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Berkeley, CA

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The Framer's Workshop

4.5 (117 reviews)
ModerateFraming
Open • 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

THE FRAMER'S WORKSHOP · YELP ASSISTANT

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V-Day cards and a frame.
Jacqueline F.

They seemed ok. I went here with my husband. He's an artist and now that my dad has died and no longer has a framing business, he does his own framing. I'd heard of them, because occasionally, my dad would buy frames from them and sometimes, they would frame things for him. So this was my first visit. This was a cute little shop in a cute little area, but we went in, looked around and weren't even greeted. No one came to check in on us. This is the type of place where I'll look for what I want and then order it from somewhere else (Amazon?) because I'm not having to deal with them ignoring me in person. So, they could be fine, I just couldn't get past the lack of reception and the fact that we were ignored. I usually say, "oh, I guess they don't want our money." but I honestly didn't care. So we walked out. They had some cute cards, but I wouldn't purchase them from them. My husband has gone to Michael's and was disappointed at what they had to offer and the cost! Don't get me started. They definitely lost a potential customer, not because of their offering but because they ignored us. So any questions weren't answered. Oh well. Their loss.

Lanny B.

For a fast framing with great craftsmanship, the Workshop totally delivers. Their prices are very reasonable, and if they can save you $$ with a pre-sized frame, they will always present that option. The Framer's Workshop is very trustworthy. Fair prices, accurate estimates of completion times, diligent follow through on any issues they encounter. I wouldn't take fine art or some highly intricate design project to them for framing, but for prints, posters, photos, etc they provide top notch quality at prices that don't break the bank. For instance, I had a 10"x14" poster framed for $35 and a similar-sized newspaper clipping framed with triple matting for $45. There's usually easy parking in the garage across the street under the church.

My spouse had a birthday on approach, and we found an awesome painting in Puerto Vallarta. Huge. So they rolled it up and we brought it home. First thought "Michael's 70 percent off - yes!!!" but no way. So we go to The Framer's Workshop in Berkeley. Just to look. Jenette Yarnal helped us. So lucky. We rolled the huge canvas out on their work table. She examined the artwork in detail and pointed out to us where paint had cracked due to rolling how it should be framed. In her infinite framer wisdom, she suggested we adhere the very thin canvas to a layer to stabilize it. Thank God. Then, lots of discussion (!) about a frame. We picked something, and left super amazingly happy we'd found a shop who could handle the piece, (handle OCD us,) and do right by the artwork. Some news came that the desired frame was unavailable - Janette called, happily offered to put the beast in a TEMPORARY FRAME so we could hang it for a birthday gathering while a new frame was ordered. What? Who does that. Such service, and thoughtfulness. Back we went readdressed the frame subject. I was hell bent on a floater frame. We began to consider options beyond shades of gray and black. I found a silver metallic frame I liked. A lot. Of course, with her trained framer's eye, Jenette grabbed another version of the frame that even better tied in the colors of the piece and it was THE ANSWER. Fast forward to the day it was ready. It was my spouses's birthday. Surprise trip to the framer, and there it is, in all its abstract glory. Just WOW. Rather unbelievable. They even went so far as to build a custom transport box for it. Smiles and hugs of gratitude all around. Fast forward to home. On the wall it goes. It's glorious. In fact, the whole experience with Jenette, her coworkers, and The Framer's workshop was nothing short of awesome. So happy that this piece that hangs in our house has a story - begining with a birthday trip to PV, then to Berkeley where it found its perfect frame, and finally to our home. So grateful. Thank you Jenette, thank you Framer's Workshop!

Sunil S.

I've been here a couple of times now and it's yielded great results every time! It's expensive, certainly compared to buying frames off the shelf at IKEA or another furniture store, but it's well worth the extra cost if you want to frame something you care about. They have a decent selection of off-the-shelf frames (all apparently made in the Bay Area) that work out cheaper than getting one custom made, and will provide a custom cut mat in any one of a hundred different colours. They charge extra to actually fit the picture, but they're happy to guide you through the process of fitting it yourself - with a very professional end result. It's not just putting the photo in, but expertly attaching it to the mat, and then making sure there's not a speck of dust on the glass before you reassemble the frame. Once that's all together, they staple the rear board in place, which leaves it significantly snugger than just using those metal clips. Then, they seal the back using paper, attach hooks for hanging and add little felt dampeners to offset the lower half of the frame (so that it hangs perfectly vertically).

