Mitrebox Framing Studio

From the moment Michael and Russell walked in, we knew our art was in expert hands. They handled two massive pieces with care, precision, and a clear love for what they do. Ken (an architect) was especially impressed—not just by the quality framing, but by the thoughtful installation and how quickly yet carefully everything was done. As he put it: “The care and consideration of the entire crew at Mitrebox is why I’ll keep bringing art to Sara and her team.” There’s a quiet professionalism to Mitrebox that sets them apart. They don’t just frame art—they honor it. Thank you for everything.

I had a limited edition print from my favourite living artist that I needed framed. I opted for a local small business for this and found Mitrebox. The service was great. The person I worked with knew their trade. We managed to get me sorted much sooner than I had expected. I opted for the top of the line framing and glass, and I confess it did cost me a fair bit. That being said, the quality is worth every cent. I will be back in the future as I build my art collection.

Highly recommend for any traveler who like vintage and looking for place to go in Minneapolis north loop! Sweet stuffs, decent collection with good price

I use Sara and team for any and everything that is of value to me, and I would use no one else. I first used them for a small picture of my mother, who had recently passed away. The photo was sent to me from one of my mom's friends. Even though the quality of the pic was not that good, the photo struck a nerve with me, and I wanted the framing to be special. Sara and team were very kind and thoughtful to me, realizing the emotional significance of the picture, and they delivered a beautiful piece that has a prominent place in my home. Since then, I have taken anything of value to them for framing (some examples below - please forgive the glare). I would recommend Mitrebox without question.

We've had a few pieces framed here, and they always wow us with their ideas and execution. Everyone is friendly and easy to work with. Thanks!!

The service here is unmatched! I had a framing need for a couple paintings, and the staff helped me workshop ideas for what I needed while being very kind, professional, personal, and communicative. They delivered a custom-made, high quality product and were even able to meet a very short-notice deadline of mine with time to spare. Plus, the atmosphere is so cozy! I could not recommend them more and will definitely use them again for framing in the future. 10/10.

Mitrebox employees were friendly and knowledgeable! I chose this location because of their high Google ratings, and was not let down. I have never framed anything before, but they walked me through the process, understood my vision and stayed within my budget. They also had a bunch of fun gifts, cards and stickers!

Wonderful experience working with Charlene to find the right frame for an oversized piece. Very patient and had great suggestions to fit my desired aesthetic. Highly recommended and will be the first place I visit for future projects!

Just do it. You know you've got a couple of prints or photos waiting to get framed. And, you're constantly searching Amazon and WayFair to see if they've got good frames at a bargain price. Skip the online experience and go visit Sara's team at Mitrebox. Great customer experience and quality framing. Guaranteed. I had such a great experience the first time that I went back to get 3 more prints framed. Also, they carry awesome hard crafted greeting cards and jewelry. Support a stellar local small business.

Sara and team always provide incredible guidance on framing projects for my art. The intentional and curious questions they ask help guide me in the decision. They are consistently mindful of my budget and even guide me sometimes to not re-frame pieces...I appreciate the relationship they form with me as a client. I will be shipping other pieces back to them in Minneapolis and they've earned a customer for life!

The work they do here is excellent. It's a bit pricey but totally worth it. The studio/shop itself is wonderful to shop for all sorts of different gifts. Artsy, original, creative and progressive comes to mind when I think of all the items they carry. Staff is great.

I've long been a fan of gifting creative and unique greeting cards for life's celebrations - from birthdays to weddings. A great card doesn't just accompany a gift, it can serve as a wonderful conversation starter to lifelong memories. Simply put, this North Loop mainstay delivers on cards and so much more. I've probably ran and walked past this colorful storefront hundreds of times before buying a single thing. Then, COVID-19 hit. Knowing that many upcoming in-person celebrations have or will be postponed, I decided to follow Mitrebox on Instagram (@mitreboxmpls) and message them to see if they were still operating. Unique cards are a great way to cheer up friends and family during these hard times. Good news, Twin Cities! They're offering mail and curbside pickup!! Simply provide an email and tell them what styles you're looking for (like sweet, funny, modern, artsy), and they'll send you photos and pricing of an array of products! Online payment through their website was affordable, quick and easy and they were extremely friendly and flexible if you want to pickup curbside. For a little over $10, I bought two cards and they threw in a free postcard to send to loved ones during COVID-19. They even gave me free picture-hanging hooks after I mentioned I was in need of some! Bonuses: The shop offers FREE parking and is dog-friendly! While they aren't having customers in the store due to the pandemic, they're offering dog treats to dogs if you pick up curbside! Thank you, Mitrebox! I can't wait to pick up more items soon!

