Framing

A few years ago I decided to make my own frames. After much research I found a book on the subject titled Home Book of Picture Framing by Kenn Oberrecht. Lee Valley Tools provided all the necessary equipment to do the work at a very reasonable cost. The initial outlay seemed like a lot but when you consider the cost of professional framing it was a pittance in comparison. My husband has a workshop and was more than happy to give a helping hand. He has since been making a good portion my frames to wrap my canvasses which is great. When I purchase stretcher bars, or any other artist materials, I do so through Curry's Art Store who ship to my home. The best performing glue to use in the corners is Home Bond Carpenter's Glue. Recently I used an alternative wood glue which was a dissatisfied - I had left my frames outside overnight and the humidity separated the corners. The lesson learned outweighs the disappointment.



I am in no way disqualifying professional framing shops. They certainly can hold their own and do provide a necessary service. My problem is that I live in Northern Ontario where this service is not readily available so I have had to improvise and was/am more than happy to do so because as an artist I find it beneficial to learn every aspect of designing from the ground up.



To date I have painted the edges of my finished pieces so that the works can be displayed frameless - I think that the simplicity adds to how I feel about the solitude and serenity experienced throughout nature. I might however attempt to build a simple wood frame and see how this works. I haven't decided yet as I enjoy painting so much more than framing...