I visited Tommy and Helen in their new location at 1851 W Chicago Ave. in Chicago with an autographed poster that I wanted to display. The metal frame I brought had loose glass and needed tightening and cleaning. Because of his expertise, Tommy was not daunted by the project. He selected the perfect matte to complement the poster and frame. He corrected the frame's structural weaknesses, secured the glass, and polished it all to perfection. Tommy and Helen provide the same excellent craftsmanship and service as they did in their previous location. The piece was reasonably priced and ready ahead of schedule. The result is beautiful! I'll be returning with more works to be framed. Thank you so much for another marvelous job! read more

A great locally owned business that I'd highly recommend for all framing needs. This place has great customer service, quick turnarounds, and high quality work. read more

Helendora Samuels Picture Framing - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Tommy & Helendora both were kind and welcoming. I dropped off two important pieces to me from out of the country. Tommy gave me what seems to be standard 3-4 weeks. I got a call right at the 2 week mark letting me know my items were ready. They both came out well, I'll be back. read more

Helendora Samuels Picture Framing - Framed painting - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is run by wonderful, local people. They're a pleasure to work with, knowledgeable, love their craft, and support their community. Tommy did a great job designing my two pieces. read more

Helendora Samuels Picture Framing - Custom framing - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I think the work that Tommy does is awesome. He seems to have a great track record and the craftsmanship on the frame I purchased is great. The only knock I have is the turn around time, I had to be the one to call and ask about my simple art print that I was quoted 3 weeks and am just receiving it at week 5. Again, I had to call and ask. Also VM for businesses shouldn't be full. I want to give this place a 3.5 star, but strongly believe in supporting local businesses and good people. Tommy is good people, but turn around time and customer service need improvement. read more

Helendora Samuels Picture Framing - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I just picked up my newly framed painting from Helendora Samuel's Picture framing. The framing looks beautiful. This is a sweet neighborhood family owned shop. It is not fancy but has friendly, knowledgeable owners and a good selection of frames. I was referred by another friend. Highly recommend. Your lovely art is in good hands here. read more

Helendora Samuels Picture Framing - Lovely frame. - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

When you have beautiful art do you want it to be finished so that the framing complement it. Tommy and Helendora knew exactly what to do with the collection we brought in. We had sports memorabilia, watercolors from vacations, commemorative posters, and more. Wearing masks, we worked together to find the appropriate mat and frame for each piece of art. We could not be more pleased with the quality of work. Plus we feel like we made new friends! We will be back. read more

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Absolute disaster! Avoid at all costs. Decided to support a local store and took a print to Tommy for framing. I was quoted $400 which I thought was on the pricey side, but as the print was special to me, I thought Id go for it... After being told it would be ready in 3 weeks - I had to endure lies and lies of why the work was delayed (e.g materials, supplier delays) until I finally received the "completed" work a few months later. The finished article was poorly finished and a plate with engraving I had requested was not even in the middle of the print. I requested my money back and was told if I didn't write a bad review I would get my money back. That was 12 months ago and following more lies I've only received $200 back, so this is me finally giving in. Tommy and Helendora come across as nice friendly Christian folk but don't be fooled (check the other reviews) In summary, paid $400, failed to complete work, endured 12 months of trying to get money back. $200 out of pocket. Go elsewhere. read more

Helendora Samuels Picture Framing - Full refund (although in writing) never received. Thieves. - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Well I am glad Tommy Samuels did a good job in both helping me find the right frame for an original Leonid Afromov painting I had purchased 2 months ago and received. I had acutally contacted him a month back to see he was open during the pandemic. Again did a good job HOWEVER was frustrated on his delivery which was why only 4 stars. He quoted he was supposed to be done this Wednesday but did NOT follow up with me on his dilemma on when to receive that frame. I ended up following up with him on a phone call reminder Monday before just to find out his framer isn't gonna have the frame. So therefore he could not do it Wednesday because he did NOT get the frame. I asked him if Thursday he could do it and he said he could and again he did not finished it. He ask if I can pick it up Friday and I told him I am very busy with errand and could not. He ended up delivering to my residence which I am glad he did since I had prepaid him $400 in cash and worried he could have taken the money and run but he didn't however that is why NOT a perfect 5. Anyways here is a painting called "Lilac and Chamille" by classic impressionistic artist Leonid Afremov who past away last year. The frame was done by Helendora Samuels (The wife) but Tommy is the one who really did the work. read more

