Framing
A professional picture framer is a person who has been formally educated to know how to preserve, protect, and beautify works of art, regardless of their known value. Betty Driemeyer holds the professional degree of "Certified Picture Framer" or "C.P.F." This notation can only be used with one's name after a rigorous, standardized test has been passed. C.P.F. is to framing as a doctor is to medicine.

There are certain rules of framing which lead to good design. When followed, these guidelines, produce a beautiful, well-balanced framing presentation that enhances the work of art without overpowering it.

Matting
Matting is the border that surrounds your art within the frame. It is more than just a pretty color. The purpose of matting is both cosmetic and protective.

Matboard, as a graphic element, can serve to highlight a color, accent a shape, or increase the overall size of the framed piece. Color obviously plays an important role in this transformation process. The addition of matting can mean the difference between an insignificant piece that gets lost on a wall and a dramatic one that serves as a perfect accent for a room.

The main purpose of matting is to keep the cover glass from coming into contact with the framed subject matter. This also provides an area where air can circulate. Differences in temperature between the outside and inside of the frame can cause moisture to condensate behind the glass. This moisture may damage the inks and colors and can serve as a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and fungi. Placing the material directly against the glass will result in buckles, wrinkles, mold formations and "sticking" to the glass.