How do I place an order?
Readymade frames are available for purchase in our Etsy shop. For custom framing services and gift certificates, follow the appropriate link below.
Online Custom Framing
Custom Framing Portland
Gift Certificates
What’s included with my order?
All frames up to 22” x 28” include glass, acid-free backing, hanging wire and/or easel backs*. Every frame arrives ready for artwork installation and hanging.
Each frame includes a card of authenticity with the wood species, estimated age, source and edition number.
*4” x 6”, 5” x 7”, and 8” x 10” frames have easels for table top use and saw tooth hangers for the wall. All other sizes have hanging wire. All frames can be displayed horizontally or vertically.
What forms of payment do you accept?
All orders are currently processed securely through PayPal. PayPal accepts most forms of payment, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic checks. You no longer have register with PayPal to place an order.
We also accept payments by phone, which we process through PayPal’s Virtual Terminal. We do not keep any credit card information on file after an order is completed.
What are the shipping rates?
Shipping rates vary for readymade frames. Details available on individual listing pages in our Etsy shop.
Custom and quantity orders will be shipped FedEx Ground. We will provide tracking numbers to you for all shipments. Shipping and handling charges* for orders within the continental United States are as follows:
Orders in the amount up to $75: 20% of order total ($0 - $15)
Orders between $75 - $150: 15% of order total ($11.25 - $22.50)
Orders between $150 - $250: 11% of order total ($16.50 - $27.50)
Orders between $250 - $500: 7% of order total ($17.50 - $35)
Orders over $500: 5% of order total ($25+)
We can expedite your order and/or ship outside the continental United States. Please contact us for pricing and delivery options.
*For oversized items, a surcharge will be added to the regular shipping and handling charges. This usually only applies to large custom orders that we have to make a special box for.
How long will it take to receive my order?
Turnaround times are the number of days it takes for us to complete and ship your order. Most frames are made to order. Please allow an additional 1-6 business to receive your order after it has been shipped.
Readymades: Most frames in our Etsy shop are ready to ship. Please see individual listings for details.
Custom/Quantity Orders: 2-3 weeks or longer for quantities of 20 or more. We work very closely with you during this process to ensure we design the perfect frame(s) for your artwork. Once your order is placed, we will notify you of the set deadline of when and how your order will be shipped.
Can you expedite my order?
Yes. Contact us for a quote and turnaround times.
Do you offer discounts?
We sure do. If you are a non-profit, artist, or buying in quantity, please fill out our estimate form.
If you belong to the following co-ops or a credit union in Portland, we offer discounts on custom framing:
People’s Food Co-op
Alberta Grocery
KBOO
Can I ship to a different address?
Absolutely. If you place your order through our website, there is an option on PayPal to enter a different shipping address and recipient. If you item is a gift, and you would like to include a message, we are more than happy to accommodate. Please contact us.
If you order over the phone, just let us know there is a different shipping address and we’ll make sure your order goes where it needs to.
How do I purchase a gift certificate?
You can purchase gift certificates through PayPal here. Certificates never expire, and can be used on anything we sell. They can be applied to the order total, including shipping and handling charges.
Do you offer free samples or donations?
We can no longer offer free moulding samples or frames for donations. We make every item from scratch, which requires our labor and raw materials. We’re sure your organization is great, but we think our frames are pretty nice and that we should be paid for our hard work. If we gave to everyone who asked, we would have to raise prices for our paying customers. We do offer discounts for non-profits and artists. Contact us for an estimate.
Do you extend credit or offer billing terms?
We don’t. We are just two artists trying to make a living from our craft. We don’t have the resources to spend on collection efforts. Payment is due prior to shipment or pick-up.
What is your return policy? How do I return my order?
If you are dissatisfied with your purchase for any reason, please return your order within 30 days of receipt. We do not accept any returns after 30 days. We will refund you the purchase price, less shipping and handling, as long as the frames are in resellable condition. We do not give refunds for frames that have been damaged, unless it has been caused by the shipping company. You must contact us within 7 days of receipt to let us know the frame has been damaged so that we can file a claim with FedEx or USPS.
Please contact us for instructions on how to return your order.
Returns WILL be accepted for all Readymade frames and mirrors purchased through our Etsy shop.
Returns WILL NOT be accepted for Custom orders or quantities of 5 or more frames. Custom and quantity orders are made to your specifications and cannot be resold. Please take this into consideration when placing your order.
