The Great Frame Up — Attraction in Maine Township

I had purchased some autographed photos years ago that I had professionally framed. Recently, I decided to sell them, and a collector desired the photos but without the frames.

I didn't want to extricate the photos myself due to their rarity, so I decided to have them removed professionally.

After contacting a number of framing shops by phone, I happened across The Great Frame Up in Niles and spoke with an extraordinary associate named Michael. I told him what I intended to do and sent him photos of the framed autographs. He informed me that they could, indeed, remove the photos.

I walked into the shop and was immediately greeted by both Michael and Maria --- another spectacular employee. Sandy, the owner, also greeted me warmly, and I showed her the framed pieces. She informed me that she could definitely take care of this within the hour. I had other things to do, so I told her I would come back later that day. It worked out perfectly! Really loved Sandy --- she definitely knows her stuff and was just terrific!

When I returned, Sandy was gone for the evening, but Michael and Maria were there. My friend was conversing with Michael, and Maria showed me the photos which were removed expertly. I was delighted! Both Michael and Maria were an absolute joy, and I felt like I was a guest in their home.

Understandably, my situation was rather unusual, but the professional skill necessary to remove the photos was handled with surgical precision and great care.

The extraordinary talent and magnificent customer service provided by Sandy, Michael and Maria at the Niles location set the bar for framing companies. I have had many photos framed over the years from other companies, but this particular Niles shop is far superior to all the others I have been to. Bravo to them!

The store itself is stunningly beautiful. It looks like a professional art gallery, and one of the gorgeous works displayed was actually done by Michael which I think is a brilliant concept! This really shows the framing and artistic virtuosity of the staff to a spectacular level.

I highly recommend the Niles Great Frame Up for everything frame-related. Your photos and art will be given the greatest respect and attention by a staff who really make...

I went out of my way to this store because of the great reviews. I was greeted by Sandy and another woman. I enthusiastically explained that I had come there because Sandy was praised in the reviews. Sandy then ignored me the rest of the time. The other woman who never told me her name “helped” me. She chose one mat, black. And 3 frames. I only got to see other colors/materials because I started rooting through the collection myself. I told her I wanted it more fun, more colorful. I got a quiet nod but no creativity, no artistry, no help. I hoped that if I expressed my dislike of her dark choices and rifled through the racks enough, Sandy-the-great might step in. But she didn’t. I was prepared to spend hundreds of dollars. Right as I was about to finalize an order I wasn’t happy with, I came to my senses and left. I’ve always had my framing done by Artists Frame Service in Lincoln Park and it’s always been fun and playful and creative. I can’t believe the internet almost convinced me to go to this place that is clearly not operated by artists or designers. Go here if you just need a frame but don’t go if you want the frame to be part of the story of your art. Your story will be miserable and that’s what you will think of when you look...

I was referred to Sandy at The Great Frame Up from Image Specialties in Glenview, which we have done business with for over 30 years and has done an AMAZING job with every we have asked of them. When I needed something they could not do, I was referred to Sandy. I was told there was no one better and no one better for the price. I could not agree more!! Sandy literally did the best job on my Andrew Shaw/Blackhawks Shadow Box Gift!

I need a shadow box sports memorial thing done for my boyfriend and myself. Sandy did the most INCREDIBLE JOB!! It always a good sign when you pick up your final project and COMPLETE strangers are coming up to you and asking you if they may see it and are "ohhing" and "awwing" over it! I was receiving compliments from strangers in the stores for how great it looked.

I had a couple of pictures, ticket stubs, 2 signed pucks, and print out stats of the game. Sandy's vision capture exactly how our night felt. Technically this is a gift for my boyfriend, but really it is gift for me, too! Anyone that wants quality work done, you need to go to Sandy!

Sandy, thank you again for your expertise! I love it and cannot wait for the moment the gift is opened the excitement is...