosmic world with shadows as well as light. But here the gardener is Creator and Custodian and every Spring heralds fresh beginnings. A place of solitude and reflection, but also conviviality, rejoicings, discoveries – the garden both mirrors and shapes our mode of life and aspirations.’

This exhibition comprises mainly small works where the idea of an enclosed space is conveyed through a blend of representation and abstraction within a square format. Winding lines and circular forms exemplify the creativity, hope and energy of the gardener-painter.

Both oil paintings and prints derive from Stokes’ intimate knowledge of her garden and surrounds in Turner. The lithographs and solar plate etchings were made during a residency at Megalo Print Studio which Stokes was awarded in 2009.

The exhibition complements the current Floriade display in Canberra and will repay a visit.

-Images copyright Ann Stokes

AG Stokes

Garden: renewal of spirit

Exhibition of paintings and prints

Megalo Print Studio + Gallery

Canberra Technology Park, 49 Phillip Ave, Watson, ACT 2602

15 September to 26 September 2009

Opening 17 September 6 pm