I recently made a trip to El Framo because I wanted to find a frame for some old war medals that…read morebelonged to my boyfriend's grandfather. It was his birthday and I'd been meaning to do something special with these medals for some time - framing them seemed like a great idea. I initially got a quote for getting them mounted and framed professionally by El Framo but it was just going to be too expensive. But the staff member was very understanding, and helped me instead hunt for the perfect box frame that I could use to complete the process myself. We then selected an off-cut of backing material (with a felt finish) which she cut to size for me. It was quite expensive for a piece of card ($25 from memory) and then the frame itself was $25, but it still worked out much cheaper than having them mounted by El Framo plus it meant I could do it that afternoon - his birthday was the following day so I didn't have a lot of time! Not the most modern selection of frames, a little motley, but a time and place for this little Ponsonby framers.

These guys are great, worked hard on a really tough job, great result and they worked hard to make…read moreit as cost effective as possible, would totally recommend!!

A special thanks to the team at The Framing Room​ for helping me take a flag from an outstanding…read moreteam adventure and epic memorabilia item then transform it into this awesome long lasting celebration of achievement. I walked into The Framing Room off chance on the way home from work and talked about a few ideas of what I wanted to and they helped guide me through design ideas and choices. The final outcome looks totally fantastic and the whole team is impressed, it has pride of place above our work area so we get to enjoy it every day. Thanks again, will definitely return again to do business and would recommended to anyone looking for framing services. For more details behind the history of the flag see http://www.adaptiv.co.nz/event/high-five-0-challenge/ Regards Nikolai Blackie Adaptiv Integration

I was looking for cute kiwi prints to take overseas with me and was recommended Factory Frames by a…read morefriend. I would never have thought to try there, as I assumed it was literally just frames, but I was pleasantly surprised. The Lunn Ave store is large and has loads in it. They have a good selection of framed and unframed art work of different sizes. They have quite a few iconic prints, with a Kiwiana theme but they are also contemporary (not the tacky souvenir kind). The two I chose were $19 each; a cute 'Aroha' one and the Babushka Maori dolls. They will be a nice (but subtle) reminder of home to hang in my lounge.

Factory Frames has a big range of pre-made frames, and prices are keen; they start at $7 for a 5x7…read moresize. That's around the same price as buying a frame from the Red Shed, but here you can get one that is infinitely more stylish, and made in New Zealand. They also have image mats in a variety of colours so you can put together a professional looking package for less than $20. You should know that none of the pre-made frames have hanging attachments, but you can buy a kit from them for $2 ($3 for larger frames). I have also had a couple of items custom framed here with good results. So, where do the points off come from? Unfortunately service can be really erratic; I've had to wait for quite a while to be served here sometimes (like more than 10mins long), and the last time I was two weeks ago I was a little taken aback by some rude comments from one of the staff members; I'm pretty sure he was trying to make a joke but it just didn't come off well! However, for price and quality they can't be beat.

Alex the owner/manager is a lovely man - he was courteous, responsive to my requests, and not only…read morethat but he took a real interest in the printing I tasked him with (even offering to "help me out" with my project in the future, which was climate change advocacy through Generation Zero). Good location, can be a bit tricky to park close by but the supermarket parks are just across the road, or even better, take the bus (which stops nearby) or walk! Website is pretty basic, but this is offset by Alex "da man" Milford Print. I asked Alex to print and laminate a page for me, and to print another, not super-technical tasks, but his service and engaging manner was quite unique.

From the owner: Photo restoration Copying and enhancing photos…read moreCustom photo framing Passport photos Photo albums and frames

I think I may have just found my new favourite gift shop - introducing Matchbox Studios!…read more Matchbox Studios originally started up in Wellington three years ago, where they are a large art and crafts store plus an art gallery. I recently discovered them on Instagram and saw that they were opening a store in St Kevins Arcade on K'Road (full of exciting things). I was so thrilled because it is a seriously awesome shop! It is a haven for all things colourful, whether it be art, jewellery, stationery, books, candles or homewares! I loved everything I came across in Matchbox, but here is a taste of what you might find: - Funky colourful cards (for example the Koala dressed in a Hawaiian shirt) - Range of art prints, including skulls (yay!), famous people, grumpy cat, etc. - The Beatles tea bags (check out the picture!) - Candles and soaps (all with very nice scents) and - Colourful cups, straws, plates and napkins - perfect for picnics or parties at home, plus so much more! The shop assistant was friendly and she was really happy when I signed up to their mailing list. How could I not - everything at Matchbox is fabulous and fun! So, if you need a gift or want to decorate your room with bright colours, then I highly recommend you visit Matchbox Studios today - I am sure you won't be disappointed!