Holton Studio Frame-Makers, Reviving the Art and Craft of Frame-Making
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About Us

Testimonials

Who are our customers? Because we’re located in the San Francisco Bay Area we attract most of our customers from Northern California, but our unique approach, extraordinary product quality, and design service have earned us a nationwide clientele (we’ve had orders from nearly every state!) More on mail order custom framing...

Whether they’re artists, serious collectors or just individuals who simply appreciate the things they look at every day, our customers care deeply about the pictures they live with, and seek a refreshing alternative to conventional frame shops. People come to us because they appreciate, too, the art of the frame and how it reflects the care they feel for their pictures. They also understand that the connecting link the frame provides between the picture and its architectural setting is critical to creating a unified and harmonious decor. While we’ve made a specialty of framing for the Arts and Crafts home (Craftsman bungalow and mission oak interiors), our versatility appeals to anyone who loves wood, fine craftsmanship, and harmonious design.

Here’s what our customers have to say about us:

The framed artwork arrived safely yesterday in perfect condition. It is fabulous! Your frame and liners fit the paintings flawlessly, and highlighted them exactly the way we were hoping — actually, even better than we were hoping. Your studio’s craftsmanship is excellent, and to say we are very happy with the result does not even begin to describe our appreciation. We will be recommending your studio to everyone without hesitation. Thanks so much for the thought, design and quality of your work. — Matthew Crane, Seattle

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The framed prints have arrived and we could not be happier. The custom frame design turned out beyond our wildest expectations — it is an extraordinarily beautifully rendered craftsman piece. The shaping and design are marvelous. We consider it a work of art unto itself. — G.A. and S.B., Washington, DC

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The frames arrived today, they’re gorgeous! They are little works of art I’m sure I’ll enjoy looking at for the rest of my life. You may be hearing from me again — compared to these frames all of the other frames in my house look shabby. I may have to upgrade! Thank you for making such beautiful picture frames. Kathryn Grannis, Venice, California

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I thought I’d drop you a line to let you know that my Curtis print is now at home in your frame, and looks absolutely beautiful. Our local framers were blown away by the craftsmanship of your frame, and handled it like a baby, with love in their eyes. They said it’s not often they get to see something of that high quality, and were very impressed. And I love it, too. Thank you so much for the wonderful work!! Setje Brinkmann, Sierra Madre, California

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“Just got my framed flag back and I gotta tell you, your [Four-Square Cloister] frame and my flag are amazing together... It’s jaw dropping gorgeous. Your work is amazing and the finish is a perfect match to our Stickley furniture. I couldn’t be happier. We’ve got several other items we want to finish off with your frames in the coming years. Thanks a million!”Stuart Hagen, Toluca Lake, California

“I’ve been gradually replacing all my old frame-shop frames with Tim Holton’s solidly beautiful masterworks. After all, why should the artwork stop at the edges?” Armistead Maupin, author, San Francisco

“I received my frame yesterday and I must say it is fabulous. I could not be happier. I have hung it and am admiring it without the picture in it for now! Thank you so much.” Kevin Rodgers, Seattle

“We are greatly enjoying the two mirrors we had you make for us. They are the perfect finishing touch for our bathroom. Needless to say, every commercially-available mirror I’ve seen can’t compare to yours!” Peggy and George Hunt, Friday Harbor, WA

“Timothy Holton is a true craftsman, in the best American tradition. His frames are a perfect combination of art and craft — a great finishing touch for today’s craftsman home.” — Bruce Bradbury, Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers

“Tim Holton’s subtly framed mirrors hang, both in the cafe, and in the dining room. Their beauty, style and craftsmanship fit perfectly in the Arts and Crafts feeling of the restaurant.” — Alice Waters, Chez Panisse Restaurant and Cafe, Berkeley, California

“The Eastwood and Gimson frames you built were magnificent! The stain is a perfect match, the craftsmanship is stellar, and the quartersawn white oak is first-rate… I can’t tell you how pleased I am by your prompt and attentive service as well as your absolute attention to detail. You may be sure that I’ll be ordering additional frames from you in the future.” — Jim Boulter, Los Angeles

“Tim has made five custom frames for us. He and his staff are nice to work with and creative, helping us display our tiles to their best advantage.” — Allen & Vonda Breed, Los Gatos, CA

“Holton Studio Frame-Makers offers the only furniture grade wooden frames I know of. Every joint is seamlessly crafted to the highest woodworking standards. The finish work is the equal of the finest finishes done today. I heartily recommend Holton Frame for the best quality frame available anywhere.” — Lee Jester, antique dealer & proprietor, The Craftsman Home

“I am writing to express my utter satisfaction with the oak frames you have made for me — in one case, to house an antique photograph of a Burne-Jones painting and the balance for a growing collection English Art Nouveau tiles. I live in an Arts and Crafts cottage-style house that I have been restoring and furnishing for twenty years and your frames positively belong here. Your craftsmanship is superb. Thank you. You may expect another order soon.” — Harry C. Davies, Professor and Chair, Dept. of Art and Art History, Adelphi University

“I would like to thank you for the two great frames that I ordered from you. I had been looking for someone to frame two art tiles and found your ad in American Bungalow Magazine. It was great to be able to send you the tiles and have you choose the frames that would look the best. The quality of your work is excellent, and your choices look great with my tiles. I would recommend your work to anyone looking for arts and crafts framing. Thank you.” — Debbie Himmelfarb, Walker Zanger, Sun Valley, California

“The frame you made me exceeded my already high expectations. Superlative craftsmanship! How good to know that the spirit of William Morris and Gustav Stickley lives on in succeeding generations. I’m already thinking about future projects for you.” Stephen Grant, Madison, WI

“These are the most beautiful and best made frames I’ve ever seen, and they really complement my sepia tone photographs.” — Richard Blair, photographer, Inverness, CA

“Just a quick note to thank you for handling my recent frame orders with the highest possible level of customer service and professionalism. Your ‘Yoshida’ frames are absolutely perfect, and the others look wonderful on my office wall. The craftsmanship is impeccable, but what I appreciate most is your eye for color matching and selecting the best wood type. I have a friend who thinks I’m a bit nuts to have a framer 2,700 miles away, but when she saw the finished products on my wall she understood why. Keep up the great work!” Scott Yeager, Manchester, CT