Did excellent job on custom framing for movie work. Rushed and completed. Saved the day

I knocked an old family piece of art off my wall on accident. I was devastated. I called Source on Lake. They promptly returned my call. I dropped of the picture. It had a 60 year old UV glass over the artwork. I have four others I needed the glass to match. Not only did they save my frame they matched up the UV glass. It looks incredible. beyond my expectations. This place is incredible. And followed all COVID rules. It was a pleasure working them. If you need any artwork framed or repair of damaged frames this is the place to go. They are real artisans. read more

I brought Joe my Mark Maggouri print and I am so thrilled with the results. He spent time picking the colors, mats and frame with me, then produced an exquisite final product. I'll definitely be back for more projects in the future! Thanks Joe! read more

The Source on Lake - Framing Near Me - ALTADENA, California

Joe and Vincent have done several framing jobs for us including photographs, giclee, metal print, memorabilia (letters and photos), and artwork on canvas. His standards are the highest, and the service is first rate. I recommend the internationally award-winning The Source on Lake for any and all of your framing needs, especially preservation framing for your most cherished artwork and family heirlooms to last for lifetimes to come. We will definitely be back for our future framing needs. read more

Took in a frame(glad shattered) one of my employees broke, received a price, was done in 2 days. Clean and detailed. Would recommend to anyone looking for honest detailed work read more

I have moved several times in the last few years, and had large photos in frames that I wanted to save but not necessarily have framed anymore to put on the wall. Joe helped me clean the dusty photos, unframe them, and had it packaged securely for storage. These photos are going to be part of my son's memorobilia package, along with all his childhood keepsakes. I really appreciated that my photos were well taken care of through the process, and the request was completed timely. Joe has an amazing eye for art and how to display even pieces that look like junk. I have a map of the United States with the quarters that were minted for each state. I can't wait to see what Joe recommends when I get the piece framed. I have had the map and coins for over 15 years. It is time to get it framed as art! read more

I had a painting framed here. It was a fairly large piece and the paint was very thick. It needed finessing so that the glass would not touch or disturb the work, but the framer I worked with was confident that he could complete the task. And so he did! I could not be happier with how my work turned out! When I first took my piece in I was given a lot of options for colours, matts and frames. He was patient as I picked out what I wanted and gave feedback as we went along. Since it was a large piece I knew it was going to be expensive, but considering what I picked out and the materials that had to be used, it was actually reasonably priced for a custom framing job. The work was even completed early. I am happy with the entire experience here. I can't wait to hang my piece on my wall and I will definitely be coming back to have my other work framed here! read more

The Source on Lake - Just had this piece framed here and couldn't be happier with the work that was done! - Framing Near Me - ALTADENA, California

I brought in two studio prints from a game I like that I picked up recently. Very simple pieces of art but a lot of bolt color. The guys at the Source led me through matting, frame choice, bevelling, glass selection, etc. They shared their opinion when I made it clear I needed help but didn't push me to do it their way. They are extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and intuitive. They got my pieces done earlier than they originally said they would. They look beautiful, and the price was more than fair. This will be the only place I come for framing from now on. Thanks! read more

Joe is absolutely incredible and makes framing an art. We've brought many sentimental paintings to him and he brought them to life. We have many other things we're going to bring to him, including photographs and award certificates. Thank you, Joe! We're so happy with his work! read more

I went here for a quote because of the Yelp reviews. I thought it was a very expensive quote : ~$1400 for two simple 30" x 40" wood frames, regular glass, and matting. More than the price I was unhappy with the service: there was no aesthetic guidance at all and now that I researched it on my own, I realize that it would have been a huge mistake to spend this money; The ratio frame size, picture size, and matting size would have been off. Also they never mentioned the ~15% wider matting on the bottom which should be done. read more

I have come here before, and each time I am amazed, Joe makes it seem easy, this last time I knew what I wanted and Joe put it together. Joe made me feel like an expert for knowing what I wanted. I ask him to show me some other idea and man what a different . He explained why my idea worked and what it brought out and then explained the other choice, letting me know that each one brought out something different and none of the choices were wrong (again making me feel like an expert, when it is all him) I choice one of his ideas and it is again wonderful. His idea was accentual less expensive then mine. No wonder he has won an international framing competition award, as well as many local awards. His shop has his awards proudly displayed, as it should be, and it give you great ideas for your framing job. read more

Over the years, we've had several pieces of art framed. Owner (I think his name is Joe) has a real talent for helping us select mattes and frames that really highlight the artwork. He is also a very nice guy and a pleasure to interact with. Highly recommend this place! read more

