Designs Ink Publishing was founded in 1997 in order to promote the educational expertise of educators in the picture framing industry.
Currently the publications printed by us have been targeting the trade only, though there are many aspects of them that touch the needs
of artists, photographers, framers and craftspeople alike.
The Principles of Framing Design examines traditional Design 101 art concepts, but reconfigures them to fit within the structure of picture framing. Never before has a design manual redefined the aspects of line, color, texture, and the others into the elements that make up frame design including mats, moulding, and layout. This was written for serious custom framers, artists, and photographers who do their own framing. Chapter-by-chapter discussions include in-depth discussion, diagrams and photos explaining the use of the elements of line, color, texture, shape, intensity, space, and rhythm; plus the factors of proportion, balance, and emphasis all working together to form a unified design. It will also teach the way to count the used principles to help identify an under-designed or over-designed piece allowing for better unity and never overpowering the art. Remember, it's always about enhance and protect!
Broken into seventeen chapters and four sections, it covers the five stages of the design process; all building blocks and mortar of design fundamentals; designing for framing competitions; design materials and decorative techniques; gallery walls; selling; the concept of being a full service concierge framer; and much more. It is written in essay format, includes color photos, line art, diagrams, tips, glossary, contents, appendix, plus complete and extensive index and bibliography. This newest release is a laminated, soft cover, 172 page, 7"x 9" format, selling for $39.95 plus shipping.
It is finally in stock and ready to ship!
A second generation professional picture framer (since 1970) Chris received CPF (Certified Picture Framer) status from the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) in 1986 and GCF (Guild Commended Framer) status from Fine Art Trade Guild (FATG) 1997 in England.
Chris has been chair of the PPFA Competition Board since 2003 and continues to work on continuing education and assorted committees in an advisory capacity. She remains on both the PPFA and PFM faculties and her ongoing industry affiliations include ANSI, ASTM, FATG, Larson-Juhl, Hobby Publications, PMA, Nielsen Bainbridge, Artaissance, Roma Home Decor, and Wild Apple Graphics.
She has been Technical Mounting Editor for Picture Framing Magazine since 1991, featuring her monthly column "Mastering Mounting". Her first book The Mounting And Laminating Handbook, was published in August 1997. The second edition was launched August 2002, and her third edition is currently available through this website having hit market shelves in March 2008. Chris is a well known creative framing designer, author, educator and consultant who lectures, and demonstrates at industry events around the country. Though she teaches competition judging, as well as principles of framing layout and design, she specializes in mounting, laminating and creative matting techniques. Her innovative book, Creative Mounting, Wrapping, and Laminating was released at the West Coast Art and Framing Show, January 2003. Her lomg awaited design book The Principles of Framing Design is officially launching January 2026 and should be available from PPFM, PPFA and Designs Ink. There are numerous articles about framing design in our Design Princliples section of the library, Articles by Subject. Library
Available publications include all three books currently in print from Chris A. Paschke, CPF GCF.
Click links for detailed information.
The Mounting and Laminating Handbook, THIRD EDITION
ISBN 0-9657625-4-8
$24.95 USD
Mounting Book Order Form
The Mounting and Laminating Handbook, SECOND EDITION
ISBN 0-9657625-2-1
$19.95 USD
FREE Book Offer
FREE Book Order Form
Creative Mounting, Wrapping and Laminating
ISBN 0-9657625-1-3
$19.95 USD
Creative Book Order Form
Books are available through various local distributors, PPFA and PFM PubCo bookstores. Websites for known suppliers may be found here. If you have trouble locating your copy of The Mounting And Laminating Handbook, THIRD EDITION, or Creative Mounting, Wrapping and Laminating you may order them directly from Designs Ink Publishing.
Email us at: info@designsinkart.com or order@designsinkart.com for questions concerning volume purchasing.
