Hello everyone, and welcome to the July issue of the SG newsletter! I hope you’ve been staying cool and enjoying the sunshine, because we have certainly been soaking up the rays over at 41 Seneca St…rays of BOOKS! And GIFTS! And ADORABLE STATIONERY! Read on!
Note: if your device doesn’t let you see the photos, please click “Read Online” in the upper right hand corner of the email!
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FRAMING CRASH COURSE
(by Barrow, who is NOT the framer)
Ever wondered how we do our custom framing? You’re not alone! It may seem like a daunting process, but once you give it a try it’s really fun…and a little addictive. I’m here to give an abridged demonstration of the Stomping Grounds framing experience:
Step 1: Start with your art.
This is my fabulous fish, done by artist WhatHayleyCreates
Step 2: What type of framing are you looking for?
We do plaques, canvas framing, “floating” frames, standard ready-made frames, frames with and without mats, and more. For this demonstration I will be doing our most common request, a standard mat and custom frame.
Unmatted art
Matted art
Step 3: Start playing around with colours.
We will ask where the work will be hanging, the other art/paint colours of the room, your likes and dislikes—this is a collaborative process, and you really get to be creative! You can add multiple mats, fillets, etc. Your opinions are our priority, but our fabulous framer also has extensive training and experience with these decisions and will be a great guide for you.
I really love bold colours and eclectic combinations. I was looking for something cohesive with the colours that are already in the fish, but nothing overwhelming. (Forgive my photos for not doing the colours justice).
White makes the art pop, pink is cohesive.
Light pink and dark green to go with the fish’s back—gorgeous but maybe too matchy?
I really loved this double orange for a bold accent.
A classic white with a pop of orange is a great compromise. The dark green frame also ties in the fish.
Step 4: Let’s go to the frame wall…
There are no rules about the order here—you can also start by picking a frame before mats, find mats first, or look at both together (which is what I did). Our framer will guide you towards the best frames for your piece, especially if it is large and will need a more weight-bearing frame.
We order our frames to a very precise to fit your piece perfectly, so it’s important to get a frame you love that will also work well in your space.
Loved the white frame and pink mat. The white mat and black frame was classic, but not my style.
This is a lavender mat with one of our readymade frames, and I liked the frame but not really the mat.
With a colour combo as vibrant as the double orange, a simple frame was the best for me. This combo almost won me over!
The photos don’t do it justice, but this would be my choice: a soft pink undermat, a bright orange top mat, and a simple white matte frame.
Step 5: Make some final decisions and specifications.
We will finalise mat(s), frame, other bits like spacers, bevels, mounting (whether it can go in the heat press), and anything else necessary. We will take some measurements to get the most accurate price for you.
I wanted to keep a tiny bit of white space, so my measurement came to 9 13/16 inches.
my final choices!
We will discuss glass as well, and you can choose between our classic conservation clear glass (left) or our glare-resistant museum glass (right), both of which are UV-protective.
Step 6: Finishing touches.
We will set a price and take your contact info so we can call you when your art is finished! Our turnaround time varies based on season and volume of orders, but it is usually 2-3 weeks, so plan ahead if you’re gifting.
Call to make an appointment or bring your art in to get started. Happy framing!
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NEW ARRIVALS
We have SO much new goodness in our store that I can’t possibly fit it all in this newsletter, so be sure to stop in!
The Universe in Verse
Woodland 24-pc Floor Puzzle
FLX Must-See Book
Georgia Peach Cocktail Syrup
Herbarium: The Quest to Preserve and Classify the World’s Plants
Speakeasy Cocktails
Beautiful Gilded Puzzle
Art Deco Notebook
Vegan Leather Pouch
Healing Plants Deck
Famous Last Words
Moon Trinket Dish
Dungeonmeister Cookbook
Weekly Desktop Planner
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FEATURED FRAMING
Check out some recent finished framing, and maybe get some inspiration for yourself:
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
Geneva has not one, not two, but three new eateries downtown! Personally I think there’s never too many cafes and restaurants, and these latest additions are definitely worth checking out.
Cake Bakery & Café
Find delicious, from-scratch baked goods in this gorgeous space owned by Laura Salamendra and Melissa Winton! Stop by their storefront at 142 Castle Street and follow them on Instagram.
Naughty on the Weekend
Family-owned by Michael and Lydia Alexander, NOTW has decadent, fresh cookies for midday treats or late-night cravings! Stop by their website, Instagram, or storefront at 93 Castle Street.
Ciao Warma
Mediterranean food lovers, unite! The new restaurant at 368 Exchange Street is owned by Dima Assi and Don Beidas, and has fabulous falafel, shawarma, kebab, baklava, and more. Follow Ciao Warma on Instagram.
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BOOK CLUB: VINTAGE EDITION
Nancy Drew Mystery Stories by Carolyn Keene (pseudonym) (1930-present)
As a kid, I read my way through all the kids mystery novels at the Geneva Public Library, my favourites being anything with spunky girl detectives—Thea Stilton, Gilda Joyce, and of course, Nancy Drew. Today I am a sociology major doing research in the field of criminology. Coincidence? I think not.
At the time, I mostly read the Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew series, a more modern version of the 1930s originals, but a heap of vintage original Nancy Drews recently found their way into Stomping Grounds and reawakened my interest. However, just a few pages into The Mystery of the Tolling Bell, I had to stop.
The books have some glaring issues which were generally accepted at the time of publication, but make the original books barely readable today (cruel body shaming less than one page in, horrible racial/cultural stereotypes, etc.). However, the mysteries and heroines (Nancy, George, and Bess) are as enjoyable as always. Can these two things be true at the same time? Are these books still appropriate for young readers today?
It’s up to you. As much as my book purist brain hates to admit it, the modern versions of Nancy Drew books are a great alternative for a fun, independent female role model without vicious comments about her chubby friend or wildly racist themes. The original books, however, might offer a good opportunity for important conversations about these topics and how standards of “acceptable” have developed over time. The originals are also great for grown up Nancy Drew fans to re-read. In my opinion, trying to bury these iconic books in the past is not always the best solution. We can still treasure them for how many young people found confidence and joy from the girls’ adventures, while also admiring how far we have come from the frankly diabolical and hateful rhetoric which was so common when they were written.
Also, having a vintage Nancy Drew collection is a pretty great bragging right.
-Barrow
Now, everyone go take a swim in the lake to cool off! Thanks for taking the time to catch up with us as always. You rule.
See you next month!
