Framing and Design Tips and Ideas
Design Tip:
Try something different for that gallery wall - float a frame in the middle! For instance: hang two 16 x 20 framed photos, prints or even your children's art vertically on either side of your space. In the center between those two images, hang two 11 x 14 framed images on the horizontal. Then, in the 4" or so between the two 11 x 14 images, hang an 8 x 10 image on top of the two (either on the vertical or horizontal) by driving a longer nail between the 11 x 14s and letting the new image "float" (rest) on top of them! Obviously, the nail would come out from the wall at least as far as the frames of the two 11 x 14 images. Try it. You'll be pleased with how great it will look.
P.S.: When designing and framing, always remember, light/white mat colors on your art make it "pop" and come toward you; dark mat colors make the art recede or go away from you, even though in many cases dark mats offer a more dramatic look. So look at the art and your overall room design and then decide which works best for both. Best rule of thumb, always do what's best for the art first rather than trying to make it "fit" with you decor. When the art speaks as itself, it can then be at home in any decor.
Five Tips for Designing Picture Framing
Here are some ideas to consider when choosing framing for your artwork.
1. Look to the art you are framing for clues about color and style: is it bright, subtle, formal, modern or traditional?
2. Look at framed pictures in magazines and on television to figure out what styles you personally like and enjoy.
3. Experiment with wide mats and/or mouldings--they can look great even on small or very tiny artwork!
4. Try several different mats and frame mouldings until you find the combination that: 1) works best with the art, and, 2) that you like best.
5. Remember: The goal is a balanced design that enhances and provides a good presentation for the art, without overwhelming it.
And, always try to find a designer/framer whose knowledge and "eye" for style, color and design you trust.
Tips and Tidbits
Framing. A word that makes husbands hide their wallets and women cringe in doubt. Yes, framing CAN be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. There are many reputable custom framing shops that will work with you to help you choose a great look for your poster, print, photo or original art at a very reasonable price. And, today more and more framing shops are acknowledging the fact that customers are wanting and needing to economize, so they are offering ready made frames with "do-it-yourself" customized matting options. For example: a little soft watercolor brushed onto the mat adds a nice texture and background for the image; transfer rub-ons can highlight a speia-toned, antique photo especially if used in conjunction with a little soft pastel color rubbed underneath, etc. Search and find a framer who offers these products in your neighborhood, or email me and I will pass along some suggestions.
Tips and Words to the Wise: If you do decide to go the route of a ready made frame for your family photos, children's school photos, children's art or antique family photos, please, please do NOT simply throw these images into a readymade frame without a mat or spacers between the glass and image. Afterall, these photos and your children's art work have great sentimental value - to you and to your children and possibly grandchildren - so, at least go the few extra pennies to get a readymade mat to keep them protected so that they can be enjoyed for years to come! Other option, if you really do not want a mat - spend the extra money for acrylic to replace the glass. Acrylic will not "sweat". Glass does.
Tidbits: Wonderful "new" products: inexpensive art reproductions for outdoors! (Actually not so new - around for a few years, but so expensive that most of us found them beyond our budgets)! Ask your neighborhood framer for his/her selection or write me for places to purchase.
Hang 'Em High, Hang 'Em Low?!
Tips for Hanging Pictures
1. Not too high! Think in terms of eye level, so that the eye of the average FEMALE (no, we are not choosing one gender over the other, but note the inches and you will understand why we specifically say female) viewer falls about one-third of the way down from the top of the picture. This will be about 55 to 58" from the floor. The reason for this level of height rather than say 6' 3" is because at the lower height the connection between the art and the rest of the items in your room (furniture, accessories, etc.) is then not broken.
2. Be sure to use hangers that are strong enough to hold the weight of the picture or what is often referred to as "over kill" - use hooks that hold double the weight of the framed image. Two hangers are better than one for large pieces—the weight will be distributed and the picture will be less likely to shift.
3. When hanging a pair or trio of pictures, group them together so they relate to one another instead of appearing to float in a large empty space on the wall.
4. When hanging a picture or "gallery" wall, create alignments, so the viewer’s eye has lines to follow from one frame to the next. These visual lines may be horizontal or vertical. If a picture wall contains many pictures, there may be several of these alignments. Any two frames should have a common line, horizontally or vertically.
5. Two ways to “audition” a picture wall: a) arrange and rearrange the pictures on a floor until you are satisfied with the layout
before hanging on the wall; b) make templates by tracing around each frame on a piece of newspaper, cut out and hang the newspaper samples (taped to the wall with small piecesof removable tape) until satisfied with the arrangement.
6. Use two hooks to hang the picture instead of one. Two hooks will keep the picture from tilting forward and shifting from side to side.
7. Avoid hanging valuable art (meaning in monetary or sentimental value) in direct sunlight: excess light can damage many typesof artwork. Use framing glass that filters Ultraviolet rays to significantly reduce harm from light exposure.
8. When in doubt, consult a "pro" (no this does NOT mean a friend or husband who feels that simply wearing a tool belt automatically qualifies them as a professional)! Consult your local framer, designer or e-mail me with questions if ever you are in doubt.