What distinguishes a handcrafted frame?
Closed
corner picture frames are the ultimate in framing joinery. Our frames are made 'one of a kind. one at a time'
to specific dimensions as specified by our customers. Each of our artisans has
years of experience creating frames of fine craftsmanship. This is how it's done...
The strength of splined joinery
On each mitred frame corner we route a slot and insert a wooden spline. We find the strength of this traditional joinery technique vastly superior to the standard nailed picture frame joint.
Meticulous surface preparation
Each natural wood finish requires scraping and sanding with papers of different grit levels. This attention to detail is critical to reveal the distinctive character of the wood.
The versatility of composition
Available in hundreds of patterns, prepared ornaments can be steamed and applied to our frames. This allows us to create unique frame designs at a reasonable price.
Skilled hand carving
Our highly skilled artisans cut the appropriate ornamentation into the frame by hand.
The ability of gesso surfaces
Traditional gesso is a combination of rabbit skin glue and whiting which can be applied only when warm. The preparation and application of gesso is basic to the overall design of the frame. Areas to be given a highly burnished look must be painted with several coats of gesso and meticulously sanded and polished. We may also sponge or stipple the gesso onto areas that will be matte gilded to add texture and interest.
Custom undercoating
We paint the gesso layers with various colors to compliment the artwork. Depending on the effect desired, these colors may be spattered, stippled or wiped onto the surface.
Unique applications of metal leaf
We apply an oil-based size on the colored surface to accept aluminum, brass, copper or variegated leaf. These can be applied evenly or, for more texture, they can be crushed or cracked over the surface. One of our specialties is the combination of different leaves to achieve a unique iridescence.
The character of tarnishing
We achieve some very interesting results using chemicals that react with copper, brass or silver leaf to enhance aspects of the artwork.
The elegance of genuine gold leafing
First, we brush very thin coats of rabbit skin glue mixed with clay onto the frame. This 'bole' acts as an adherent for the leaf. After the clay dries, our artisans float water onto small areas of the frame to activate the glue, which then accepts the gold leaf. Using a wide squirrel hair brush, thin sections of 12k, 16k, 22k gold or silver are carefully applied.
Burnishing
We create a mirror-like polish on carved or raised areas of the frame by burnishing the gold leaf with the rounded tip of an agate stone.
The art of patination
In
patination, we use various finishing techniques to bring together the surface,
undercoats and leaf in the way that best compliments the artwork. Patination is
a process of reworking the finish through distressing, glazing, rubbing through
the leaf, spattering, stippling, sponging on casein and dusting.
(photo courtesy of Gallery C)