From The Frame Shop: Vintage Button Collections Get a New Look

   A few weeks ago, our customer Megan brought in a collection of vintage buttons that were carefully sewn on to old posters. She collects vintage buttons as a hobby and has four or five mason jars at home filled with different colors and designs, but she never knew how to display them until she saw these unique hand-sewn pieces at a garage sale. Megan was drawn to the handmade and vintage quality of the pieces and she chose two of her favorites to take home.

     Megan works at a local restaurant where our framer Tom grabs coffee in the mornings. She had originally spoken to him about framing possibilities, but he explained it’s best to bring the artwork into the store, so we can explore the variety of framing options that we offer.

   When Megan brought the pieces into the store, we began the framing design process. Our priority was to keep the look and feel of the vintage buttons and paper as simple and authentic as possible. We decided on a neutral sand colored mat to float the artwork on top of. To create some depth between the artwork and the glass, we chose a deeper frame and created a shadowbox-effect by installing one-inch sides with the sand colored mat board we chose. We wanted to protect the delicate colors and fabric on the buttonsso we used Conservation Clear, a UV resistant glaze, to help prevent them from fading over time.

     Every piece that arrives in our shop is as unique as the framing process itself. From the initial design consultation to the final inspection, our goal is to create the most efficient, safe, and beautiful pieces possible. Megan's vintage button pieces were a fun project for us and we think they turned out great- we love how they pop against her cobalt blue wall!

 Is there anything that you would like to frame that is out of the ordinary? Comment below and let us know!

Abby's Holiday Gift Guide!

Art! Art! Abby the Elf here with my top picks for the best gift ideas for all of the two-legged artists in your life! With so many colorful products in store, it was hard for me to pick my favorites, but since  all of these things looked good enough to eat,  I thought you might like them too! 

Here are Abby's top picks for holiday gifts this year!

1. NEW! Elmer's Painters, opaque paint markers in ultra-fine, fine, medium, and chisel tip,

 starting at $3.88 each!

Use these awesome new acrylic paint pens to decorate and customize your favorite things! Use on surfboards, backpacks, furniture, shoes, and more! Paint is permanent when dry.

2. Amsterdam Acrylic paint sets in 6, 12, and 24 colors! 

Starting at $13.80 each

These paint sets are perfect starter kits for painters of all ages! High quality paints in clear, easy-to-squeeze tubes will make creating your next masterpiece a cinch!

3. NEW! Montana Water-Based spray paint in 300ml cans! In dozens of bold colors, 

just $8.79 each!

Low odor and non-toxic, these new water-based spray paints are friendly and fun for the whole family! Decorate your surfboards, furniture, household objects, and more with these vibrant colors, in neons and metallics too!

4. NEW! Americana Satin Finish paint for Plastic, Metal, Canvas, Wood, Fabric, & More!

Available in 2oz. bottles, $2.30 each  and 8oz. bottles, $7.50 each!

Feeling crafty? Paint your own gifts this year! Use these vibrant, satin-finish acrylic paints on all of your next projects!

5. NEW! Intricate postcard colouring books by Pepin with 20 pages of unique designs on high quality watercolor paper that you can paint and pop in the mail!

Just $9.99 each!

Pair with a travel watercolor or paint set and these postcard coloring books make the perfect gift for any artist on the go! Bon voyage!

6. New Gold Shadow Gellyroll pens!

5 pack, just $8.95 each!

Unleash your inner pre-teen with these smooth and sparkly gel pens! Write colorful notes to your BFF's or use to embellish your drawings. We, like, totally heart these!

7. NEW! These water-soluble pigment drawing blocks from Portugal are perfect for sketching! 

6-block gift set, $49.00 each!

Create beautiful water-color effects with these professional quality drawing blocks in six  beautiful earth tones; sanguine, ochre, sepia, brown, dark brown, and carbon black!

8. Last but not least, these awesome journals made from recylced vintage library books are perfect for everyone! My personal favorite is the "Pokey Little Puppy!"  

Journals just $14.00 each! 

These unique journals are made from deconstructed library books and are filled with bright white sketching paper so you can doodle to your heart's content! 

Trust me, there is a lot more where these ideas came from, so stop by today and I will show you around the shop! 

I woof you all a very happy holiday season!

xoxo Abby, the shop dog xoxo

Framing Peruvian "Huacas" from the Chimu Culture

   We have a long time customer that always brings in interesting things to frame. She reminded us that we've framed original oil paintings, Australian Aborigine songline paintings, etchings, and watercolors. We always have a great time discussing design and like all of our customers, focus on creating something special that they will love for years to come. Recently, she brought in two ceramic pieces from Peru called  "Huacas". One is a Ceremonial Burial Jar and the other a representation of an Entity or human like Character. She was kind enough to share her story with us and we're excited to share it with you!

 

















   I would like to explain a little background on these pieces. These particular pieces are at least 450 years old. The general name for these are called Chimu ceramics from the Chimu culture in Chan Chan, Peru.  They serve two functions. They are containers for daily domestic use and others made for ceremonial use for offerings and burials. The main features of Chimu ceramics were small sculptures molded as animals, fruits, characters, and mystical entities. And unlike the Incas who worshiped the Sun, they worshiped the Moon.

