Had a great experience at Framers Workshop !!! I had ordered a vintage magazine from Amazon with the hope of having it enlarged and professionally matted and framed .....However Amazon had other plans and the magazine did not arrive in time to have the framing completed .....I took the magazine to staples in Brighton ( shout out to the original staples ) where they enlarged the cover to poster size ....It came out great!! I found Framers Workshop online ...They not only do professional framing they also provide the materials , workspace and professional instructors to guide you through the process of framing your own work !!!!! What a great idea ...They have many amazing frames that you can pick from on site , as well as matting in all colors that can be cut to size while you wait....The team members manning the counters were very helpful in the process .. in no time at all I had my supplies and with help from staff ( a lot of help ) in the workshop I was out in record time with a beautiful framed piece of memorabilia for my son's 40 th surprise birthday party....I was under a lot of pressure as this was a special gift there was no room for error But I can't wait to go back to try this again when I'm more relaxed !!!! Thanks so much for making my surprise gift a success !!!! I highly recommend this cool shop in artsy Brookline read more

They did some matting and framing for us and everything came out perfect! Friendly and very helpful service and very fairly priced! Thanx so much. read more

Best frame store ever I love how sweet there are will be returning soon best people ever

I love this business. I have brought kids here for a fabulous field trip. After the kids complete a work of art they can learn to frame it. The staff are always extra helpful. read more

Just the loveliest people. Learned a lot framing my own stuff here and have also gotten great consults from them on fancier framing / matting jobs. I still do all my framing here even though I live far away now. read more

Thoroughly enjoyed our experience here. Great staff. Amazing customer service and unbeatable prices!!! I highly recommend framing your art work here. We will be back!! read more

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The biggest draw for me at this shop was going there, interacting with the fun, experienced staff, getting a booth in the workshop and doing the framing myself. There were times when I would go twice a week. Alas, (for me) they have converted to totally full service. They were great people and I hope they are all doing well. read more

5 Stars all the way because first and foremost this kind of place is rare rare rare!! I used to go to a place called "Frame King" in Cambridge, but it decided to kick the do-it-yourself business to the curb leaving all of us loyal customers high and dry! I lamented the loss of my frame shop for years and then finally discovered the Framers Workshop in Brookline! Yay. My art was pilling up and now I have a place to bring it all and get reasonably priced professional framing. My first visit was two days ago. I agree with the other reviewers that all who worked there were friendly, knowledgeable, patient and super helpful. The materials are top notch and the resulting framed items are awesome!! I am so pleased. I will be going back very soon!! read more

Framers' Workshop - Framers workstation - Framing Near Me - Brookline, Massachusetts

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Love love love this place! They have framed over 15 photos that I had blown up! Superb job, friendly and knowledgeable staff! My go to framing place! read more

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I don't like writing bad reviews, but I've been here twice and both experiences were terrible. I went back in part because the good reviews I heard on Yelp, but I'm now suspicious of them. Yesterday was the second time and I will never be back. I went with my girlfriend to get something framed for our place. We waited in line for 50 minutes. When we neared the front, we let the woman behind us go first as she was holding three complicated woven screens and you could see it was a pain for her to stand there. When our turn came, it was 4:25, and they told us that they stopped cutting mats at 4:30 and we'd have to come back another time to do it. There was no sign saying this, they never mentioned it to us in all the time we stood in line or on the phone when they told me they were open until 6. I asked the guy if he could sneak us in as we had our frame picked out, it was a metal one (which takes about 15 minutes to assemble), and it was only 5 minutes until 4:30, but he wouldn't budge. I couldn't believe it. He was happy to let me wait an hour in line and then tell me to come back the next day and wait an hour again. Now that I've gone to another frame store I've also realized that doing it yourself here isn't actually cheaper than having it done most places (at least where I went). At Framers' Workshop it was $95 and at the normal frame shop it was $86. read more

