Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Framing finishes and a little griping

Ok, just need to get something off my chest first.  Bear with me.  A friend of mine had been trying to reach me for a couple of days but didn't leave a message on my phone.  When I did get back to her, she only had a question about a restaurant here in town.  "Do you know if they are open and what their hours are?"  I had no idea since we haven't been there for ages so I suggested she call them or look on the web.  So logically I asked her why she needed to know and she said that she and her "girlfriends" go out to lunch once in awhile and were thinking of trying that place.  ?????  What's that all about?  Plan a lunch with your friends and then ask your other "friend" about the restaurant they want to go to???  Nothing like feeling like THE HELP.  You know, I almost called her back (I was so mad) to express my feelings but I just don't feel like it's worth it.  This is not the first time this has happened and it probably won't be the last.  I don't think she'll get it anyway.  Enough said.  Not that it makes me feel any better...

Here's what is making me feel better these days.

Bitter Flower, Birds of a Feather
Look at this!  Finally had some framing done!  This was the big test, to try out Michael's.  Overall I am happy.  I like the frame and the work seems to be good.  With 60% off, the price on this came to about $72.00.  When I picked up my pieces, I realized they had left out the spacers (due to a miscommunication when I placed the order) but the clerk took them apart and put them in while I did my other errands.

Frame detail

I am not quite as happy with my other piece but I take most of the blame for this.  I really didn't know what kind of frame I wanted and ended up with this.  I don't think it was the best choice.  Maybe someday I will reframe it and use this frame for something else.  I think there needs to be more linen showing around the edges and it's also a little crooked.  This one cost about $67. 

Spring Has Come, Prairie Schooler

Michael's doesn't have a huge selection of frames but I will probably use them again.  I will just take more care next time to choose the right frame and be sure of the size. I still plan on doing some of my own framing soon and I really should check out some of the small framing shops in our town.

I've been stitching away but no photos today.  Got a list a mile long and blogging was not on the list!

18 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful finishes Barb!

Doesn't sound like a "true" friend to me...I don't blame you for being upset...but, you're right, it's not worth your time and energy!

HAPPY STITCHIN'
Terri

Catherine said...

What a "friend"! I have that devilish side and like Lee's suggestion!

I really love the framing on Bitter Flower! I am not against the other one, but Bitter Flower is my favorite!

Jennifer said...

I certainly sympathize with your situation with your "friend". Similar things have happened to me and I just don't know what is the right response, if any. Somehow if and when I do "take a stand" I always come out looking like an idiot, so I usually don't do anything at all (which then makes me a doormat!) Love Lee's idea about the restaurant reccomendations!
As for the framing. Both projects look beautiful! I am such a chepskate that I have only once had frames professionally made. I used Michaels also. I was pleased with the frames, but they were a bit slow and never called me to say the items were finished (as they said they would). I actually just had the FRAMES made to the specific sizes I needed (that cheapskate thing again) and then did the mounting and putting-in myself. I would use them again though.

Stitching instead of cleaning said...

The framing (Bitter Flower) with the detail work on the frame is beautiful. I get some of my finishes framed at Micheals also, but I have never seen a frame that nice. Like you said the coupons make it worth while. Nice job on both pieces. On the friend issue let it go, there isn't enough time in our lives to let people drag us down.

Sharon said...

Marvelous framing!

valerie said...

Nice finishes! I kind of agree with your thoughts on the PS one but I love the BOAF framing.

I hear you on the friend thing. I have a couple that think I am their concierge. After a while, I told them to figure it out already and tell ME what the plans are. I really get tired having to arrange everything for everyone...

Jan said...

Sorry for the 'hurt' Barb!! Friends can be so insensitive!

I love that frame you got for Bitter Flower, it is so pretty!

Carol said...

I've always done my own, but I know enough not to attempt Christmas at HRH my myself! I'm glad to know Michaels' framing worked well for you...

I can't imagine someone saying that to you--seriously--she would be off my Christmas card this year!!

Karen said...

I love your Bitter Flower ... everytime I see one stitch I want to run start stitching!

Love the framing. Sounds like your friend is a little insensitive! Wouldn't have been easier for her to just call the restaurant? Can't teach manners sometimes.

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Great finishes, Barb! I love the BoaF chart and the frame is especially pretty! The other one is pretty as well but the BOAF is my very favorite!

Sorry about your unthinking friend...... I hate that she hurt your feelings.

Lynn said...

Your finishes are great! I've used Michael's a few times for framing and it seems to be hit and miss. I think it depends on whose framing that day. One of my pieces was quite crooked and I had them do it again. Others I've had done have been fine.
Sorry about your issue with your "friend". You're right, some people just don't get it.

Kathy A. said...

Beautiful finishes! I find Michael's very hit and miss too. I don't think it is the store but the individual framer.

A true friend would never treat you like that. The fact that you realize what she has done shows what a true friend you would be as you would never do that.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I love your framed finishes, especially the bitter flower one :)
it is gorgeous!!!

Karoline said...

Great framing Barb, especially Bitter Flower

Erica said...

I have a "friend" just like her!
I always think it's a one time thing when she zaps me. Then just as soon as I have forgotton about it, she gets me again!

Anonymous said...

your 2 finishes are lovely, but i especially like the boaf one

not a very nice friend, don't let it bother you too much

Anonymous said...

Beautiful finishes!
Sorry to hear about your friend. My first reaction would be to return the favor, but then I'd try and do the right thing. I so often HATE the right thing. I hope you're having a better day.

Sweet Sue said...

Hi Barb, enjoyed reading your blog. Wondering if your Michaels framing was with/without glass? Would spacers still be needed without glass? I've only had one framed at Michaels/no glass, not sure if I should be concerned about spacers...

Sweet Stitchin...