Fabric Mats
In addition to conservation mats made with a myriad of colors, we offer mats covered with fabric.
Fabric mats look particularly good with reproductions, portrait photographs, and certain types of original paper artwork. Fabric mats can be used with a wide variety of artwork to give them a custom distinction.
Fabric mats add elegance and texture to the art.
Silk and smooth linen mats are excellent choices for a formal presentation, (examples include; wedding photographs, asian art, and needlework). Coarse linen,natural weaves, and burlap add an exciting visual dimension in an informal setting (examples include; ethnic and tropical art, Polynesian Tapa cloths and central american Molas).
With fabric mats you can create a coordinated room. We can cover a mat with the fabric used in a specific room. Fabric mats can match the drapes, bedspreads, or other room fabrics. We can also cover a mat with the wallpaper in a room.
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Object Boxes
One of the most creative and unusual services of The Frame Studio is the object box, or "shadow box," to hold three-dimensional items.
There are hundreds of items which can be framed successfully, from a small campaign button, autographed Jerry Rice Jersey, grandmother's antique quilt. We have framed many unusual items: a fish skeleton, a hand-painted china teapot, poker chip collection, and eyeglasses. If the item has monetary or sentimental value, The Frame Studio can build a suitable display for it.
An object box can be built as a simple display, or it can be designed using rich fabrics and decorative woods for a more elaborate presentation. Some additional features: a mirror can be incorporated to view both sides of a three-dimensional item; a hinged door can he installed to allow access to the items.
When it comes to object boxes, many exciting things are possible.
An object box is a great way to protect your valued possessions and enjoy them visually.
An object box makes a wonderful gift. This present will be a thoughtful and creative way to create a family heirloom.
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Matting Combinations
A conservation mat has a practical function in protecting your artwork. Matboard should be used on paper art and especially photographs to keep them separated from the glass in a frame. Without a mat, the paper or photo emulsion may stick to the inside glass surface. This will permanently damage the item.
A mat has a beautiful decorative quality. We can combine two or more mats to create a distinctive design.
Mats can add depth. They remove the "flatness" of artwork and may add an exciting dimension to it. Two or more mats will build a stepping-stone surface around your artwork allowing the eye a gradual transition from art to frame.
Mats can add size. Additional visual space around artwork creates "breathing room," giving balance to the framed presentation. In a room with wallpaper or paneling around the frame, the space provided by a mat will help transition from art to room decor. A series of mats will give your artwork the necessary width it needs to be seen clearly.
Mats compliment color. By combining dramatic or subtle colored mats, we can compliment major and minor colors in the artwork. A series of mats can coordinate your artwork with the colors in a room.
Combination Mouldings
The Frame Studio has the largest selection of moulding styles in the area. We have a color or finish which is perfect for the item you wish to frame. There are times when two or more mouldings can be combined to add a brilliant new dimension to the design. When propriate our designers will show you how dramatically a stacked frame can set off your artwork.
Oil paintings often use a fabric covered liner as a visual transition from frame to artwork. Liners may be covered with velvet, linen, or other fabric styles. The use of Liners with oil paintings was introduced in France at the turn of the century and continues to be very popular.
Combination mouldings add width. A thin moulding around a large painting often looks out of proportion. By incorporating two or more mouldings, or a moulding with a liner, the frame will be in proper balance with the painting.
Combination mouldings can add color.
Mouldings can be chosen for the colors they emphasize in the artwork. You may decide on several shades or tones of a color to more fully coordinate the frame to your artwork and your room design.
You may also combine a decorative wood moulding with a gold or silver moulding to add a lively sparkle to the look of your frame. The use of combination or stacked mouldings produce a unique look. The use of stacked mouldings is not a new concept and dates back centuries in the picture framing profession.
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Needlework Framing
"Needlework" or "Needleart" covers a wide variety of work. It includes popular needlepoint and crewel kits, original needlework designs, batiks, molas, heirloom fashions, handmade quilts, tapestries, and embroidery.
Since 1976,The Frame Studio has had a unique appreciation for the needleworker (whether you, a relative, a friend, or a professional artist) who has spent countless hours on a project. It is essential needlework be protected using materials that attractively and permanently preserve the craftwork.
As a Needle Artist, you may be interested in the local Santa Cruz Chapter of the Embroider's Guild of America: "Stitcher's by the Sea."
Call us for information.