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STAY AWAY. I had a series of artwork framed by Tommy a few years ago. I previously wrote a 2-star review about the poor quality of the framing and the ~3 month turnaround I had to experience to get them. I'm now updating my review with the lowest possible rating. I just brought the same artwork to be reframed elsewhere (because of the poor original framing). When removing the frames, additional examples of cutting corners and poor craftsmanship were brought to my attention. For example, the original frames continue to shed dry paint, a clear sign that cheap paint was used to manually recolor my frames. To be clear, the repainting is not something I requested, nor was it brought to my attention when I took the framed pieces home. I thought I had purchased black frames that came straight from the manufacturer -- not the brown ones that Tommy (poorly) painted over himself. Most notably, my artwork (that was designed and made by my late aunt) were GLUED to the matting, making them virtually unmovable. I'm disappointed that Tommy would carelessly handle my artwork like this, especially knowing how personal it is to me. I'm now unable to replace the matting he used for this series. I struggled to write this review because Tommy's a nice guy. That said, I made the decision to share my experience so that prospective customers can avoid a similar outcome. read more

WOW! Can't say enough about the job they did on our artwork. We received three paintings as a gift from a dear friend and artist and wanted to have them beautifully framed and displayed in our new home. Tommy did a magnificent job and actually picked out the perfect frame that was very reasonably-priced! In addition to being a master of his craft, Tommy and his wife are wonderful people who spoke with us and treated us like family. It meant a lot! We recommend them for all of your framing needs. Thank you so much!! read more

Helendora Samuels Picture Framing - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Tommy was great to work with. Not only does he cut mats by hand, but he's had amazing clients (US Cellular Field, United Center). Skip your trip to Michael's and head here! read more

I just want to preface this review by saying it KILLS me to leave a negative review because Samuel and Helendora are extremely nice people and did a very good job with my piece. However, there's some issues with service, very similar to ones in other reviews. I chose this place because of the extremely high rating and positive reviews. Plus it is a local business, and I'd rather a local business than some chain like Michael's or some website. I do find this place to be pricey. He wanted to charge us almost $200 for a 9" x 22" piece. I think I could have gotten a better price elsewhere and probably should have shopped around. He originally quoted us 2-3 weeks and said he would call when ready. This seems to be what they tell everyone, as noted in other reviews. 3 weeks roll by and no call. 6 weeks roll by and no call. Seeing as we paid upfront, I'm concerned. I call and he says the materials *just* came in and it should be ready in 2 or 3 days. How convenient that when I call the materials just so happened to come in... Those 3 days went by and no call. 7 weeks have gone by and no call. I pop in to see what's up. The materials haven't arrived yet (but he said they did last time I spoke with him?) and he guarantees they will be delivered the next day and my order completed the day after. This time was for real--I received the phone call to pick it up. Funny how after I physically pop in there to see you you finally start working on it... As I had said, they did a really great job, but it was a frustrating experience and took over twice the time they originally quoted. If I never followed up, who knows much longer it would have taken. I went with them to support a local independent business. I think next time I need something framed I'll stick to a corporate chain. I won't be back. read more

I had the same experience as both Jenny S.'s and M.P.'s 1 star reviews. I won't go into as much detail as they did because really I have the same story. Went in, got annoyed by the owner and his wife because of their incessant talking when we just wanted to pick a matte and frame and get out. Owner bragged about his work, we were skeptical based on the look of the store and that it hadn't been cleaned up or updated in many years. For some reason wound up deciding to give them our business. I think mostly because we really did want to give our business to a local mom and pop shop. We picked the simplest white wood frame and then the owner dropped the bomb on us, the price was going to be $225! The size was only about 7" x 22", and we picked the cheapest frame in the place! We had a Groupon for $100 and even after that amount was taken off we still had to pay $125. What a rip off. We were expecting perfect work for that price and should have known we were setting ourselves up for disappointment! I have no idea how I allowed us to pay this amount. But at that point we just wanted to get out of there. Fast forward 3 weeks and we still hadn't gotten a phone call that the frame would be ready. The receipt explicitly said will call when ready. I called, turns out it had been ready for a week and they thought I was going to just come in and get it! Finally went in to pick it up and geez, what a rip off. The work was extremely disappointing. The corners were all jagged and not sealed properly and there was a tear in the paper on the back of the frame. I confronted the owner on the spot about the problems and he just kept saying how he would stand by his work. I said great, how about a partial refund. He was unwilling to do so. Then he pretty much admitted to the terrible work by saying that that particular white frame always game him trouble and that he shouldn't work with it anymore. Great, glad we were the last customer to receive shitty work on a frame you admitted you do shitty work with. We were talking in circles and and I just decided it was fruitless to argue anymore and I just wanted to get out of there and never, ever go back. I've uploaded some images that show the shoddy work and also the receipt that clearly says the price and that they would call when ready. read more

