What does being a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild mean?

Fine Art Trade Guild

Being a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild represents a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and professional standards within the framing industry. It signifies that a studio follows best practices in materials, conservation, and design, ensuring artwork is both beautifully presented and properly protected.

For customers, it offers reassurance that their pieces are handled with care and expertise. Guild members stay up to date with industry developments, techniques, and guidelines, maintaining a high level of service.

Ultimately, membership reflects trust, credibility, and a dedication to preserving and showcasing artwork to the highest possible standard.

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How Professional Framing Elevates Artwork at Local Exhibitions

Local artist exhibitions are a fantastic way to showcase creativity and connect with the community. One key detail that can elevate any piece is professional framing. The right frame enhances the artwork without distracting from it, helping it stand
out in a gallery setting.

Simple frame styles and neutral colours like black, white, or natural wood often work best, keeping the focus on the art. Consistent framing across multiple pieces can also create a more cohesive and professional display.

Using high-quality, acid-free materials and UV-protective glass helps preserve artwork over time. Thoughtful framing not only protects the piece but also helps artists present their work with confidence.

At Tin Fish Framing we have helped many artists display their artwork at local exhibitions. Contact us today to see how we could help display your next art exhibition.

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The Importance of Digitising Your Photos and Artwork

Many of our most treasured memories live in physical form, old photographs, printed artwork, certificates, and family documents. While these items are meaningful, they can also be fragile. Over time, paper fades, colours change, and materials can become damaged. Digitising your photos and artwork is one of the best ways to preserve them for the future.

Digitisation simply means converting physical pictures or photos into high-quality digital files. Once scanned, these images can be safely stored, backed up, and easily shared with family and friends. It’s also a great way to ensure that important memories aren’t lost if the original item becomes damaged.

For older photographs in particular, digitising allows you to preserve details that might otherwise fade away. Digital copies can also be restored, adjusted, and printed again if needed. This makes it easier to bring new life to old images while keeping the originals safe.

Another benefit of digitisation is convenience. Digital files make it easy to create photo books, prints, or framed displays without repeatedly handling delicate originals. Many people also choose to digitise family collections so they can share them with relatives around the world.

Once digitised, your images can even be professionally printed and framed, allowing you to enjoy them on your walls while keeping the original safely stored. Digitisation helps protect the past while making it easier to enjoy those memories in the present.

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Tin Fish Printing App Launch

We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Photo Printing App!

Built to make it easier than ever to turn your photos into beautiful high quality prints.

Simply upload your images, choose your paper and pay online and we’ll produce your print here in our studio in Churchstow. You will then receive delivery of your high quality prints in 3-5 days time.

To celebrate the launch, we are offering our customers 15% off your first online print order with code: LAUNCH15

Try our new app here: https://tinfishprinting.app

Thanks for supporting our local, independent business!

Best wishes,
The Tin Fish Team

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Framing for the Holidays: Gift Ideas That Last a Lifetime

The Christmas season is all about meaningful moments—gatherings with loved ones, shared laughter, and the joy of giving. This year, why not give a gift that truly lasts a lifetime? Custom picture framing is a thoughtful, personal way to preserve memories and make them shine.

Whether it’s a cherished family photo, a child’s drawing, a diploma, or a souvenir from a special trip, professional framing turns everyday items into lasting treasures. It shows that you’ve put thought into the gift by choosing a moment worth preserving.

For parents and grandparents, consider framing a family portrait or a collage of holiday memories from years past. For newlyweds or new parents, a custom frame featuring a wedding photo or baby.

Don’t forget sentimental items, too—letters, recipes in a loved one’s handwriting, or vintage holiday cards.

Our team can help you design a custom frame that protects and highlights these precious pieces, turning them into unique, display-worthy gifts.

Best of all, framed gifts are timeless. They won’t go out of style, break, or get lost in the shuffle. They’ll hang on walls and in hearts for years to come.

This holiday season, think beyond the usual. Give a gift that captures a memory, tells a story, and lasts a lifetime. Stop by our studio or contact us today—we’ll help you frame the perfect present.

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The Anatomy of a Frame: What’s Actually Inside?

When most people think of a picture frame, they picture the frame— the part you see hanging on the wall. But there’s much more going on behind the scenes. A well-crafted frame is like a protective case and display all in one, and each part plays a role in preserving and presenting your art.

Whilst there are a number of framing techniques, depending on the needs of the artwork and your preferences, here’s a quick look at what’s actually inside a professionally framed, traditionally mounted piece:

1. The Frame

This is the visible border around your art. Frames come in countless styles — from sleek and modern to ornate and traditional — but they also provide structure and support.

2. Glazing (Glass or Acrylic)

This is the protective cover over the artwork. We offer several options, including UV-protective glass, non-reflective glass, and museum-grade acrylic. Glazing protects from dust, moisture, and light damage.

3. Mountboard

The mount is the coloured or neutral border that surrounds the artwork inside the frame. It creates visual space, helps prevent the artwork from touching the glass, and adds a polished finish.

4. Artwork Mounting

The art is carefully mounted to keep it flat and secure. Archival techniques are used to ensure that the artwork isn’t damaged and can be safely removed in the future.

5. Backing Board

This is a rigid board that supports the artwork from behind and protects it from moisture and dust.