How do I figure out the artwork dimensions?
Measure the height and width of the portion you want visible once it is framed. Measurements are always in 1/16" increments.
What is the frame size?
The frame size is the same as your artwork, unless you are adding a mat. For example, a 5" x 7" photo goes in a 5" x 7" frame. All of our frame sizes refer to the window of the frame, never the outer dimensions.
Can you help me choose a frame?
We’d love to. You can upload your image to our help form, and we will send you some options of your artwork in our frames.
What type of wood do you use?
All of our wood is reclaimed lumber, usually Douglas Fir, that is sourced from local deconstruction companies. Other species of woods of available, such as Oak, Redwood, and Cedar. These have been incorporated into our Limited Edition Collection, and may be available for custom orders. The Fir is used for our Standard and Museum + Collage Collections.
Most boards are at least 100 years old. No two pieces of wood are identical, so there will be variations in the look of the grain on each frame. Most of our lumber is from old floor beams or rafters, which have nail and/or staple holes, cracks/splits, insect damage, and other imperfections. Rather than throw these pieces away, we have chosen to incorporate it into our product. We believe it adds to the beauty and uniqueness of each frame. We guarantee the craftsmanship of all our frames.
Why don‘t you use an organic or water based finish?
There is absolutely no organic paint or finish on the market. There is no certification process for the organic labeling of paints and stains. Even if there were, there are currently no products that could meet those requirements. We have repeatedly experimented with water based finishes and have not found them to be durable enough for our frames. It can scrape off easily and it does not enhance the look of our reclaimed wood. We want a finish that will last the life of the frame, looks great, and causes the least amount of harm to you and the planet.
What do you use to finish the frames?
We are using a natural oil finish that we tint with pigments from earth, rock and minerals. Our stain contains absolutely no petrochemicals.
What is glazing?
A protective barrier in the front of a frame providing a window to the artwork. The two types of glazing are glass and acrylic. In conservation framing, the glazing never touches the artwork and blocks up to 99% of UV light. We offer several levels of glass and acrylic. Museum glass and acrylic are also available upon request. Specifications for all options can be viewed here.
What is matting? What type do you use?
A mat provides two functions for artwork. It adds decoration and protects the artwork from touching the glass. This is a must if the artwork is to be preserved. Since we only use conservation materials in our framing, we have chosen Crescent’s RagMat line of matboards. RagMat is naturally acid and lignin free because it is made from annually renewable cotton. It has been guaranteed safe for all types of artwork. Conservation of artwork is our first priority and we feel confident in the quality of this line. To learn more and see all available colors, please visit Crescent’s website.
Mats are cut by us in studio and can be ordered in any size desired. If you want a different color than what is offered on our website, please let us know. We offer the entire Crescent Cotton RagMat line.
How do I mat my artwork?
Step by step instructions and acid-free tape are included with every order. If you ever have a question, never hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.
What is spacing? Why would I need it?
An alternative to matting, spacers separate the glass from artwork. This is a great option when working with a tight budget and when the look of matting is not desired. Using spacers allows you to keep the frame the same size as the artwork. For a more info and a good photo of the product we use, please visit FrameTek’s website.
What is a dust cover?
A dust cover is a paper backing that is applied to the back of the frame to seal off the artwork from dust. The is the final component in conservation framing. We use Kraft paper for all dust covers. Our brown Kraft paper is 100% recycled. We also use black Kraft when appropriate.
What type of backing is in the frame?
We use acid-free foam core for most applications. For conservation framing, we use Cotton RagMat board behind the artwork, then foam core, and an optional dust cover.
What are your easels made from?
Our easel backs are custom made for us from 100% post consumer recycled chip board. Easels are available on all 4” x 6”, 5” x 7” and 8” x 10” frames. Easels on 8 1/2” x 11” are available by request.
How do I order a custom frame?
For Online customers, frames can be ordered here.
For Portland customers, you can make an appointment here.
What are the payment terms?
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to begin all custom and quantity orders. The remaining 50% is due prior to shipment or pick-up. We do not extend credit or bill after the sale because every frame is made to order. There are no returns on custom and quantity orders.
How long does it take?
2-3 weeks or longer for quantities of 20 or more. We work very closely with you during this process to ensure we design the perfect frame(s) for your artwork. Once your order is placed, we will notify you of the set deadline of when and how your order will be shipped. Please allow an additional 1-6 days for your order to arrive.
