How to Use Scrapbook Paper to Create a Picture "Mat"

It's cheapskate mat week on Dans le Townhouse!  Just kidding.  But I have been on a "frame my new souvenir art for as little as possible because vroom vroom" kick.  

When I bought the Ikea frames for the enamel paintings, I also looked for a frame for the quirky print I bought in Budapest.  When Ikea failed to deliver, I headed to Michael's.  The print is, unfortunately, not exactly a standard size.  Happily, at Michael's I found a pretty white floating frame that fit the bill (and was half off).  But white print + white frame, against our white walls . . . I worried the print might disappear.  As I meandered my way to the till, I spotted the scrapbook section.  Can we just take a moment to acknowledge the mind-blowing variety of scrapbook paper?  I was seriously overwhelmed, but I found two sheets I liked - a rich teal and a softer turquoise, both with the same embossed polka dot pattern.  I asked Hubby which he liked better (the teal).  I cut each to size and affixed the colour that got Hubby's vote behind the print with double sided tape - instant "mat"!  The other colour was placed facing outward on the reverse.  It's easy to swap the colours when Hubby's not looking (and fun to see how long it takes for him to realize), but the back also looks more finished, which I like.

If you're curious, the print is by Tascali David.  "Lesz" is a Hungarian word that sounds like "less" and the saying means, roughly, "it will be how it will be," a spin on "it is what it is" - which is an expression Hubby loathes, so this print cracks me up.       

The back is pretty, too! (The teal and turquoise look less similar in real life).

I set the framed print on the mantle along with the little oil painting Mom bought me.  Not sure how long it will loiter there . . . I still need to find the perfect spot.  At least it's out of my suitcase and in a frame.  That's progress!

I'm definitely hooked on floating frames (for everything from antique postcards to hand painted note cards), and now I've added scrapbook paper to the mix.  Coupled with Tuesday's painted background trick, I'm out of ideas for replacing custom mats.  For now... 

What are your nifty tricks for framing awkward things?

How to Inexpensively Frame Oddly Sized Art, Without a Custom Mat!

Remember the enamel art I bought at the Christmas Fair when I was in Budapest?  I still love how each piece is the same Hungarian landscape in four different seasons.  Since I have now officially spent time in Hungary during each season, these mean a lot to me.  The original framing was a bit traditional and bulky, so I asked if I could purchase them without frames to save some money and also to make them easier to pack.  Honestly, they never would have fit in my suitcase like this:
 

BEFORE

I knew they'd fit in simple, white Ikea Ribba frames, but I figured I'd have to spring for custom mats.  When I got them home and bought some frames, however, I realized custom matting might be tricky.  In addition to not being square, each piece is slightly convex.  The original matting was imperfect too.  Not to worry! Hubby & I came up with the genius idea to avoid custom mats but still create a polish look: paint the cardboard mounts!

Here are the enamel pieces, unframed and mounted on their cardboard backing:

Using a really small angled brush with firm bristles, I carefully painted around the enamel with some leftover paint (the same blackish greyish mystery mis-tint I used for the railing, the custom frame for the black white painting, the dipped stool and about a million other DIY projects.  I love this magic colour).  Here's what they looked like when I was done painting the cardboard mount:

I let the paint dry a few days to fully cure, then I popped the enamel landscapes into four Ikea frames.  I love, love, love the result.  The little strip of almost-black makes each piece POP and keeps them from getting lost against the white frames, mat, and walls.  I opted to hang them in a vertical row between the curtains.  That space always needed something.

Even from a distance, these little gems still pack some punch and I like how they connect the cooler and warmer colours in both the living and dining room.  Plus, the black makes sense with the black accents splashed around both space, including the frame of the new dining room painting and the curtain rods.  I'll definitely consider just painting a backdrop (even if I have to mount it on some cardboard myself) the next time I have some art that needs a custom mat. 

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An Art Swaperoo Plus a "Project" From 2011

I got a little over-excited about answering a reader Q regarding our television storage and accidentally shared a little change to the living room before I meant to.  It might seem insignificant to you, but it is a huge deal for me - both aesthetically, and also because I got around to something I put off for a year.  Tackling something I've put off for that long always feels strangely gratifying and productive to me.

So what's the change?

I took down my beloved water colour from Paris - it was always too small for that wall - and finally hung up a vintage print I bought in 2011 from a mid-century shop.  Yup, you have to stick around for a year and a half to see the "after" sometimes.  Spot the difference?

 

The scale is so much better!!  The new piece isn't turquoise (gasp!) but I think it pairs well with the paintings over the sofa which have, in addition to turquoise (whew), similar pink and ochre hues.

In the end,  I just couldn't find a nice pre-made frame anywhere for this print, so I decided to have it professionally framed.  I love the print, plus it had come from the estate of the artist who must have loved it too because she kept this first edition.  I figured it was worth the splurge.  We DIY so much (even a lot of the art), that I think it looks nice to have a "real" piece of art with a great frame here and there.  