6. Sealing Tape & Hanging Hardware

Specialist sealing tape is applied to the back to seal the frame, protecting it against dust and insects etc, and professional hanging hardware is added for easy display.

Understanding these layers helps you see the value of professional framing — it’s not just about looks, but long-term protection too.

If you’re ready to frame something special, the team at Tin Fish Framing is here to help!

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Framing Pictures as Gifts: A Meaningful, Lasting Choice

At Tin Fish Framing, we know that a framed picture is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. Whether it’s a family photograph, travel memory, or piece of art, custom framing turns a personal moment into a lasting keepsake.

As professional framers, we help clients create meaningful gifts for weddings, anniversaries, retirements, and holidays. A custom frame shows care and intention — it’s not just a photo, it’s a memory preserved and beautifully presented.

We offer a wide selection of high-quality frames, mounts and glazing options to suit any style or space. From traditional wood finishes to sleek, modern profiles, our expert team will guide you through the design process to create a frame that complements both the image and the recipient’s taste.

All of our materials are archival-quality, including acid-free mounts and we offer UV-protective glass, ensuring your gift remains protected for years to come.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply sharing a memory, a custom-framed picture is a timeless gift that leaves a lasting impression.

For enquiries, pop into our Studio oe call us on 01548 853632.

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What is Giclée Printing – and Why It’s the Gold Standard for Art Prints

If you’re looking to turn your digital work into high quality prints, or if you want to reproduce a favourite photo or artwork with stunning detail, giclée printing is the way to go.

What is Giclée Printing?
Giclée is a fine art digital printing process that uses high resolution inkjet printers and archival quality inks. Unlike standard printing, giclée captures every subtle colour shift, shadow, and texture of the original image – whether it’s a photograph, digital painting, or scanned canvas.

Why choose Giclée?
– Exceptional Detail: Giclée prints offer a wider colour range and finer resolution than regular prints, giving your work depth and vibrancy.

– Archival Quality: Printed on acid free, museum grade paper or canvas using pigment based inks, giclée prints can last 100+ years without fading.

– Versatility: Ideal for artists selling limited editions, photographers creating professional portfolios, or anyone who wants gallery quality prints of their work.

How printing works at Tin Fish Framing
We use a professional grade giclée printer designed specifically for fine art reproduction. Whether you’re printing a digital file or reproducing a physical piece, our process ensures colour accuracy and longevity. We also offer in house custom framing to give your finished piece a polished, ready-to-hang look. Whether it’s one special print or a full series, we’ll help you get it just right . Visit or contact us today to see how we can bring your art work from file to frame.

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Why You Should Frame Your Canvas Artwork (and How to Do It Right)

Canvas artwork brings texture, colour, and personality into any space – but many people aren’t sure whether they should frame it. The truth is, framing your canvas isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also about protection, presentation, and preserving your art work.

Why Frame a Canvas?

While stretched canvases can be hung as-is, framing offers several key benefits:

– Protection: A frame creates a buffer between your artwork and the outside world, reducing the risk of dents, scratches, and edge damage.

– Structure: Over time, even a stretched canvas can warp. A frame helps maintain the strength and stability of your piece.

– Style: The right frame adds a finished, intentional look that ties the piece into your décor. It can elevate a causal painting into a gallery-worthy focal point.

How to Frame a Canvas:

Framing a canvas is different from framing a print. Here’s how we approach it at Tin Fish Framing:

1. Choose your style: We start by looking at your art and chatting about the space you wish to hang it. Do you want a bold statement or something minimal? Tray frames are popular for canvases – they provide a clean, modern edge without covering any part of the artwork.

2. Select the materials: We offer a wide range of natural wood frames in a multitude of colours to match your piece and style

3. Custom fit and finish: Every frame is built to fit your canvas perfectly, ensuring it’s secure, balanced, and beautifully presented.

Framing your canvas art is a simple step that makes a big impact. Bring your artwork to Tin Fish Framing, and we’ll help you turn it into something truly timeless.

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Taken a Great Photo Lately? Why Now is the Perfect Time to Frame your Favourite Photos

Summer is just around the corner – and if you’re like most of us, your phone is probably full of snapshots from recent trips, family gatherings or moments of creative inspiration. Whether it’s a photo from your latest holiday, a candid family moment, or a piece of art you’ve finally finished, now is the perfect time to bring those memories to life and frame them.

We often tell ourselves we’ll print and frame our favourite images “someday”, but that day rarely comes. Instead, those photos get buried in digital folders. Framing isn’t just about display – it’s about honouring the moments that matter to you and creating something lasting and personal for your space.

At Tin Fish Framing we specialise in fine art printing and custom framing that complements your style and preserves what’s important. We work with everything from vibrant travel photos and timeless black and whites to original fine art pieces and fabrics. Whether you’re looking for something sleek and modern or warm and traditional, we’ll help you choose the right frame to make your image stand out.

Need a little inspiration? Bring in your favourite summer photo or art work, and we’ll walk you through the options. We also offer conservation grade materials to keep your memories safe from fading and damage. Don’t let your best moments stay trapped on your screen. Let us help you turn them into something beautiful, lasting and proudly displayed.

Pop into our workshop and gallery in Churchstow today or get in touch – we’d love to frame what matters to you.

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