Devin N.

I had a print of mine framed here. I was charged $900 for the frame job. Personally, I think I was overcharged. Originally, the print was to be floated and then I get a call from the framer saying it's not possible to float my print. Therefore, I should have received a partial refund for my purchase. That never happened. A friend of mine went to a professional framer and got his print floated and the frame was hand painted, all for $600. The end result looks nice, but could have saved about $300 going elsewhere.

For context, painting placed above the fire place in the living area.
Junn L.

Just got a piece I've been holding onto for the past year matted and framed due to COVID restrictions during that time. Thank you Sarah for all your help and professional recommendation on matting. Not only did the deep matte make the painting pop even more, but making the call to have the matte border the painting, hiding the whites, was the right call. Additionally, the gentleman who gave me the final wrapped painting, and for your education on museum glass weight. It was a game changer in how I mount my paintings. Per usual, solid service with professionals who know what they're doing.

Farmer's workshop at work. Archival backing and UV protective acetate / plexi. Your works are in good hands.
Eric H.

I've had exactly 2 prints framed here. Small sample size, but each time the work was impeccable. The knowledgeable staff will help you from point A to beyond point Z. Safe to say they know what they're doing from simple standard frames to hardcore custom jobs. Two for two is a 100% success rate. Confident to continue to framing more 'archival' prints with them. A++

Absolutely breathtaking work! As an artist, framing is the most important last step and Berkeley Framer's has always out done themselves. I needed three pieces rushed for an exhibition this month and they did everything in their power to make sure my work was done on time. So much love for you guys! I send all my clients here for framing. -Angelica Www.angeltrimbleyanu.com

How'd this rock get to the lower left of the image?  So glad it wasn't matted out!
T W.

Well my first review is 8 yrs old and apparently I'm allowed to post a new one. At that time we came to make a custom frame for a special piece of embroidery. I have heard the art form passed from mother to daughter is all but gone. So the piece we have is an heirloom and the frame we got befitting of such a treasure. Fast forward 8 yrs I guess and we have some photos from a memorable trip that we want to frame. After quite some time at Aaron Brothers looking for frames I decide that we just need to match that earlier frame. So we're back. This time I find a stock one that matches the earlier custom frame- maple- and it's just perfect. We just got a 3rd one to match. Nothing at Aaron Brothers could match- sorry Framer's Workshop for the comparison, but that probably is your main competition; and not to cast shade on Aaron Bros- the staff there are super nice and it's a great place for lots of applications. It may seem counterintuitive to spend a lot on a frame, relative to the cost of the image (it's not for nothing that many artists are poor...). But it also makes sense in the end: when you present something in a well done frame, you're saying, "This is important to me, and I invite you to look at it." Museums are nice spaces for a reason. My MIL, not known for her effusive comments about our home (and, uh, choice of city to live in, childrearing, vacation ideas, restaurant ideas, etc etc...) said our photo reminded her of Nat Geo. I'd like to pat myself on the back for that, but the frame is a big part of that. Had I put it on the wall with push pins, we wouldn't've gotten this jaw-dropper of a comment. So, why 2 long posts? Because I'm really pleased with the work so far (we might have a couple more in the queue), and I want to encourage folks to support a local bricks and mortar biz that's been a part of the community for a generation+. These are local jobs, taxes, and what makes this place special. I probably could've found some online thing via a clever app, and it would've arrived to me from Hong Kong. And know that the online thing is cheap because you're using far cheaper materials and labor- labor that doesn't have to pay the crazy rents here- and that may make a lot of sense- and because you're selling them or someone (Amazon, FB?) your personal information along with your online search/purchase, etc. habits. And if spending an extra few bucks increases the chances that people who frame artwork for a living can be part of our community, that's a very good thing in my book.

Testing frames.
Casey M.

