Mel Lambert is an artist at heart.
In practice, she exercises her creativity by framing other artists' work at The Beveled Edge on Georgia Avenue.
In some ways, the business she began with her in-laws two years ago fulfills a childhood dream.
"I wanted to be my own boss and I wanted to be an artist, but I wasn't very good at it," she said.
As a child, Lambert found her creative outlet by scrapbooking.
Then, nine years ago, she applied for a job as a professional framer and loved it.
"I like it because I can be involved in the arts without doing art," she said.
Lambert offers custom framing, dry mounting, frame repairs and a touch of art restoration.
"I love doing shadowboxes," she said. "It requires a lot more thinking and skill."
The walls of the shop are covered in frame samples, examples of Lambert's framing skills and artwork by regional artists.
She plans to turn part of her shop into a gallery for local artists, and having regional artwork for sale is a step in that direction.
"It might not be a gallery yet, but it's something to move toward," she said.
One day, she also would like to offer art supplies for sale.
Lambert relocated to her new shop last month from her previous location behind Bush's Florist on Martintown Road. The move has already increased her visibility, she said.
"We've had more new customers in two weeks than in two months at the other store," she said.
In her spare time, Lambert still actively scrapbooks and loves interior decorating.
She said the one surprising aspect of her job as a framer is the amount of math involved.
"It's a lot of math," she said. "And I was the student who, in algebra class, said 'Why do I have to learn this?'"
Reach Lisa Kaylor at lisa.kaylor@northaugustatoday.com.
THE BEVELED EDGE
ADDRESS: 526 Georgia Ave.
PHONE: (803) 441-0144
HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
