Chris and Kacie Eller’s journey to creating Time Capsule Framing is a tale of passion, persistence, and a love for art. The couple met in Springfield, Virginia, where they both worked at a frame shop. Kacie grew up in Manassas, Virginia, while Chris lived in lower Virginia for a long time. Their paths diverged for about a decade, with Kacie moving to Las Vegas and Chris relocating to Colorado. However, fate had plans to bring them back together. Kacie moved to Colorado in 2018, rekindling their relationship and leading to their marriage. By then, Chris had already established Time Capsule Framing in Denver in 2011.

The Birth and Evolution of Time Capsule Framing

The business name was derived based on a passion for preservation framing and historical memorabilia. Starting a business alone is never easy, and Chris faced his fair share of challenges when he first opened Time Capsule Framing. "It was just me by myself doing it, so it was hard” Chris recalls. The business had its ups and downs, and while it flourished at times, COVID-19 presented unprecedented challenges. With the pandemic causing significant disruptions, Chris and Kacie made the decision to relocate the business to Shawnee in 2020.

The move to an historic building next to the post office in Shawnee, overlooking a gorgeous pine covered ridge and river proved to be a great decision. "We have this stunning scenic view now and curiosity (or maybe the need for a bathroom break) tends to lure people off the highway” Chris notes. Plus, the overhead costs dropped significantly when we moved from the city, making it easier to net money, despite not making as much in total revenue as before. Kacie’s contribution to the business has been invaluable. She expanded their offerings to include a wide range of art supplies, such as brushes, acrylics, oils, posters, toys for kids, puzzles, metal signs, yarn, and needles and much more. This diversification helped supplement the expenses that came with the price increase of framing services.

Artistic Backgrounds and Expertise

Both Chris and Kacie come from strong artistic backgrounds. Kacie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University, while Chris studied Media Arts and Animation at the Art Institute in Washington, D.C. Their expertise in art has been a significant asset to their business. "When you're an artist, framing is kind of a job that you get," Kacie explains. Their skills in printmaking and animation, combined with years of experience working at frame shops, have enabled them to offer unique services and insights to their customers.

One of their standout services is their ability to identify and authenticate prints. "We can tell whether they're original prints or just printed out on some other type of printer," Kacie says. This expertise has earned them a loyal customer base, with many clients returning for their specialized knowledge and personalized service.

Adapting to Challenges and Embracing Community

The move to Shawnee brought about a fresh start and new opportunities. "We fell in love with the Shawnee area. We were initially looking at houses in Conifer, Bailey, and Pine, and there was really nothing at the time that worked for us," Kacie shares. Their realtor suggested Shawnee, and it turned out to be a perfect fit. "It's a very special place. It's beautiful," she adds.

The pandemic forced many businesses to adapt, and Time Capsule Framing was no exception. They started offering online services, such as digital mock-ups of framing projects. Customers could send pictures of their art, and Chris and Kacie would provide virtual examples of different framing options. This innovation allowed them to continue serving their clients, even during lockdowns.

Unique Services and Sustainability Efforts

Time Capsule Framing is more than just a framing shop; it's a hub for art lovers and a place where history is preserved. Chris and Kacie are passionate about sustainability and have implemented several eco-friendly practices. They recycle paper, using every scrap of material, and even make their own paper. "We try to be as green as possible because of the industry we're in and use everything," Kacie explains.

Their services extend beyond standard framing. They offer large-format digital printing, graphic design, and photo editing. They also handle specialty projects, such as preserving historic papers and creating shadow boxes for unique items like turkey tails. Ask Chris sometime about that unique smell - he says it still haunts him. Their ability to copy and reprint old photographs has made them a valuable resource for the local community, particularly those interested in preserving Shawnee's rich history.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

Chris and Kacie's commitment to their community goes beyond their business operations. A natural evolution of their passion for archival work, occupying an historic building, and living in an area with such rich history they became actively engaged in the Shawnee historical society. Under Kacie Eller’s leadership, the historical society initiated a project to restore the Price/Tyler cemetery in Shawnee, which has been in use by the Price and Tyler families since 1889, predating the founding of the town. They also offer free digitization and restoration services for old photographs brought in by locals. "We really like to help the locals. It's good being in the historical district," Chris notes. Their location in a historic building adds to their charm and connection to the area's heritage.

Despite the challenges they’ve faced, Chris and Kacie remain motivated by their love for what they do and their desire to contribute to their community. "We love the community here. So we're so happy now to be like a part of the community here in Park County," Kacie says. They continue to adapt and grow, always looking for ways to improve and expand their offerings.

A Homestead Dream

When they’re not working on their business, Chris and Kacie dedicate their time to their homestead. They have two acres of land where they grow vegetables, flowers, and maintain a greenhouse. "We try to give the kids as close to a childhood as we had growing up, like in the 80s and 90s," Kacie shares. Their homestead is a labor of love, and they enjoy spending time outdoors, working on various projects, and caring for their goats and chickens.

Conclusion

Chris and Kacie Eller’s journey from Virginia to Colorado and their evolution from working in a frame shop to owning Time Capsule Framing is a testament to their dedication, passion, and resilience. Their business is a reflection of their artistic talents, commitment to sustainability, and deep connection to their community. As they continue to grow and adapt, they remain a vital part of Shawnee’s artistic and historical fabric, offering unique services and a personal touch that sets them apart.