Newsletter No 2 - Winter 2004
Welcome
| Mouldings | Craftwork | The use of silver | Why are backs of frames sealed? | Holidays | Mounting | Wedding Gift
Welcome
In finding your way to this newsletter, you have already noticed that this website (www.framecraft.com.au) has been revitalised with a fresh new image. Take time to have a look around for the site has many examples of how different items have been framed.
Mouldings
Ever wondered where the mouldings come from that are used in the picture framing industry? Well, thanks to a Hughes Moulding Fact Sheet, we know that there are two sources of mouldings in Australia:
- locally produced mouldings are generally manufactured from plantation pine, being either hoop or radiator New Zealand pine, while
- the majority of imported mouldings are from Italy with the plantation timber being imported from Africa and Indonesia. Most Italian manufacturers are family companies that own these overseas plantations, which means they have access to high quality timber.
The timbers used to manufacture imported picture frame mouldings are chiefly:
- plantation ramin - a hardwood timber that has very close grain and is very clear and flat,
or either of:
- jeluton and ayous - both soft timbers that have consistent quality.
Craftwork
A group of school children worked to create a special tapestry for presentation to the local retirement village. The attached image shows the finished unit, after the tapestry was sown to a fabric prior to being stretched over a stretcher frame before being inserted into the frame.
The use of silver
Kim Ahern, executive director of the US Art and Framing Council wrote recently "there's a big trend now toward framing in silver." "Silver frames are definitely in demand. People are recognising the tremendous power of silver as a decorating element. And the good news is that there are more choices than ever."
Silver tone frames have always been a classic choice for framing black and white photography, modern art of all kinds, classic posters and prints. The current trend goes beyond the classic modern frame - there are a wide variety of more ornate silver tone frames ranging from the sleek and shiny to a matt finish or distressed look. Kim says "You can use silver with virtually every colour scheme" and "Any room in need of a style lift can benefit from the beautiful glow of silver."
Recently, we used silver frames for an Indian necklace and a group of three Balinese silverware pieces - a pale blue silk fabric was used to line both frame units as well as forming the base on which the items were displayed.
 | |  | | Indian necklace | | Balinese silverware |
Why are backs of frames sealed?
We take time to ensure all timber frame units are sealed with framing tape. This ensures insects, dirt and/or dust are kept out of the completed framed unit.
All three can harm what has been framed, so it is important that you keep a watch on all framed units hanging in your home to make sure the seal remains in place.
Holidays
Travelling brings one into contact with different cultures and societies, so much so that one normally has a number of interesting items brought home as souvenirs of the trip. This Balinese embroidery illustrates how a different culture can be brought to life in one's own home through a beautiful embroidery.
Mounting
Permanent mounting is the irreversible mounting of artwork onto a backing board - it is usually done to improve appearance by permanently holding it flat and in position within the frame unit. It is not recommended for items of value.
Conservation mounting holds artworks in place without the use of any irreversible mount process - it is generally done by hinging the artwork behind the matt-board. The artwork can then be removed from the frame at any time in the same original condition as it was when framed.
Wedding gift
A signed drum skin (note John Farnham's signature at the top) and drum stick were framed to create a very special wedding gift - another example of how custom framing can create a personalised wedding gift which will no doubt decorate the recipients home or place of employment in the years ahead.
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