Set within an airy and very organized space in the middle of the Argonaut Shopping Center, the company specializes in high-end frames and design work, but also offers ready made frames in all sizes.

The Saratoga Framing Company has been at this location for almost a year, although some residents might know the store by its former location and name—The Miter Box on Third Street in downtown Saratoga.

Margaret Garland, who bought the company from a previous owner, opened that store, along with its sister store in Los Gatos, in 1999.

Garland had been in the high tech business for years but became tired of the constant stress and happened upon the store.

"I really just wanted my own business," says Garland. "I thought framing looked interesting because it was a good mix of the analytical with the business aspect, and artistic with the designing and framing."

She knew she had made the right decision when, on the first day, an employee told her about a rush job they had to do. The "rush" order was due in one week. "I knew right then that if one week was a rush in this business, I could handle anything."

Garland enjoyed her work, but did not like having to ship off all the orders for assembly due to the limited size of the store on Third Street, which was even bigger than the Los Gatos location.

Thus, she found the Argonaut location and couldn't be happier now with a large front room and three backrooms for assembly and product storage.

"I was scared but excited about the big space," says Garland. "I loved it immediately though, and people have been extremely responsive. Now we can do all the assembly here for both stores."

With an impressive collection of hundreds of custom frames in all sizes and colors as well as ready-made frames in an assortment of wood, glass, and leather, Garland is happy to narrow down choices for overwhelmed customers.

Garland enjoys the selection process, but even more she enjoys the potential to make personal connections with her customers.

"It is wonderful to have this sense that you can get to know your customers. You can not only talk about framing but their life."

Along with repeat customers, Garland has been noticing repeat requests in what people want framed. She notes that original artwork has been popular, as well as children's art that is being framed for mom or dad's office.

Nostalgia is one of the biggest trends, with customers regularly bringing in heirloom fabrics or wedding pictures of older family members. Garland believes this is connected to Sept. 11, which "has made people more interested in friends and relationships. People want to hold onto things that are special to their family."

Frames can range in price from $10 for a small pre-made frame to $6,000 for a large, ornate custom design. Ready made frames can usually be ready in less than a day, while some custom work can take up to two weeks.

It might seem like a lengthy amount of time, but Garland puts quite an effort into the design scheme, balancing color, fabrics and the owner's personality.

"The purpose of a frame is to enhance the art, not hide it in a big fancy frame," says Garland. "A sign of a good job is when the frame complements the art and draws it out."

Although she enjoys the process of selection, Garland's true passion is the finished product—especially when the owners finally get to see it.

"It is great to see their faces when they come to pick up their piece and they see it all done up and stunning. That is the best reward, to see the customer happy."