Summer Simplicity: Custom Framing for the Pieces That Matter Most

At Underglass Framing, a trusted picture frame shop in San Francisco for over 40 years, we know that some of the most meaningful pieces you’ll ever frame aren’t gallery-sized or famous—they’re personal.

We recently had the pleasure of custom framing a hand-painted note card: a small folding card featuring a delicate branch of red berries. The artwork spans the full card, edge to edge, with the original fold still visible—a quiet reminder that this piece was once held, written in, maybe even gifted.

We chose a muted green frame with soft gold accents on the lip and side. The finish is slightly rubbed and oxidized, lending an aged, calming feel that complements the natural tones of the artwork.

The card was simply mounted flat on off-white museum mat board, without raising it—almost as if it were gently placed on a tabletop. Around it, we left roughly two inches of space, creating a sense of calm and balance that lets the image breathe.

Why We Use Museum-Quality Custom Framing—Always

Whether we’re framing original artwork, a travel memento, or a heartfelt card, we use museum-quality materials and techniques to ensure longevity and protection. That includes:

✅ Acid-free mat boards and backings
✅ UV-protective glazing (glass or acrylic) to guard against fading
✅ Reversible, non-destructive hinging methods, using handmade Japanese paper hinges and rice starch paste prepared in-house

These techniques are designed to keep your art safe, stable, and beautifully preserved—whether it’s a rare print or a personal treasure.