Cloth Picture Frames

 How to Make Cloth Picture Frames

  Instructions

 o                           1

Choose a standard size frame of either 5-by-7 or 8-by-10 inches. Choose a frame that is flat on the front and avoid frames that have ridges. Remove the backing and glass. Pick out one piece of fabric large enough to cover the front of the frame, or sufficient pieces of coordinated color and pattern to overlay on each other that will cover the frame. Cut strips and arrange as desired, so that each piece contrasts with the piece next to it so it will stand out.

o                           2

Apply Mod Podge around the top and sides of the frame with a 1-inch foam brush. If using one large piece of fabric, lay it over the frame and smooth it flat, pressing out any air bubbles. If using strips of different fabric, lay each strip slightly overlapping each other to cover the frame. Where necessary, apply Mod Podge to the fabric areas that need sealant to be secured to the frame. Let dry, then flip the frame over so the back of the frame is facing up. If using one large piece of fabric, cut an "X" from corner to corner with scissors. Trim excess fabric to leave just enough fabric to fold in and fold around the outside of the frame.

       

o                           3

Secure the fabric around the frame with a popsicle stick from the front to the back, and from the center in just enough to cover the edge and allow the glass insert to fit in snugly. Apply additional Mod Podge where needed to the fabric to secure it to the frame. Let dry. Add a finishing touch to the frame by hot gluing decorative trim around the frame opening and a contrasting cord around the outside of the frame. Insert the glass insert, a photo or picture to fit the frame opening, and put the back of the frame in.

Want a expert to help you, click HERE for High Street Gallery.

Glass Frames

Glass Frames, How to make!

                                           

Measure the pictures you would like framed. Calculate the total perimeter (outside edges) of the pictures; this determines how much molding and balsa you will need. Purchase enough crown molding to cover this length. The crown molding will be the design of your frame. These are available in solid woods and textural patterns, including quirky themes like seashells. Purchase coordinating amounts of balsa wood to create the lip on the back of your frame. Make a list of the measurements picture by picture so you know what size your glass pieces should be, then purchase your glass pre-cut to size.

o                           2

Mark the strips of molding to designate pieces for each side of your frame. Leave a couple of inches between each length for corners. Mark 45° angles between each piece; each finished piece will look like a trapezoid. The shorter length of the trapezoid will be the size of the photo edge, and the longer length will be the outside edge of the frame. The piece without the balsa wood will be the top of the frame and is where the glass will be inserted.

o                   

3

Use the miter saw to make your cuts. If you are hesitant cutting, leave a little extra length to trim off.

o                           4

Use the utility knife to cut strips of the balsa wood 3/4 the length of the bottom, right and left sides of your frame. Glue these to the back of the crown molding, on the outside edge, leaving the top side blank. This is the lip to hold the glass and picture in place. Ensure it dries smoothly by affixing a C-clamp.

o                           5

Lay out the individual pieces of cut molding (with balsa attached) to form your picture frame. Check to see that they fit together correctly and for any needed alterations. Add wood glue between the angles on each corner. Hold in place with a band clamp, and leave it to dry.

o                           6

Cut the foam board to the size of the glass with a utility knife.

o                           7

Strengthen the corners by nailing them together. Drill small holes into the sides of each corner of the frame so the nails won't be seen straight on. Hammer in a nail into these holes for extra support. The drill is used to prevent the wood from splitting; make the hole slightly smaller than the nails.

o                           8

Sand the frame down if needed. If you're using a wood molding, add stain or paint for a professional finish. If you are using a subtle frame, you can add paint and decorations to the actual glass.

o                           9

Insert framing hooks with wire to the back. Slip in the glass, then the picture and the foam board under the frame's lip

 

Sounds tough to do? Click HERE to visit a Master Framer, High Street Gallery for answers.

Repair Wood Picture Frames

Repair corners on a wood picture frame.

Lots of things can cause a picture frames corners to come loose and for the frame in general to become in disrepair.

The constant expanding and contracting caused by temperature and moisture changes that go on during the day in most houses.

A trip to the floor can really loosen a picture frame's joints.

Fumes from cooking can be rough on the picture frame corner joints and the finish as well. Outside polutants that come inside every time a door or window is opened can be bad for wood picture frame joints and finish.

Picture frame repair is pretty easy to do as long as you do it slowly and carefully.

Separate the loose wood picture frame corners.

If a corner joint needs a little prying always pry from the underneath part of the frame and never from the top, because it will compress the wood on the frame member on one side.

Never pry from the outside of the corner, as it could break a portion of the corner off and if you pry from the inside of the corner it will compress the wood and make the corner appear to not join properly.

Want to learn from a master, click HERE to talk to High Street Gallery in Auburn.

Needlework, Textiles & Frabrics for Proper Custom Framing

 

Needlework, Textiles & Fabrics - Proper Custom Framing
Custom framing is an excellent choice for displaying needlework (cross stitches, hooked rugs, tapestries, quilts, etc.) as well as most kinds of textiles, and other fabrics such as painted silks. A well designed frame showcase not only offsets the beauty of the work, but also protects it from environmental damage.

The approach to framing each of the above mentioned materials will vary from one piece to the next. A large, heavy hooked rug for example, needs to be handled differently than a delicate silk. Following are some ideas and suggestions on methods of framing these materials, things to take into consideration, and questions you might ask the custom framer of your choice.

One of the first things to pay attention to is the weight of the material. Anything that is very light weight or delicate should be put behind glass. It is a good idea to put all items behind protective glass, but heavier, sturdier items can go without if that is your choice.

The glass though, should never come in direct contact with the piece of art. Either matting or some type of spacer needs to be used to lift the glass slightly. This is something that should be discussed with and explained by your custom framer.

