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Getting Framed #3 (a 4 part series)

By
Real Estate Agent with Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty

Here is the third in the series of ways to frame and decorate on a budget. This creative idea is as plain as black and white! You can create drama and appealing design.

#1 start with black and white images, perhaps greeting cards, your own photos, or your pick on the web.

#2 Create a theme, florals, scenic, kids photos....

#3 Make sure they are all in the same tone, there are sepia's, warm blacks, bluer blacks, and others. Try to match up several that are the same shades & values.

       

#4 Add spot color to them if you desire, and have the know-how. There are special pens to add color to photos, and computer programs that can do so as well.

#5 Purchase Black and white frames. Vary the shapes, use fun multi-picture frames, contrast with B&W mats if necessary.

#6 Frame them and Hang for a bold statement and dramatic results.

Here are the frames on my daughters wall, with youthful play of pictures with children. We toned all the B&W images the same and my daughter added the color.

 

cenza room  cenza 2   cenza 3

Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Ellen. I am learning this and it makes so much sense. Now what do I do with the pictures I paid a fortune to frame over the years?

Mar 17, 2012 11:57 PM
Kristin Johnston - REALTORĀ®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

THis is a great series...thanks...I may have to have my hubby view it too and learn along with me!!

Mar 17, 2012 11:57 PM
Jill Sackler
Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500 - Long Beach, NY
LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate

This has become a great new series for you and given you tons of blogging fodder. Well done.

Mar 18, 2012 12:03 AM
Janis Borgueta
Newburgh, NY
Retired RE Salesperson

Ellen~ Great series here. I am such a photo fan! It is my passion.

Mar 18, 2012 12:10 AM
Ellen Caruso
Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty - Glen Head, NY

Melissa, 1 is not enough and too many is a mess. Keep it flowing and with a series they compliment each other well.

Sheila, if the frames are good, open up the backs and replace with your new creations, you can seal up the back and rehang. If not firewood? LOL

Kristin, it just takes trial and error and personal touch to make it a success!

Jill, I actually wrote this series my first month in AR and had maybe 10 comments across the whole series. It was time to reblog and update and share again.

Janis, I always admire beautiful photos, why is it so many of us leave them in photo albums? Lets Hang them!

Mar 18, 2012 12:50 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks, Ellen, for your tips. My wife, Dolores, wants to frame some of my flower photographs.

Have a most productive week, with your camera in hand.

Mar 18, 2012 01:40 AM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Wonderful Ellen, true useful information on framing which most of us do not know how to do so we pay the big bucks when there is a simple solution...thank you! 

Mar 18, 2012 01:50 AM
Juli Vosmik
Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

Ellen, I found some black and white frame just collecting dust in my closet yesterday after you inspired me to get moving.  I think I'm going to fill them with photos of local Arizona plants.  Can't wait to search for them. 

Mar 18, 2012 03:47 AM
Kristine Ginsberg
Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC - Short Hills, NJ
NJ Home Stager

Ellen - you've created beautiful and sentimental art and I already copy pasted to do this in the future. I have so many of my own black and white photos that make gorgeous staging art or pictures for my own home. I love how you framed them! Thanks so much for sharing your great idea.

This is one of my "creations" that needs to go in a frame like the ones you did!

Mar 18, 2012 04:25 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Ellen this is a wonderful series.  Make me want to create some new scenes myself.  Can't wait for #4!!

Mar 18, 2012 05:51 AM
Ellen Caruso
Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty - Glen Head, NY

Roy, I've seen so many of your floral shots here in the Rain, And I agree with Dolores, get them up and hanging!

Ginny, discount stores sell beautiful quality frames, all you need to do is add your creativity and photo shots!

Juli, a series of those plants will make a great statement, frame and hang, then post for us to see!

Kristine, I have no doubt you have many gorgeous shots to frame and hang, and in the business of staging, being able to use them on your jobs is not only cost saving, but a treat for all those who see them when previewing the home. A perfect sale! BTW, one of our offices hosts an artists collection each month, you could display yours, put prices on the back and offer them for sale.

Anna, I do enjoy making them and hanging them, each one holds a memory or connection with me. I hope you go for it!

Mar 18, 2012 07:36 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I should do a wall of the grandsons.....God knows I've got enough pictures!

Mar 18, 2012 10:20 AM
Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

Great idea Ellen and they are good looking!  Love those black and white photos that have just a spot of colour.

Mar 18, 2012 10:55 AM
Ellen Caruso
Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty - Glen Head, NY

Sharon, how cute would that be all B&W with a touch of color? Love the glasses, I just got a pair too.

Al & Peggy,  A series is always successful when planed as a family!

Mar 18, 2012 12:12 PM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Ellen~ The black and white would match well with the decor in our office.  Now I just have to find the right theme.  Mabye architecture.

Mar 18, 2012 12:32 PM
Shar Sitter
Rooms With Style - Minneapolis, MN
Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis/ St. Paul, M

I love this series and I have got to set aside some time to do some of this. Right after I find the time to read your novel.....I WILL get that done. Trust me. 

Mar 18, 2012 12:49 PM
Ellen Caruso
Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty - Glen Head, NY

Donna, that would be dramatic and exciting, use closeups with unique angles!

Shar, I owe you a call! Things are good! I just listed 2 new constructions of Joe's while still in the blueprint phase, and got accepted offers on both in the first sitting with the buyers!!!! He will be back to work!!! That means while juggling my other responsibilities, I can get back to writing (of coarse with your feedback, much appreciated) and finishing a huge painting I started. 2012 the year of the Dragon is turning out to be a good one for me.

And I may have a surprise, a 5th in the series!

Mar 18, 2012 02:04 PM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Wonderful series my creative friend. I'm going to share them with my kids ( on a budget) and also keep some of the tips for me too. Thanks and I'm glad you're busy - read your comment #18. Cool.

Mar 19, 2012 08:37 AM
Ellen Caruso
Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty - Glen Head, NY

Debb, I wonder whats in the water! They are all out and buying, now my husband needs more hands. Must be the energy saver concept is hot and catching on!

And on a budget look for my surprise #5....My out-of-the-box thought!

Mar 19, 2012 10:52 AM
Joshua Zargari
MJ Decorators Workshop LI staging and home decorating - Lynbrook, NY
MJ Decorators Workshop

Thank you for sharing.

Mar 21, 2012 07:42 PM