Mitrebox and the artists within understand and care for the transporting nature of a frame. Your piece is nice. It's exciting. It may even be personal. But it is simply not complete until you walk through those doors. Some might call them framists, you could call them engineers, I want to call them artists. And I want to tip them cash every time I visit in the same way I want to tip a jazz pianist for playing Erroll Garner. I would say watching them work is the most enjoyable part of the process, but Mitrebox does you one better than spectatorship. They involve you. Your personal tastes and tendencies are activated, challenged, and appreciated. If you're lucky, you may even get to stand on Sara's stepstool for a better view. No matter what you plan to do with your piece or where you hope your piece takes you when it finally reaches your wall, you simply cannot get there without Mitrebox building the portal for you.

I loved working with Mitrebox! Easy to schedule an appointment a d their help on design was incredible. Took an old '70s photo/print and made it my most treasured piece of art. Couldn't recommend more!

I learned of this wonderful studio when Letterbox closed & Mitrebox took up Sheela Namakkal's Cupcake Saturday. Yep, I follow the cupcakes. While I have never availed myself of Sara & Mary's framing services (my wallet is too small for anything but IKEA frames) I have seen them in action & the caliber of their work is high. They are also wonderfully nice people, which I think is always a plus when handing over to strangers something you care about. Even if you're not in the market for framing you can visit for the unique gifts they have available, as well as work by local artists displayed in their windows & around the shop.

This North Loop, small business custom framing shop is big on service, quality & supporting the arts community! Not only do they offer framing options to your hearts content, but they are known for their amazing selection of letterpress cards, handmade jewlery and other unique gifts. Mitrebox also offers local artist the chance to display (and sell) their artwork in both storefront windows (on bust Washington Ave.) and throughout the shop! The resident shop dog, Henry, is pretty darn adorable too! Highly recommend for any framing, gift or art needs!

Although I've moved out of the North Loop neighborhood, Mitrebox is still my go-to spot for great framing work. Yes, it's expensive, but if I didn't want my art and prints to look good, I could tape them up on the wall like I was still living in a dorm room. I have always worked with Sara, and she never fails to find creative and lovely options for me to choose from. Plus the house dog is pretty adorable. I am also a huge fan of their gifty stuff at the front of the store. I'm a paper freak, and I think they have some of the best cards in town. Overall, two thumbs up!

I love the written word, and I adore finding cards that are unique to the receiver. Whether it is a love message, a birthday wish, a note to say thanks or just a card to say hello, I am constantly on the hunt for spots that offer a variety of options. The ultimate? Letterpress cards. Swoon... Mitrebox is inviting, affordable, and has a great vibe. It also happens to be within walking distance of my office, which means I am never far from the perfect card. They carry fantastic merchandise including a huge inventory of cards for every occasion and in perfect style (think Etsy, not the card aisle at Target!) They also have gift options like candles, note pads, gift wrap and home decor. BONUS: They offer a punch card - buy 9 cards and the 10th is free! I did work with the owners, Mary & Sara, on a framing project for a client at my former office. There were a few hiccups on both ends, but the final project was beautiful, and they were a pleasure to work with. Overall, this is my go-to spot for cards. I have never left empty-handed!

