I literally downloaded Yelp because I feel strongly enough about custom frame and color and the…read moreguys who run it to leave another side of the story. They're the best! I've used them for years for framing and matting. They are capable of genius when cutting down a frame to fit another painting. If I want a French mat done, I don't even need to suggest the colors used. If I ask for a watercolor or print to be "floated" on a lower bed while a raised mat surrounds it, a little bit of lovely magic, they can do it. While generally, I do not order frames, they have a great line of frames - both contemporary and traditional. I've priced frames out locally and they are very competitive with their pricing. As to the time it takes for them to complete a project, I've gotten jobs back in 48 hours. It depends on how busy they are. Thankfully for them, lots of people agree with me and there are times when it takes alittle longer to get my project back from them. I have never smelled cigarette smoke in there ever. The gallery is clean, airy,and open. The work that they've done for me has been hung at the Winter Antiques Show in January in New York City. It's hung in my home and the homes of numerous other people. Can't recommend them enough!

I have had numerous pieces custom framed at D. Pratt's wonderful shop in Rye! Unfailingly, it has…read morebeen a pleasant experience each time I deal with the knowledgeable and good humored staff. The work is superb as well. To the person complaining about the 'fee', I say, by all means GO to a lumber yard.... You get what you pay for. Additionally, the AIR is always pleasant and smoke free! The prices are in line with what I expect to pay at an award winning frame shop. I heartily recommend David Pratt and his superior staff of framers!

I was sent here by an artist friend who has used them for years. I needed a painting framed…read morequickly for a show and Neil spent a lot of time helping me choose the right affordable frame and it was ready in plenty of time. Friendly professional service.

What a wonderful place this is! The variety in frames and matting is outstanding. I am thrilled…read morewith my watercolor framed here. Such a creative and friendly place. I can't say enough about it!

Picked up my framed piece yesterday and could not be happier. The craftsmanship, quality and…read morefinished product are top notch! The staff was very helpful and extremely knowledgeable. And to make our experience even better, they completed the project a week earlier than expected! I would highly recommend them and look forward to using their services in the future.

Be warned. I'm a professional artist who had 2 pieces destroyed by this framer, valued over 5k. If…read moreI could put zero stars, I would. They had my art for 5 months, ghosted my texts, emails and calls for 2+ months. They didn't tell me that they smeared an award winning piece of my art (liquid varnish instead of spray as discussed) or that they made and then patched a hole in a canvas... I had to discover these myself. Their bill was triple what was quoted on the phone, and time quoted of 3 weeks became 5 months. The excuses and apologies were a mile long but when it came to refunding what I spent (not even half of art value), they insulted me, laughed at me, and only refunded after I pursued a small claims lawsuit. Don't think the other location is any better, it was his wife that threw all the insults and LOL's, telling me when I demanded refund that if I wasn't so patient the whole 5 months, maybe this wouldn't have happened. Artists be warned: they're not worth it, there are other excellent framers with better service and far superior character.

The Button Factory Studios are a collection of artist studios about 1/2 mile from downtown…read morePortsmouth. It's not the only mill building to be converted into artist's studios, but I think they've done the best job. More than any other similar building, when I'm walking through the halls of this place I just want to chuck it all and pretend that I can paint. Or draw. Or make furniture. Or maybe jewelry. You get the idea. Just being around all of the creativity in this building (actually several buildings) is habit forming and I want to be a part of it. Every year they have a weekend called Open Studios. Many of the artists open their studios to the public and other artists rent space in the hallways, and they'd all be happy to sell you whatever they've made. Since this is during the holidays and it's in a fairly artsy community, it's popular. Parking is horrible, it's hot inside, and you won't get anywhere in a hurry because of the crowds, but the stuff you'll see is amazing. I have no idea what the day to day issues of working in this space are. I don't know if the owner keeps on top of things, I don't know who pays the heat or picks up the trash. All I know is that this space is one of the coolest and most creative spots in a very cool and creative city, and there's a waiting list to get in so having a studio here is probably a terrific thing.

