Are you…

- a photographer, painter or other artist who wants to professionally display your work?
- a collector of memories, achievements or valuables begging to be rescued and celebrated?
-an aspiring entrepreneur, or current business who is considering expanding your services to include framing?

The Complete Picture Framing Academy

charlestonframes LLC | greater charleston, sc

Hands-on individual and small group training | Single and multi-day programs | Live and virtual sessions

 

the complete picture | MULTI - day ONSITE WORKSHOP


day I:
design, art matting and Mounting

Length: 6 1/2 hours

Don’t let standard frame sizes, limited matting options and high retail prices cramp your self-expression any longer! Learn professional methods of protecting and displaying your valuable art and documents, custom creations, and hard earned achievements with pride.

Day I we’ll cover tips to cutting perfect single and double mats using affordable equipment. We’ll discuss various preservation mounting techniques.

We’ll also discuss equipment and recommended suppliers, to help you get set up at home or in your studio.

day II:
glass cutting, frame joining & project assembly

Length: 6 1/2 hours

Day II will give you exposure to various frame joining methods. You will assemble a picture frame to fit your workpiece from the previous day.

You will also learn safe glass & acrylic cutting, tips to a dust-free assembly, and hanging hardware options. We will discuss methods, suppliers, purchasing strategy, and other topics that interest you.

Not only will you walk out with a professionally displayed and protected piece of art, but you’ll have the knowledge, resources and confidence to do it again!

Bring one (1) flat image up to 8x10 to work on. All other materials will be supplied.

$379


single - day ONSITE workshops


picture Framing on a budget

Length: 8 hours on a Saturday or Sunday
Max class size: 2 learners

Unlock the world of custom framing without breaking the bank! Join us for a one-day workshop designed for beginners where we'll explore the art of framing on a budget. Say goodbye to standard frame sizes and limited options! Discover cost-effective methods to protect and showcase your art with pride.

Throughout the workshop, we'll focus on essentials of matting, mounting, glazing, framing, fitting and finishing using affordable tools and materials. Our discussions will cover equipment recommendations and accessible suppliers, making it easy for you to set up your framing space at home without overspending.

You will leave with a beautifully framed piece and the knowledge, resources, and confidence to continue framing your art affordably. Join us and unlock the secrets to framing on a budget!

Bring one (1) flat image up to 8x10 to work on. All other materials will be supplied.

$299 $259

 

 

Art matting and mounting

Length: 3 1/2 hours
Max class size: 2 learners

 

Photographers, painters, art enthusiasts and collectors of all skill levels: Elevate your artwork by learning how to properly mat & mount it yourself. Break free from the constraints of standard mat sizes and colors in this immersive art matting & mounting workshop!

Learn the art of cutting single and double mats, allowing you to tailor each piece to perfectly complement the art. Say goodbye to the one-size-fits-all approach and embrace a world of personalized matting possibilities.

We will compare substrates and explore the use of various conservation-grade adhesives. We will discuss tools needed & where to buy supplies, and you will take home resources to help you transfer learning into practice.

Bring one (1) flat image up to 8x10 to work on. All other materials will be supplied.

$179 $149

 

 

CANVAS STRETCHING & STRAINER BAR CONSTRUCTION

Length: 6 hours
Max class size: 2 learners

If you are a hobbyist or professional artist and want to turn your work into showpieces, this workshop is for you. Learn hands-on how to construct strainer bars to fit any size art, and how to stretch your canvas safely and evenly around it so it looks great for years to come.

We will solve common issues faced when working with canvas such as the dreaded “The art goes all the way to the edge; I don’t have the material to stretch it!?”.

We will discuss equipment needed, supplier and purchasing options, and other practical tips to help you get set started the right way right away.

Bring one (1) piece of loose canvas art (up to 20x30) to work on

All other materials will be supplied

$199


Individual instruction


Onsite training

If you are looking for specialized framing instruction beyond what’s covered in these workshops, this is a great option for you.

Want to learn float mounting? Woodworking & framebuilding? Are you working with large or unique materials? Learn the techniques to achieve that particular look or style you envision.

A popular choice with artists looking to sell their framed work and businesses seeking to expand to include custom framing, this option allows you to essentially create your own training agenda.

Spend a day or two with me in the shop and finally get the answers you need.

1/2 day: $225 | 1 day: $305 | 2 days: $575

 

 

virtual training

Zoom call

We will meet virtually to discuss your goals and chart a course to reach them. I will answer initial questions and ensure you are set up for success!

Document Library

You’ll receive access to a document library with tool & supply lists, framing cheat sheets, project templates, & material information.

Video Library

You’ll also receive access to a video library full of training tips to support you in your picture framing journey.

online instruction package | $149 $109


Thanks for the Feedback!


Instructor

Ben Osborn, MS, CGC
Owner and Operator
eastboundben@gmail.com

Hello! I am a Hanahan SC-based picture framer and certified coach. I have spent the last decade traveling throughout the US, training and coaching people in discovering and pursuing their passions, and supporting them in reaching their personal & business goals. All this travel has also provided some amazing opportunities to explore my creative side through my love of photography (especially landscapes).

My biggest fascination has been with the art and science of picture framing, and have spent the last 11 years operating a full service custom picture framing shop, where I frame my own work as well as that of other artists, galleries and the community.

The Complete Picture Framing Academy allows me to combine my greatest passions, and I put everything I have into these. You can expect personalized attention, top quality instruction, and follow-up support.


REGISTRATION

Sessions held in Hanahan, SC- just outside Charleston. Location and travel info emailed upon registration.
Please note: Cancellations are accepted up to 5 days prior to session for full refund minus transaction fees

Click “BOOK” below to view available dates

 
Give the gift of framing

Give the gift of framing

 

request a date or topic not already offered


untitled2018-9.jpg

The “memory burrito

I once asked my 5-year-old daughter if she’d like to be my shop assistant and work on a framing job with me. With much excitement she agreed, reaching past the orders in front of us to unearth this photograph from my desk drawer. It was her choice.

For years this photo had been buried, and the digital file was lost in a sea of others I never seem to find time to revisit.  Now I look at it every day. Not only do I relive the memory of us laughing like crazy on that (faster than expected) sliding board, but I treasure the experience of this father/daughter moment in time when the two of us framed a special photo together.

This was the inspiration behind these workshops. I get to help others rescue wedding photos, family portraits, kids’ art creations, and other memories that would otherwise be forgotten instead of celebrated!