This is the BEST place ever. So I know I say that a lot, but if somehow yelp allowed me to dispense extra stars I would give it like ten more. Or better yet how about this, this place is so awesome, that I thought about asking Mike (the owner) if I could work there. I went in on Monday in the AM because I wanted to frame a huge piece of work about 3 feet by 4 feet to frame. I had all these ideas about how I wanted to present my work. They listened to all of them gave me tons of suggestions and really worked with me to figure out how to best present my work. Also, I opted to "do-it-myself" because it was cheaper and I wanted to experience the frame process. Because I had a lunch appointment and because they didn't have the pieces of mat and glass ready-made at that size, I took off for a couple of hours and came back around 3. I came inside and was pleasantly surprised that my fairy godfathers (Mike and Justin) had already put the frame together for me. Then Justin helped me put the whole thing together, so even though I had opted to "do-it-myself" it was way more professional than if I had done it on my own. And to be honest, I had actually been a bit worried about how long it was going to take me to build my own frame, this way everything worked out and it took only about an hour or two. Plus, I found out I had to change the way it was hung after the fact, and he even changed it for me. Like I said, BEST place ever, plus everyone was super friendly, helpful and really fun. We even had side conversation going about how Paul Prudhomme was using Dom Deluise's image to sell his seasonings. And finally, the cost was about half of what I would have paid to frame my piece at a regular frame shop. I used the 15% off coupon on their website (the 20% of on Tuesday nights is no longer valid). I doubt there's any other frame shop that is so professional, inexpensive, and great to hang out at. Highly, highly recommended. read more

Things I love: 1) the idea of this place. It is awesome to make your own frame especially if the art you are putting in it means a lot to you. It is a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when you hang it on the wall 2) the 15% off coupon -- get it. it's on their website. print it out. 3) the work space and music. I could literally spend all day in here and not realize it. it is also really fun to see everyone's artwork around you. 4) location. it's pretty easy to get to. 5) despite the 15% coupon situation (read on for more on that) they do seem environmentally conscious. Things that could use some improvement: 1) OK, so here's the verdict on the staff. they aren't mean but they aren't super nice either. they are kind of indifferent helpers but they do want you to be happy with the product. they do help but sometimes only when summoned by awkward glances. they never seem to give me as much advice as i would prefer when figuring out framing/mating options. 2) the 15% coupon. turns out you have to print it out which is not that environmentally friendly. electronic phone versions are not acceptable. if you forget it, tell them you'll be right back and head over to the Brookline Public Library to print it out (ugh, i know). 3) the wait. I understand the wait because they are providing such a unique service but if there are a lot of people waiting why not hand out a number so us hangry folk can grab some grub or tour the store and don't feel forced to wait in a quasi-line? Bottom line: I love/like it. I would recommend it to a friend. However, I would tell that friend to PRINT out the coupon, to not feel shy when asking for help...keep giving those awkward glances and someone is bound to come to you, and to go during the afternoon on a weekday when there might not be such a long wait! read more

5-star review for framer's workshop! I needed to frame my hand-papercut ketubah (a jewish marriage contract). I'd taken it to a different location in Brookline and was quoted that it would cost me between $320-$380. After multiple recommendations from my friends, I went to Framer's Workshop, and after the 15% discount, it only cost me $72. Deal!! They cut the frame pieces for you, and they cut the glass, so mostly it's just fun with detail work and assembly - it's a very zen process, hard to screw up, and easy to feel great about when you finish. HUGE shoutout to Chris, who gave great advice on materials to use, didn't try to up-sell me on anything, just actually cared about what my priorities were with my piece. He didn't mind my questions, my hyper-sensitivity to the delicate nature of the art, or my silliness in the workroom. He made everything super easy, and I will definitely go back any time I need anything else framed. Pro-tips: 1) You need to show up *at least* 1 1/2 hours before they close, so if you can't get there by 7/7:15 I would hold off, unless you don't mind doing one visit just putting in the order, and the second visit for assembly (which is what I wound up doing since we got there around 7:40). 2) Fun to go with a friend (I went with a pal), but it will definitely make the process take longer. 3) Go on a weeknight. I went on 2 Tuesdays and there was no wait at all. 4) Make sure you show them the 15% off coupon on their website when they ring you up! They won't just take your word for it, you actually have to show it, but the savings definitely adds up so it's worth hanging on to the image. read more

