When we went to China in May we selected a painting from a collection done by farmers in Xi'an. We were at the Buddhist Temple Park and the painting cost 200 yuan which is about $32.
When we brought it home we realized again that it would cost us a whole LOT more to have it framed because it was a non-standard size. The painting lay on our guestroom bed for the rest of the year.
Finally a coupon arrived in December for 10% off at Picture's Plus. We decided to just go ahead and do it while resolving never to buy artwork in a foreign country again.
The sales associate helped us with the matting and framing choices.
A week later, the painting was ready for pick up.
We were very pleased and hung it up in our bedroom. I smile whenever I see it. I remember all the fun we had. I remember the wonderful people we became friends with on the tour. I remember the beautiful places we visited in China.
You know what? I don't think I can keep the promise to not buy another piece of artwork from a non-standard country again.
When we brought it home we realized again that it would cost us a whole LOT more to have it framed because it was a non-standard size. The painting lay on our guestroom bed for the rest of the year.
Finally a coupon arrived in December for 10% off at Picture's Plus. We decided to just go ahead and do it while resolving never to buy artwork in a foreign country again.
The sales associate helped us with the matting and framing choices.
A week later, the painting was ready for pick up.
We were very pleased and hung it up in our bedroom. I smile whenever I see it. I remember all the fun we had. I remember the wonderful people we became friends with on the tour. I remember the beautiful places we visited in China.
You know what? I don't think I can keep the promise to not buy another piece of artwork from a non-standard country again.
I have done this before. I have a tempura painting from and artist in the Pacific Islands and I have yet to get it framed...decades later. OK, must do this!!
ReplyDeleteThe happy memories are priceless after all.
ReplyDeleteIt's absolutely beautiful. May it fill your home with love and joy :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful art. We go to Pictures Plus for all of our framing needs, mainly because it is so convenient for us. However, I was told that if I wanted less expensive frames and matts. Ben Franklin Crafts might be the answer.
ReplyDeleteIt looks lovely framed. I have several prints and paintings from England, one favorite was one of my father's retirement gift done by a local artist. On vacations I have often bought greeting cards of local scenery and framed those. They look really pretty.
ReplyDeleteits beautiful, framing is costly but its worth it in the end,
ReplyDeleteI've never regretted framing anything once it's done. Thank you for your encouragement always, Laurie. And yes, I'll try to work on water colors again.
DeleteYour promise would mean passing up on such a cool painting and memory reminder. Go ahead next time also. Coupons are always just around the corner.
ReplyDeleteSome people buy t-shirts as travel mementos, but (since I'm not like Art, who keeps his shirts forever!) I prefer to get some type of artwork. My house is filled with photos, painting, and sculptures from the places we've been.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who is a picture framer. She told me of a customer who routinely brought her children's pictures for framing, explaining her husband did not know the difference between pot roast and standing rib, so this was where she put her priority,
ReplyDeleteI do have one of my granddaughter's drawings framed in my office. That makes me smile too.
DeleteIt is beautiful and unique. Glad you have changed your mind.
ReplyDeleteI loved this when you bought and am so happy you followed through with framing. You have created a family heirloom.
ReplyDeletelove the cheerful colors!
ReplyDeleteHow charming that is. And too, that's how you build a good personal collection of art. Most art here comes in non standard sizes too, so just buy what you enjoy. I like this piece. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mage! You must have a collection of yours framed.
Deletewhat a beautiful piece of artwork. the frame made all the difference. and i'm glad you're not able to keep your promise... i think you should continue to make yourself smile, :) have a great day~
ReplyDeleteIt is such a charming picture, I don't think you will regret whatever it cost to get it framed. Of course the memories it carries are priceless.
ReplyDeleteWe reckon that once you're retired, if you can afford it then do it. You can't take it with you. And memories are so precious.
ReplyDeleteThe framing turned out beautifully. It is terribly expensive to have pictures framed, but they turn out so well that one soon forgets the cost and just enjoys the beautiful artwork. I write that as I sit here looking at three very large, framed pieces of Georgia O'Keeffe's work. They give me great pleasure every day. Fortunately for me, all three were gifts!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! I do love Georgia O'Keeffe's beautiful flower paintings with their bright, full of energy colors.
DeleteI'm not great at home decorating and I'm cheap so when I travel, I purchase refrigerator magnets and coffee mugs. My refrigerator and freezer are both covered with magnets. As for my mugs, they are great for collecting dust.
ReplyDeleteYvonne W., Class of '67
Too funny! I collect magnets and mugs too. I have two shelves worth them. Actually I got mugs when I was teaching also, and I couldn't part with them when we moved back to Hawaii. I do use them when we have parties though. As for magnets, I write the date on the back. Art collects a little pebble from wherever we go. Now THAT is cheap, right?
DeleteWhen I travel I always like to pick up a little piece of art. and I really love this piece.
ReplyDeleteHello, Erika! Nice to meet you. I'll stop by and see your paintings.
DeleteThat is a nice visual memory, Kay.
ReplyDeleteI really should frame my nice calligraphy, but afraid of the exorbitant cost. Should keep the measurements with me in case I see a used or affordable pre-made...
Lovely to see now that it's framed. Wish I'd taken a class on framing to put up more than I do.
ReplyDelete(Of course, Art probably knows not to take a rock from Hawaii...it's supposed to perturb Pele I think and brings back luck.)
DrumMajor
I remember taking an art class in college and learning how to make mats for artwork, but do you think for a minute that I remember how.
DeleteAs for even thinking about taking one of Pele's rocks.... Good grief! Art is from the Big Island and definitely knows to respect Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes.
Framing special pieces has been fun for us!
ReplyDeleteI think buying original srt is always a good thing to do.
ReplyDeleteMy nephew is apparently a talented artist according to my brother. I gave him some paper recently and asked him to create something for me. I hope he does. Then I will frame it.
DeleteI love this picture! I love the colors, the design, and the cultural significance. Enjoy it!
ReplyDeletelooks great with the new frame
ReplyDeleteYou made a wise decision. Non-standard makes the world a better place. Dianne
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful! I'm glad you finally got it framed so I could enjoy it, too! :-)
ReplyDeleteSome things are worth the investment. This painting certainly is, not just to look at, but because of the good memories it triggers.
ReplyDeleteI remember you buying this. Aren't you glad you did? Look at all the smiling memories you get from it now.
ReplyDeleteIt's a happy picture.
That is a charming artwork.
ReplyDelete