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Heinous. My husband had a great experience meeting with staff in late January; was promised frames before Valentine's Day. Needless to say this wife didn't get her frames on Feb 14. It's now March 13 and we are still frameless. My husband called today and was told the materials just came in today DESPITE being told that 2 weeks ago. Then when he confirmed things would be ready by Wednesday, the staff had the gall to respond with a sassy "I told you they'd be ready, didn't I?" I love to support local business but this is just unacceptable. It doesn't matter how much I love the frames, they will never get my or my family and friends' business ever again. read more

I cannot speak highly enough of Helendora and Tommy! I live across the country and wanted to get a gift certificate for a friend in Chicago. They were both professional yet made me feel like an old friend. You can tell they take so much pride in their work and serving their customers. I'd recommend Helendora Samuels Picture Framing to anyone! read more

I, similar to other recent reviewers, unfortunately had a very poor experience. In short, I paid a high price (ostensibly for impeccable quality), did not receive my frames for nearly 4 months when I was quoted 3 weeks (and even then, only after multiple phone calls and an in-person visit), and ultimately received off-center photos by nearly a third of an inch. To their credit, my interactions with the store owners were always pleasant, though it makes one wonder if the charming demeanor is a facade for the knowingly sub-par work of a dying local business, and I do believe that this frame store was probably once well-run. However, it is offensively clear that this business is deficient in a variety of meaningful ways. I would suggest this frame store throw in the towel and spare future unsuspecting customers of the undoubted frustration that would befall them. At this juncture, it would likely be the honorable thing to do. read more

This horrible experience with framing is the main reason I will always try to use online options now and hope this industry gets disrupted for good. I had a few book pages I wanted framed, small in size, set in 9 matting openings in a large frame. Simple in style. I checked in on yelp to get the "discount" at the time of I think 25%. They refused to give me a range about how much this would cost when I walked in. Tommy, the owner, talked my ear off about how he's a professional, has done this for however many years, showed me a stupid paper that said he had done work at the United Center, etc. instead of answering my questions. I knew this was bad news but somehow I still stayed there for like an hour picking out frames, matting etc. before he finally dropped the bomb on me that it was going to be $400. When I asked him about the 25% off discount he made up a bunch of math to tell me he was already giving me a discount. This made me annoyed. He then knocked it down to $350 (plus tax) -- doing me a favor, he says, because he knows my friend. I still thought this was a lot to pay for one frame (yes, there are 9 small openings, but still... it's one frame.) and I was disgruntled at the absolute lack of transparency about pricing (just random numbers he threw out, and then knocked back randomly by $50 when I was annoyed and wanted to leave). Still, I tried to be positive and decided to do it, knowing I was being slightly ripped off but thinking that I'd still get a well-framed, professional-looking piece of art in return. Tommy quoted me 3-4 weeks that it would take. Well, 4 weeks later, no word about the frame. I call to find out, am told it will take another week. Okay, fine. At week 5, still nothing. Call again. One more week, he says. He's just one guy, he's trying, cut him some slack, he says. I'm annoyed. Week 6, I call again expecting to finally pick up the frame. STILL NOT DONE. At this point I am livid. I complain. He promises to get it done. It is the end of week 7 and I finally get my frame. The frame is fine. From far away it looks great. There are details that aren't awesome. For example, corners are kinda scuffed. The pages are not flush against the matting either, so there's a bit of a gap in space. I'm absolutely stunned that others have had 5-star experience. Not one piece of it was pleasant or did anything but piss me off. I get that most framing stores are non-transparent about pricing. That sucks and I hate it. I hope all the stores get wiped out by places like Framebridge. But beyond that it is completely unacceptable to just ignore your customer after you've taken their money and not delivered the goods. I understand delays. But it's your onus to call ME, not for me to chase down the thing I've already overpaid for. Week after week. read more

