Another train of thoughter coming your way this Tuesday afternoon. Forgive me if I ramble; the pinot grigio flowed rather liberally last night and my brain is slightly damaged.

Something that’s on my mind for 2010 is the creation of a prettier abode. Meaning I want to finally frame all the pictures I have in boxes under my bed, and I want to do it for approximately zero dollars. I also want to produce new images to put in the boxes.

I decided all whim-like the other day to print something pretty. Like a rose. This is a failed art image, because it is too easy, but I think it will be great in the bathroom.

But where to print it? I like the Print Space people and the My Own Color Lab people and the Laumonts and the Pochrons and such, but I was feeling cheap. Like, really cheap. So I printed it at Adoramapix for $4.63. Seriously. On fantastic Endura metallic paper. And I have to say, it looks darn awesome.

Maybe this iphone rendering doesn’t show you the full effect, but it’s nice and shimmery and special. I love you, endura metallic.

Here is another picture I am psyched to frame. It is Dalton Rooney‘s Swan’s Nest and I love love love it.

Here it is away from the iphone format.

Soooo how to frame these things for approximately zero dollars? When I printed the rose, I decided to make it to fit the funky Ikea size, so it’s 11.5 x 11.5.

I think $19.99 is a good deal, and those Ribbas are pretty, if not entirely structurally sound.

Mr. Rooney also turned me on to Frames by Mail. So I priced it out there. $40 or so. Still slightly rich for me at the moment.

Perhaps I’ll try Pearl Frames? I’ve heard good things about them. Also New York Central Art, and Frame Art NYC- have any of you used them?

If you have actual monies, I heartily suggest White Mule Picture Frames.

Now is the question of what else to produce. I’m feeling zany lately, so maybe a bear-in-the-bathroom picture?

Or maybe I will finish my Glitter Horse Calendar project and print those, twelve in a row down the hallway!

This is May.

This is November.

I don’t think people like my glitter horse project but I do and I’m gonna keep going with it.

Also- the question of where to develop/scan the rest of that film I have lying around?

Here are the results of some past research. Thought I’d re-share.

from cheapest to most expensive…

ALKIT
227 East 45th Street
212-674-1515
99 cents per image, for processing and 4.5mb scans, and 4×5 prints
TOTAL: $120.00

Baboo Color
37 West 20th Street
212–727-277
12.99 for a 4.5mb jpeg scan, including processing
TOTAL: $129.90

Hong Color
123 West 20th Street
212-924-2080
$6 for processing, and an additional $10 for a 4.5mb jpeg scan=
$16 a roll
TOTAL: $160.00

Flatiron Lab
108 West 17th Street
212-633-9191
$18 for processing and a 6mb jpeg scan
$20.50 for processing, 4×5 prints and 6mb scans
TOTAL (w/out prints): $180.00

LTI
34 East 30th Street
212-685-6871
$18 for processing and 6mb scans
TOTAL: $180.00

Coloredge CRC
20 west 22nd street
212-633-6000
$6 for processing, and an additional 12.65 for a 4.5mb jpeg scan
= 18.65 a roll
TOTAL: $186.50

US Color Lab
12 Mercer Street
212-254-7200
$19.99 for processing and 4.5mb jpeg scans
TOTAL: $199.99

L&I Color
12 West 17th Street
212-206-7733
$5 for processing, and an additional $15 for a 5mb jpeg scan=
$20 a roll
TOTAL: $200.00

Duggal
29 West 23rd Street
212-941-7000
$7 for processing, and an additional $15 for a 4.5mb jpeg scan
= $22 a roll
TOTAL: $220.00

I think I’m going to go with Hong Color. They’re a small operation, and they have personable service. Also, they have a reputation for good quality, and I’ve had hugely varying results with Baboo. Alkit’s my second choice, but 45th Street on the 12th floor is the deal breaker. Anyone else have a better tip?

GO FORTH AND DECORATE!