How to Choose a Frame for Art That's Not Flat

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:ChooseFrameArtFlat
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How to Choose a Frame for Art That's Not Flat

Introduction

In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue - and did not fall off. Guess what? Art isn't necessarily flat either. Here's what to do with it when it's not.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Define your goal. Is it to set off your piece better? Or to protect it from dust?
2

Step Two

Decide how and where you want to display your piece. Will it sit on top of a bookcase or sideboard - or hang over the mantel?
3

Step Three

Measure your piece - in all three directions (height, width and depth - depth being the extent to which it sticks out from wherever you're going to put it).
4

Step Four

Decide how much space you want to leave around your piece. There's no hard and fast rule about this, so try a few things and see what looks good.
5

Step Five

Choose a frame that is in keeping with the scale of your piece. In general, a very thick, chunky or heavy piece can carry a much weightier frame, while an ethereal piece such as a mobile needs a lighter approach (lighter, literally, in color as well as weight of the frame). A very deep frame can still look quite delicate, as long as the edge of the frame (what you see when you look at the piece) is thin.
6

Step Six

Consider a plain plexiglass box as an alternative to a traditional (or even nontraditional) frame. A fabric piece or mask may look best this way.

Tips & Warnings

  • Frames that are quite deep are called shadow boxes - and they can be quite expensive. You might want to consider building your own or ordering a kit from a catalog.
  • No matter what framing solution you decide on, remember that archival quality mats are the best way to protect your art.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Yardsticks
  • Mitre Boxes
  • Mat Knives
  • Hammers
  • Picture Frames Or Framing Supplies
  • Picture Hangers
  • Mat Board
  • Miter Saws
  • Art
  • Stud Finders
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