Do it yourself or leave it to experts, framing adds prestige to just about anything

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  In her craft, Chris Acker does as much slicing and dicing as a professional chef, but her work is often the equivalent of a side dish.

That is, her work compliments and enhances the full effect of the "main course."

Mrs. Acker spends her days toiling in the RAF Mildenhall frame shop, delicately constructing the showcases for countless works of art brought to her by those wishing to spruce up their prized possessions.

"You can frame anything," she said. "A piece of fabric, a baseball glove, anything you want to display."

Mrs. Acker, who has been certified by the National Professional Picture Framers Association, said anyone with any artistic talent at all can do his or her own framing.

"It doesn't take a lot of skill," Mrs. Acker said modestly. "All you have to be able to do is add and subtract." But, despite the professional opinion of the framer, there is more to the art form than just slapping together wood and glass.

Given the boundless combination possibilities offered by just frame and mat choices, picking the right combination of frame, mat and layout can be a daunting task. However, Mrs. Acker has been doing the job long enough to suggest what will look good on a wall.

A framer for more than a decade, Mrs. Acker currently builds an average of about 15 frames a week, spending at least 90 minutes on each of them. Everything from paintings, posters, coins, patches and tapestries comes through the frame shop, and while she said she gets great satisfaction from each frame she builds, she's eager to share that satisfaction with anyone else who wants to experience it.

"Doing it yourself has many benefits when it comes to framing," she said. Mrs. Acker happily gives instruction for anyone wishing to learn to use the frame shop's equipment and do their own work. Currently, she offers two types of classes - an abbreviated course for those who can find time to come in during the week, and a Saturday class held once a month for up to four people.

Those willing to make their own frames will save $30 right away by avoiding labor costs. Afterward, they can save 10 percent on the cost of inventoried items, such as frame moulding and mats. Coupled with the cost savings, the satisfaction of building something like a frame and either displaying it in your home or giving it to someone is an experience in itself, Mrs. Acker said.

Not everything at the frame shop can be done by amateurs, for safety reasons. Cutting glass and working with larger machines that could injure an inexperienced framer are reserved for the frame shop staff.

The fine craftsmanship at the frame shop doesn't just include frames. Shadowboxes are another way to showcase your military or other treasures, and are expertly crafted right here on RAF Mildenhall.

Jim Coleman, who has worked at the RAF Mildenhall frame shop as a woodworker since 1987, creates everything from shadowboxes to flag display cases, and said each of his creations is uniquely hand-crafted.

"We don't buy anything pre-made here," Mr. Coleman said. His creations are used for all manners of presentations, including going-away ceremonies, retirements, internments and more, he added.

The woodcrafter's 22-year stint at RAF Mildenhall is coming to an end in about a week, but he said he plans to continue carving out a lifestyle in wood, building furniture for his children between rounds of golf.

Frames, when done correctly, can not only spice up a display and bring a touch of class to your home or office, but preserve the life of whatever it is being framed. With the help of the professionals at the frame shop here, one can show off their most prized possessions while ensuring they're around for generations to come.

Anyone wishing to take their framing needs in their own hands and create a work of art to encase their other works of art can call the Frame Shop at DSN 238-3709. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.