I have used this company to frame a number of our pictures. I had a special art piece I was saving to frame once our remodel was done. I kept picturing it in our dining area. When I showed it to our designer, he said it was perfect. Yhe owner has excellent taste, knows what will fit a picture and does excellent work. read more

Need anything framed? Come here. Stay away from Aaron Bros. and the like; the artists here (and artists they are) will evaluate your print, photo, or painting and work with you to create the perfect frame. Detail oriented and shockingly inexpensive (I say shockingly because the quality is so high), you really can't miss. It's tucked away, so you may have to look carefully to find it in a rather bland area just south of the Altadena border; worth the trip "up the hill." read more

These guys aren't just framers, they are true artists. And beyond their artistry, they are kind, professional, and incredibly focused on creating the perfect frame for your art. They are the anti-Aaron Brothers. They're experts at translating your thoughts into phenomenal designs. I brought four antique post cards from the 1890's into Aaron Brothers and really had no ideas on how to frame them. After spending over an hour at Aaron Brothers, I left exhausted and frustrated. I found The Source through Yelp. Joe, the owner, asked me a few questions and pulled out some colors. Based on the fantastic award-winning framework featured on their walls, I decided to just leave the decisions to Joe. The turn-around from start to finish was over half what Aaron Brothers quoted. And the cost was substantially less as well. However, the true difference was in the final result. I literally gasped when I saw the finished piece. I couldn't believe how thoughtfully, expertly and beautifully they framed the post cards. They took the post cards and created a stunning work of art. I'm very grateful to them. read more

You won't find a better framer and more reasonably priced in Pasadena . Period. Not only that, Joe Boutell, the owner is a fantastic artist himself and has mad skills with mattes (you can see samples in the store). He is personable and really talented and , as the other reviewer said, you will be shocked at his quotes after coming from other places in town. his shop might nt be located in the most central area of Pasadena but it is worth the effort and if you have to wait to can always look at the wonderful Xiem ceramics gallery next door. read more

I highly recommend this place! They've framed a lot of stuff for me and it always comes out perfect. Joe is the name of the guy who started this place a few years ago. He's super friendly, accommodating, and highly professional. You can tell he loves framing because he has examples of his special projects on display in the front of the store. Crazy matte work! They're really well crafted down to the smallest details! Plus I've checked around and the prices are definitely a bargain. read more

I went to Source on Lake because of the rave reviews on Yelp. And I honestly was not disappointed by my experience in the least bit. I showed up on two different occasions and both times, Joe (the owner), dropped everything he was doing to review what I wanted. This was no easy thing! It took us over an hour each time to get it right! He worked with me on my narrow budget AND when I said I needed everything in a week, he didn't flinch! He totally came in on time and the work...well, the work speaks for itself. I took a different approach to an item that I wasn't sure about. And, well, Joe just did his magic and made me feel like a genius for wanting to do something *different* (of course, Joe was the genius!). All this said, this is a much more personalized experience than say Aaron Brothers. You will pay a little more, but it's so worth it to speak with someone as knowledgeable and experienced as Joe. Moreover, I totally trust my precious family photos to be preserved by his commitment to using archival products. He clearly loves what he does and he's excellent at it, so...can't really beat that combo. Highly recommend it. I'll be going back for future projects! read more

Had a great experience framing a Japanese woodblock print. Joe worked with me to get just the right color and textures for the matting to set off the print. A simple black frame was used to avoid diverting attention from the print. The work was delivered at the promised time, several weeks in my case. Very pleased, would recommend Joe to anyone needing a frame customized to their artwork. read more

The Source on Lake - Three Small Islands by Hiroshi Yoshida. Framed by the Source on Lake - Framing Near Me - ALTADENA, California

Very very helpful in getting something framed for me in a time crunch (and beautifully done). Price seemed competitive with any framing that involved matting and custom sizing. Good customer service. Love that I can have a sure success from a local business. read more

Incredibly skilled framing. No pre-made garbage here. Each item is a handmade work of art. Joe is an artisan, and that's why it costs more than an Aaron Brothers. Premium quality at reasonable prices. You will not be disappointed. read more

This is the place to go for quality framing. Joe has a great eye and will help guide you though the myriad of possibilities. Even as an artist I can use his good taste to help me pick the right matte and fame combination for my work. read more

Had a very challenging framing done here. Had to import a custom frame from Hawaii as I was unable to find koa wood frames in CA. Joe, the owner was so attentive, helped with picking out the double mat (colors and material), sized the artwork and sent the information out to HI for the frame maker. Once the frame was delivered in 4 separate pieces, he had me come over to make sure that this is what I wanted (pointing out a few minor flaws). I approved the minor inperfections and he had the piece all put together in about a week. I was so impressed with his attention to detail. He is truly an artist and a perfectionist and it shows in his work. Also, a very nice, friendly guy. read more