Another issue to address is how the item will be presented and "mounted" in the frame. A cross stitch should be stretched and blocked over an appropriate backing, hiding the rough edges, while something like a quilt or tapestry should be sewn to a backing and allowed to hang, exposing the edging which is generally intended to be seen. (Reinforcements such as Velcro strips behind the quilt may be called for if it is of a particular weight or size.) Although glass is a reasonable extra measure to take (and anything with existing damage should be protected with it), some opt to forego glass on sturdier materials such as these. Again, these are things to discuss with a professional.

The type of matting and/or backing is an important subject to decide on as well. While the colors in most cross stitches look attractive using cotton matting, textiles and such often have a depth and richness of color that is not necessarily enhanced by the use of cotton mats. They can have a tendency to appear dull. Consider using mats wrapped in linen, silk, suede, leather or other materials that might complement the vibrant dyes in a more suitable way. There is a wide variety of matting available that comes already covered in these types of fabrics, or any professional should have the ability to wrap a mat with the fabric of your choice. The options are many, so feel free to collaborate with your custom framer.

Last to choose is the frame. Pay close attention to the amount of detail in the art work. Very often, the detail is extraordinary and complicated. If this is the case, while you may be tempted to choose an elaborately styled frame to "match" the design, it is usually best to go for something simpler and more toned down. A moulding with intricate detail against a tapestry with intricate detail will "fight" for the viewer's eye. Ultimately, the goal is to offset and enhance the art with complementary colors, tones and style. The last thing you want to do is overpower the art with a frame that is too much. Conversely, when framing something such as a minimalist, Asian-styled, hand painted silk, you may prefer a moulding with a bit more detail to it. The piece may appear too lifeless without a more decorative frame.

It is important that each of these types of materials be handled and treated properly to ensure its longevity. Once the correct treatment has been addressed, there are many choices and decisions to make when it comes to the overall design. One person's taste is not the same as the next. Take the time to consult a professional (or more than one), get his or her feedback and choose the one with whom you feel most comfortable so you are confident the best possible showcase was created for the work of art.

The key to framing these kinds of materials, click HERE for High Street Gallery, Auburn California

How to Become a Picture Framer Apprentice

 

Professional picture framers spend years perfecting the art of preserving prints.

Picture framing is a deceptively difficult skill to master and requires a very steady hand. Framing a piece of artwork or a photograph is tough to do without harming it. You must be able to accurately manipulate the picture, keeping the edges safe from damage, then carefully apply a semi-permanent adhesive to keep the art firmly secured within the frame. Most professional picture framers started out as apprentices, generally doing between two and four years of on-the-job training with a master picture framer.

 Instructions

• 1 Search out a nearby framing company that specializes in pictures and artwork. Schedule a meeting to speak with one of the master framers about the job. Picture framing is a career path with few formal training options, so master framers are generally very excited to help people get started on their own framing careers.
• 2 Ask the picture framers you meet with if they have any apprenticeships open. Have them direct you to other framing businesses that may have openings. Apply for a part-time job at department stores that offer picture framing, and use this as a ground-level opportunity to learn about job skills needed.
• 3 Take classes in art preservation and art history to learn more about the techniques preservationists use to frame pictures properly. Begin your on-the-job training as an apprentice framer. Keep a small notebook on you at all times to jot down notes and observations. You may have to work for free as an apprentice until you have the experience to expertly mount a picture. Use this time to soak up as much information as possible about the profession.

Want to learn more, click HERE to see Hight Street Gallery, a master framer.

Custom Picture Framer-Why do you need one?

High Street Gallery located in Auburn, California has been providing custom picture framing services to the Auburn area and local surrounding communities since 1996. Kelli Fortenbaugh MCPF, and owner of High Street Gallery, has worked in the picture framing industry for over 24 years and is a Master Certified Picture Framer (MCPF). She is also the current president of the Northern California Chapter of Professional Picture Framers Association.
We specialize in the exotic and unusual. Click here to read all about the services we offer.
Are you interested in having a custom frame done? Click here to read our article entitled, "Before You Visit Your Custom Framer", featured in the Sierra Heritage HOME magazine . High Street Gallery, just a click away:
 http://www.thisismytownusa.com/high-street-gallery.php

What Items and Objects can be Frames

Picture Frames - What Items And Objects Can Be Framed?

By Cleo Gib

It does not matter if we have to in case an award, diploma, certificate, portrait, mirror, artifact, sports jersey, children's art work, flag, or any other valuable, the chore of picking out the perfect frame can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many different frames in  that without the advice of a professional it may be tough to find the perfect casing for all your different wall decorations.
Trends are changing. Today, people like to frame more than just precious, old paintings or family photos. An array of items is being framed, even valuable memorabilia. What is the sense of having a collection of military medals, butterflies, or autographs when they are locked up in a drawer?
While magnificent watercolors once decorated the walls of many homes, modern folks also like to brighten up their rooms with stylish posters. Many frames are designed to highlight the depth of placards, announcements and advertising sheets. Sure, it may not look like a promotion, but when you are hanging a Star Trek poster over your mantel, you are actually endorsing the movie, the TV show, or your passion for Sci-Fi.
Stacking frames are constructed in such a way that they create a 3D effect. Shadow boxes, on the other hand, are much deeper than regular frames. Because of the extra space between the backing and the glass casing, you can actually place an object inside the box. These frame types are used to better preserve and display sculpted artwork, signed baseballs, miniatures, and other valuable objects.

Want more information on your specific needs, contact:  High Street Gallery
http://www.thisismytownusa.com/high-street-gallery.php