From the Blog

Teri Holland, Product Manager, who has been with us for 34 years, echoed Scott’s comments and said that the relationships she has developed with co-workers, customers and the vendors are the most special part of her history with NWF.

“The picture framing industry attracts unique and interesting people,” Teri said. “The majority of people I work with are artists. Customers come to us for an enjoyable experience, so they are anticipating something fun with an end-result that they will take pleasure in for many years. I get to come to work every day and work with makers and creators and see amazing art.”

“My favorite thing about picture framing is that special moment when a customer picks up their completed piece. They open the protective wrapping on the art and their eyes are filled with excitement, laughter, and sometimes tears of joy,” Teri continued.

“Customers bring in art they care deeply about. Our designers ask about the artwork, its importance, where it’s going to be hung; the story about the piece which is often quite personal. I really love the eureka moment on a customer’s face when the perfect frame design for their piece hits home. Once they decide on a design, handcrafting their frame from raw materials is rewarding in its own right. We frame such a variety of artwork: photos of lost loved ones and children just starting out in life, great grandma’s watercolors, maybe a textile from that honeymoon in Mexico, letters from presidents for military appreciation – many important events in people’s lives. These are the moments that I call “living” and I get to share them with people while I’m at work.”

Our Tualatin Beard’s shop manager Carill Cornett comments on why she enjoys the connection with customers and the framing opportunities she’s had during her 37 years with NWF.

“I enjoy designing because it allows me to be creative and inspire clients with ideas,” Carill said. “I have framed a lot of different types of memorabilia over the years, but recently I framed multiple pieces for the MODA Center. An acoustic guitar signed by Blake Shelton, an electric guitar signed by Fall Out Boy and an Adidas sweat jacket, encrusted in jewels signed by Elton John from his Farewell Tour. What makes this project so special is knowing the 1000’s fans of all these incredible artists will have the opportunity to enjoy these special treasures for years to come as they’re on display in the hallways, for visitors to see.”

“I have a passion for using my creativity to take a customer’s personal artwork that they absolutely love and elevating it with a beautiful frame design. The connection we get with customers through this journey of turning an idea into art is very special to all of us at NWF and creates bonds with our customers, where we see them return again and again,” Carill shared.

“I’ve had customers where we’ve framed their family portraits, their children’s graduation photos, and even wedding photos of their children’s children. We create gallery walls for them of their photos telling their story, while developing lifelong friendships even outside of work. I truly enjoy my customers every day.”

Cheryl Swent, shop manager for Capitol Hill Museum Quality Framing in Seattle, has also enjoyed time with her customers for 26 years and recalls the wonderful diversity and emotional moments she’s had with her clients.

“Our customers are the best and so interestingly different. People come in from all walks of life and from all over the world,” Cheryl said. “It’s especially rewarding when someone arrives nervous or uncomfortable and by the time they leave they say – ‘you made this so easy!’ or ‘this turned out to be really fun!’”

“I recall a client who brought in a large quantity of military memorabilia including medals, photos, a jacket and more that belonged to his recently deceased partner. The shadowbox ended up being close to five feet tall. When he picked up, he started crying, and I started crying too. I gave him a hug, and he went on his way. It’s an honor when people share something so personal and emotional with us.”

Two long-time colleagues at our Beard’s shop in Lacey, WA agree that art framing tells an important story that is passed on from generation to generation, which is a part of NWF’s legacy. The connection they make with customers and understanding their customer’s art is such a special and unique process.

“In every project, big or small, it becomes the most important at that moment. From the smallest to the most complicated, each frame design has a story and importance to the person who came into the shop,” Shannon Haley, Lacey store manager said.

“A customer brought his mother’s violin in to be framed in a shadowbox wanting to both protect it and display to see every day. We mounted the instrument on black suede with a rich burgundy suede mat and gold beaded fillet. We had at that time, a lovely dark brown frame with delicate designs on the face, giving it an elegant touch.”

“During my time here since 1996, I found my second home with NWF. I say second home because where you work should also be your place of joy and welcoming. A place to live and grow. To grow with the community and grow relationships.”

Shannon’s teammate Angelia Morgan says she enjoys the process of framing where she can make order out of chaos.

“I really enjoy finding creative solutions for unusual or difficult pieces of art,” Angelina said. “I’ve had customers bring in boxes of old military medals, vintage jewelry, arrowheads, or piles of photos, asking me to ‘please do something’ with them. It’s a wonderful challenge. I would not have stayed with NWF for almost 30 years if I didn’t love what I do.”

Our designers have extensive years of experience to offer our customers and within those years, come tried and tested techniques in framing pieces that require a special design, or specific components. Our colleagues’ design expertise and dedication along with our handcrafted processes have allowed us to be a well-known and respected name in the custom framing community for 50 years.

Our company values continue today as we empower our teams, strive to wow our customers, deliver superior products and services, and care for the community.

The first Beard Frame Shop was founded by Terry Beard in 1974 in Portland, OR. Today, we are still locally owned and operated. Our custom frames are hand crafted at our facility in Portland. More information on our three brands, our locations and history, can be found here. Information on our anniversary sale can be found here. As we look to the future, we will continue to serve our customers and create works of art that will be enjoyed for years to come.