This week we headed to Okemos and learned all about Framer’s Edge. Framer’s Edge has been an area custom framing go-to for 24 years. Custom framing is just part of their business – owner and artist, LeeAnn Buckingham loves art and is dedicated to promoting local arts, artists and showcases many area artists at Framer’s Edge.
Framer’s Edge also offers handcrafted gifts such as pottery, glass, jewelry, and limited edition prints yet their specialty is in custom framing.
Welcome to GLAMoms, Framer’s Edge!
Tell us about Framers Edge!
Framer’s Edge is the culmination of owner LeeAnn Buckingham’s passion for and appreciation of art, the preservation of heirlooms and memories, and over 30 years as a working artist herself. LeeAnn has been the sole owner of Framer’s Edge since it opened in 1998.
She feels that it is important to support local artists by showcasing their work in her gallery. LeeAnn loves art, and loves to share her passion with her customers. Customer service is her driving motivation.
Framer’s Edge provides a wide range of custom and ready-made framing options, as well as canvas stretching, photo and document restoration, shadow boxes, and mirrors. The gallery also features local Michigan artists, framed original artwork, and a variety of handmade gifts from artists throughout the United States.
What was the inspiration to open a custom framing business?
LeeAnn Buckingham has been a working artist for over 30 years. First as a painter and currently as a ceramic pottery maker. The importance of showcasing and preserving artwork through framing, as well as an appreciation of artwork, motivated her to open Framer’s Edge. Helping customers find the perfect display for their piece and using materials that will preserve it for generations, is what we love about what we do.
We have been in business for 24 years now; and counting! It brings all of us here at Framer’s Edge great joy when we are able to assist our customers with projects that are important to them and their families. We love hearing our customers’ stories, and it means a great deal to us to be able to take part in conserving and honoring their memories for the future. We have framed many important heirlooms and artwork, including baptismal garments, antique lace, wedding photos, the American flags of service members, original home blueprints, diplomas, memorial photos, children’s artwork, concert posters, original fine art prints and paintings, and many, many more pieces. Many, if not all of them, are associated with unique stories and cherished memories.
What do you love about having a business in the Greater Lansing area?
LeeAnn loves our local community! She has lived here all her life and attended LCC where she enjoyed the art program. This motivated her to get involved with the community to spread her appreciation of art. At Framer’s Edge we enjoy showcasing local artists, making it accessible to the public. We love working with our schools, parks, local businesses, and families to provide quality service to our amazing community.
What has been the most challenging part of running your business during COVID, and how did you overcome it?
COVID was a challenging time for us. We were required to close, and in that time and as COVID continued, LeeAnn was most concerned for the well-being and safety of her employees. Once restrictions were able to be gradually lifted and people could start returning to work, COVID pushed us to complete our online store and really delve into how different our business would look in the future.
Precautions had to be put in place with artwork coming in to protect both our customers and staff. It became necessary to offer curbside services and email-based communication with customers to find the perfect frame for their artwork, rather than showing them the materials in-person. Now, we are once again able to offer in-person service.
All in all, COVID ultimately helped us branch out more into the online space, challenged us to find the best way to help customers through photo and email, as well as made us stronger as a community.
What are some exciting plans you have for the business in 2021 and as we move towards 2022?
We have some very exciting plans for the upcoming year! We are on the lookout to feature new local artists in our gallery and gift shop. We also have a line up of new Art Shows coming to our Gallery starting in February 2022 (We are very excited!).
Lastly, we want to reach out to our local schools. One of our goals is to have a student art show where students from MSU, LCC, and local high schoolers can display their art work in our gallery.
What are your favorite businesses in the Greater Lansing area?
LeeAnn loves shopping at family owned businesses. One of them being one of our next door neighbors! Mert’s Meats is where she can find quality fresh meat and seafood. She loves the warm atmosphere and friendliness of the owners. Another favorite is Van Attas Greenhouse and Flower Shop. They provide a variety of products and services which is perfect for an avid gardener like LeeAnn.
Is there any sort of promotion you would like to offer GLAMom’s followers?
Absolutely! We have a holiday sale going on right now, where you buy one ready-made frame, you get the second frame 50% off.
We would also like to offer a special deal for GLAMom’s followers for 20% of custom picture framing/framed artworks. 🙂
Preferred contact: LeeAnn Buckingham
Instagram: framers_edge
Facebook: framersedgeOkemos
Website: framersedge.net
Email: [email protected]
Photos provided by Framer’s Edge
A special thank you to our Small Business Saturday Sponsor, MSU Federal Credit Union 
