Make a Frame

Profile

In 1978, banker Tom Shoemaker realized something: He didn’t much like banking. So with no formal training in either arts or construction, he turned to something he did like—building art frames. More than 2,000 frame moldings line the walls of his shop, Make a Frame, in neat rows, while bottles of wood glue and pieces of cut wood lie between vises on the workshop counters. While the selection can be overwhelming, the hands-on staff seriously knows its stuff. Olivewood veneers have a cracked finished and rustic look; hardwood walnut creates a strong, modern style; and egg-and-dart (carved ovals and arrowheads) is an old-school favorite. Marquetry-inlaid sailboats and teddy bears play to the kiddies, while closed-corner frames (seamless construction, with hand-carved and hand-painted patterns) appeal to those wanting the cream of the crop. Overhead, dozens of framed mirrors show off large-scale frames, from green-bean-colored wood to ornate, gold-leaf Italian moldings. Employees design and build everything on-site, and the sounds of construction frequently bubble forth from the back. Each frame generally takes ten days to two weeks to complete. — Kate Rockwood