As I mentioned in the post Ditching the Frame, I'm always looking for new ways to display artwork without spending a fortune on framing. I came across this rather clever and unique solution using Kraft tape in lieu of a frame over on Oh Happy Day and was surprised by how pretty and finished the final result is.
While this process is new to me, it is popular in France, earning it the title "French Framing." The DIY involves just a few basic supplies: plexiglass, mat board, cardboard, and Kraft paper tape, and is pretty straightforward to put together. Visit Oh Happy Day for more details and the full tutorial.
(Image via: Oh Happy Day)
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I've also seen this done with electrical tape - specifically white, but it comes in a million shades now. I really like this look.
What about using Japanese Washi paper tape for this?
I love the whole idea but what I really love is that piece of art hanging in the middle. Call me art ignorant but I have love it for oh so long and cannot find it anywhere. Anyone can tell me the name of the artist and the piece?
I could be wrong but there was a Martha Stewart how-to on something similar, only she used metal tape instead of craft paper tape. I'm trying to find it but no luck yet. But I really like this project!
They do it in lots of places besides France... I've mostly seen it done with pretty linen tape.
@coco51: It looks like a piece by Franz Kline. He was famous for his mostly B&W, calligraphy-like paintings, done in NYC in the 1950s. Easy to find saples online, and you can easily make a similar one for yourself...In fact, I did a 7' long "Faux Kline" and have it proudly displayed in my living room!
Some people don't want standard, @jane jones. I don't think this post is about being easy, fast or cheap... it's about having a different way to display your art. Also you don't seem to understand economies of scale.
I remember reading this when it was first posted. Would be a nice way to display photos, especially for someone like me, who is constantly switching out the photos on display!
You can buy pre-cut plexi in most framing shops (including craft chains like Michaels and AC Moore) and have cut or easily cut mat board to match by yourself with a sharp X-acto knife. So not a lot of supplies actually required.
Just be careful with the cardboard since it's probably not acid free and can damage your artwork.
@ Nokuymbaya! I thought so but wasn't confident it is. His pieces are so gorgeous and powerful. Have you ever watched Revenge? There are several pieces used in one of the characters homes? whenever I see them, I always freeze the frame just to look at the pieces...sigh
SARRAZAK you should be able to get hold of copper foil tape from a green/organic gardening suppliers (e.g. Chase Organics if you're in UK). It's made for sticking around the sides of plant pots to keep slugs and snails from getting to your plants and, as such, I found it pretty disappointing. However, as a craft material, it's great! I'm sure that it would look great on a project like this, especially as the surface mellows and tarnishes!