Featured blog post by Carla Binder, Creative Framing by Carla

Custom picture framing is basically a package that to enhances, protects and displays your art or cherished mementos.  Although the definition makes it sound simple enough, there are many things that must be taken into consideration. Don’t be mistaken, there’s a big difference between just “putting something in a frame” and choosing a custom frame.

So what exactly makes custom picture framing so different?  Well, it’s the custom part that really makes the difference. A custom frame is specifically designed for you and the item being framed, it’s not a “one size fits all”.  We all have different styles and different reasons for having something displayed in a frame. Considering all of this is just one part of ensuring the custom framing is a success.
This is my personal approach.
What, Where and Why?

• What? My first step in a custom framing project is to find out what this object or piece of art is.
• Where? Have you given any thought to where you might like to display it. Depending on what you’re having framed I may ask you about your favorite colors. I may also ask about the style of your furniture and decor or if you’re adding this to a collection or using it as a focal point in one of your rooms.
• Why? What does this item, photo or piece of art mean to you? Custom framing is very personal and your input in the design process is very important. How much you value the piece will impact the materials used to frame it.

Choosing the MaterialsMy second step in custom framing is the actual design of the framing package (all the framing materials for your item). Using the information from the first step, the ultimate goal is to find the best selections for the art or object while still allowing the finished framing to fit nicely in your home.
Visually, combining the colors, textures and styles of the various framing materials is the process of designing a frame that enhances your art.  Technically, the design involves knowing if the frame is sturdy enough to display your art or objects. Or knowing if the frame is deep enough or if the materials used are safe and will protect your items.
There are many different designs and combinations of materials that will work nicely for every framing project. Although it may seem overwhelming at times, I will guide you through the best solutions as you make your final decision on the framing materials.
Building Your FrameThe next step is the actual handcrafting of your custom framing.  The frame is chopped and joined, mats cut, your art or objects are mounted securely, the glass is cut and all are neatly fitted together. It’s ready for you to display in your home or office.
So, what is custom picture framing?  It begins with a love of art or a cherished memory.  You take it on a creative journey. At the end of the process your custom framing, specially handcrafted for you, is as unique as you and what you’ve had framed.   
Enjoy!

Creative Framing by Carla offers custom picture frame solutions for your art, photography and cherished items. Preserve your memories. Carla will walk you through the process step by step to design the custom framing package and delivery a quality product for you to display in your home or business. Let’s get started on your project, set up an appointment or stop by today.

Guest blog post by Carol Obando-Derstine, regional affairs director, PPL Electric Utilities

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower” is an often-repeated quote attributed to Steve Jobs. But how is this playing out and helping to create the grid of the future?

Innovation requires all of us to make honest and, at times, difficult assessments of disruptive trends in our industry.  Looking at the horizon and adapting to a changing landscape is essential.

So, what do we think the future has in store as we prepare for 2019 and beyond? Key highlights from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook 2018 with projections to 2050 are helping to bring this picture into focus.  The report notes that although there were decades of slow—even negative (in 2017) growth— in electricity demand, use is projected to increase albeit at a lower rate than in the past because some of the growth continues to offset by energy efficiency gains.

Projections show that through 2050 wind and solar generation will take 64% of the total electric growth in renewables generation. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the availability of millions to support new technologies for long-duration energy storage on the grid. 

At PPL Electric Utilities, we recently announced a partnership with GE to develop and test software to manage electricity from renewable and stored energy sources. This initiative will enable both companies to learn more about the impact of this type of power—called Distributed Energy Resources (DER)—on grid management and accelerate the advancement of technology to support it.

This project illustrates how PPL is responding to a changing energy sector.
We are constantly modernizing our grid to better serve our customers safely and reliably through:

• Installing smart grid technology throughout our system.
• Using drones to inspect lines thereby protecting our employees and checking in on the grid before it fails.
• Exploring the use of augmented and virtual reality, simulating substations for example, to train employees before they set foot in these locations.
• Deploying 3D technologies in standards and design.
• Installing energy storage (batteries) to improve reliability.
• Deploying technologies to sense downed wires to improve safety.
  

All these new technologies and practices here at PPL are part of a cultural shift to formulate new and innovative ideas and test them out.  It is what led to our PPL Innovation Lab, which opened in 2017. 

Nicole Lacouve, an R&D engineer at PPL Electric Utilities, has firsthand knowledge of all the ways in which our corporate culture embraces innovation.  She said:

“In the past, innovative thinking may have been encouraged; but now, it’s required. The grid itself along with customer expectations and services are changing. As the technical curators and long-term asset planners of the grid, our teams must have the vision to support this new energy future. Our success depends on it, and we know it.”
All of this is certainly energizing us. If I had one wish for 2019 at PPL, it would be to continue pushing the boundaries on what is possible.  Because, just like Steve Jobs also said, “Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity—not a threat.”