Nothing brings me more joy than being able to see what other loyal art laborers have for exhibit…read more The old button factory has since been converted into a labyrinth of artist studios (inspiration, color, and life around each corner). Once a year, the artists open their studios and exhibit their work to the public... ~~OPEN STUDIOS is usually the first weekend of December (2011: DECEMBER 3 and 4, 2011 OPEN STUDIOS! 11-5pm!!!) admission fee 0$~~ *Several of the artists offer classes (painting, sculpting, quilting, etc). *My favorite studios to visit: Emma Ashby (an increeedible wax artist - her work breaths life and brightness), Erin A. Ellis (an aspiring childrens book illustrator who has created this adorable creature: the chubbikin), Jen Murray (wonderfully talented photographer - - - great to keep in mind for wedding planning couples, or collectors of unique prints), Sarah Minor (painter of canvas floor cloths), and Roger Goldenberg (crazy awesome, 3-dimensional paintings!). *For SALE??!!! Yes, some works are a bit...costly, but these are pieces which will last a lifetime (and then another...and another). Spread the love, invest in art! Just when the holidays are shifting into fourth gear, it's a wonderful way to spend an early-December morning. Great (brilliant!) people, a unique space, and (of course) enough artistic eye candy to light your own wee inspiration candle.

Paying a visit to the "home" of Rocky Mountain Antique Quilts is truly like visiting behind the…read morescenes of the Americana Collection at the Smithsonian Museum, with often brilliantly colored quilts at your literal finger-tips even though most seem to be well over 100 years old and actually to 200 years and quite possibly beyond. They are not secured behind locked glass as one might expect but, instead, are directly out in the open and very touchable. Therefore, realizing this, it is no surprise that a visitor is first directed to a hand-washing station and even requested to wear gloves before handling any of the quilts. The presence of fast-food ketchup and grease and the like on even well-meaning strangers coming in the door must be presumed and guarded against -- just like "behind the scenes" at The Smithsonian. My and my wife's experience was the same on our first visit, and on just scanning the magnificence of the collected quilts, we quickly and fully understood. As to the quality and the variety of the quilts available for viewing and sale, they are simply remarkable -- as is readily seen by the quilts offered on the website. The owner "Betsey" is a fount of knowledge who "sells" with truly verifiable facts and not just "creative writing" as do so many. I can personally attest to the precise accuracy of the descriptions and representations having both been physically a "guest visitor" / shopper on-site as well as over the years having purchased at least -10- quilts, all over 100 years old and most 150 years old, and more. EVERY one of the quilts requested arrived in a condition and with qualities actually better than described. She is also immediately responsive even to general inquiry, such as when recently I really needed technical assistance cataloguing and identifying with particularity -- especially regarding pattern variations -- as well as dating the ones in my wife's antique quilts collection. In short, I both recommend "Betsey" and her Rocky Mountain Antique Quilts absolutely, without hesitation or reservation, as the quilts offered have always been truly exceptional, AND I endorse their up-front directing visitors to a hand-washing station to protect the integrity of such rarified goods for both the visitor and all those interested in the same quilt[s] that follow.

Betsey Telford-Goodwin's Rocky Mountain Quilts shop houses a stunning collection of antique quilts…read moreand unequaled source of vintage fabrics with which she and her staff meticulously restore old quilts. Put her shop in her antique house in old York, Maine, on your destination list! Learn about quilts in her shop. She is an appraiser of antique quilts which she will do on-line or in her shop. On the spot, Betsey can expertly explain the fabrics used, designs, colors, threads, and dyes, all the while giving you a sense of the sociology of the period of the piece and the circumstances of the quilter. She beautifully restored an 1850s quilt we have had for many years, giving it new life, and us a much better understanding of its probable history. I was so excited I brought four friends to Betsey for a morning's lecture on early American quilts that left us breathless with wonder about the designs, the variety, the loving care, the history and inherent humanity of each piece. Visit this gem on the Maine Coast!

Highly recommend! Emily and Barbara made everything easy and efficient. For all medical practices…read morelooking to get their white coats or scrubs embroidered, I would definitely choose NH Monograming.

Great service and great quality. Emily and Barabar are the best! So much better than Harveysread more

My wife and I were on vacation with another couple when we stopped in for a visit. Mrs. Fine was…read morethere to greet us and was very friendly and provided a lot of information about the area and what was in the shop. It's a bit tucked into a corner but this is a must see. By the way, be sure to check out Mrs. Fine's jewelry while you're there! Would stop in here again.

Many NH talented artists and NH profucts. Had a great selection of gift and decorations for the…read moreholidays

Amazing section! A veritable wonderland! 35 rooms to get lost in. You can imagine it's Christmas…read moreany time of year. Don't miss the trains upstairs!

With thousands and thousands of seasonal choices and abounding selections for your holiday…read moredecorating. There is a price point for everyone depending on your decorating needs. There are great vendors available on some weekends displaying their crafts. On the occasion we went they were also offering dating your ornaments that you purchased.