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Framing quest

My EGA chapter brought Laura Smith, a master craftsman in color design, here for a class. We worked on Lighthouse Moon designed to teach us about color contrast and values. Intellectually, I got what she was saying. However, using the threads in the kit to achieve most of the effects she was talking about was a real challenge. I more or less gave up in certain areas and used what I thought were pleasing combinations of colors which may or may not demonstrate the way the light hit the structures.

I had a lot of fun choosing the colors and shaping the cloud appliques near the moon and in the sky but my moon has a fuzzy edge. I forget her comment but Laura liked that. From not too far away, it can't be seen but I know it's there.

The model had what looked to me like a grey-purplish mat and a plain blkac frame. The mat picked up the not so bright night lighting and gave the piece what I think is a subdued look.

I'm 98% finished with the piece and learned a lot, mostly about myself, such as I don't 'see' shadows and light with an artist's eye. Working with single strands of 4 colors to produce foliage was nerve wracking but worth it. Layering different translucent (transparent??) organza and tulle rocks!!!

I'm now on a quest as I can't see my way clear to spending a lot of money to have the piece professionally framed. The stitched area is approximately 6 x 8" which rules out off the shelf mats so I'm going to hit some/many/all of the hobby stores and a few of the framing stores to see what it might cost to have a mat cut that would fit a ready made frame. I also plan to go to my favorite fabric store. If I can find the right fabric, I'll cut my own mat and the fabric will laid on top and hopefully hide my unprofessional edges.

Reply to
anne
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What fun - I do some of that with the art garment sewing. And have been working up a canvaswork artsy piece to use all kinds of layering and non-traditional methods. What fun for you!

2 things - getting a mat cut isn't that expensive. If you're planning to overlay it, then they can just do it with the most basic buffered mat or acid-free. My suggestion - look for a frame first - that gives you a good border area and then go find and get the mat cut. Also - you might just use a linen mat - there are mats with fabric layered onto them already - and look really nice. Linen, some grasscloth, some with silk - take a look at what will work with the piece. Given that you've layered fabric on the piece - I'd say be careful that putting fabric on the mat works with it, not distracting from it.

Can't wait to see your finished pic!

ellice

Reply to
ellice

First - watch for sales - lots of the big box craft places are running sales on framing to lure customers in 60% is not uncommon where I am.

Second - like Ellice said, pick your frame if you must go of the shelf and then pick the mat and see if they can add spacers to the glass if needed. OR if you can upgrade the glass. And make sure the frame is deep enough for mats, glass etc.

Cheryl

Reply to
Cheryl Isaak

I never leave home without my coupons

Yesterday I went to an artist's supply store which has deep discounts on frames and a selection of precut mats in sizes that the big box stores don't have. The 6 x 8 ones that were just a tad too big and the wrong colors. I wandered around the aisles looking at frames when all of a sudden, I found a treasure. Not only did the frame have a 5 1/2" x 7

1/2" opening, it was reduced from almost $30 to $6.95!!!!!!!!!!! I bought 2!!!!!!!! The frou frou gilded design wouldn't work so I headed over to my favorite fabric shop and found dark lilac grey material that could be used to make a covering for the frame.

When I got home and pulled one of the packages apart, I was delighted to find that the opening was perfect!!!! Then I started to worry about how to attach the fabric without obscuring the little ridge on the back into which the piece is supposed to fit. The P word -- paint -- popped into my head.

I didn't want a totally flat look that spray paint gives so I slathered several coats of black Dutch Boy craft paint on one. Then I remembered I had a can of spray spackling; it turned out nicely but the light frame does change the look of the picture. So, I slathered the second frame with black paint. After another coat, I may try a wash of some yet undecided color.

Note to Cheryl -- my Michael's sends all framing out, unlike the other stores. A custom cut mat to fit a 9 x 12 or an 11 x 14 frame would've cost $9-$13 which isn't too bad.

Reply to
anne

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