Greeting cards and custom framing just aren't really my thing. Yet, I've still been to Mitrebox - for the cupcakes, of course. Mitrebox is one of those really cool, small, independent shops that the Twin Cities needs more of. Owned by a couple of ladies who know how to rock a frame and design a retail space, Mitrebox's walls are clad in wood frames, art and fun. Like I said, I'm not a gift shop kind of guy, but this place rawks. All that said, it's Sheela Namakkal's cupcakes that first drew me to Mitrebox. Sheela's been baking sweet little creative cakes for several years now under the name of her catering company, Miel y Leche Catering. Saturdays you can find her cupcakes at Mitrebox - but get there early. I've seen lines out the door of people waiting to get their hands on her 'cakes. Doors at 10am - 'cakes gone by noon. Guaranteed. My fave cupcake of hers is the Elvis - a banana cake topped with peanut butter frosting and a slab of bacon - this sweet, salty and creamy little cupcake is AMAZING. For the vegans out there, Sheela always makes some 'cakes just for you - and they're equally delicious. Mitrebox gets it. It's not just the frames people want from their shop, it's the experience. Even if you're not there to buy their main product, they'll get you in the door. And you'll find some sweet stuff there, every time.

Mitrebox is my first and only choice for framing art! I have been using their services since it's inception.... 1996? Mitrebox has framed two of my favorite greeting cards, a special calendar page photo, a poster, a couple of giclees, and various family pictures. Each piece looks like authentic art! Sara and Mary take special care with the original order. They also check final products for finger prints and imperfections prior to delivery to me. Awesome! So happy with their work! Mitrebox has also framed some large works of art for me. Sara recently helped me reframe a painting that was a gift to my grandparents on their wedding day in 1916. She was careful while handling my art, and the finished product is fantastic! She was aware of my budget and worked with it. This painting is now a beautifully framed heirloom. I simply cannot say enough about the creativity, vision, and care that Sara and Mary employ. Quality work and fine craftsmanship! Can't beat Mirebox Framing Studio!!

This is the current address for this business - the 3rd St. address is nearly 3 years gone according to Sara, one of the owners. What a great space with such beautiful things displayed so nicely! Unusual greeting cards, invitations, notebooks, old timey looking postcards showing scenes of each of our Twin Cities and our lovely state, exquisite-smelling soy candles, decorative hooks, satin ribbon, delightful wrapping papers, imported soaps (including an "egg" facial soap from Sweden that I found particulary interesting), and very beautiful and ready to use frames and a few mattes. And, although I did not browse through their (likely) endless selection of framing and matte materials, I'm willing to be they got it all. At a price. Despite my delight over all the great items they had for sale, I'm dismayed that there were no 'real' bargains to be had, even in their 1/2 off baskets. Fortunately, browsing is free and I got quite an experience of all things delightful.

I love Mitrebox! I have such a tough time making aesthetic decisions on my art pieces, because: a) it's art that I've selected and feels personal and important to get right, and b) wall space is limited, so you know you want to get it right! Whenever I go in to frame something--whether it be a Burkinabe batik, a pencil sketch from Paris, or an antique record, Mitrebox has done a beautiful job. I love that I come in there clueless about where to start, the Mitrebox staff gives me about 3 solid choices to start with, and then helps me narrow it from there. Plus, they're patient while I spend about 30 minutes trying to decide. I've never been disappointed with anything I've framed there. On another note, I love their small frames as gifts and greeting cards. I have a condo in the neighborhood, so supporting the local business is an extra plus.

I started working with Mary & Sara a few years ago and haven't worked with anyone else since. They've been stellar at making framing recommendations for whatever I bring in (from fine art to kitchy posters to needlepoint projects), and are able to do so at a price-point I can stomach (when I give them a budget, of course). Their other fun stuff -- including a pretty sassy card selection and a little love from one of their very sweet pups -- is simply icing on the cake (or -- more appropriately -- cupcake).

A noted local artist recommended this place as THE place to go for framing in Minneapolis, and Sara was indeed awesome--extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and with impeccable taste. I picked up the framed prints yesterday, and they look even better than I had hoped. I can't recommend this place too highly, and will definitely be back!

We've worked with Mary and Sara three separate times on framing projects. Mitrebox is our go to place - they do a great job in all areas - creativity, customer service, and value. The hidden gems beyond framing are the items in the shop for sale - very cool things that we've given as gifts to friends and families. Great place and free parking in back!

I heard nice things about the postcards sold by Mitrebox Framing Studio and decided to pop in for a visit. I only had time to grab some amazing postcards but was very impressed by the large number of quirky gifts in the store! However, when I tried to check out, the staff member present was unfriendly and a bit rude. In the future, I will consider coming back and giving Mitrebox a second chance largely because of the excellent items but not the service!

