At Mana Picture Framing in Porirua, Wellington, we frame pieces of art or memorabilia special to your family or for display in your home. These may be pieces of art acquired during a holiday, from a gallery, special family treasures or old pieces that need restoring. The equipment that we have invested in allows us to produce a top-quality finish for our clients.

Occasionally, clients will request the use of non-conservation materials when the budget does not allow the best or the artwork doesn't warrant it. That is also fine. Discussing with and listening to our clients’ wishes always produces the desired outcome. We always prepare frame options based on using the best conservation materials and practices.

Our clients deal directly with our owner Dean. He works on a residential property where he has a small shop for consultations. He also does private consultations during after-hours to accommodate his clients’ busy lifestyles.

Clients often leave their artwork with Dean while he prepares 3-4 options for them based on their brief. This helps simplify the decision-making process without trying to force a decision on materials in a limited time frame and always arrives at a better outcome for the customers.

If you have old artworks or photographs that need attention and these are of personal or significant value then please discuss these with Dean. He has established working relationships with trusted conservators who are specifically skilled to restore delicate or valuable artworks. Dean has referred many pieces for conservation work, which have then been returned for framing to produce a fantastic outcome, while preserving the life of the artwork for further generations to appreciate. You will deal directly with the conservator unless you instruct Dean to act on your behalf.

Conserving your valuable art requires knowledge and skill. The materials that encapsulate your art shouldn't just look good, but should protect your investment for years and generations to come. Self adhesive boards, double sided tapes and cheap off the shelf glues will destroy that prospect. If you have a piece of valuable art or art that you value for personal reasons please consult with me on the best way to frame these. I also work with conservators for restoring art prior to framing and can recommend you to the appropriate professional for this service.

Needlework needs to be skillfully prepared for framing. Often there are creases in the fabric or the needlework is torsioned a certain way pulling the artwork out of square. This can be rectified by squaring the artwork but requires patience and skill. Once ready for framing the needelwork is secured over a batted mount that provides a subtle loft to the presentation. Conservation methods are used for this process. Selective mat colours are chosen to compliment your work and skillfully put together to complete your frame presentation.

Canvas art can be framed in different ways, but the most common approach is to stretch the canvas over a frame and secure it in place with staples. This requires the right tools, technique and skills. Stainless steel staples are best used for this. Depending on the size and value of your canvas artwork consideration should be given to whether you have your canvas stretched over a fixed size strainer frame or a mortice and tenon frame, which can be expanded with corner keys when the need arises. If you have a large canvas it is most likely that at some point in the future your canvas will need to be retensioned over its frame and this is where the mortice and tenon frame saves you money. It means that you can tension the canvas by expanding the corner keys and reduces the risk of damage, caused by removing staples and extra handling.

Please contact me if you wish to investigate your options.

1. Let's talk and discuss your needs – what needs framing, types of materials (eg wood or metal) and budget expectations.
2. Give me some time and I'll prepare a selection of frames and matt option that I think will best complement your piece.
3. Tell me what you think. Hopefully you'll fall in love with one of the selections or a slightly revised combination.
4. I'll need your artwork (if you haven't already left it with me). I'll craft the selected frame and matt to fit, skillfully and carefully framing your artwork.
5. I'll give you a call to come and collect, or I can drop off in the local area. If needed I'll carefully package (or build a container) and arrange delivery.
6. Your beautifully framed artwork is hung in it's pride-of-place. This bit is up to you – but I'm on hand to offer advice about the best hanging solution.