Tommy and Helendora are such wonderful people, and it's very clear they take a great deal of pride in their craft. They're very busy, but I would attribute this to their positive reputation and loyal clientele. We negotiated a reasonable price based on the volume of pieces I asked to be framed (there were two additional frames that were much smaller) and they executed the work with an extraordinary degree of warmth. They even gave us a big hug when we left the store! I'd recommend their shop to any of my friends! read more

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I honestly don't understand how this place gets 5 stars! Went there to frame two pieces relaying on yelp reviews and hoping for the best. It is a huge disappointment... and expensive one! First off, they were playing with prices and making us feel like we are getting a discount (while still paying $$$) when they never really told us what is the actual cost of service. Second, we were originally told that turnaround time for one painting is 2 weeks and the other one will be ready a week later... Guess what - we got it 4 weeks later!!! They were changing time of pick up 3 times!!! Their excuse was that they received wood (white color) with a black line on it and had to wait for another shipment. Ok... I can understand it... but it sounds like a complete bogus because the final product had a black mark on it!!! It's small but it's not what you expect to get when you are getting a brand new thing, paying big buck, and waiting forever! Third, the frame edges are scuffed and don't look anything like a professional work! I think 5 year old would do a better job. Btw, while selecting frames, we were shown a thank you letter that is almost 20 years old! It's like if I start to include my kindergarten workbook when applying for a job that requires a master's degree. And most important part, we were given such a poor guideline selecting a frame, that final result doesn't compliment the painting - it makes it look flat. Now I have to look at it with disappointment every single day. And it's not like I can just go and drop another $$$ for a frame! I went to a different frame shop in the past but unfortunately owner moved to a different state and I know what kind of service and quality one should expect when paying so much money. I have more paintings that need to be framed and I never go to this place again and wouldn't recommend to anyone! read more

Helendora Samuels Picture Framing - Doesn't look like a professionally done frame! Very poor quality! - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Tommy is such hard worker. I have brought multiple projects in the store for the last two years and each has been 5-star. I personally recommend Tommy Samuels for any project from art framing, to jerseys or anything else you could hang on a wall.... He & his wife, the lovely Helendora are very personable, and an exceptional addition to Grand Ave. The guy's been in business for 20 something years and personally frames work for the Chicago White Sox and Bulls! I would highly recommend Helendora Samuels Picture Framing, Inc. read more

I don't have the greatest experience with framing services. I worked at an Aaron Bros. in college and have only gone to such outlets in the past. My wife and I brought in a picture that needed matting to go into a frame she already owned. Tommy spent a lot of time and care with us to make sure he got the colors just right to compliment the picture and the frame. It's rare to receive such great customer service, Tommy and Helendora really couldn't be any nicer too. As I mature, and purchase more items that need framing, this will be my go to spot. Thank you guys so much! read more

First class customer service with these two! They go above and beyond to meet your needs. Plus, the framing is professional and solid! My movie poster now looks like it belongs in a museum! All at an affordable price. FYI: they moved to a new location 1736 North Ave read more

I got a print from my sister for Christmas, and took it in to this neighborhood business to get it framed. Tommy and Helen worked with me to figure out what would look best, considering the colors, the wall I was putting it on, and my personal taste. When what we picked out was out of my price range, they worked with me to get something together that looked just as fabulous, but fit in my budget. ... and the finished product is GORGEOUS! Such a great experience; highly recommend. read more

I dropped in a soccer Jersey last week to get framed and couldn't be happier with how it came out. Reasonably priced and the owners are great. I'll be back!! read more

Super helpful, they made a rush order possible for an important event. Friendly service and they have my business from here in out!

Wow, I was super happy with my frame and the work done by Tommy. I bought a unique painting for a friends wedding and Tommy picked out the perfect matting and frame for me that was within my price range. Great job and on time for a wedding deadline I needed! A+ work! Roman read more

I can't thank Tommy and Helendora enough for their outstanding work! I get pictures framed often but this project was different. I wanted to make a collage of all my Broadway paybills. Their expertise on framing helped make the final project outstanding! I would absolutely use them again!! read more

Helendora Samuels Picture Framing - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Got awesome service from Tommy the minute I walked in. I had a tight budget and he hooked me up with a deal that worked. I'll follow up on the final product, but so far its been great. UPDATE 1/13 - Picked up all 3 framed prints after the holidays. Couldn't be happier with the work. It's amazing what good framing can do for your artwork. You can tell Tommy and his wife are really passionate about doing great work and thats a beautiful thing (almost as beautiful as the work they do). read more