What are the standard frame specifications?
All frames are constructed from furniture grade reclaimed Douglas Fir. Other reclaimed species (Redwood, Cedar, Oak, etc) are available upon request. All frames are made to order and to almost any specification. Standard dimensions are below. Please let us know if you would like something different.
Moulding Width: 1 1/2”
Moulding Depth: 7/8”
Rabbet Depth: 7/16”
Rabbet Width: 1/4”
Can I order a frame that is different than the standard width and depth? Can you make frames for odd sized pieces of art?
Absolutely. Every frame is made to order, so it is no trouble to accommodate requests. You can fill out an estimate form here, and we will promptly let you know the cost and turnaround time.
What is the largest frame I can order?
This really depends on what you are framing, if we will be installing the artwork, and your location. We are more than happy to give an estimate on cost and turnaround times.
Do you offer conservation framing? What is it?
We sure do. All of the materials we currently use in our framing are approved for conservation. This includes all custom and frame collections.
Conservation framing is the preservation of artwork using methods that protect art from acid and the environment. This is done using glass or acrylic that blocks at least 99% of UV light, spacers or matboard to keep the artwork from touching the glass, acid-free backing, and a dust cover. In true conservation framing, the rabbet of the frame is lined to prevent the artwork from coming in contact with the acid in the wood and the artwork is hinged to cotton rag matboard using rice paper.
All of these options are available when purchasing a frame package. You can choose some or all, depending on your budget. Get started with a free quote by filling out our estimate form.
How are your services different than my local frame shop?
The biggest difference between your local shop and us is that we actually make your frame especially for you. We make all of our own mouldings from reclaimed lumber that we mill, cut, sand, and stain ourselves. Each frame is one of a kind and unique to the art being framed. We work very closely with you to design and handcraft the perfect frame for your artwork. Our frames have a history due to the age and prior life of the wood, and the environmental impact is minimal.
Your local shop doesn’t offer the same product, level of service, or environmental commitment that we do.
Working with us is easy and can be done according to your schedule. You send us a digital image of the artwork you want framed, and we email you back estimates and proofs of how your art will look in our frames. All of this can be done from the privacy of your own home on your own time. No pressure to decide on the spot. Plus, we are 100% upfront about all of the available options and costs. Estimates are completely free so there is no risk to try it out.
Fill out our easy form and upload your images, and that’s it! We try to get the estimates back to you within a business day.
Who makes the frames? How do you make them?
Green House Framing is owned and operated by Lisa Pratt and Lars Jorgensen. We currently have no employees. We have two adopted dogs, Nico and Reed, who provide us with support when we need a good laugh or to take a moment to relax. Lisa stains all of the frames by hand and provides customer support to online clients. Lars does all of the woodworking and framing. Both collaborate on just about everything else. For more info about the process, our company, and materials, check out the Company + Craft section of our website.
How do I set up an appointment in Portland?
You can fill out a request form, or you can give us a call at 503.777.8420. We meet with you in the comfort of your home or office. Appointments are available Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. We schedule individual appointment times so that we can work exclusively with you to choose the best options for your artwork. We reserve a block of time just for you to avoid the distraction of other customers or phone calls.
What is included with my order?
All frames up to 22” x 28” include glass, acid-free backing, and hanging wire. Depending on the option you choose, your frame will arrive ready to hang or ready for you to install your artwork and then hang.
All frames include a card of authenticity with the wood source, estimated age, source, and edition number.
What is artwork installation? This is when we put the artwork in the frame for you. We carefully clean the glass and prepare your artwork to go in the frame. This can include altering the size, having it mounted, or matting it. Once the artwork is placed in the frame, we seal up the back with a dust cover. You may choose this option if you are not comfortable handling the artwork or when you would like the additional protection of the dust cover on the back.
How do I install my artwork?
Installation is fast and easy. We recommend placing the frame front side down on a soft and lint free surface. Bend the points up and remove backing. Make sure the glass is as dust free as possible when you insert your artwork. Re insert backing and push the points down. This applies to all frames with or without spacing. Never attempt to place the artwork between the spacing and glass. The art must rest on the spacers to avoid contact with the glass. If your frame has hanging wire, you may need to loosen it to remove the backing in the frame. Wire can be changed for horizontal or vertical display. If you are matting your artwork, we include instructions with all orders on the best way to do so. We are happy to help if you run into any trouble. Please don't hesitate to contact us.