This place is fantastic. I will definitely return for any future framing needs. I inherited a painting from my grandmother that got shipped cross-country and needed a contemporary frame to modernize it for my home. They provided excellent guidance and assured me that what I picked out would look great. They scheduled a timeline for completion and delivered flawlessly with an email notification. Pick-up was equally easy. I was assisted by Lee, who was kind enough to quickly change out the wire hanger to accommodate picture rail at my home, all while educating me on different hanging techniques , etc. While I was waiting, I overheard other employees working with customers to meet their needs and budgets! The prices seem like they're consistent with area trends and they have endless frames to fit any needs. I wish I got a picture before he wrapped it up but I'll post one once I have the painting hung.

Before

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5 years ago

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Very helpful for our custom framing needs. Have returned multiple times. Always happy with their assistance and of course the end results.

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Ask the Community - The Framer's Workshop

Review Highlights - The Framer's Workshop

“They were helping another customer who had framed some artwork that clearly had a lot of sentimental value.”

Mentioned in 16 reviews

Read more highlights

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THIS MAN IS A TRUE ARTIST…read more My grandfather was a picture framer. I know a lot about picture framing. I am elderly and have many pieces of fine art. I have been to many, many wonderful picture framers in my life. They have really done fine work. However, in my long life I have never seen such wonderful work as Rodolfo does. He has the eye of a true artist. His attention to detail is incredible. I brought him a painting that was 100 years old. The job he did is just beautiful. From the frame, the mat, and the glass look really wonderful. I could write much more about how gorgeous is store is, but suffice it to say that anyone who comes here will really be impressed. His prices are surprising affordable. I urge you to bring your framing needs to him. In addition, he is one of the nicest, kindest people I have met in my long life. A true gentleman.

I typically go into San Francisco for custom framing, but I thought I would try a local Berkeley…read moreshop this time to print and frame a photo for my daughter. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed with the experience. The person who assisted me was rude and disrespectful, and the instructions I gave for the framing were very poor. I came in knowing what I wanted and expected a professional, collaborative experience. Instead, I left feeling very uncomfortable and frustrated. Based on this experience, I will not be returning or doing business here in the future.

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Artistic Picture Framing - This heirloom cotton branch from our client's ancestors is safely preserved inside a pristine optium acrylic display box

This heirloom cotton branch from our client's ancestors is safely preserved inside a pristine optium acrylic display box

Artistic Picture Framing - A striking trio of cultural mask artworks, beautifully brought together in one custom framing design.

A striking trio of cultural mask artworks, beautifully brought together in one custom framing design.

Artistic Picture Framing - We absolutely loved creating this custom shadowbox to preserve a beautiful keepsake full of love and well-wishes.

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We absolutely loved creating this custom shadowbox to preserve a beautiful keepsake full of love and well-wishes.

Photolab - If you've got a twin lens camera like this Yashicamat 124 film camera - we can process its 120 / 220 film

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Photolab did an amazing job developing and digitally scanning my precious film photos from Puerto…read moreRico. The person at the counter was incredibly helpful and recommended getting digital scans first before ordering physical prints, which saved me money. I'm so glad they suggested it because some photos weren't worth printing, while others came out absolutely beautiful. The service was excellent, and I'm so grateful to the team for helping me preserve these special memories. I highly recommend Photolab - five stars all the way!

I received a disposable camera from The Weeknd concert and was excited to get the films developed!…read moreI heard it was better to go to a photo lab instead of using CVS or Walgreens to develop photos. Also, I wanted to keep the camera, and I heard that if you get them developed at the drugstores, they ship the cameras to someplace else to get them developed. It was my first time developing film, but the worker was very helpful. She explained to me the different packages and options that they offered. She recommended the develop + print package and to add on the digital scans, as I wanted both. She also helped me decide which photo paper I wanted on the prints; matte or glossy. I paid $33.57 for developing the film, prints, and digital scans. Since this was my first time, I did think it was a bit pricy; not knowing how much people usually pay. I only had 12 prints lol. I received an email stating that my order was ready for pick up; it took 3 days. I received the digital scans in 2 days. The photos came out sooooo goood!!! And it was nice not knowing how they were going to turn out! It was very nostalgic. I recommend Photolab for your prints!

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Photolab - This is Metallicat, our resident cat.

This is Metallicat, our resident cat.

Photolab - When it rains you can still use our outside kiosk.

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Photolab - During the Pandemic you can come into our kiosk. One person at a time please!

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During the Pandemic you can come into our kiosk. One person at a time please!

The Framer's Workshop - framing - Updated November 2026

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