      These magnificent little pieces were given to our customer after her fathers death in 2003. She was motivated to travel to Peru in 1985 after she heard him speak of the time he visited in the 1920's. He had brought them to the United States after he was hired as an engineer to work on the copper mine in La Oroya. They predict that it most likely came from the Chimu culture which centered near the present day city of Trujillo. Once he was home, he offered them to the UCLA Anthropology Department in the 1990's. He was told there was no need for them so he decided to keep them, and they were later passed onto her. She mentioned that until we framed them, they remained wrapped in a couple of old pillowcases. Now the "Huacas" are beautifully displayed at her home in Colorado.

     These pieces were framed with a moulding called Foundry Float Iron from Larson Juhl. We then floated the pieces onto a beautiful fabric called Bonsai Brown Tatimi. We hand wrapped the backing and side liner. It is propped up on a tiny piece of foamcore and neatly wrapped with the fabric. It is held by manipulated crystal clear acrylic to hold it into place so that we do not damage the piece by any adhesive or damaging mounting. We then protected it with a crystal clear Plexi box to showcase the piece and it can be seen from many angles.

     Thank you for reading and we have many more stories to share. If there is something special in your home that is tucked away, we would love to help you showcase it!

Click the link here to learn more about where these came from. The photo is from the site.

Introducing the NEW SCAS Rewards Program!

Introducing the SCAS Member Rewards Program! 

As 2015 rapidly approaches, year's end gives us an opportunity to stop and consider the interconnectedness of our Orange County art community. San Clemente Center for the Arts is proud to be entering its 12th year. The heart of our business is listening to you. That's why we are always changing and improving our products and services to help you pursue your artistic path.   

The community both locally and nationally, has created what we are;

• The Art Supply: We work to match artists with highest quality, hand selected products at an everyday discounted price.  

• Classes: Come pursue your artistic passions or simply relax and escape the daily grind with local and internationally known instructors.
• Green Flash Gallery: A gallery/performance space for local talent, also available for art instruction parties for business, social or kids
• Custom Framing: Both to preserve and display what we love. We don't send your treasures out, all work done on premises by our experienced framers.
• North Beach Art Walk: Second Friday of every month, connecting local artists with local and visiting shoppers.
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Recently to further promote our connection with you, we are excited to announce our Rewards program. Designed to "give back" to our customers who support us, it allows you to earn significant savings on future purchases.

Framing - earn 10% rewards

Classes - earn 10% rewards

Art Supply - earn 5% rewards

Another very tangible reward for being our customer is our focus on customer service. We task ourselves with giving you the best possible experience each time you visit. We adhere to the idea as you find success so will we. Whether you shop us at our historic Ole Hanson location or through our mobile and desktop-friendly online store,  our mission is to help you find the best solutions for all your artistic needs.

The Entire Staff of San Clemente Center for the Arts wishes you and your family

fantastic holidays and a happy new year!

Tips for Creating a Beautiful Holiday Mantel!

Here are a few tips for creating a fabulous focal point for your holiday décor!

A fireplace mantel is the perfect way to display your favorite pieces of art, a decorative mirror, or an assemblage of seasonal objects that you love. You want to highlight your interests through your décor and work within a common theme.

    To create a dramatic impact, use the simple “triangle method”! Start with a large central object over the mantel. This could be a large framed painting or photograph, a wreath, or a mirror; work with simple pieces that can stand alone.

 Next, choose one to three complimentary colors you want to use to show off your home. A few examples of complimentary colors are gold and silver, silver and blue, red and white, tan, gold, and yellow.

Finally, incorporate objects of varying heights to add contrast and dimension. Make sure not to over-accessorize. If you have a lot of objects, find creative ways to layer them within the space.

HERE ARE A FEW DECORATING IDEAS!

- Add a little sunshine to your winter décor by using fresh citrus fruit and pops of bright color.

- Limiting your palette to metallic hues of silver and gold can create a stunning and sophisticated display. Use a decorative metallic framed mirror as a focal point of your room.

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-Create a rustic woodland scene by using decorative pinecones, branches, and feathers.

-Fill a decorative vessel or bowl with seasonal fruit, nuts, or other natural elements for an easy and inexpensive solution.

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-Candles of various sizes and shapes in a single color create a soft and inviting atmosphere.

-A traditional display of greenery mixed with fragrant, fresh Paperwhite Narcissus Flowers is the perfect way to bring nature indoors.

A great tip for the Paperwhites: These gorgeous bulbs can sit in natural or colored rocks or sea glass in one of your favorite vases! They also add height to the arrangement. Try a vase filled with juicy green pears or decorative ornaments.
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-A row of tea light candles (try the battery operated kind if you’re worried about a flame) nestled among greenery providing a twinkling glow. Add some extra sparkle with mercury glass votive holders. 

- Draw inspiration from your surroundings by incorporating the colors and textures of the natural landscape. Seashells, natural rocks, and even succulents can be incorporated into your holiday décor for a modern look.  

(Inspiration: TraditionalHome.com, ElleDecor.com, DIYHomeStagingTips-BlogSpot.com, & IndyStar.com )