After recently buying some prints I was considering buying off-the-shelf frames for them as I was working on a budget. I hadn't even considered custom frames and visited Helendora's to see if they had any off-the-shelf. In the end I walked away with 3 perfectly framed, custom prints at a good price and they were completed in an incredibly tight timeframe. Tommy worked to my budget and times. I'm really pleased with the outcome and would recommend to others. Customer service is outstanding :) read more

Helendora Samuels Picture Framing - A print that was gifted to me now sits in its custom frame - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Do not fall into their trap - they will talk your ear off about their supposed expertise, show you some stupid picture from the early '80s from their supposed work done at the United Center and then drop an outrageous price bomb on you. In my case it was initially $500, to which I just said thanks and started to leave - they immediately dropped it to $300, like if they were suddenly giving me a deal of the century for, mind you, restorative work only, worth maybe a $100, if that. The way their estimate went down from $500 to $300 within 10 seconds was just beautiful, but also shows how they try to get you to pay way more than anything even remotely close to a market price...but it is also an insidious way to influence a customer - all of a sudden you are paying so much less, right? I just let that initial attempt to overcharge me (or rob me?) go, as I really didn't feel like carrying the frame back to my car and drive to another place for an estimate, while trying to make a conscious effort to support a local business (I live within a walking distance). So my fault here. After over three weeks I showed up at their store - and surprise, surprise...they didn't have my frame ready! They said they would have it the next day, which they did, but boy, was the craftsmanship terrible - they probably got to work on it the night before and tore the liner of my frame, tried to poorly conceal it, then after finally admitting the tear was there (which was obvious!), they had the audacity to claim it was there before I had left it, even after I showed them the photo of the frame showing no tear damage when I was leaving it at their store. Don't give them your business - they cheat and are fundamentally dishonest, their craftsmanship is below poor and I am giving them one star only because you can't give them a zero. Hope they go out of business or some karma will give them their comeuppance! read more

Talk about customer service! I felt like I was dealing with a business from back in the day that cares for their customer and wants them to be happy. They are very proud of their previous work (and some amazing work it is). The piece was for my daughter, the woman worked directly with her, showed her the different materials, what would work best, etc just talking to mom since mom was paying. They were a bit slow in delivery of the frame, but I had also told them I wasn't in any hurry. I will definitely be taking my business back to them. read more

Tommy and Helendora are kind welcoming people and the four prints I had framed looked awesome. I uploaded photos of each print to show the differences in the projects. I appreciated their responsive in completing the job and am glad I went to a local frame shop to have the work done. read more

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I recommend these guys. they were a big help! And they were able to work with my budget!

I recently got three pieces framed at Helendora Framing and Tommy (the owner) did a fabulous job on all three. Fair prices and fast work. Love my pieces!! read more

Helendora Samuels Picture Framing - Framing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Highly recommend! The owners are so very helpful and so very charming! They go out of their way to help you make a good selection for your art work. I am on a tight budget and they really worked with me to help me get a numbered Grateful Dead poster framed for my son at a reasonable rate. They offered to repair some damaged spots at no extra cost and overall were so friendly, helpful and welcoming I could not imagine getting framing done anywhere else now that I have found them. You can see that the work is high quality and they are very customer focused. No hesitation in recommending them! read more

Great service, thanks for the great work. I had 25 frames made for my restaurant, great price, looks good and turnaround was fast. Tommy and Helen are great people. read more

Love this place! Tommy and Helen, the owners, are the nicest people...they treat you like family. I had a picture framed as a housewarming gift for my clients/friends...and they went above and beyond my expectations. They beat a competitor's price; go there for your next framing project - you won't be disappointed! read more

Came in for a very special job-very, very old photos of my great grandmother and family, and needed it done quickly before a trip. It was probably a difficult job for such old photos to handle correctly, also they helped pick the perfect border to bring the best out of the pictures, as sometimes can be difficult with extremely old photos. Great people, very warm and kind Mom and Pop shop. Not many establishments around these days with this level of skill and integrity. if you need framing do yourself a favor and go here. read more

Love this frame shop! I have used Helendora framing for about 10 pictures now. The work is exceptional. They always take great care of the artwork I bring them, and are careful to recognize and show signatures - these are things I didn't really think about or notice before bringing the pictures to them. Tommy has a real knack for picking out the right frame and the right matte. I have 3 pictures that needed to be reframed and he gave them a new life that made the pictures pop. They look much more impressive now. read more