Picture framing, while not as old as art itself, is certainly not new. Its worldly beginnings date back several centuries and it has certainly become an art form in its own right over those years.

Saying picture frame sounds so simple and really is a very narrow way of describing what has broad uses. From the most priceless works of art by the old masters to a photo of your children or parents, from a limited edition print, to your college diploma, from a mirror to a butterfly collection, framing is that which gives all of these items focus, protection, structure, accent and more.

When I think of the two main functions of framing, focus and protection rise to the top. While not all art needs to be framed, that which should be can go through a true transformation by the process. What looks nice without can make a dramatic change to greatness by framing and, trust me, framing taste has much to do with it. Framing should not look more important than the art, but rather bring "focus" to it. It is all about continuity to that which it surrounds, never contrived, just in harmony with. I don't care if it's priceless art or a certificate, if you are taking the time and expense to frame it, this rule holds true.

Now, I said framing taste has much to do with it, let me explain. Like art, framing is subjective. What you may like, others may see differently and yes, there are many ways to frame the same thing. If you go to a framer and his or hers suggestions for how to frame leave you less than joyful, try another. There are three main things to look for in a framer, taste, quality of materials and workmanship. As for taste, one thing you could do as an experiment is try taking the same thing to a few different framers and see if you like one's suggestions more than another. In fairness, so not to waste their time or yours, trying this once should be enough. Be up front with them, tell them you are looking for a framer and it's important to you to find the right person to work with. The idea is to build a relationship and they should welcome that.

Now for quality of materials and workmanship, I will be addressing this more in Part Two, but while you are visiting a framer you might ask questions such as how long they have been in business, are you speaking to the owners and do they do the framing or is it a chain and is the framing done on location. Look to see if they seem organized, are they helpful and do they seem to really hear your requests about style, your budget, etc. All of this, of course, is more important if you plan to frame things on a regular basis.

Years ago when my wife Linda and I were framing, one of our big things was to offer as much knowledge as possible, especially to new customers. We wanted them to know the options available to them and to be part of the process. I remember a new customer came in with a print, he set it down and basically said, "Do what you think is best, I'm not good with these things." "Really", I said, "You look like a decision maker to me." "Well, I am", he replied. I then said, "You looked like you did an reasonably good job of picking out what you were going to wear this morning." Smiling, he was wondering where all this was going, until I said, "If you can make decisions and you can pick out what clothes to wear, you should be part of this process."

This guy had always been led to think he shouldn't make these kinds of decisions and by the time I had the first mat out and positioned on the print he had already said "That's nice, but how about something a little lighter." He became a good customer and being part of the process allowed him to not only enjoy his visits, but the results all that much more.

Having said that I felt focus and protection were the two main reasons to frame, I must admit, there is one that likely tops those two and that's enjoyment. I've come to see over the years that many of the things that we would frame, but have not for one reason or another, tend to sit in a drawer, a file cabinet or a box with other things we love. In a fire, would you search through a box or grab a few photos you had chosen to frame as you ran out the door? A dramatic proposal perhaps, but you get the point.

Framing things means something to you and to others. I have said how personal art can be and how much of you can be seen in it and framing works the same way. It sends a message of caring. Let me share a little secret and an example.

Your child brings home a piece of his or her art from school. Maybe this one a bit more special than some. It may be crayon, it may be a picture of your family with the dog and the house with the crooked chimney, but done with all the love and innocence of a child. You have a choice: you can take the little magnets and stick it on the fridge door for awhile or take this precious work of art to your framer. Pick framing that's fun, not all grown up, the rules above still apply, and you won't believe how great it will turn out.

Kids know what is important to you. So, bring it home and at least as a start don't put it in their room, but in a place where you can see it everyday and they can see you enjoying it. Confidence will blossom from that creative little mind like a flower in spring.