Thursday, May 1, 2014

Framing

I was recently asked about framing small panel paintings, specifically about 'floating frames' and how they work. A floating frame is designed to have the artwork installed from the front/finished side of the frame, therefore leaving the entire image exposed. 
I think they're kind of ideal for small paintings made on panels.

(Disclaimer: None of this information is original to me, I've merely learned from others, especially Carol Marine, and adapted to my liking.)


Similar to regular install-from-the-back frames, floating frames come in a variety of finishes and profiles. I'm a simple girl, and I really like these straight, black floating frames from Franken Frame
(This particular frame is item no. 2026 on their website. My panels are 6" x 6" so I order the frames at 6.25" x 6.25" to allow for the little space.)

(front)

(back
(These frames come without any hardware, I added the wire and bumpers myself. Little known fact: one of my part-time jobs in college was a framing assistant at The Great Frame Up. :) )

Securing the painting to the frame couldn't be easier!
I use industrial strength self-adhesive black Velcro. It comes in rolls or sheets, and I've bought it at craft stores and hardware stores and, of course, it's available on Amazon


I cut the appropriate length strips (1/4" to 3/8" wide), and attach the hook (rough) piece to the frame;


and the corresponding loop (soft) piece to the back of the panel.




To install, just put the two together! Easy as pie! 


I usually put one hand up through the back side and lower the artwork with that hand so I can clearly see all the edges while lowering slowly onto the frame. A couple of firm pushes on the corners to make sure it's attached, and that's it!



Here's my little rotating display in our living room:


I love using the Velcro for a couple of reasons; one, it has some thickness so it lifts the panel away from the back of the frame a bit, and two, even though it's incredibly secure, it's not permanent! I can change out the art in my frames as often as I like, and have my 'For Sale' pieces displayed nicely. 

How do you frame your small panel paintings? Share your tips!


8 comments:

Diane Mannion said...

Thank you thank you for this information, Nora! Your work is wonderful, too.

Kara K. Bigda said...

GENIUS! I love the velcro. I'll be using this information in the future for my aquabord paintings. And thank you for the photos and resources. :)

Lee Ekland said...

Hi Nora,
Thanks for passing on the cool framing information. : )

Do you use the Velcro just for your own personal framing needs or do you sell your work framed this way?

I was just wondering about customer satisfaction with Velcro over the long run. For swapping out panels it sounds perfect.

Thanks,
I enjoy your work!
Lee

Nora Bergman said...

Thanks, all!

Lee,
I have sold several paintings framed this way to friends and family members, and I think the industrial strength adhesive is extremely durable.
This velcro is tough! It takes a good amount of pressure to remove a panel when I want to - shaking or normal handling wouldn't budge it.
Of course, check it out for yourself - don't do anything you're not comfortable with. :)

Thanks for asking.
Nora

Unknown said...

I agree, industrial Velcro is tough! I hadn't thought to use it in this way. Thanks for sharing this tip and your beautiful work too!

Tamsen Armstrong said...

Thank you for the framing tip, Nora! I ordered some black and some maple floater frames from Franken and found them to be well made and beautiful, just as you say. I wonder if you have tried The Canvas Place yet. Their prices are a heck of a lot lower--even though they sell their frames in sets of 3. I just read about this site from Carol Marine's recent post and am curious if you have an opinion on the comparison between the two companies. I enjoy your paintings a great deal and admire your talent and sense of humor! Do you ever give workshops or private/group lessons? I live in the bay area, but I have family in the Portland area who I visit at least once in the summer. I would love to spend the day painting/learning with you.
Yours,
Tamsen Armstrong

Nora Bergman said...

Thanks, Tamsen! I haven't tried The Canvas Place yet, but I'm going to check it out. Thanks for the tip!
And no, sorry, I don't teach - maybe someday when my boys are older - and when the idea doesn't sound terrifying...lol! Thanks for asking, though - that made my day. :)

Anita HartCarroll said...

Nora, I love your art! I just finished Carol Marine's workshop and I'm looking for local art buddies to mutually encourage each other. I live in portland area. If you're interested, you can pm me on facebook! Anita HartCarroll. ahartcarroll.blogspot.com