new to forum, have a framing question

[TJG]

Hello all,
After a long hiatus to raise my family, I'm stepping back onto the path of my art journey. It's been 22 long years, a few college level classes, and 2 children almost raised, but now--I think it's time for me to have a little fun!

In that regard, I have joined a local art league. They have a show coming up in which any member can participate. (whew--no jury). SO--I've feverishly finished a few items in colored pencil. Now I'm ready to frame. I understand that since they are on paper (Canson Mi-Tense), they do need to be under glass. However, my question is about the frames themselves. MUST I have them professionally framed? Or is it OK to purchase frames and mats of appropriate size/color and do the framing myself? I envision purchase of wood frame from JoAnn's, or a similar store, and then getting the eyes and wire and attaching that part myself.

Is this considered inappropriate for a show?? This being my first show in a loooonnng time, I want to do it right---but if I have to invest $500 in framing for these few pieces, I may just pass on showing.

Thanks for the help, and---if I figure out how to work the scanner---I'll scan them in before I frame them

tjg

[Beeber]

I don't see why framing it yourself would be an issue, if you can get professional results. I know the majority of shows have restrictions on mat and frame color (usually just black and white), but I've never heard of a show requiring professional framing. Look up www.framesbymail.com to see some really inexpensive nice frames. I use them exclusively for my own work. Good luck and make sure to post your entries!

[Acker]

Most shows will list framing requirements. Store bought ones are
usually OK if eyes and wires are used. It is difficult to hang a picture if sawtooth hanger is used. Neutral mats are often preferred. You might need to check on the glass as some shows require plexiglass.
Even though the workis done on paper I have seen some colored pencil that is framed as it it were oil, no mat or glass. I have also seen cp work that has been varnished so mat and glass weren't needed.
Good luck.

[TJG]

Beeber--thanks for the link--that is really a great resource and I think I will use them sometime. For this set, I'm thinking that I won't have enough time for delivery and assembly.
Acker---I have a copy of the rules, they say we can use either glass or plexiglass, and they don't specify anything about frame or mat color, but glad you mentioned that--I'll go with something very neutral--ivory or ecru--and a very simple frame. That way if I ever want to put them in another show, I might not have to re-frame....sound like a reasonably sane idea?

Like I said---as soon as I can figure out the scanner (pencils are WAAAYYY easier than electronics) and how to upload here...I'll post them.

Thanks for the help!
tjg

[wet]

I have found for myself I like to keep all of my frames very simular when hanging in a booth. It seems to help with the over all look of the work and doesn't distract from the art work. Either mirror or eye hooks and wire on the back about 1/3 the way down from the top. You might also want to buy a roll of brown paper. The kind that looks like paper bags. Cut it to size and double stick tape it to the back for a dust cover. Then the hooks and wire. The paper is also great to write on. You know, name of the piece, when it was done, medium. Or stick a buisness card on it. Can't wait to see your work. Figuring out how to post work is the hardest part I think. Wanda

[TJG]

Good morning!
Wanda---this is GREAT help! I went out Friday evening and had the mats cut for all three entries. But the store was closing as I was choosing frames...so I have to return. But this gives me lots of good information for the framing part.
Hoping that tonight I will have time to play with the scanner, then figure out how to upload to the site.
Thanks,
tjg

[Rosa Weitzel]

Please let me jump in here, I learned the VERY hard way about what not to use, I had a judge tell any one who would listen that if I had used a white mat and black or brown frame I would have won first prize in a judged contest that you would have won money art supplies and atta boys from fellow artist. It was really embarrassing for me, I think I got told about it by twenty people. Please use white Matt's two to three inch's wide, use glass even if its an oil pencil use the brown paper dust cover on the back and wire hanger. I wish you luck, and I hope you never have to go through what I did because I did not know better.

Your friend in pencils,
Rosa

[TJG]

hmmmm....well Rosa, this is great to know too...as there were no suggestions or requirements or anything helpful in the show's prospectus. I had chosen a cream colored mat for one, and a "paper bag brown" for another, and was well on my way to a reddish tan for the third and largest of the pieces...but since I have no frames yet (remember--the store closed), maybe I should just get some white matts and brown frames and just go with those....then if I end up not selling them and hanging them on my wall--well, then I can switch them to the colored matts......
This is a judged show and there are prizes....but I doubt if I'm in the running for any prizes anway....then again, maybe I shouldn't look at it that way, right?

[graphicdiva]

hello there!
Great thread by the way.

I do all my own framing. I sell originals as well as prints of my work. One of the best purchases I ever made was buying my own matt cutter. I bought the logan 301 and I am very happy with it. www.logangraphic.com has great framing tools for people who want to do all of their own framing.(and no this is not a paid advertisement brought to you by Logan supplies har har)Right now I am using ready made frames at Michaels because I still need to buy framing tools to cut my own frames. Michaels usually has sales on frames at least monthly for 40% off. I wait till then and buy my frames. When I buy the rest off the tools I need I will cut these costs by at least half!
I usually double matt all of my work-you don't have to- I just prefer how it looks, plus the local art store gives me excellant prices on matt board
Make sure you always stick on acid free paper/board between the artwork and back board that comes with the frame. Also use framers and artists tape when doing any framing. I then glue the back of the frame and lay it on a moistened piece of brown artists paper-you can buy thicker stuff at art supply or framing stores and its cheap. As the paper dries it will shrink a bit making the paper drum tight and wrinkle free. Then I trim the paper with a razor blade by laying it flat against the frame so you don't damage the frame and the straight edge of the wood gives you a perfect cut. On the back of the framed piece I sign it, stick a business card and bio on the back- and if it's a print I will write what # it is in a series (5/100 etc)and awards that may have been won by the original piece. I also made up stickers that tell a buyer how to take care of their artwork and I stick this on the back as well.
Glad to hear you are doing art again and welcome to the forum!
Christina

p.s- Another good thing to invest in is framing books, I use them a lot and they are really helpful.

[NancyPH]

Hi TJG! Hope I'm not too late to respond.

I agree with both Wanda and Rosa. I buy my frames at an art supply/framing store. They are already made and sold commercially, but they are VERY nice ones, yet do not cost a mint. All of mine are either mahogony, walnut, or cherry and dark colored. I use small phillips screws to put the D-rings on the back, about 1/3 of the way down the frame from the top (like wanda said). Then I take the wire and loop it through the D-rings. I finish it off by winding the extra wire on each end around the string of wire that I will use to hang the picture with, then tape it with black electrical tape. That wire hurts like the dickens and can cut you quite badly, so I always tape mine. I hope this made sense to you.

I would just advise to never buy frames from places like walmart, kmart, etc. They get terribly banged up and usually are frames that are glued together rather than stapled together. You should always get the ones that are stapled.

BTW, Dick Blick and Jerry's Artarama also sell frames.

[AnnieJo]

Just a rule of thumb: stick with neutrals. white isn't always the answer. Sometimes a white mat actually detracts from a piece. Stick with neutrals and you will be okay. I use white often, but I also use khaki, cream, beige, grey...it just depends on the piece.

[ams]

I use ready made frames as well but I haven't entered any shows with them.

I read on a framing site that your mat should never be whiter than the lightest area of your picture so bright white isn't always the best choice. I usually go with a cream mat and black or brown frame.

Anne

[TJG]

Hello all,
Thanks for all the tips....I feel like I'll be well informed when I get a chance to go "frame shopping" again....good thing I didn't invest too much in this already! I really appreciate you helping a 'rookie'!
tj