Join an exclusive group of framing professionals who have earned the Master Certified Picture Framer (MCPF) designation and proven themselves in the field of preservation framing. Contact PPFA for details and requirements, or visit www.ppfa.com

Learn how to join wood, MDF (medium density fiberboard), and polystyrene by vise/brads, underpinning, and routed inserts. Do you need new frame joining equipment for a new or growing framing business? Learn more about the popular machine designs; proper set-up, operation, and maintenance; sanding; puttying/patching; and minor cosmetic repairs.

See session notes here

Learn how high technology framing differs from traditional framing methods, and how it protects valuable canvas and textile artworks from the environment, reduces the need for conservation treatments, and adds decades of visual enjoyment. *Meets requirements of MCPF Continuing Education credit.

See session notes here

Learn the basics of operating a successful frame shop. Type of shop, services, and products offered will be discussed as well as location, advertising, prices, management, record keeping, ordering systems, budgeting, processing orders, breaking even, pricing custom work, hiring and training personnel, and overall operations.

This session will cover image capture (using a camera or scanner); JPEG, TIFF, and RAW file types; bit depth and file size; and image processing software, such as Adobe® Photoshop® and Lightroom®.

A comprehensive collection of retail merchandising and marketing concepts for the framing industry - for $100 or less! Proven techniques can add pizzazz to your sales and marketing. These simple but highly effective techniques will generate an increase in profits, help you sell more high-end custom framing, and boost your sales to new levels.

Learn new and innovative mounting techniques for all kinds of flat and 3-D items using Melinex 516 clear polyester film! The illustrated handout describes complete, step-by-step instructions for nine unique mounting techniques. *Meets requirements for MCPF Continuing Education credit.

See session notes here

Learn to design custom framing, select mat combinations, and choose moulding for different pieces of art; and learn the 10 keys of good design for paintings, prints, shadow boxes and other art media. Vivian Kistler will show you a wealth of ideas to take back to the frame shop.

Identify the products and techniques that enable custom framers to offer and deliver a high standard of conservation framing to their customers in a time-efficient and productive way.

Looking for an advantage over the competition? Give your customers something extra; add value to your work, and build your customer relationships by serving them beyond the fit and finish of the framing. Marketing and promotional ideas are explored in this discussion.

See session notes here

Learn useful, practical methods and materials for noninvasive, completely reversible mounting of paper-borne art, documents, photos, and other flat items. Preparation, use of starch paste, and Japanese hinges are included, along with illustrated handouts. Discussion will include edge supports, fine mesh fabric overlays, and acrylic pressure mounting techniques. *Meets requirements of MCPF Continuing Education credit.

See session notes here

Learn the types of moulding, boards, and glazing suitable for framing collectibles plus 14 methods of supporting objects. Projects include sports memorabilia, jumpers, t-shirts, trading cards, caps, programs, newspapers, baby dresses, flags, rifles, military medals, pins, plates, and frames with doors and hidden closures. All methods are completely conservation friendly and totally reversible.

Designed for those wanting to know the fundamentals of picture framing. Topics include measuring and mounting the artwork, cutting and joining the frame, colour and design, and liaising with the customer.

Decipher the psychology of retail consumers. Jared Davis, CPF, GCF, will suggest answers and responses to the most frequently asked questions and statements, such as: "I just want something cheap"; "I just want a quote on getting this framed"; "Wow, that's expensive"; "You are way more expensive than the other guy"; and "Can't I just pay for this when I pick it up?" If you've ever "choked up" on hearing these types of questions and statements, this seminar is for you!

Get step-by-step instructions on building innovative shadow box enclosure designs - whether permanently closed or designed for opening/re-closing. Topics include: visual composition, decorative features, preservation, structural considerations, fitting/finishing, hanging hardware, Gravity Groove, Slider, Slip-Over, Magnetic Closure, and The Acrylic Edge. *Meets requirements for MCPF Continuing Education credit.

See session notes here

Learn useful, practical ways to boost traffic, such as working with community organizations. Get proven ideas for attracting new customers. Learn to make a plan and not waste time and money. Are you advertising using newsletters, postcards, the web, and/or Yellow Pages? Find out if these methods work.

This session will look at choosing a printer, installing and profiling the printer, media choices, downloading and implementing ICC (International Color Consortium) profiles, computer monitor calibration, and determining image resolution.

Learn to identify the type of artwork you are framing or selling! Learn up close and hands-on the difference between genuine printmaking methods and reproductions. See etchings, drypoints, engravings, lithographs, serigraphs, aquatints, collotypes, giclees, and other printmaking techniques.

What is a digital print? What are the things that need to be considered when mounting the various papers and other media? Session topics include choice of substrates, how to help preserve the longevity of papers and inks, and framing options.

Discover ways that custom framers can maximize each sale by "wowing" their customers with design options.

This important PPFA qualification is a strong marketing tool for members. Contact PPFA for details and requirements, or visit www.ppfa.com. $270 + GST Member • $395 + GST Non-Member • $180 + GST Retakes