Deckled Edges + Custom Framing
There are a million ways to approach framing but one thing is for sure, its main job (besides protection) is to enhance the artwork.
If the artwork is busy and complex simple framing allows it to shine. If the artwork is simple and sleek, more elaborate framing can help bring attention to nuances within the work. Since my work is pretty busy, I always opt for simple framing options with a deckled edge. A deckled edge is when the mat is behind the artwork so that you can see the raw edges of the paper.
Framing can be extremely expensive and very hard to find for my 3 dimensional paintings. My go to place for all of my frames is Art to Frames.
They are affordable, fast and completely customizable. Black frames, white frames, natural wood, pops of gold and almost every color mat board you could want. The possibilities are endless.
Art To Frames created two custom shadow box frames for two of my new 3 dimensional artworks and they are PERFECT. Here is my how-to on framing artwork with a deckled edge in a custom frame!
Materials you’ll need include:
Screw driver or drill
Matboard (if you are using a standard frame)
One thing that is unique about the Art To Frames shadow box frames is that they come with the mat backing built into the frame structure. This means that you do not have to buy matboard to attach the artwork to, but instead attach it to the inside backing of the frame directly. You can customize the color of this when you are purchasing your frame. If you are purchasing a standard frame, you will have to purchase matboard separately to attach your work to.
The first step is to attach your artwork to your matboard! To begin cut small sections of the double sided foam tape and keep the green backing on the tape. Place a piece on the top middle, bottom middle and the middle of both sides.
Next, lay the painting onto your matboard. Center the painting. Take your ruler and measure along all edges to make sure it is even. I do not suggest making marks with a pencil because if anything is off you will see the marks, even if you erase them.
After you have the work centered, lay a hand down on the middle of the work to keep it in place. Lift the top edge and peel the green backing off of the tape. Carefully, without moving the painting and with your hand still in place, lay the work down and push to make sure the top tape is secure. Then, remeasure to make sure everything is still even. With only one piece of tape attached you will still be able to wiggle the work around if needed.
Once you are sure the work is secure, repeat the above step to peel and secure the bottom middle piece of tape. After the bottom piece is secure, repeat the steps to attach the middle side pieces. These 4 pieces will have your work secure in the center and then you are free to add pieces to the corners and any other areas you need.
Before you put your artwork in the frame you will want to attach the hanging hardware.
First, take the glass out of the frame. Then lay the frame face down on something soft so it does not get damaged while you are drilling into the frame. I usually use a clean towel on my table.
Measure where you would like your hanging hardware to go. I usually place mine about 1/4 of the way down from the top of the frame. Make marks in the holes with a pencil.
Next, drill the screws into the hanging hardware!
Now you are ready to get your artwork in the frame!
Clean the glass and place it back into the frame. Once it is in the frame, clean it again to make sure there are no rogue fuzzies or hairs. Then, place your work into the frame.
VIOLÀ! You have your artwork ready to be displayed in a frame that makes your work shine!
This post uses affiliate links. That means any purchases made through these links earn us a commission with the company!