I began my framing career in 1989. I had just graduated from High School and was looking for a job that would last at least the next 4 years while I attended college. I was in luck, a high school classmate's mother owned a frame shop in town and hired me on as a part time employee. I worked at this position for the next seven years. After graduating from college with a B.S. degree in Psychology I continued to work at Hanging Around Rome, full time, for 2 more years.
In 1995 I married and we moved to Birmingham, Alabama. Beverly, owner of Hanging Around Rome, happened to be related to a Framer in the Birmingham area and had told stories over the years of what creative framers David and Linda were. In June of 1995 I began my employment with David and Linda Wheeler, owners of David's Arts and Frames. Over the past eleven years in their employ I've had the opportunity to frame for Just Cross Stitch Magazine, Birmingham Parade of Homes, and thousands of customers, many of which I consider friends.
In 2004 I entered the Framerica Boxer Challenge. My entry was called "Surf's Up" it was a shadow box in the shape of a wave. "Surf's Up"was chosen to be a finalist that year. Even though I didn't place in the top three that year I was honored to have been chosen.
In August 2006, 3 weeks before the deadline, I was given the opportunity to build another shadow box for the 2006 Framerica Boxer Challenge. Working day and night, I designed and built the “Say Cheese” Shadow box and was thrilled when it was selected as a finalist to be on display in Atlanta. This project was a bit more personal than the last shadow box and reflected my family’s life through the art of photography as well as my love of electrical gadgetry. I think that is why it was such a great feeling to have been voted first place winner of the Boxers Challenge by my professional peers. Based on the finalists at this years’ Boxers Challenge, and that of years past, custom picture framers should be considered artisans in their own right. I am grateful to Framerica for providing a creative outlet for thinking outside the “Box”.
In April of 2007 we decided It was time to start out on my own. We found a great location at River Oaks Village in Hoover and some of the best neighbors anyone could ask for. So for the past month We've been working feverishly to get details just right and open on our projected date of may 12th. Everything is coming together and we plan on being on schedule to have our grand opening soon.
It's now October 2007, just 6 months since opening Hanging Around Hoover. I must say that this business has been one of the most rewarding endevors I've ever taken.