I have had a few pieces professionally framed (like my Hungarian embroidery piece) and am always surprised how much more affordable it is to go to a local shop, as opposed to a big box store (even with a 60% off coupon).  This time I went to Malen Framing, in Ottawa, and was really pleased with the fabulous customer service and also the quality and pricing.  I have never taken so long to decide on a frame, but the staff were patient and shared their experienced opinions without being pushy.  In the end, the frame I chose looks gorgeous - it's a perfect, muted, brushed gold that picks up on the warmth of the print and some of the metallic hues in the print itself. 

Malen Framing also nailed the matting; the print is on a really yellow-tinged paper and the wrong matting would have made it look smoke-stained.  But they picked one that is bright and crisp but still suits the print.

I know it's a crazy weird print, but I love it.



And don't worry about the little watercolour.

It found a new home on a blank wall in the stairwell, a perfect complement to the antique postcards and a nice pop of colour in a tiny space.

I have the hardest time moving art around, because I get so accustomed to having things where they are - plus I like my favorite pieces where I can see them most frequently - but I might need to do some art shuffling again when I'm home, because I couldn't resist buying a little print here, in Budapest. 

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Reader Q: Framing Art

I get a lot of emails from readers asking me various things and I always reply.  But one lovely reader asked that I create a post to answer her query and I thought, "silly blogger, why don't I ever do this?" 

This reader asked for some tips for choosing frames for artwork.  I'm no expert, but I'm passionate about this topic because Hubby & I both come from families peppered with artists.  We each grew up surrounded by art and continue to make art a priority in our home.

Whenever I have something professionally framed I take it to a smaller, local shop - as opposed to a big box retailer that does framing.  In my experience, the service is better and the materials (frames and matting) are typically more modern.  I always pay less at a local place, even compared to a certain retailer's 50-60% off coupon. 

As a rule, I don't believe in rules, but there are a few things to think about that might help to pick a frame that will complement your artwork.  A professional can help guide you to the best decision, drawing on years of expertise and professional training.  But if you're looking for something simple and inexpensive and are standing in an isle of ready-made frames feeling overwhelmed, here are a few tips: 

General Tips & Tricks

In general, choose a frame that suits your piece.  Whatever conversation your art starts, let the frame finish it.  Don't pick a frame that competes with your art, unless a funky, irreverent look is what you're after (like framing a child's doodle in a gold, ornate frame).  Try your piece in a few frames and see which one complements your artwork best.  What frame makes your artwork standout or look good, without drawing attention only to the frame?  Importantly: what frame makes you love your artwork even more?

DIY frame makeover; plastolux

Also consider your decor: is it modern? Traditional? Eclectic?  The right frame should complement your artwork first and foremost, but also connect the artwork to the rest of your space.

Style at Home

  
Black Frames:

Black frames can lend a graphic or dramatic feel to artwork and can look good with many pieces of art, from black and white prints to rich and moody oil paintings.  However, if the contrast between the artwork and dark frame is too high (like pairing a thick black frame with an airy, pastel watercolour), a black frame can detract from the artwork.  To play it safe, choose a black frame if your art has black, or another darker element, in it.  Or if your walls are painted a deep, rich hue. 

Here are some examples where I think a black frame really works:

Photos (clockwise from top left): Sketch 42; Desire to Inspire; From Scandinavia With Love; Style at Home (photo by Rachel)

Like I mentioned, sometimes a black frame can drown a piece of art, like the black frames I chose to frame two small and subtle watercolours.  The white frames let the watercolours "breathe" and you notice them, not the frame (but this is highly subjective):

If you're after a graphic look, a black frame can work with light walls and a lighter piece of art.  I think the artwork just needs enough "punch" to hold its own when competing with the frame:

Anthony Burrill

White Frames:

Personally, I love white frames because white frames a little easier to use.  Paired with white matting, a white frame can create a nice, neutral backdrop and let your artwork shine, whether your art is a whisper of a painting or a bold photograph.  Generally, white frames look very crisp and modern - sometimes even if the style is more ornate.

Here are some good examples:

Photos (clockwise from top left): A Little Sussy; Style at Home; More Than Words; Parlour  

 
If you have dark walls, a white frame will really stand out more, drawing attention just like a black frame against light walls.  But, in the case below, it works because it draws attention to the artwork, which might otherwise be lost:

Little Brown Pen via Little Bits of Lovely

Wood Frames: 

Wood frames offer good flexibility because they can easily be stained and refinished to suit your decor as it changes.  Simple wood frames can look very modern but still add warmth to a space.  Some very simple wood frames seem to have a mid-century feel to them (see top right).  Avoid wood if you have a lot of wood furniture or wood accents - it can be overwhelming.

Photos (clockwise from top left): Jute Home; My Home Ideas; My Photo (of our DIY desk); A Cup of Joe

One thing to note: wood frames can look rustic and cabin-inspired.  Unless you're looking for a bit of tension in your decor scheme, avoid a weathered frame if your decor is modern or traditional because it will draw too much attention to the frame. 

Etsy seller Dandrus; Anthropologie

Metal Frames:

I opted for a silver frame when choosing a frame for a watercolour we bought from a street artist in Paris.  Clean-lined, metal frames are chameleons, blending well into crisp, modern decor or glamorous spaces.  Add a bit of ornamentation and the look becomes more traditional (unless you pair it with something quirky, like a painting of some scribbled poetry).  A metal frames adds a welcome dose of sparkle to a space and is perfect for when you don't know if you want a really dark or really light frame - it's a good compromise.