We found The Source by chance when we moved nearby 3 years ago. What a discovery! Joe is the consummate professional framer -- a great eye for art and how to compliment it with finely customized frames. He is very patient in taking time to explore multiple options for each piece, and he never imposes his aesthetic or judgment on what you are considering. Very reasonably pricing and excellent assortment of frames. I can't even count how many framing jobs he has done for us in the last 3 years read more

So amazing ! Really helpful ! Family owned business !! Would go no where else ! Great service , prices and location ! Love it here !

Joe is a real professional, and very careful and diligent in his work. He's a treasure to have him here locally in the Pasadena area.

I've had two painting framed by Joe and think he's just great! He's a great listener and does a fantastic job translating the ideas in your head to actual objects in reality. I'd go nowhere else for my framing needs. read more

The Source on Lake did a fabulous job with our framing job. Fast and the project turned out beautifully. We were so happy to have our first piece of real art so beautifully framed. Any framing jobs you have I would highly recommend their work. :) I know I will be back! read more

I recently looked for a local Frame store in Pasadena that would provide both good service and fair pricing. I took in a beautiful textured painting that my husband found at a local flea market. I told Joe that the framing would be a surprise gift for my husband. He was SO helpful and kind. He helped me pick the perfect frame that complemented the painting and remained within my budget. He rushed the job for no extra cost and had it ready for me so fast! But the best part is...my husband LOVED it! Thanks, Joe. I will be back! read more

Extremely professional and gracious. This is a long overdue post. Right before my baby was due I had three prints framed, two paintings framed, and one photograph reframed. Joe did an awesome job on everything and truly saved me a ton by encouraging me to take advantage of an upcoming penny sale at Aaron Brothers for the nursery prints. We then customized the mats, and changed out to shatter proof coverings. The painting frames also were a perfect match to the treasured photo's frame. And everything was done before baby arrived! Thanks again! read more

Joe did a great job, very professional. I was going to frame a print my girlfriend bought as a surprise birthday gift, so I needed within a pretty short period of time and Joe was very helpful in helping me choose a moulding. I don't know how the pricing compares to other framing places but it was for my girlfriend's birthday so I didn't really care but he did a great job and she loved it, so that's a good enough reason for a 5-star rating read more

Joe has been framing art for us for about three years now. The workmanship is top notch and he's very patient while you sort through all the mattes and frames. I'm picky about framing - the corners have to be just right - and I've been satisfied 100% of the time. read more

I needed 3 paintings gallery wrapped. I was surprised at how many framing places I called that didn't even know what that is. The Source is very near my home and so I walked in and Joe did a great job on these. He examined the pieces first to make sure that they could be gallery wrapped and then gave advice on the thickness of the bars to be used suggesting that the 2 inch bars would look more dramatic on the large paintings. The paintings look great. The price was a little more than half of Aaron brothers price and he got them done in only 2 days! Aaron brothers said it would take them 10 days! read more

Joe has been framing my artwork for several years now. He's helped me reframe some valuable vintage works on paper that required his expertise in archival framing. I trust his advice, and he has given me great suggestions on choices of mats and moldings. Plus, he's really, really nice! It's always a pleasure to do business with Joe. read more

The Source did an AMAZING job with my large, somewhat tricky framing job. The resulting piece is gorgeous--the artwork floats beautifully on its surrounding mat, with a perfectly scaled frame, and the result is stunning. Their attention to detail, creative eye, and incredible customer service is top notch. We could not be happier. read more

Add 1 more star for perfect customer service. I have a 41 x 81 poster that requires a custom frame. Joe spent 23:59 minutes on the phone discussing options and pricing. I never once felt rushed and as we were wrapping up, he told me to call back if I had more questions. I hung up and knew I needed to write this review. read more

Very nice and fast for my little job. I broke a weird shape piece of glass in a frame, and they repaired it in an hour at a good price. :)

The Source on Lake is THE source for expert framing, expert advice, painstaking care with color and frame selection, quality service, and peace of mind when having anything framed. I've had 8 pieces framed so far with 100% delight with each one. The art work purchase prices ranged from $200 to $3,500 and the same painstaking care was given to the least expensive as was given to the most costly. read more

I have a rather large art collection and finding a good framer (quality work, detail oriented, reasonable price) is very important to me. I am new to the area and tried a couple of places before discovering The Source. Joe is passionate, skilled, and honest. Highly recommended! read more