We’ve been working with Queen Anne Frame & Gift since 2024 to frame artwork for our clients’ homes—and to say we’re fans would be an understatement. Their eye for custom framing is exceptional, but what truly sets them apart is the experience of walking into the shop itself. It’s one of those rare neighborhood gems you can wander through again and again, always discovering something new.

From thoughtfully sourced antiques to jewelry, accessories, and home décor crafted by Pacific Northwest artisans, every corner feels intentional. We recently sat down with Nick and Kirsty, the husband-and-wife team behind the shop, to talk about the store’s history, their commitment to shopping local, their community involvement, and the philosophy that guides their approach to framing.

TSD: Established in 1989, Queen Anne Frame & Gift has been a steady presence in the neighborhood for decades. We love businesses with that kind of history and heart. Can you tell us more about how the shop first came to be—and how you came to take the reins?

Nick & Kirsty: The shop originally opened in 1989 as McGraw Street Framing, founded by Phil and Joan Amdal. After 25 years in business, they were ready to retire—right around the time we were looking for a big change.

We were living in California and hoping to leave the corporate world behind. We had previously lived on Queen Anne and always thought of it as home. When we discovered the shop was for sale, everything felt serendipitous. Nick had a background in banking and business (and had remodeled homes as a hobby), and I had been making jewelry and working on the gift side of retail. Nick apprenticed with Phil for a month to learn the framing trade, while I began curating the boutique with a vision centered on local artisans, sustainable designers, and small makers. Once we moved back to Queen Anne, it kind of felt like everything fell into place.

TSD: That really does feel serendipitous—a full-circle return to Queen Anne and the beginning of something entirely new! As you’ve made the shop your own over the years, what has evolved, and what have you been intentional about preserving from its original spirit?

Nick & Kirsty: Phil and Joan built an incredible foundation—the framing model was strong, and the gift shop component already existed, so we didn’t feel the need to reinvent the wheel. What has evolved is the space itself—we moved locations and redesigned the shop to better reflect our aesthetic. We’ve also leaned more intentionally into sourcing from small vendors, vintage finds, and independent artists. That evolution feels very true to who we are.

McGraw St. Frame Shop, 1989 | Queen Anne Frame & Gift, 2026

TSD: Shopping local feels more important than ever. Why does it matter so much to you? What impact have you seen small businesses have on Queen Anne and the greater Seattle community?

Nick & Kirsty: We’re very intentional about the vendors we carry. When we’re vetting a brand, we ask: Are they eco-conscious? Are they giving back? Do they support equal rights? We want the dollars spent in our shop to contribute to the kind of world we believe in. We strongly believe that supporting small businesses creates a ripple effect and positively impacts our community.

TSD: Beyond the shop, how else are you giving back? Are there partnerships, events, or causes that are especially meaningful to you?

Nick & Kirsty: When we lived in California, we were part of a very community-oriented neighborhood. When we moved back to Seattle, we wanted to help cultivate that same spirit.

We sponsor Queen Anne Little League (Nick even coaches sometimes), support local schools through auction donations and student art framing projects, and are involved with scouting artisans for the Queen Anne Farmers Market. This year, we set a goal to donate 10% of sales for one week each month to a rotating nonprofit. Organizations we’ve supported so far include Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Planned Parenthood, The Anna Banana Milk Fund, and ROOTS Young Adult Shelter.

TSD: We admire how thoughtfully you approach each piece. For those who haven’t worked with you yet — what framing services do you offer and what is your framing philosophy?

Nick & Kirsty: Almost everything is built in-house and entirely custom. Our philosophy is simple: if you love it, we can frame it!

We always frame to the art—not the space. The frame should enhance the piece, not overpower it. Our goal is for the artwork to shine. We get to celebrate so many incredible pieces that come through our doors, and it’s an honor to help elevate them.

TSD: We love your ready-made frame program. It feels like such a smart way to repurpose materials while making custom framing more accessible. How does it work?

Nick & Kirsty: That program actually started with the original owners. Custom framing naturally leaves behind beautiful remnants—mat board, moulding, glass. Instead of letting those materials go to waste, we repurpose them into ready-made frames. It’s sustainable and gives clients access to framing at 60% or more off custom pricing. It’s a win-win.

TSD: We especially love that you showcase local artisans. Can you tell us about a few currently featured in the shop?

Nick & Kirsty: Almost all of the artists we carry are Seattle-based, and nearly all are women.

Liz St. Andre, for example, started creating art during the pandemic. A customer brought her work in to be framed, and we immediately fell in love with it. Sometimes we discover artists completely by chance. When we see something special, we encourage them to develop their craft and consider selling their work.

Another artist, Minami Wrigley was showing her artwork at a nearby coffee shop when we first saw it. We were struck by how unique it felt and invited her to partner with us. Eventually we helped her frame her art for her showing at the Seattle Art Museum.

Artists are often incredibly vulnerable when they’re starting out. We love helping them price their work, build confidence, and present their art beautifully. It’s incredibly rewarding to give emerging artists a platform and watch them grow.

TSD: Any upcoming events or launches we should mark on our calendars?

Nick & Kirsty: We’re celebrating our 10-year anniversary on April 1, which feels surreal. We’re also involved in selecting and framing the featured artist for the Queen Anne Farmers Market poster launch in May.

Kirsty is currently developing an urban nursery concept for the shop’s courtyard—we’re excited to bring new life and energy into that outdoor space. Sustainability is also a continued focus, and we’re refining our recycling program to repurpose more glass, paper, and materials from our framing process.

TSD: What’s inspiring you most right now?

Nick & Kirsty: The garden space is a big one—it feels like an opportunity to create something that feeds back into the community. And we’re constantly inspired by the local artists we work with. We’re developing new programs to better support artists in presenting and launching their work, building on what we’ve done with school auctions. Helping artists step into their careers is one of the most meaningful parts of what we do.

At the end of our visit, we asked Nick and Kirsty to share a few of their current favorite pieces in the shop. Below is a curated selection of what they’re loving right now. Click the links to shop their picks directly!

A Neighborhood Gem on Queen Anne: An Interview with Nick and Kirsty of Queen Anne Frame & Gift

Seasonality, Authenticity & Natural Beauty: An Interview with Floral Designer & Interior Stylist Teressa Johnson