Demonstration Framing
There are lots of framed examples throughout my little shop. Some are very simple and others show off a specific technique, but they are scattered throughout the building. In the framing process, we might "take a walk" around the shop to see examples. While, there is nothing wrong with taking the time for show and tell, I wanted to streamline the process a bit. So part of my New Year lull, is improvement of the framing experience. Now I have little demonstration pieces hanging with the moulding samples. They also provide a little visual relief. With over one thousand choices, it can get a little overwhelming!
Before the samples were a bit jammed together.
So I get to show off a bit, spruce up the walls AND work through a little excess material. Even though the demonstrations are small (so they fit in the columns of samples) I can pack a big punch into a little package. I'm sure there will still be show and tell every now and then, but this is still (a small) improvement!
A few specific examples...
I'm showing different reveal widths with the above shell picture, starting with 1/8" through 1/2". The frame repeats the ripples of the shell (and the waves on a beach).
A little bit of jewelry, this one a Celtic cross. This is a tiny piece so I used an extender frame (little frames meant for stacking) and a spacer to separate the jewelry from the glass. The matting refers to the classic green associated with Ireland. Shifting the frame to a diamond shape can be a fun change... if the dimensions are equal.
This one shows off the Larson-Juhl Anvil frame collection, one of my favorites. This demonstrates a white reveal of the paper, a double mat with a 1/8" reveal. The industrial imagery is complimented by the rusted, metallic look of the frame. (Thanks to Vicki Meyer for the image.)
Another little jewelry project, but this time a Christmas tree. The green suede background references the color of a pine tree. The brooch and necklace pieces are bulky enough that suede strips are needed to separate them from the glass, strips are usually needed in a shadowbox situation.
This isn't a new one, but I always keep it handy because I can show what a stretched needlework entails. No glass on this one to allow the fabric to breathe. A black liner and silver frame are stacked together. The outer frame features a cross hatch design to mimic the stitched border.
This one is stacked using a gold extender and a classic black and gold frame. For a little piece it packs a punch!
Float mounting (or couching) is used for lace, doilies, clothing, jerseys, etc.. Two suede mats show off vintage lace with the matting cut to emphasize the shapes of the pieces. The white core is used as a design element to mimic the brightness of the lace. The frame is a copper-y color that I absolutely love. A multitude of color variations could have been made used to suit any color preferences or décor.
Yet another frame I love, Larson-Juhl's Nouveau (referencing Art Nouveau) is gorgeous, especially with vintage pieces from the early 1900's, artwork by Mucha, etc. This is a little Art Nouveau postcard from an antique store. With three mats, it too packs a punch.
I'm not proud of this but I bought this little birdy with the intention of framing it as a demo. In trying to remove it from the old frame and matting, I tore it. It had way too much adhesive - so while I should have been more careful, it's not surprising. Luckily, I'm still able to use it, but a little differently than what I intended. So this one is showing off two suede mats with the white core revealed. Big thing about this one is the float mount so we can see the torn edges. Another popular frame from Studio Moulding with great texture.
Last but not least. This has been in the shop for a long time. It deserved to be framed so it has two mats, with the opening showing the image only (not the white border of the paper). The mats are cut with reverse bevel so the white core is hiding. A beautiful burl wood frame adds warmth and texture.
The point of all these is there are many choices when deciding how to frame any piece, and it helps to see examples to make any final decisions. And now, you're probably ready for a break, so I'll cut myself off here!