They can be a little short when they're slammed, so I recommend getting there early on during the week. The folks are super creative, helpful, and the prices are fantastic to boot. I've been here about a dozen times over the past six years, and have been happy every time. Also, don't forget the 15% off coupon from their website or Yelp! read more

To preface, I have never written a bad review before. However, my experience was so poor that I felt the needed to share. I went to Framers Workshop to get a photo framed as a Christmas gift and I will never go back. The staff was incredibly rude, and made me feel as if I was an inconvenience. The gentleman who assisted me on the floor was considerably nicer than the person who sold the mat/frame, but he was very slow to respond to my questions and all the staff acted they they had better things to do than help their customers. They were out of stock of almost all the mats that I liked (even just plain black!), and the only one available was over double the price. When I inquired about a discount because they were out of stock he said they couldn't do that because I had a discount coupon. I tried to work with him to figure out a workable solution for the dilemma, but he just scoffed at me and said he couldn't do anything about it. While the final product looked incredible, I would NEVER return here. I got an antique map framed at another shop a few days later and it not only looked just as great, but was also HALF the price (and she did everything for me!). Overall, you are overpaying for the product on top of extremely sub-par customer service. read more

After hearing others rave about Framers' Workshop and their great services and low prices, I finally went myself with two items, and was equally impressed! First, I was surprised by how much they actually do for you to ensure that you get a professional-quality result. You select the frame, mat, and glass type you want, and they do all the measuring and cut all the pieces for you. I was picturing having to cut the middle out of the mat with a razor blade and having to carefully cut the frame corners at a perfect 45-degree angle, but they do all that for you. Then, you go to a work station where a VERY helpful man teaches you how to do everything from screwing the corners of the frame together to mounting the item to be framed onto foam backing to inserting spacers and screwing on the hanging wire. Given how much of the framing job they still do for you and how much assistance is available for the parts you do yourself, the prices were very low. I was skeptical that the price would be lower than going to a big-box craft store with a 40% coupon (which is what I had always done before), but it was WAY lower. And fun. And now I know how to do framing so the next time I go the process will be much quicker. read more

Getting things framed in a real picture frame like a grown-up is expensive. You can, however, offset some of the cost by putting the frames together yourself here at Framer's Workshop. It's a chill place, and the people will help you if you ask. There are a LOT of decisions to be made up front - type of frame, matting, ... um, I guess that's all you have to decide up front, but those are important decisions! After you work with the people at the desk to make those big decisions, you go to the back where you wait for your frame and mats to be cut to size. While you're waiting if you know what's going on, you can gather the hardware you'll need. In about an hour and a half start to finish, I assembled three metal frames. The wooden ones take longer. Now that I've been once, I should be good to go next time if I get a metal frame again. Everyone there was quite helpful. Make sure to print out the 15% off coupon on their website. My entire purchase for three framed items (small, medium, and large, with the large being about 2.5 ft by 2 ft, was around $160. Not too shabby. All in all, this was a positive experience and I"ll be back next time the cheap frames just won't do. read more

I have never framed myself before, and the process could not have been easier: at first the staff walked me through all of my options for frames and mats. I was under a bit of a time constraint (nothing like waiting until the last minute), and thus limited to the items they had in stock, but I was still thrilled with my options. Then they walked me through the framing process step by step. The fact that I was surrounded by professional artists was incredibly reassuring (sorry - I tend to judge establishments based on their clientele). Not only did it come out beautifully, the entire trip took under an hour and cost under a bill! Every other framer with whom I spoke required over a week and a much higher price. Cheap and easy : ah the perfect first date. read more

I've been there three times now, twice with multiple projects and everyone was lovely. Frankly most of the people trying to frame their own stuff are klutzes (me included) and the staff have to patiently explain things three or four times to the same person sometimes ... There was a snafu in cutting the mats wrong on 3 of my pictures the last time I went and they just apologized and recut them for me right away. That was nice. I need to go back soon because I have two more frames to do. It's so much cheaper than having a frame store do it and it's fun and crafty. Seriously, give it a try. L-- read more

Read all reviews before I went. True, lots of hipsters with ironic tshirts. And they're not in any particular hurry. But..they were all smart and accommodating. And their work is excellent. Advice thoughtful. Table side helpful. Smiles from time to time. And my project came out better than I imagined, not overpriced, and done in an hour. read more

