If I owned this piece, I'd paint the frame red.

Is something preventing you from taking the art out of the frame? A basic black frame with a white mat would work, a la http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00078051/
I would also suggest putting some bright white copy paper behind this in the frame. It looks like it was drawn on... tracing paper? I could barely tell what it was at first, other than a couple random blobs of color.

The only thing I would say is it looks like it is on a very thin and delicate paper - so mainly I wouldn't try to do this yourself, go to a framer and have it done right. I have found that a good framer can often show you a few options that go with the art work at different price ranges and then you can decide what works. Also it looks like the paper may be a bit translucent, which might be why it was done in a frame that allows light to come through, though I think it actually might look better against a white right at the picture so that it shows up a bit stronger BUT you could then do a second map adding some color around it besides the frame. It might also be pressed between two pieces of glass (assuming glass but it could be plastic) so that there is no adhesive or anything used on the corners of the delicate paper since if it wasn't professional framed. I think I would just do a very simple frame in a red color that will pop a bit and just use a white mat behind it with a few inches around the paper.

The handmade paper is part of the art, so you don't want to obscure that part of it in any way. I would second the suggestion to go to a professional framer (not Michael's or JoAnn's---too hit or miss). There are ways to make the paper stand out other than putting it in a float frame like this. One is to mount the paper on little dots of thick something-or-other on a white matboard base so that it is held above it. But then you have to do something so that it isn't touching the glass, either. A pro will know.

Looks like sandwiched glass & art on rice paper or something possibly delecate and possibly (yikes) glued to the glass.. Nothings been said if it's old or if it was done by the relative (living or dead?).

If it's the purple you dislike, your best bet might be to have a professional somehow put some new moulding around it (or at least get their recommendations. Probably won't be cheap, but the artwork itself is interesting.

I concur with NYSQ - by sandwiching the work between glass, the intent was to highliight the translucency. But this only works if you hang it on a pale colored wall. A quck fix would be to mask off the glass and paint the wood. You'll need to add small d-ring hooks on each side of the back of the frame and hang with two screws/nails or else you'll see hanging wire.

For the final frame job, I recommend float mounting the work. The piece will be adhered to foamcore, with space left at the edges. The work is then centered in the frame, spacers are inserted along the frame and glazing atop. The work is "floating" in the frame.

My philosophy is to keep framing simple (that doesn't mean cheap) and let the artwork speak for itself. Choose materials that won't be dated in a few years. Archival framing is expensive, you're looking at about $600 for float framing that work. Thats the price of an appliance. Consider using museum plexi glass. It will weigh A LOT less and is safer but you'll need plexi cleaner, winded will scratch it. Research framers, good ones are hard to find.

*windex

Please mat and frame this with a light colored frame. I wouldn't go too dark with the frame because the image is pastel colored. Remember that the focus should be on the art, not the frame.

rmbnn, the OP said that her uncle-in-law made the art for them to hang in their current apartment, so I'm guessing that it's new.

Doubledup, yeah, that's what I was saying---float it. Foamcore is the thing I couldn't think of for the the little mounting bits. This actually wouldn't be that hard to DIY if you have some experience with framing. There are places online now where you can order a frame with the correct depth of rabbet to accommodate all those layers and space. I love to frame art. I'd do it!

Out of curiosity, is the paper thin enough that the image is visible from both sides? That would make the double-sided glass worth keeping. I'd be inclined to look for a frame in bamboo or a some other natural material from the region.

The umbrellas could lead into a cute theme for a child's room -- offhand, I'm smiling at mental images of mud-puddle stomping, singing in the rain, happy wet ducks, even Mary Poppins with her umbrella. Let us know how it comes out, would you?

Please take that to a professional framer! They will have thousands of samples and will work with you to make the right selection. If you have not had anything framed before, don't worry. Most framers are really nice people and will spend as much time as you need to come up with something you really love.

I hate when artwork is floated between glass - it looked dated and tacky. Also, it is NOT good for the art. Your uncle was so sweet to do this for you - but this just shows that framing is a very personal thing and people should pick out their own frames. (A gift certificateto a locally owned frame shop is a great alternative to anyone who wants to give a framed gift.)

** The timing of this topic is funny - I was just thinking this morning that I wish AT would do a post about the merits of custom framing. It seems to be the one thing all the design shows and blogs completely ignore.

I think the overall look is nice aside from the frame. I love the look of art floating like that, especially on pretty paper. Is painting this frame an option? Also, I'd stay more neutral, like a deep gray or black so the frame doesn't distract from the art.

Oh admit it. You're not too fond of the picture either :D

Hi, thanks to everyone who commented :)
Yes I am definitely taking it to a professional – but a professional did the match-y lilac frame so... I wanted to go in with some ideas.
It is a drawing on rice paper, in keeping with the oriental/ethnic theme. Which I think is one of the things that has really thrown me. I don't think I can embrace it, so I might go with the more sleek-modern suggestions. I'll let you know!
ps The talented uncle in law is alive and well :D

WHITE!!!

This isn't helpful, but I like it just the way it is.

Maybe a wood one? I love texture with industrial/modern design

I saw on a DIY home show once that cut a textured seagrass type wallpaper with mitred corners and used that as a mat for some art. Or maybe it was a bamboo place mat. I cannot remember. But my point was that look may go well with this piece of art and it fits in with your organic and modern look. Just a thought.

oh my gosh. as an artist who does work on paper, handmade or not, this is kind of horrifying. Works on paper should NOT TOUCH THE GLASS. Moisture travels across the glass and will ruin the artwork. Take this to an independent framer, not Michaels' or AC Moore. You need archival framing. But yes, the recommendation for a white background is good, but not copy paper. There's acid in that paper and it will turn your delicate drawing yellow, like a crusty old paperback. Acid-Free Matboardl please.