Giovana Töws - Frames

Custom Handmade Wooden Frames in Antwerp

Custom wooden frames for artworks, paintings, drawings and photographs in Antwerp.
Frames made by hand by Giovana Töws. Free live preview & quote.

Frame Types

Type 1 - Frame with gap

For artworks on canvas stretched on a wooden stretcher, I recommend a frame with gap of 1 cm between the painting and the frame.

This creates a small shadow line around the artwork and gives it some breathing space allowing the viewer to see the sides of the painting.

For stretched paintings, the frame is nailed to the back of the painting to keep everything securely in place. You also have the option to not fix the artwork to the frame.

Frame type 1 with dark grey-brown varnish

Frame type 1 with matte black paint

Type 2 - Frame without gap

For works on cardboard, wood board, or another thin support, I generally recommend a frame without a gap.

This frame sits directly against the artwork, covering and protecting its edges. I also recommend this type of frame in case you want to hide the sides of the artwork for any reason.

In some cases the artwork sits on the frame by pressure, in other cases is necessary to add some drops of glue to fix it to the frame.

Frame type 2 with medium warm brown varnish

Frame type 2 with matte black paint

Type 3 - Frame with passe-partout and flex glass

Ideal for charcoal drawings, pastel drawings, or other delicate works on paper, thin cardboard or loose canvas. This frame includes flex glass (2mm thickness) that protects the artwork.

You have the option to include a passe-partout (the white surface around the artwork).

You can choose to hide the corners of the artwork behind the passe-partout, or leave it fully visible by placing it on top of it.

Because the passe-partout and flex glass are ordered from specialist suppliers, this option is slightly more expensive. The frame also requires more time to be made because it requires a channel to be excavate into the wood.

Please note that this type of frames are permanently closed once finished. If they need to be opened later, the frame will need to be broken open.

Frame type 3 with dark grey-brown varnish

How it works

1. Create your live preview and request a quote
Access my quote form. Fill the form with your information and the details about your artwork and desired frame. See the live preview of your frame. Click on "Request a quote".

2. Receive a quote
I’ll send you a quote based on your requirements, normally within a few working days.

3. Confirm your order
If you’re happy with the quote, you pay 50% in advance to book the order and secure your place in the production schedule.

4. Bring your artwork to my studio
Once the order is booked, you can bring your painting or drawing to my studio in Antwerp, Belgium.

5. I will make your frame
I’ll make the frame by hand specifically for your artwork. Depending on the size, quantity, and my current workload, this usually takes 1 to 4 weeks.

6. Approve the finished frame
Once it is ready, I’ll let you know and send you photos of the finished result. If anything needs adjusting, we can discuss it before collection.

7. Collect your framed artwork
If you’re happy with the finished frame, you can come and collect your artwork from my studio. The remaining 50% is paid upon collection.

I can also ship the finished work back to you. Shipping costs are not included in the original quote and will be calculated separately.

More details about the frames

Experience

I started making frames for my own paintings in 2025. With every new frame, I learned something new, experimented with different solutions, and gradually arrived at a result that I found very satisfying.

Soon, some artist friends started asking me to make custom frames for their work. I really enjoyed the process, so I decided to open the service to more artists and take on custom orders.

I don’t have formal training in frame-making. My experience comes from making frames for my own work, learning through the process, and continuously improving my technique. I approach every frame with the same care I give to my own paintings.

Wood

I use spruce wood for the frames. The wood is PEFC certified, meaning it comes from sustainably managed forests.

The frames have a simple, contemporary box-style design that keeps the focus on the artwork. They help to protect the corners of the painting while making it pop.

PEFC certified spruce wood

Colors

There are four finishes available:

Transparent varnish Keeps the natural, light beige colour of the wood

Dark grey-brown varnish

Medium warm brown varnish

Matte black paint

Construction & support

The construction of each frame depends on its size.

Smaller frames can generally be glued at the corners, sometimes with a very small nail for additional support.

As the frame gets larger, additional reinforcement may be necessary. Depending on the dimensions, I may add one to four nails at the corners to make the frame more resistant - They are small and don't call much attention.

Larger frames — from approximately 60 × 60 cm — may also require diagonal support structures on the back to provide additional stability and strength.

I’ll choose the appropriate construction based on the size and requirements of your frame.

Frame with diagonal support on the back (90x70cm)

Example of the nail in the corner for the frame type 3

Some frames don not require the nail in the corner

Back of the frame type 2. The painting on the cardboard was glued to the frame.

The frame is nailed to the stretcher of the painting on the frame type 1

Stretching prints and canvas

Do you have a loose canvas or canvas print that needs to be stretched?

I also offer a canvas-stretching service. Prints on canvas are often sold and shipped rolled in a tube, and they need to be properly stretched before they can be displayed or framed.

I can prepare a wooden stretcher in the correct size for your artwork and stretch the canvas onto it with the appropriate tension and care, so that it is ready to hang or frame.

If you have a canvas or print that needs stretching, please get in touch for more information or request a quote.

giovana.tows@gmail.com

FAQ Section

How much does a custom frame cost?

- Pricing depends on the size, wood finish, and frame type you choose, so every frame gets a personal quote. Fill in your artwork details on the quote form — you'll see a live to-scale preview as you go, and Giovana will follow up with a price by email.

How do I get a quote?

- Use the online quote form. Enter your details, artwork specs (type, size, whether it's stretched), and your frame preferences (type, gap, finish). You'll see a live preview as you fill it in, then submit the request to receive a personal quote by email.

What frame types are available?

- Three types: a frame with gap (best for stretched canvas paintings, creates a shadow-line effect), a frame without gap (for works on board or cardboard, sits flush against the artwork), and a frame with passe-partout and flex glass (for charcoal, pastel, or delicate works on paper).

What wood is used, and is it sustainable?

- The frames are made from PEFC-certified spruce wood, sourced from sustainably managed forests, in a simple contemporary box style.

What finish/colour options are there?

- Four finishes: transparent varnish (natural light beige), medium warm brown, dark grey-brown, and matte black paint.

Where is the studio located?

- Giovana's studio is in Zurenborg, Antwerp, Belgium. You can bring your artwork in once your order is booked, and collect the finished frame there too.

How long does it take to make a frame?

- Usually 1 to 4 weeks, depending on size, quantity, and current workload.

How does payment work?

- 50% is paid in advance to confirm the order and secure a production slot, and the remaining 50% is paid upon collection of the finished frame.

Can the frame be shipped instead of collected?

- Yes, finished frames can be shipped back to you. Shipping isn't included in the quote and is calculated separately.

Do you also stretch canvas?

- Yes, a canvas-stretching service is available for loose canvases or prints (often shipped rolled in a tube). A wooden stretcher is prepared to size and the canvas is stretched with proper tension, ready to hang or frame.

Can a painting be left unfixed to the frame?

- Yes, for stretched paintings using a frame with gap — just mention this preference when placing your order; otherwise the frame is nailed to the back of the stretcher by default.