I have always had great experiences at Framers Workshop. The prices are significantly better than other framing stores in the area IF you are willing to do the labor yourself in their workshop. They will provide all the necessary equipment and instruction for assembling metal and wood frames with or without mats, floating frames for paintings, and dry mounting of photographs. The quality of materials is usually good. The only warped stock I received was quickly replaced for me. The selection is great as well. This place is old-school and no-nonsense. Four stars because in all the time I've spent there, I've always felt like the staff was doing me a favor helping me out. Not the friendliest of people, but their advice and instruction has always been spot on. They frequently do substantial promotions through GROUPON so make sure you check the web ahead of time. read more

Awesome framing store with very reasonable prices. I went in with an old store bought frame and an odd sized print, needing a custom mat. They charged less than $15 for the mat, and have a nice self serve section in the back. A really awesome gentleman there taught me how to frame the piece and lent a hand when my 2 month old started whimpering. The piece looks pretty sweet now! Thank you!! read more

I couldn't have put together my first photography show without Framer's Workshop! As far as I know, this place is the only Do-It-Yourself framing workshop left in the Boston area. "Do-It-Yourself" means that they cut the mat, glass, and molding for you and you put it all together at one of their workbenches. (You can also have them do the assembly, which costs more.) One reason you might want to go a place like this is to save money on quality framing. Or maybe you just want to learn something new and spend some time assembling a piece by hand. Or perhaps you're an artist who wants to have as much control over the framing process as possible without setting up your own framing studio. It's important to go with the right expectations. Remember it's a DIY place so you shouldn't expect luxury service. The staff is great but they won't always show up at your workbench the moment you need help. So, you need to be ready to approach them and ask for help. Don't expect to make friends and have a long conversation about the work you're framing--in general they're there to help you get the job done, answer questions, etc. and they'll otherwise leave you alone. Framing does make a great "team project" so I highly recommend bringing a friend along to assist. I framed 45 pieces there over a period of several weeks in 2011 and you can see them all hanging on the wall in their frames here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei3-IOn69oI I've also written a blog entry about a recent trip to the workshop (Jan 2013), with some photos of how the materials look on the bench after they're cut: http://rudiseitz.com/2013/01/05/framing-55/ Framer's Workshop gets extra points in my book because their music selections are eclectic and unexpected (last time it took me a moment to realize that no, I wasn't just daydreaming about a trip to India -- they really were playing Bollywood in the studio that day!). read more

When it comes to pricing and doing it yourself they rock. This was my second time doing it myself and no matter how hard you try to screw the job up the folks there won't let. Want to use the wrong nails on a wood frame, nope someone will explain how and why that isn't a good idea. Want to pull your corner out of the vice before the glue is ready, not gonna happen. And when it comes to Instant gratification taking home your print the same day is pretty darn cool. Everyone from Ashley at the counter who helped me pick out my mat and frames to the guys out back who helped me do the work are great. And you can not talk about this place without bringing up the music. It had to be karoke day at the workshop and my GF loved all the tunes which also helped to past the time. To all my fellow comic book geeks this is the place to get your stuff framed. They understand we don't' want our books ruined when being framed and the end product is of a gallery quality. read more

This place is awesome. I came in wanting to frame my artwork. I've had estimates before and I was looking at around $150 each and I'm not about that life- I am a grad student and money isn't raining down. I found this place via Yelp and they have a workshop where you can do it yourself. The guys help you pick out what you want and bring it out to you in the workshop. They explain how to do it and let you to it. Let me tell you - it was relaxing and pretty fun. The guys were super chill, very helpful, and they gave a nice vibe to the place. I came out of it happy with the results and with the price- it ended up being half of the previous estimates. It took me around 3 hours to frame 5 pieces. Want a fantastic artistic DIY framing? Come here!! read more

Excellent service. I went in to get a large custom mat for a piece I am exhibiting next week. They have a wide variety of mat prices (I was looking for cheap and found it!) and cut it for me in less than 5 minutes. I am very happy! read more

