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Fairchild Frame Shop

Lori Flynn, 92nd Force Support Squadron Frame Shop manager, wraps up a finished memento for a retiring master sergeant Jan. 4. She is proud of what they do. “We are important to our patrons because we save them money and it’s a world of fun for them to work on their own projects. We do something different every day – couldn’t think of a better place to work.” (U.S. Air Force photos by Scott King)

Fairchild Frame Shop

Denise Fitch, 92nd Force Support Squadron Frame Shop framer, cuts out matting for someone’s project Dec. 29 2011. They have a complete line of acid-free matting. Matting board samples include suede, linen, silk, leather and paper with hundreds of mat board textures and color choices to choose from. (U.S. Air Force photos by Scott King)

Fairchild Frame Shop

Danae Paul, Frame Shop customer, uses an adhesive gun on the matting for her project Dec. 29. Her and her husband were preparing frames to hold holiday pictures. “We went through the framing class a few years ago – this is a great opportunity to do hands-on work for yourself.” (U.S. Air Force photos by Scott King)

Fairchild Frame Shop

Staff Sgt. Stephen Mellon, 336th Training Support Squadron psychiatry technician, finished this shadow box for a squadron member Jan 4. He went through the framing class three years ago and has been building shadow boxes for his squadron ever since. “Since I took the class, I get about 50 percent off on materials and we don’t have to pay for labor. I’ve probably built more than 50 boxes for departing personnel saving thousands of dollars for the people in my squadron.” (U.S. Air Force photos by Scott King)

Fairchild Frame Shop

Ron Peterson, a retired lieutenant colonel, puts the finishing touches on his ‘Emporium Seafood Company’ building as part of a train set he is working on Jan. 3. He has been using the Fairchild Frame Shop since 1975 to build his train sets. He goes there every Tuesday and Thursday to work on his projects and is very grateful he can use their facility. “I’ve been coming here for more than 30 years,” he said. “I get more work done out here than at home – I love the place.” (U.S. Air Force photos by Scott King)

Fairchild Frame Shop saves people green, creates works of art

Published Jan. 27, 2012
By Scott King
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Their shop has 54 years of combined framing experience, has state-of-the-art equipment to create framing projects, and has a staff ready and willing to assist customers in creating those projects.

The Fairchild Frame Shop offers a total line of custom framing moldings with hundreds of samples to choose from. They offer mounting and laminating services. They have a complete line of acid-free matting. Matting board samples include suede, linen, silk, leather and paper with hundreds of mat board textures and color choices to choose from. They also offer a full range of glass products to include everything from museum-quality conservation glass to regular glass both clear and non reflective.

"Our Frame Shop provides a good outlet for creative people," said Denise Fitch, 92nd Force Support Squadron recreation assistant. "People have a place to go 'on base' to take care of their framing needs. Whether they do it themselves or utilize our services, they can usually turn their project around pretty quickly. It's rewarding for me to help our customers, often at the last minute, in putting their projects together - my top priority is to help our customers build something memorable."

They also take care of custom framing orders including single image construction as well as the most complicated multi opening projects [shadow boxes] with patches, coins, flags, rank insignias etc. Each multi opening project is designed from scratch.

Customers bring in their keepsakes and a designer will assist in the layout of the overall piece. Custom framing orders require a week to ten days for completion depending on stock on hand; although some in-house stock is available for those unexpected "rush" orders as well.

"We have a full knowledge of the framing industry coupled with 50 plus years of framing experience," said Ken Bain, 92nd Force Support Squadron Arts & Craft Center director. "I guarantee our customers have the largest selection of products and the most sophisticated equipment at our Frame Shop."

A great way for customers to take advantage of their services, while saving money on projects, is through framing classes.

The Frame Shop offers classes for people who wish to learn the art of framing. Classes are held on Saturdays and are scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. Each student will bring two 8x10 pictures they wish to frame, and will have the opportunity to construct one wood frame and one metal frame complete with matting, glass and hangers to display their work. Once a student has completed the class, they will be issued a qualification card that enables them to use the frame shop at their convenience. They will have access to the computer-generated design program, and can easily design their own projects.

Discounts for framing their own piece are equal to about 1/2 of a retail price.

Professional framers are always on-hand to assist and recommend best procedures for construction of the projects.

"The frame shop offers a great opportunity for do-it-yourselfers like me to work on projects." said Lee Paul, Frame Shop customer. "I went through the training they offer a few years ago and now I'm able to save a lot of money by framing myself - they have excellent equipment and are always very helpful."

The Frame Shop hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They are closed Sundays and Holidays. They are located at 610 N. Depot Lane. For more information, call 247-3038.