Hi Guys, I got my first estimate for framing of the piece this morning -- went with one of my needlework friends so that I had more input :-). This is an independent framer so there's no coupon, etc. available but she quoted a discount anyway. I have photos of the piece with the corner mats and frame but I can't get the *$&%^%%$ scanner program to save the stuff I scanned! Once I get the machinery working properly I'll scan the photos and set up a special Firehouse Angel album at Webshots. DIANNE -- If you want me to send the photos to you for inclusion in the website I can do that too. It's up to you so e-mail me, OK? Anyway -- a description. The area of the needlework that will be shown is 13" wide x 17" long -- this allows about 1" beyond that actual stitching. The finished size will be 24.5" x 28.5". There is a very pale yellow inner mat -- 1/4" showing (to highlight the wing tips), next is a narrow gold (coordinates with the frame) fillet that is very simple
-- no curlicues, etc. The second mat is a 3" pale rosy cocoa textured suede (the photo sort of washes it out) that complements the face of the Angel nicely. Last is the frame itself. It's one of those that has a reddish base with heavy gold overlay -- not at all shiny. It has some scrollwork curvy stuff that reflects the curves of the wings but is NOT all "squirrley" and gorpy. Of course, I had the woman quote conservation glass on the piece and ALL materials will be conservation quality. Oh -- add in spacers too -- want to make sure the beadwork doesn't come anywhere near the glass and the cost is minimal. The frame is about 2" wide and I KNOW that sounds too small for the piece but it's not. It is one of those frames that curves up a lot (the profile measurement is probably 2" also) so it has a lot of "oomph" to it. If anyone wants to take a look at it, it's Larson Juhl #559WG. We tried other, larger frames but all you saw was the frame. None of us like any of the larger frames -- odd when you remember that for me "more is always better" -- LOL! Now for the sticker shock -- which isn't all that bad considering all the stuff included -- quoted price is $431.23. Add at least another $70.00 for shipping to NY and packaging supplies and I'll need to have about $500.00. The piece looked SO lovely that if I knew we could raise that much money, I would have told her it's a done deal! Currently, with donations in hand and one BIG one that is on it's way to me, we have about $250.00 so we are half way there. I WILL go to Michael's and Hobby Lobby early next week and see what type of estimate they give me. I have an appointment for 3:30pm today with another independent framer and I will post again with that info. Also, I want to be the one to do the lacing & pinning and I'm not sure that the chain stores will agree to that. To MOI, that is one of *the* most important parts of framing needlework properly! Susan, the lady I met with this AM, has no problem with me doing the lacing and pinning. She doesn't lace -- just pins but I think a piece this size needs both. She will provide the foam core, etc. and that's been included in the estimate. OK -- that's all for now. I'll post again once I return from this second appointment -- and I'll make sure to get photos. Hopefully, DH will get the *&(#%*($#^ scanner working so that I can actually SAVE the stuff I scan -- LOL! CiaoMeow >^;;^<