The hubby surprised me by framing some maps of my favorite cities here. (He claimed he framed them himself, but I now realize that he had a lot of help along the way!) The folks are very friendly and we ended up coming back here again to frame a third print. We went during a popular hour (4pm?) so there was a bit of a wait, but nevertheless, it was worth it. When we found the perfect scaled textured frame that was the perfect shade of swampy green to go with our vintage San Francisco map, it was so worth it. read more

I can't believe more places like this don't exist. I went there today to get two prints framed for a show, so it was very important that I get this done right. I also have never framed anything in my life, I always had someone do it for me. When I expressed my worry, they told me there will be someone to watch over at every step.( and there was!) The only downfall was the wait, but the show I was preparing for also included the rest of my graduating senior class. So, the people taking up all the spaces were my fellow class mates. The people working there tried very hard to move things around and squeeze me in since I did know most the people in there. There was even someone ahead of me and I got a small spot before him since I had a deadline. They are cheap, extremely helpful, and my framed prints turned out amazing. read more

What a fantastic place! Had a great afternoon here learning how to frame prints. The staff is so kind and helpful, and they were really generous with fixing a huge botch I made on one of my frames. They really care about you walking out with beautiful frames even when DIY-ing and it was so fun learning a new craft. Would be a cool date activity. :) They also have mirrors so you can create a custom framed mirror here, very handy and very cost effective. read more

They are great! I love this place. Very convenient, easy and cheaper than any other frame store that I worked with. Highly recommended. They take their time to give you pointer about the color and style of the frame that you are choosing for that particular art work. read more

We had the BEST experience at Framers' Workshop today. Gabe and Skye, the employees who were working in the DIY section of the shop, were awesome! They helped my boyfriend and I frame a painting. Neither one of us knew what we were doing but they were both extremely patient and helpful. We can't wait to go back! read more

I recently went into the Framers' Workshop to get some work framed and found the experience to be both excellent and rewarding. I'm not a very artistic person and really appreciated the help I received from the staff. They were willing to work with me to find the perfect color scheme for my work. Bottom line their patience was 5 star quality, and maybe that is why there is a wait.... I went in on Thursday afternoon when the store was pretty quiet, but if you can't make it in then, their hours are pretty awesome. Just don't come in 5 minutes to close, that is just rude on your part. As a customer, remember you aren't the expert if you need help ask and the staff will help you. They were great when I was hesistant to move onto the next step and patient. You should go in with an open mind and patience. And when you leave your work will be rockin' and I'm sure you will want to go back. read more

This place is the best! I've gone there twice to do do-it-yourself framing and they are so helpful and knowledgeable, anytime I need something framed, I'm going here. They've got a great selection of frames and Julian is always there to lend a hand while at the same time being incredibly informative so I actually left feeling like I knew what I was doing! You save way more coming here and doing it yourself, plus the satisfaction of walking out the same day with your frame ready to hang up is the BEST. read more

I love getting my frames made here at the workshop. It's DIY component that I really enjoy. I make decision what frames to go for and the staff guides me step by step to frame the art pieces. The price is right and I am always so happy with how the pieces turn out with the frame at the end. read more

I have never framed a dang thing in my life. And expected to make a mess of it. Thankfully Danielle was there to greet me, take me through frame and matte selection, and then walk me through actually framing two items. What would have been a super expensive job or possibly scary diy experience was neither due to Danielle. I'm going back to frame more items with Framers Workshop - thanks Danielle and co. Other pros: Fun creative environment Good tunes Excellent people read more

Long wait for custom service, long turn-around to get the work done - and that's if they're willing to do the work and their quite willing to say no, even if you say you'll assume the risks. Basically, a bureaucracy. read more

