Framing Fabulous

Framing Fabulous A home based picture framing, Restoration and Gilding business, combining modern and centuries-old cr A frame isn't just a border. See what Irene can do for you!

Owned and operated by artist and craftswoman, Irene Zapel, Framing Fabulous aims to provide its clients with a product that strikes the right balance between function, cost and quality. Irene has been in the framing industry since 1987 and has worked and trained under Graham Reynold's before launching Framing Fabulous. Irene has embraced Graham's use of centuries-old traditions and combined them w

ith new technology to create beautiful, innovative frame designs. It can be an artwork in and of itself. A beautiful frame will complement and protect your certificates and diplomas, family photos, artwork, print, needlework or memorabilia. It can work with and enhance your decor and reflect something of your individual style. We work with you to select a frame that's right for you and your budget. We have a wide range of manufactured frames or can hand-design or re-create a one-off or period frame especially for you. Sentimentally and historically important frames can be collectables in their own right but often need some TLC. Using quality composition moulding, traditional water and oil-gilding techniques and toned finishes, our restoration work is carried out in full consultation with you. For Irene, the process of creating is just as important as the creation itself - from carefully fixing damage and colouring to retain the beautiful patina of age, bringing back the original glory by undertaking a full strip down and refinish, or creating a frame from scratch.

I often get asked “if it was yours, what would you do?”… sometimes I actually get to DO what I would do. A much loved ch...
04/06/2026

I often get asked “if it was yours, what would you do?”… sometimes I actually get to DO what I would do. A much loved child’s portrait of a sloth, given the “fine art gallery” treatment in this handcrafted, closed corner frame with ornate composition corners. We’ve finished it in a toned off white to modernize slightly and used a timber slip to draw you back in to the cutest little sloth. Super fun.

Just finished these three delicious timber frames. A little something special for a royal court appointment. (a further ...
27/05/2026

Just finished these three delicious timber frames. A little something special for a royal court appointment. (a further 2 in the pipeline, hence 3 frames) we’ve selected a lovely solid Rose Alder Australian timber (caldcluvia australiensis) and designed this profile to our client’s specifications. Expertly run for us by our friends . We’ve hand finished it with a light mahogany stain and French polish, further bringing out the rich rose colour of the timber. The unusually weighted 8 ply mats have a watergilded, burnished 23kt gold bevel, accentuating the certificates horizontal shape and allowing my client to hang 3 in a specific space. Finished with museum glass. I think the brief of “a bit special” has been fulfilled.

Had a sneaky day off today (sorry anyone who came by) for some fun workshops and a bit of fraternizing with some like mi...
22/05/2026

Had a sneaky day off today (sorry anyone who came by) for some fun workshops and a bit of fraternizing with some like minded frame nerds on the Gold Coast. Got to hang out with my old boss and mentor and see how Scott and the gang at Dawsons run the profiles I dream up in their fab workshop. Thanks everyone who was there, such a great group of people. Such a fun day.

Because it’s   and to celebrate the hard working little critters that do so much of the pollination of food we eat, I th...
20/05/2026

Because it’s and to celebrate the hard working little critters that do so much of the pollination of food we eat, I thought I would reshare one of my all time favorite frames. One of the most labor intensive, yet also one of the smallest handcrafted float frames I’ve attempted. Mimicking the different colours of honey, I’ve created a honeycomb pattern using Sgraffito’d gesso, coloured with Yellow, red and black poliment and water gilded in 23kt gold. Some cells are burnished and others left mat and then finished with different shellac tones in blond and ruby. In it, is one of dozens (all different) of original bee paintings with the title “swarm” by . I love it ! 🐝

Using our customers gorgeous antique Pie crust frame, we have hand finished the fillet in the same style and added a lit...
18/05/2026

Using our customers gorgeous antique Pie crust frame, we have hand finished the fillet in the same style and added a little subtle line work to fit this stunning lithograph to the frame. Could not be happier with the result! Just gorgeous.

It’s cold and wet outside in Brisbane today, so I thought I’d share a fun, happy little frame we’ve just completed. We’v...
14/05/2026

It’s cold and wet outside in Brisbane today, so I thought I’d share a fun, happy little frame we’ve just completed. We’ve hand painted this one to match one of the items in this gorgeous original watercolour. Pedestal mounted and box framed to show off the rough edges of the paper and give it centre stage.

This stunning pastel by  has been framed in a simple white mat and classic oak, allowing the artwork to shine on its own...
06/05/2026

This stunning pastel by has been framed in a simple white mat and classic oak, allowing the artwork to shine on its own. Did you know that pastels need to be framed with a little “well” at the bottom of the mat? It’s to catch any pastel dust that may fall off during its lifetime. I think it also adds a little dimension with the shadow it casts.

I’ve said it before…. I just love Children’s art framed up. There is a unique creativity, somehow missing from more “mat...
24/03/2026

I’ve said it before…. I just love Children’s art framed up. There is a unique creativity, somehow missing from more “mature” artists. We have treated this super cute fox mask, with simplicity. Floated with a photo of its creator, in a simple stained box frame….. Voila! This one won’t end up unseen in a box or temporarily displayed on the fridge!

To celebrate National Eucalypt day, I’ve whipped up these hand crafted paper Gum leaves. Recycling the recycled odd Cole...
23/03/2026

To celebrate National Eucalypt day, I’ve whipped up these hand crafted paper Gum leaves. Recycling the recycled odd Coles bag, we have lying around. Each leaf has a different design and shape, just like the real ones. Available in store.

I Apologize…. I have come down with a very dastardly nasty flu / Virus. Having trouble keeping my head up, so I will be ...
18/02/2026

I Apologize…. I have come down with a very dastardly nasty flu / Virus. Having trouble keeping my head up, so I will be closed until I manage to beat it! Sorry for any inconvenience 😢🤢😷🤒

Address

Weller Road
Tarragindi, QLD
4121

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 3pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

0416854812

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