Solution to using black matts- when framing travel memorabilia and art

What do you do when you've bought some lovely pieces of art, yet the art looks so heavy by the black card put around it?

If you scroll down, you'll find the first installment to this story...

Poor Ganesh and the Goddess of Knowledge were sadly dampened by the heavy black card around them, when I bought them on holiday in Bali in January.

When changing from black matts, one solution is to go either side of black; either to charcoal grey, or a warm grey/brown with the matt. The darker tone makes the lighter areas of the image stand out and the softer tone helps the artwork to speak and breathe.

On my paintings here, I used a deep warm/grey outer matt and a warm peach cream inner matt. Finally, these lovely paintings were finished off with a dark, carved timber frame, for a rich asian-inspired decorative effect!

It's so exciting to have new artworks on my wall at home! Especially ones that remind me of such a great holiday!

Wanted -Two New Rarified Staff Members!

Wanted - Chief Framer!

Rarified needs your help! We are looking for a full time chief framer to help us take our first class creative capability to the next level.

Who do you know who has;
Fine framing skills
A positive and dedicated attitude
Is self-motivated
Loves Art and
Wants to grow as part of an exciting, creative, small business team?

At Rarified we look after our team and will provide a strong financial package and significant career and self development opportunities.

Introduce us to our chief framer and receive $1000 custom framing!!

But wait, there’s more...

Fame Design Consultant and Front of House

Rarified is also recruiting for a frame design consultant and front of house, on a part time basis.

The ideal candidate will be outgoing, friendly, love art and design, have a great eye for colour, a love of interior design and have outstanding sales and customer service experience.

Introduce us to this star recruit and receive $500 of custom framing!!

All applications to be submitted by Saturday 23rd February 2008.

Call Rarified today with anyone you know who might be interested in joining our team, or pass out these details and have them call us for further information on 6257 4270.

Thank you sincerely for your help!

Samantha Simpson-Morgan

Ideas for framing travel memorabilia and art

I have been lucky enough to have holidayed in one of my favourite parts of the world, Ubud in Bali.

Thank you to all the special Balinese people I met, especially Leroy, Nyoman and Made and a big hello to Francesca!

Bali is one of those special spiritual places that is so friendly and generous with sharing its culture. I especially love Ubud for its emphasis on the arts and culture and for the attention to aesthetics that is evident everywhere.

Whilst there- apart from relaxing, meeting people, eating great food and (joy of joys), keeping a sketch book, I also bought some traditional Balinese paintings from Leroy K Puspa. Above is the before framing image of these paintings, of 'Ganesh' and the 'Goddess of Knowledge'.

Both are exquisitely detailed paintings that are sadly let down by the heavy black card that surrounded them when I bought them. Black is often thought of as a 'neutral framing colour', yet it is a shade that needs to be used sparingly and with caution in the framing process. It can be very heavy and flat and leech the art work of its life and vitality.

Stay tuned for my solution to this problem and how I still use a dark tone (not black) in the framing process that really helps to elevate these two lovely pieces!

Although I feel I've only scratched the surface of this amazing place, my favourites were; lunch, dinner or coffee at the 'Three Monkeys Cafe', A trek through the rice fields for an organic meal set high above the rice fields at 'Organic Sari', chai at 'Cafe Nasi Goreng' and the best service, food and ambience I have EVER encountered at 'Arys Warung'!!

I can't wait to return to this magical land!

Happy New Year!

It was a couple of days after Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse... Actually, that's not true, Rarified has now re-opened for business and the framers are busy and bustling round the house.

We hope you all have a fabulous and safe New Year!

Here is the Rarified window at present. The David Bromley image is 'Boy in Interior' by Third Drawer Down, limited edition t-towels, featuring images by new and established artists. I love David Bromley's work, in my mind he is an artist that is truly living his authentic creative life. He also has three funky interiors shops called 'A Day on Earth'. This image is an affordable way to purchase his work, whilst you build up to owning an original painting!

At Rarified we love creative businesses that seamlessly marry creativity with business savvy and style. Third Drawer Down is another Australian creative business idea that I particularly admire. Check it out here.

And whilst I'm doing the plugs, I must extend a big thank you to Absolutely Beautiful Things, for leading by example and inspiring us at Rarified to start this blog!

See you in 2008!

Movie Prints

Rarified currently has this Audrey Hepburn 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' print in stock, both framed and unframed. Or you can order a huge range of other movie posters via our weblink. The Rarified team would love to order it in for you, if you are not comfortable ordering online.

Movie posters are perfect for decorating your home movie theatre.

My favourite film of 2007 was 'As it is in Heaven' a truly beautiful and powerful film! I loved it so much, I saw it twice.

More Christmas Ideas

This has proved to be a favourite for men of all ages; from 5-50 years old! This Tintin 'Blue Lotus' print by Herge is currently framed and for sale for $295. Here is a detail of this fun print.

The Rarified team loves this one, for the fantastic illustration, for the brilliant use of strong colour and for the sense of adventure contained within this high quality print.

If someone you know loves Tintin, or you'd like to escape to a 'clear lined world full of adventure' (thank you Steven Harrison), Rarified stocks a range of other Tintin prints and postcards.

Drop in and ask to see the range!

Last Minute Christmas Ideas

There are some lovely new pieces on the Rarified Gallery walls. Pictured here is one of a series of three prints by Druvert, called 'Les Bols', published by Nouvelles Images.

This is one of a set of two that Rarified has framed in a matt brushed silver frame, with a soft grey/blue and white matt. Matching the outer matt colour to the neutral blue grey background in these prints allows the stronger blues and pinks in the image to really stand out. This is a very pretty and feminine image and will go quickly, so call Rarified if you would like us to hold it for you.