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Beyond Photos & Paintings: 10 Unique Items To Frame

August 6, 2024

Framing is about preserving memories, telling stories, and reflecting one’s personality in a space. While traditional photographs and paintings have long taken center stage in the world of framing, a wealth of unique items are waiting to be displayed with the same care and creativity. Discover unique items to frame beyond painting and photos that add character and charm to your home or workspace.


Why Frame Non-Traditional Items?

Framing non-traditional items allows you to express your creativity and personality in new and exciting ways. This artistic presentation embraces the idea that art is found in everyday objects and experiences, making it a form of self-expression. When you frame a unique item, you share a piece of your story, interests, or cherished moments.


Additionally, framing unusual items enhances the visual interest in a room. A unique frame is a conversation starter, drawing attention and sparking guest discussions.


1. Memorabilia

Memorabilia offers a glimpse into personal history and significant events, making it perfect for framing. Anything you consider memorabilia could range from concert and sports tickets to postcards and travel souvenirs; artfully displaying them evokes memories and emotions.


Consider creating a gallery wall featuring framed memorabilia from your life’s adventures. Group items from a specific trip, such as postcards and tickets from various attractions, and create a map of your past destinations. This approach showcases your travels and inspires wanderlust in others.


2. Textile Art

Textile art has gained recognition in the art world and offers a unique framing opportunity. A beautifully crafted quilt, intricate embroidery, or a vibrant piece of fabric may speak to your aesthetic and make a great addition to your wall in a compatible frame. These items add texture to your decor and tell a story through their materials and craftsmanship.


When framing textile art, consider the type of glass you use. Museum glass is an excellent option, as it prevents UV rays from fading colors while offering clarity. This protection ensures that your textile art retains its beauty for years. Use acid-free materials such as cotton mat boards to prevent the breakdown of the material and keep the frame looking its best for many years.

Beyond Photos & Paintings: 10 Unique Items To Frame

3. Botanical Bounties

Nature provides endless inspiration for art, and dried flowers and leaves add a delicate, organic touch to your decor. Framing botanicals preserves their beauty and connects your space to the natural world.


Frame dried flowers or leaves by pressing them to maintain their shape and color. You may use a flower press or place them between the pages of a heavy book for a few weeks. Once pressed, arrange your botanical treasures in a shadow box or a traditional frame, adding a background that enhances their appearance, such as textured paper or fabric.


Consider combining different types of botanicals for a visually striking display. For instance, a mix of flowers, leaves, and seeds creates an intriguing, layered effect. You might also label your framed botanicals with their names or the date collected to create an educational and personal piece.


4. Vintage Maps

Vintage maps add a historical aesthetic that connects you and other viewers to glimpses of your past. Framing a map is a tribute to a significant location or a reflection of your travels. They evoke a sense of adventure and discovery that resonates with many.


When choosing a vintage map to frame, consider its relevance to your life. Framing these maps allows you to reminisce about past journeys and inspires future explorations.


Include pins or markers that indicate places you’ve visited or wish to go. Adding a compass rose or other decorative elements enhances the vintage feel and creates a cohesive look.


5. Vinyl Records

Vinyl records are returning to popularity, offering a unique way to showcase your love for music through framing. These stylish decor elements bring back memories of a time before MP3s and music apps, adding nostalgia and highlighting your musical taste.


When framing vinyl records, you may display the record itself, the album cover, or both. Using shadow boxes adds depth and lets you create a 3D effect, making your display stand out. Consider arranging them in a grid pattern or creating a thematic display based on your favorite genres or artists.


Get creative with your framed records and incorporate lights or other effects to enhance their visual appeal. Framed vinyl records will spark conversations about your favorite tunes, whether displayed in a home office, living room, or music corner.


6. Sports Jerseys

Framing sports jerseys is a fantastic way to honor athletic accomplishments, whether their yours or those of your favorite athlete. Displaying a jersey demonstrates pride in your favorite sport and is a conversation starter.


When framing a jersey, consider using a shadow box to preserve its shape and add dimension. Include a background highlighting the team colors or logo to enhance the overall presentation. Include photos or memorabilia from significant games alongside the jersey to enhance the theme.


Beyond Photos & Paintings: 10 Unique Items To Frame

7. Handwritten Notes

In an age of digital communications, handwritten notes hold a special charm. Framing them allows you to capture heartfelt sentiments, whether personal messages from loved ones or special quotes that resonate with you.


Choose meaningful notes that evoke fond memories or inspire positivity. Frame them individually or group several for a striking display.


Add decorative elements, such as washi tape or illustrated backgrounds, to enhance the visual appeal and create a more personalized touch. Consider rotating the notes in your frames periodically to keep your decor fresh and reflect your current feelings or inspirations.


8. Medals and Badges

Framing medals and badges is a meaningful tribute to achievements, whether from sports, academics, or other pursuits. These items represent dedication and hard work, making them worthy of display.


Arrange your display in a way that highlights the significance of each piece. For example, if you’re framing medals from different competitions, consider arranging them chronologically to demonstrate your progress and achievements over time.


9. 3D Objects

Framing items such as small sculptures, jewelry, and keepsakes from your travels can add depth and uniqueness to your decor. When displaying 3D objects, shadow boxes work particularly well, allowing you to create depth and dimension.


Consider arranging them in a way that draws the eye and tells a story. For instance, if you have a collection of seashells from beach vacations, you could display them alongside a photo of the beach. Experiment with different arrangements, backgrounds, and lighting to make your 3D objects pop.


10. Miniature Art

Miniature art pieces pack a punch despite their small size. Framing these tiny masterpieces allows you to showcase unique talents and add charm to your decor.


When displaying miniature art, consider grouping several pieces in a gallery-style arrangement, showcasing a variety of styles, and creating an eye-catching focal point in a room. Alternatively, highlight individual pieces using a unique frame that complements the artwork.


Framing goes beyond traditional photos and paintings, opening the door to a world of creative possibilities. Go beyond photos and paintings with unique items to frame, express your individuality, and transform your spaces into personal galleries. The next time you consider what to frame, think outside the box and celebrate the moments and items that hold meaning in your life.


Consider contacting a custom framing company like Complete Pictures; our experts will discuss your creative ideas and how best to bring them to life. With imagination and the right framing techniques, you’ll transform everyday objects into remarkable art pieces, enriching your home and inspiring others.


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