After looking at their website, and imagining what this place has to offer, I really really really wish I was about to write a positive review. I wish that my experience had lived up to what was promised on the website...'helpful employees, ready to lend a hand every step of the way'... Unfortunately, this was NOT my experience. In short, framers workshop has all the potential in the world...imagine a place where one can take their art, and can be handed raw materials to build their own custom frame...they're given a space to work and helpful employees will be there to guide you through the process until youre finally ready to start crafting fine made frames on your own. I walked into the framers workshop hoping that would be my reality. What I found instead was a group of staff with such an air of pretentious attitude, it was almost palpable. When asking staff for opinions, one is met with a tone of indifference...even when told that my framing experience was minimal, and I hoped to be guided through the process, I was instead handed materials and made to feel as if my presence was an annoyance. The number of staff is plentiful, yet the number of engaging, personable, helpful staff is zero. When you have a question, you are forced to wander around the workspace and literally interrupt a staff person from a conversation with another staff person or from a personal project they are engaged in. You are given a quick set of instructions and then again left to fend for yourself. When you have completed said previous task, you must once again go and find a staff and interrupt their task to get directions on the next step. Imagine this interruption sequence occurring literally dozens of times, and that was my experience. The idea that a staff person would be there to help you through the process every step of the way, as the website implies is a farce. I can understand a desire to keep the guidance to a minimum, as the entire concept is to negate the labor fee by doing the work yourself. If I was already proficient at crafting my own frames, then this would not be an issue, and I would take the materials with a smile and not have to say another word to an employee. Yet, as the website implies, framers workshop is supposed to be an establishment that welcomes beginners, again, this was not my experience. read more

There are few things that come out well when you do it yourself versus letting a professional do it. But here, at Framers' Workshop, framing an antique map for my fiance's Christmas gift was not as hard as I thought. I am still not a pro at framing, but the staff here were so helpful that it made the process a wonderful learning experience! Let me backtrack a bit. I finally had a great gift in mind for my fiance -- a historical map of his hometown from the 19th century, purchased from Ward Maps in Porter Square (review pending). The only problem is that having it framed there would have cost me close to $150 and an additional $40 if I wanted it done by Christmas. Since my fiance and I are trying to save money for our summer wedding, I had to find an alternative. I searched on Yelp and came across mostly positive reviews of this place. I was still hesitant though as I had honestly never framed something before. But it turned out there was nothing to worry about. After scoring a free 2 hour parking spot across the street, my first framing adventure began! My pleasant experience began with the man at the counter who helped me decide which mats and frame would complement the map. Without pause, he immediately picked out something that I never would have selected but looked awesome with the map. See, told you I was no pro! After he rang me up (make sure you go to their website to print out a coupon if they have one -- I saved 15% on the total cost!), I was sent to any empty booth in the back to wait for my frame, mat, foam board for dry mounting, and piece of glass. Even though I got there shortly after they opened on a Saturday, the place was already packed but I managed to find one unoccupied booth. Waiting for the materials took about 15-20 minutes, but it was fine because along the way you can do a few steps to prep your print/artwork. It was also a good time for me to watch what other people doing. It was pretty cool as the clientele in the place ranged from young hipsters to elderly men and women. I did get scared at one point and considered backing out when one lady broke her piece of glass and sliced her hand. But I prevailed and I was so glad. Without boring you with all of the details of the process, the map came out looking great and cost me more than $50 less than it would have at Ward Maps. I also saved myself the $40 rush charge. While there noticeable imperfections on the back (e.g. crooked brown paper backing), nobody was able to tell that I had framed it myself when my fiance showed his family. I was really proud of myself for having undergone the project. I could not have done it without the staff, especially Jenna, who was AMAZING. She was a great teacher and person to have by my side. She would explain, demonstrate what to do, and then let you do it yourself, but step in if you needed help. As a teacher myself, I was so grateful for her assistance and patient manner even when I had dumb questions. I really learned a lot my first time around with framing. I cannot wait to go back and try to frame something else now that I have somewhat of an idea what I am doing. Thanks again, Yelpers, for helping me find this business in the first place. Framing is something that definitely takes practice and attention to detail. There are always framing places you can go to and have them do it, but here, you get the satisfaction of saving money and having completed the handiwork yourself! read more

Framing yourself is the way to go, it's easy and the price is right. I love this shop because of the great staff, stock selection and the best business slogan ever; the card says "Framer's Workshop: Good frames, loud music, cranky owner" read more

Learning how to build a frame was really cool, and the staff very knowledgeable. Be aware that employees are pulled in a few directions at once (work stations, sales, front of shop), so it may take awhile for them to walk you through the process. read more