Q: I want to use these vintage paintings on board that my husband's great grandmother painted in my baby daughter's room. I love the vintage look and the colors--the walls of her room are a neutral tan color. The only thing I don't like about them is the frames. What are some good framing options for them? I'd like something sleeker and more modern, but because they can't go under glass, I'm unsure of my options. Thanks!
Sent by Rebecca
Editor: The simplest and cheapest option would be to simply paint the existing frames - readers, what do you think Rebecca should do?
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I'd just paint the frames white. The existing frames have a lovely classic silhouette, and the artwork would really pop against the white.
Why can't they go under glass? If you're set on keeping the frames glass-free I like the initial suggestion of painting the frames.
Another option would be to use a clean-lined frame (can be something inexpensive from Ikea or similar) & keep the glass off.
Love the paintings & the fact that they have family history!
Julia
http://bakerhillhomes.blogspot.com/
Why don't you take them to a custom framing place and discuss options. I think having a family members painting is worth the investment.
Yep - paint em white. Took the words out of my mouth!
What about floating them in a shadow box, like this: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/vr8owDmW4_Za-ZkXMU-R2Q?select=Xywq38bwPizAbu25kHiNpw
Or in a frameless plexi shadow box, like the way textiles are framed in museums. (I'm sorry, I can't find a good image to illustrate.)
Check out Dick Blick's online selection - the majority of their frames are designed to accommodate canvas frames or printed artwork with glass. They have some fun, brightly colored options as well.
If the paintings aren't a standard frame size, Dick Blick also sells framing kits, where you can purchase the pieces separately and assemble a custom-sized frame: http://www.dickblick.com/products/nielsen-bainbridge-ayous-wood-frame-kits/
I used these to frame a trio of oddly-shaped paintings on canvas board, and they look like the frames were expensive and custom-made, even though I just assembled the pre-finished pieces with wood glue!
Those are amazing. It might be a good idea to protect them behind special (and crazy expensive) art glass to keep all bad sun rays etc. from damaging them so that they'll be around for a long time with the vivid colors. They would look really modern with a wide white mat, placed toward the top or to one side (so not centered), with a high gloss turquoise frame. What a treasure - I'm jealous!
Did your husband's great grandmother put them in those frames? If so, I'd leave them and learn to love the frames too.
...is there a reason you can't just pick the frames you want and take the glass out? That's how I frame my work, also on board.
you could also gold leaf them. or use crackle paint with red and blue or some other funky colors, like pink and green. there is also a technique called pickeling?? that would look nice. or take it to hobby lobby and get a pro's (har har) advice.
just use them with a matted frame and leave the glass off.