Soaring into creative projects: Custom frame shop helps preserve memories

From family heirlooms to a piece of tile from a first home to a painting, Soaring Eagle Custom Framing works to protect keepsakes and memories through framing. 

“My motto is, I never say I can’t do it until I’ve thought about it and researched a way to make it work,” shop owner Jennifer Brickman said. 

Originally from Kentucky, Brickman moved to Montana from Wyoming with her husband Paul in 2015. She took over the business, formally called Budget Framing Shop, in 2022 and rebranded it to Soaring Eagle Custom Framing, symbolizing a fresh start.  

She moved the store from downtown Kalispell to a larger space on Montana 35, providing more space to work on projects as well as take on bigger ones. 

Standing in the shop on a spring morning, Brickman works on a 41-inch by 64-inch frame. 

“I hadn’t done a lot of framing before taking over,” Brickman said. “Mostly I framed pieces for my family, friends and myself but I have always loved crafts. When the opportunity to buy the business came up, I was intrigued.”  

She dove into learning about the trade of framing and now can’t imagine doing anything else.  

“We can frame grandma’s hanky, or a jersey, or an artifact. I once framed an old stained-glass window in a shadow box with a light behind it,” Brickman said.  

Not knowing what a customer may bring through the door makes the job exciting.  

“For me, it’s all just fun to put together,” she said.  

Soaring Eagle Custom Framing is located at 3955 Montana 35, Unit B in Kalispell. For more information call 406-756-6858.  

Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or kheston@dailyinterlake.com.

    Framed pieces of artwork at Soaring Eagle Custom Framing. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
  

    Jennifer Brickman, owner of Soaring Eagle Custom Framing, at her shop in Creston. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
  

    Frame samples at Soaring Eagle Custom Framing. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)