Friday, July 25, 2008

DIY Framing

#161B High Tea, original watercolor, 9" x 11"


Here's a little lesson on framing a watercolor yourself.
It's easy as pie...wait pie is difficult.
REMEMBER to ALWAYS use a mat with your watercolor! 
The paintings need to breathe and should NOT be flush up against the glass or they can actually sweat and run. It's true.This is way easier than pie. Here are the tools you'll need. I use Nielsen Bainbridge ready to-go-frames (11" x 14" is perfect for a 9" x 11" painting). They come with a beautiful crisp double white matt. They're meant for framing photos, nevermind. Most art supply stores carry them or you can try online. You will need a small pliers, a screwdriver and Photo Corners to attach the art. By the way, ALL art materials used, including the watercolor paper are ARCHIVAL and acid-free. The instructions are on the back. First remove the spring clips and they can POP out so do it carefully. Next unscrew just the bottom frame and place it somewhere with the screws in place... Slide out just the matt - leave the glass inside the frame!
Than place the art on the back matt to your liking. When you've found the right spot, add the Photo Corners. This way nothing foreign touches the art like tape and it makes it very easy to remove. Place the matt on top to be sure all is alligned perfectly. Then turn over and carefully slide back into the frame next to the glass. Next screw back the bottom portion of the frame. Slide back in the spring clips. Et VOILA! Your picture is framed in a matter of minutes and minimal expense. The frame should run around $20-25. I hope this was helpful. If you've got photos of your framed Paris Breakfast watercolors I'd love to see them! Please do send and I'll post them. This is from Lori of Taste with the eyes.Sue of A Brush with Color - her Bluebird of course.. From Dmpop in Denmark...

From Sybil G.!
BONNE WEEK-END!

19 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:11 AM

    I love your blog! I have petit-déjeuner with you every day. Your beautiful paintings are creatively nutritious, but non-fattening. Merci!

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  2. Nice job and explanation Carol. Those screw-together frames with the pop-out pieces really are easy and nice. I've used them before. Great post! Love that tiered stand in your high tea watercolor!

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  3. Hi Carol!
    I've been enjoying your blog for awhile now...you're watercolors are beautiful! I love your creative take on life and all things French! Many mornings I start my day with your pretty paintings!
    I've just awarded you the Brilliante Blogger Award!You truly are a brilliant blogger! If you accept you are to pass it on to 5 - 7 other blogs and list 5 things about yourself!
    I will continue to enjoy the beauty you share through your gifts and talents!
    Beautiful Day~
    Kathleen

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  4. ahhh HA!

    the trick
    is those little clear photo corners!

    :-)

    tres clever, missy!
    i never knew...

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  5. Anonymous10:34 AM

    I'm leaving here inspired. Thanks, Carol!

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  6. Anonymous12:29 PM

    Hi Carol,
    Important point.
    Are all framing supplies (mat, etc.) acid free, archival quality?
    Don't want foxing on your lovely work in a few years!
    (We just learned about this at work.)
    Robin

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  7. Right you are ROBIN!
    I forgot to say...
    I ONLY use ARCHIVAL material for the watercolor and for framing.
    thanks
    Carolg

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  8. Anonymous1:08 PM

    So lovely!
    I love how the teapot and cup are suggested by the shadows and edges.

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  9. Anonymous1:09 PM

    Oh, goodie--I love high tea.
    Can I come?
    Beautiful, Carol. Just like the Empress Hotel.

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  10. Oh I wish I had known about those clear corners when I framed the one I got from you. Will keep that in mind for the next one. :)

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  11. Ha! This is what husband's are for. (Although, I must admit, he did grumble a bit the last time he cut mats for me. He actually suggested I could learn to do it for myself!)

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  12. Anonymous8:20 PM

    Great tutorial Paris Breakfast. Thank you very much!! Also very nice watercolor of afternoon Tea!
    Thanks for the birthday wishes!
    xo
    Constance

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  13. Anonymous8:50 PM

    Wonderful framing tip! I have put the frame name on a sticky note for future reference! I have long wondered what kind of paper you paint on...it has a lovely soft hand. Will post photo of your framed genius a toute vitesse!

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  14. Anonymous6:16 AM

    I can't help but admire my painting every time I pass by it. I already told my husband I will be treating myself to more of your breakfast paintings.

    FYI, I went to Michael's and bought both the mat frame and the white photo frame. They were on sale (forgot how much, though).

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  15. Brilliant and yummy.

    It really is easier than anyone would imagine. Archival is important. And look how nifty...Paris Dreams all over the world. :)

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  16. Love good information like this!!!! Thanks and happy weekend!

    Trina

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  17. Carol - you are so cool. I love my watercolors from you, as do my guests, as they are hung in the guest room. When someone comes for the first time, they are always impressed and intrigued. I tell them how I found you via the blogosphere.

    It's always fun to find yourself mentioned on another blog, thanks for that. I am one of your biggest fans. I have some pretty macarons of yours waiting to be framed and hung in my office. When I do, I will send you some pics. Thanks again.

    Lori Lynn

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  18. I keep thinking that your watercolors would look magnificient with one of my mom's frames. One day I'll send you pcis and another day I'll get my own CG paintings to be framed :)

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  19. All these frame are great. The design of the frame is very eye catching, really i would like to buy.

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