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220 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 431-9588
THE RETURN OF MARCH MAT-NESS!
Save on framing with matting this March.
MAT BOARD COLOR FAN
One of the most important elements in the design of a picture framing project is The Mat or The Matting. The mat is the item with the hole cut in the middle that surrounds your flat artwork, whether it is a drawing, a photograph, a print or any other flat work of art. The mat serves two purposes. First, it provides a visual distance between the picture frame and the art. After all, the frame is not the art or the main focus. It is, merely, an enclosure. Second, the mat prevents the glass from touching the art, which would not be good for it, since glass can have moisture condensation under it. 

Corner detail of multi-layer matting
The above is an example of a multi-layer mat, with an 8 ply (double thick) mat on top and two 4 ply (single thick) mats underneath it.
It, also, has a "V-Groove" cut into the face of the mat for added interest. 

Example of a single mat on a Mary Cassatt printThis is an example of a single mat on a Mary Cassatt print. 

Mary Cassatt print with double mat
This is an example of the same print, but with a double mat surrounding it. The bottom mat layer is a green that echoes the wall paper illustrations behind the main subject. Which mat looks better to you? The double mat gives the print more depth and a crisper edge. It is not as plain as the single mat and does not detract from the art. Now you can make your art look better at no additional cost to you!

multi-opening mat with double matting
Even with multi-opening mats, you can have multiple layers of color. In this case, it was a newspaper article about the Chicago Cubs World Series win in October, 2016. Note that the top and bottom layers are the Cubs uniform colors.

Mat example of a fabric covered mat
This vintage print was triple matted using a fabric covered top mat and two bottom paper-surfaced mat layers. All the matting colors echo colors in the matted print. This gives the framing a very cohesive, elegant looking presentation of the print. 


Notched mat corner to echo notched certificate Note that the bottom layer of the mat opening mimics the stair-step in the corner of the certificate. The silver edge, next to the bottom mat, is a wood element called a "Fillet." It echoes the frame and the silver seal on the document. Also, the face of the top mat layer has a v-groove cut into it to give it added interest. Let our framing team show you how to spruce up your artwork with terrific matting and framing design!

So: Here are a bunch of ways to save on framing with matting this March:

(1) Bring in your print, photo, drawing, anything that requires a mat for framing. Pay for a single mat, get the second mat layer FREE.

(2) GET 33% OFF A TRIPLE MAT OF ANY COMBINATION OF MATS.

(3) SELECT AN 8 PLY (DOUBLE THICK) MAT FOR THE TOP LAYER, GET TWO BOTTOM MAT LAYERS FREE!
Note: 2 bottom mats must be 4 ply, paper-surfaced mats to get them free.

(4) CHOOSE A FABRIC-COVERED MAT FOR YOUR TOP LAYER, GET TWO BOTTOM MAT LAYERS FREE!
Note: Bottom mat layers must be paper-surfaced mats

AND:  SAVE 3% OFF THE TOTAL IF YOU PAY IN CASH. It costs us 3% to take a credit card and, frankly, we would rather give you the 3% than the credit card processor.

Stop in Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturdays 10-5 (closed Sundays) at 220 S. Wabash Avenue in Chicago. We are located one block from The Art Institute of Chicago, between Adams and Jackson on Wabash, middle of the block. Ask for a parking discount coupon if you wish to park in the 12 story lot on the southwest corner of Adams and Wabash. Or, there is plenty of on-street parking with the "Pay At The Kiosk" metered parking. Also, the CTA Elevated Train stop at Adams drops you 15 feet from our front door. All major credit cards are accepted, along with Apple Pay. Save an extra 3% when you pay with cash.

PROMOTION RUNS SATURDAY, MARCH 4TH THROUGH FRIDAY, MARCH 31ST. DON'T MISS IT!