Custom Picture Framing
Thirty years of craft. Every piece by hand.
Custom framing is a personal decision. The right frame changes how a piece feels - it doesn’t just protect it, it completes it.
David has been doing this on Tamborine Mountain for 30 years. There’s no one better placed to help you get it right.
What can be framed
More than you might think.
The most common thing people say when they bring something in is “I didn’t know you could frame that.” Custom framing is not just for galleries — it’s for the things that matter to you.
Original Artwork
Oil paintings, watercolours, drawings, prints and photographs. Each material has specific framing needs — David knows all of them.
“I bought a piece from the gallery and need it framed.”
Sports Memorabilia
Jerseys, signed photographs, match-day programmes, boots, gloves. Deep-box frames and archival materials protect what you’ve collected.
“My son’s first footy jersey — want to display it properly.”
Children’s Artwork
That drawing they did at six that made you stop. The first painting from school. Frame it before the paper yellows.
“My daughter’s painting from prep — she’s 15 now and I keep meaning to do it.”
Certificates & Documents
Degrees, professional qualifications, military commissions, historical documents. Archival framing protects the paper as well as presents it.
“Just finished my PhD — want to do this properly.”
Maps & Travel
Vintage maps, hand-drawn routes, illustrated prints from a place that shaped you. Maps frame beautifully and last for decades.
“An old map of where my family came from in Scotland.”
Photography
Family portraits, wedding photographs, landscape prints. Good framing makes a photograph look like art — because it is.
“Our wedding photo has been sitting in a box for four years.”
Letters & Heirlooms
A handwritten letter from a grandparent. A pressed flower. Objects that carry a story that deserves to be kept.
“Letters my grandfather sent home during the war.”
Textiles & Objects
Embroidery, needlework, badges, coins, feathers. Shadow boxes and deep-frame techniques bring three-dimensional objects to life.
“My nan’s embroidery — she made it over 40 years.”
Vinyl & Records
A first pressing, a signed album, a record that reminds you of a specific moment. Display it the way it deserves.
“A vinyl my dad bought the day it came out in 1972.”
Why it matters
The right frame changes everything.
A frame is not decoration. It’s the decision that determines whether a piece looks right on a wall for twenty years, or wrong from the day you put it up.
Archival quality protects what you love
UV-resistant glass and acid-free materials prevent fading, yellowing and degradation. The right frame is the difference between a piece that lasts a lifetime and one that doesn’t.
Every piece is different
There is no such thing as a standard frame. The material, the mount, the depth, the finish — all chosen for your specific piece and your specific wall.
Done in the studio, not outsourced
Everything happens at 5 Fern Street. David cuts, joins and finishes every frame himself. You are not sending your piece to a factory.
30 years of knowing what works
Experience matters in framing. David has seen almost everything come through the door — and knows from the first look what will work and what won’t.
The process
How it works.
There is no complicated process. Framing is a conversation — the whole thing usually starts and ends with a visit to the studio.
1
Get in touch
Call, WhatsApp, email or walk in. If you are unsure whether your piece can be framed, David is happy to look at a photo before you make the trip up the mountain.
2
Come in
Bring your piece and see the frame options in person. Touch the materials. See how different profiles and mounts sit against your piece. That is something you cannot do online.
3
David makes it
Every frame is cut, joined and finished by hand in the studio at Tamborine Mountain. When it is ready, you will hear from David directly.
4
Take it home
Pick it up from the studio. The job is done when you are happy with it. That has been the standard for 30 years and it is not changing.
Common questions
Everything you might want to know
before you visit.
If your question isn’t answered here, the easiest thing is to call David directly. He is happy to talk it through.
(07) 5545 2402
What can be custom framed?
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Almost anything that matters to you — original artwork, oil paintings, watercolours, photographs, sports jerseys and memorabilia, children’s drawings, certificates and degrees, maps, letters and heirlooms, embroidery and textiles, vinyl records and shadow box objects. If you are unsure, call or WhatsApp David before making the trip.
How much does custom framing cost?
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Every job is different — pricing depends on the size of the piece, the frame profile, mount selection and glass type. The best approach is to call or visit the studio so David can assess your piece and provide an accurate quote. No obligation, no pressure.
How long does framing take?
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Turnaround depends on the complexity of the job and current workload. David will give you an accurate timeline when you bring your piece in. For time-sensitive jobs such as gifts or special occasions, mention this when you get in touch and he will do his best to accommodate.
Do I need to book an appointment?
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No appointment is needed. The studio is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm — walk in any time with your piece. If you would prefer to talk it through before visiting, David is happy to chat over the phone or via WhatsApp first.
Do you use archival or conservation materials?
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Yes. Viking Framer uses acid-free, archival-quality materials including UV-resistant glass for pieces requiring conservation framing. This is particularly important for original artwork, photographs, documents and heirlooms where long-term preservation matters. David will advise on the right materials for your piece.
Can I send a photo of my piece before visiting?
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Absolutely. Sending a photo via WhatsApp before you make the trip is a great way to get a quick sense of what is possible and whether your piece is suitable. David can usually give you an indicative response from a photo alone. Send one to (07) 5545 2402 any time during business hours.
Ready to frame something?
Call, WhatsApp or send an enquiry. David is friendly, honest and happy to talk through your piece before you commit to anything.