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Getting framed worth the time
As a do-it-yourselfer, I have tackled many home improvement projects over the years. I even asked for a miter saw for Christmas one year so I could cut my own baseboards. So when I heard about a picture framing class at A+ Art and Frame in Fremont, I eagerly signed up. I like learning how things are done so I can decide whether it’s a job I can do myself, or whether it is best left to the experts.
The framing class was great fun, and I highly recommend it. We were asked to bring two items to frame, and all materials were included in the cost of the class. I brought two drawings made by my kids when they were younger. At the end of the day, I had two beautifully framed works of art. What a sense of accomplishment! The creative side of me reveled in the choosing the mat colors and frames, while the practical side of me enjoyed using the tools and learning new skills.
The class is geared toward beginners, but they also offer intermediate and advanced classes where participants learn to frame more unusual items and create intricate mats. The instructors were helpful, and informative, and we learned to use tools that are readily available and not too expensive. If your hobbies include drawing, painting, photography or scrapbooking, or if you simply want to have nicely framed art in your home, you’ll enjoy this class. With a set of tools and basic knowledge, it’s a skill that can save you money too.
Whether you frame art yourself or have it professionally framed, below are some tips to keep in mind:
- Mats and frames should complement and coordinate with the artwork, not necessarily with the room’s décor.
- The mat color will tend to emphasize the same color present in the artwork. Try many different mat colors with the art — sometimes the color you least expect will turn out to be perfect. It’s amazing how a different color mat will change the look of the art piece.
- Use wide mats with small artwork. Wide mats will tend to focus the eye toward the artwork and give it more importance. Mats that are too narrow can make the artwork look too crowded.
- If you plan to hang the artwork on a wall with a heavily patterned wallpaper or paint treatment, use a wide mat. This will give the eye some resting space between the wall and the artwork and help avoid a cluttered look.
- Consider the subject matter and theme when selecting frames. For example, use a distressed wood frame for a country landscape, a sleek, contemporary frame for abstract art, and a simple, delicate frame for an intricate line drawing.
- Mats should not be the same width as the frame — vary the size for a more interesting look.
Please contact A+ Art and Frame at 510-770-9360 or visit www.aplusartandframe.com for more information about classes, framing tools, or professional framing services.
This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper
Group papers on Oct. 27, 2007.
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All articles copyright 2003-2008 Anna
Jacoby.
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