Photos (clockwise from top left): Houzz; Style at Home (photo by Christine); Adore Home via La Dolce Vita; Desire to Inspire

Colourful Frames:

I'm not a huge fan of a frame matching a colour found in the artwork, so it's hard for me to make suggestions.  That was a huge trend in the 80s and 90s when the matting was also layered so one layer matched the frame, matching the art, so it has the danger of looking a bit dated.  I do think that colourful frames can look fun and quirky, like my framed bakelite pins.  And if the colour is really dominant in the artwork, a coloured frame might be just the things to make the artwork standout.  A frame with a very modern style in an updated colour could look really fresh.  So, in small doses, give it a whirl.

Art Hung En Masse:

The trendy gallery-style wall (whether jumbled collage-style, or hung in a neat row) can successfully incorporate art framed in similar frames, or a mix of frames.  Similar frames creates a more orderly look while a mix of frames creates a more casual vibe.  If you mix frames, make sure to have some repetition (a few white frames, a few black frames, a few metal frames) to keep the look from appearing too thoughtless and thrown-together.

Here are some examples of gallery style walls with a mix of frames or similar frames that each result in an interesting but cohesive assembly:

Photos (clockwise from top left): Apartment Therapy; Desire to Inspire; Pure Style Home; Southern Living;

Take Away Tips:

• Take my advice with a grain of salt (these are just my personal thoughts)
• Try a few different frames before committing
• Narrow in on which frame(s) lets your artwork shine
• Consider your decor
• Pick what you like, "rules" be damned!

Speaking of art, I'm working on a fun DIY art project and I hope to have it ready for tomorrow, so check back to take a peek. 

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How to Frame Hungarian Embroidery or Doily for a Modern Look

Waaaay back in February we received a special (belated) wedding gift: a hand embroidered Hungarian table cloth (doily?) made by a Hungarian relative who is dear to me.  I gleefully mentioned the embroidery here and pondered where to display it.  After a few months of keeping it displayed on the dining room table, my nerves were shot.  I was petrified of someone spilling something on it, the sun bleaching it, or a cat burglar dropping the television in favor of it. 

To resume a normal life I opted to have it framed so it can be safe(r) from sticky fingers but not relegated to some forgotten drawer.  You might have noted in the updated Home Tour that the newly framed embroidery piece now lives in the hallway (a distance from sunlight and kitchen/fireplace smells):

I brought the embroidery to a local framing store in my hometown (yes, I hauled in 1500kms), because the man who owns that particular framing store is extremely talented and has a modern aesthetic.  I highly recommend avoiding the big boxes (I always pay more there and they always seem to want to steer me toward the really 80s styles) and bring your framing to a locally owned business.  The staff will get to know your style, can make appropriate recommendations and will dedicate the time required to produce a quality product, often for a lower price.  

I submit my newly framed embroidery as an example:

Gorgeous, right?  I can take little credit for the final product.  My mom provided the grey slub silk which was stretched taught at the framing store before the embroidery was attached with the tiniest pins.  A mat was laid over the stretched silk to neatly finish off the corners and then a second mat was installed closer to the glass for an interesting, shallow shadow box effect.  I originally brought in a photo for inspiration but the finished product was much more modern and visually interesting.  I couldn't have imagined it would look this good and I am so pleased with the creative liberties taken.

You know I love a good DIY project, but sometimes it really makes sense to pay a professional to help you create a quality piece that will be enjoyed forever.  However, a framed doily (for lack of a better work) like this has DIY potential.   

The hallways is getting brighter and airier.  Here it is today . . .

Now

. . . and January, 2011.  I swapped the black frames awhile ago and now the large black frame housing our beach photo is re-located too.

January 2011 - subtle changes have a HUGE effect!

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Re-Framed

Ahhhh.  That's better.  Last year (okay, a month ago - but it was another year) I blogged about the "spit & polish" the hallway got (see here), but I didn't show the whole view.  I think because the black floating frames were bugging me.  I had wanted to frame the two little paintings (actually sent to us as b-day cards) made by hubby's mom in white floating frames but couldn't find any in this city.  (I found some online, but you know. . . ).  Anyway, here is the secretive full hallway shot, ugly black frames and all:

We also hung them waaaaay too high

Hooray - I found white floating frames.  At Chapter's Bookstore, oddly enough.  So we popped the paintings in new frames, switched 'em around, and lowered them a bit too (after we patched the previous holes).  Better, right?   

It was wash day - hence the missing tea towels!

Why no tablescape?  Because its a useless table!  I dump my purse, groceries and miscellaneous goodies on it the minute I come in the door (we enter through the garage, not the front).  Although I did try putting my lovely McCoy planter there . . .

. . . it just got in the way.  As soon as my "photo shoot" was over, hubby plonked some DVD's to be returned on the table.  So here is the useless table in action:

See how I painted our useless table (and why we call it a useless table) here.

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