The staff was very helpful and courteous there-I had several pieces framed there and they did a great job on them. Would definitely go back! A little pricey but worth it to me. Cool choices for your art work and many nice gift items there as well.

When I lived here in the mid-90's, I worked at a little ad agency in the warehouse district. There were some very talented designers working there. Take a little mental time-travel back to 1994. This was a time when not everyone had a home computer, Quark was just becoming popular and designers often worked with actual paper. It was a much more tactile era in design. One of those talented designers was Mary, now of Mitrebox. I popped over for Cupcake Saturday and immediately loved the space. It is so warm and welcoming. I love the dark wood, tin ceiling and wrought iron staircase. I was immediately struck by the giant wall of frame choices and the huge framing table. I then started to notice the cool Adam Turman screenprints on the wall and the nice selection of letterpress cards (YEA, letterpress!). As I wandered back toward the cupcakes, a friendly voice asked if she could help me. Imagine my surprise to see that it was my former co-worker, who I had not seen in over 15 years. What wasn't a surprise was to find out that such a talented gal had gone off and combined her love of graphic and interior design in such a great business venture. Her partner, Sara, was working with a couple on a really cool quilt-framing project when I was there. I am going to have to dig around my place to find something worthy of one of their frames!

I'm a wanderer. I work in downtown Mpls and I like to wander over my lunch break to get away from the rat race. One of my favorite places to wander to is Mitrebox. Don't be deterred by its name. It's not just a framing studio, but also a card and gift/jewelry shop. It has the best selection of cards, cool cards, not your standard Hallmark cards of yesteryear with gaudy flower bouquets, rainbows, tractors, or cats (yes, I know cats are all the rage these days, but maybe only in video or on that i can has cheezburger website?). Here you can find a beautiful letterpress card that reads "Congrats, you two, way to fertilize that ovum." Or one that says "We go together, like butt cracks and plumbers." Fun and funny, right? Of course there are classy cards too, you know, for your more serious or stuffy friend, or for your conservative grandma. There's a great selection of beautiful and unique cards for nearly every occasion. Hey! Gay marriage is legal in Minnesota now and you can find a card for your next gay wedding at Mitrebox! So if you need a special card for your next occasion, any occasion, or you just want to share your sentiments old-school style, check out Mitrebox. They have a card for that. P.S. I've never had any framing done there but they look like they do beautiful work.

Sara helped me pick a double mat and fill it piece. I was excited with the promise of the finished product. I was surprised that it would take 4 weeks. I have never had anything take so long to be framed, but decided to go ahead. At 5 weeks, I called and Sara told me that the wrong fill it had been placed. She wasn't positive about which one was correct and said numbers may have bee transposed. Thankfully, I had taken a photo . I sent it to Sara who had the order corrected. Last week, I called again. Sara expected the piece to arrive on Friday and offered to send it to my home. I didn't hear from her, so I assumed it was on it's way. Today, I had to call again. It's now 2 months since the order date. Sara said the piece is ready and she would send a courier. I asked for a discount for my time and trouble. She told me that she was paying the $25 for the courier. Although I was happy about that , $25 is less than 5% of what I paid for the piece. She did eventually agree to a $25 discount in addition to the courier. I felt that a minimum of 25% discount was reasonable. Even considering the cost of the courier, the discount was close to 10%. The piece took twice as long as promised, came back wrong, and I had to show the correct fill it to get it right. I am very disappointed with the customer service.

I acquired a decent piece of art over the summer and I needed a reputable framer to frame it. I read all of the accolades about Mitrebox and thought I thought I would try it out. They did a beautiful job but it took a very long journey and a lot of money to get there. They were very poor about communicating time frames and I was less than impressed in their ability to choose a decent frame. I ended up rejecting all of their options and picked out one that suited my piece of art appropriately. Once I finally got my piece back it was mounted incorrectly and the glass used was not the quality that was described to me initially. I ended up having to part with my piece of art for another length of time before they got around to fixing it. If you want a lot of hassle and want to wait an inordinate amount of time for your framing needs I'd say this is the place. If that isn't your thing I would recommend taking your business somewhere else.