Tray Frames?

[jvandy57]

Anybody know what Tray Frames are? Had a clients son come in with a piece from his artist sister (A wonderful Artist, I might add. He couldn't afford a NICE frame, but mentioned the Tray frame that his sister used alot. I haven't a clue.



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Jerry Vandergriff, CPF cm
McCue and Blanford Frame Shop Supply
Crestwood, KY

[Jana]

Maybe it's that simple (but no doubt expensive) L-shaped frame that Roma (I think) makes for canvases. It comes in gold, black and another color. The canvas sorta floats in it. I've seen it but never sold it so I'm not sure how you attach the canvas or other artwork.

[jvandy57]

Thanks Jana,
But these were cheap, definitely not Roma.

JV

[Kit aka emrr]

JL sells them too. Like Jana, I haven't used them so don't know about price. (Sounds like one of those frames with handles that you put needlework in, then use to serve tea?) Kit

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Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana

[kizmet6382]

lj'ss versions are black or black with silver..and black with gold. they arent cheap though. lamarche makes one thats a natural wood. not quite as deep as lj's. i think those are called floater frames. i have used them a few times. not as easy as it looks. have to take into consideration the depth of the art...and the depth of the the frame. my customers always wanted it flush with the front of the frame. i have always had to build it up..from the back. what a pain.

[Marc Lzier]

A tray frame is a frame that is a tray.

It is either a one piece affair with "wings" on the edge. Glass in the center. Poof, . . a tray.

The other is a custom jobbie. Make regular custom frame. Add tacky brass handles. Poof, . . . a tray.

At least this is my understanding of the question.

[Jana]

So Marc, any idea where to get an inexpensive 'tray' frame?

[Marc Lzier]

Yes, I did not answer the inexpensive and availability side of the question.
Let's break it up.
Availability: My copy of Decors Source 2001, that just arrived is on my desk at work (not at home). I will bet John T odds on dollars there is an obscure section that lists what vendors carry the ready-made version, and/or the hardware. If not, I know a section they will have next year. This only tell where, and not how cheap.

This is because EVERYTHING is cheaper, next door, down the street, from a friend, heard about, got a tip, yadda, yadda, yadda.

I just had a garage sale today. I had a computersaurus (old computer system) on the lawn. CPU, screen, laser printer, keyboard, and surge protector for 20 bucks. A lady wanted the printer only. I would sell the printer for 15 alone. She said she wanted it for 10, and the same thing was cheaper at other garage sales. Then why are you talking to me? Go get them?

She paid 15 for the printer.

[JRB]

Mark has it, go to Home Depot or your neighborhood hardware store, buy some cabinet handles. Frame the piece using a moulding that will accommodate the handles. Put a handle on each end, don't put hanging hardware on the back, just four felt bumpers and viola, you've made a tray that will accept even the finest gourmet T.V. dinner. Perhaps even a glass of some very fine Thunderbird wine.

John

[John Ranes II, CPF, GCF]

jvandy57,

Inexpensive "tray frames" or actually trays are a manufactured item avaible through needlework & craft shops. We haven't seen one come through our doors for some time, but as I recall they would retail for about $25.

You should be able to find these at any major Needlework shop.

Making your own from standard custom moulding is creative, fun and a good way to expand your range of options. Indeed as JRB suggested, you can obtain some "drawer" type handles that will work as tray handles. However the options are limited, even from a large source like Home Depot.

I would suggest a better source that specializes in metal hardware.* As their catalog ($5.00) describes, "Four Centuries of Beautiful Hardware from the World over for Furniture, Cabinet and Home."

Whitechaptel LTD
Post Office Box 136
Wilson, Wyoming 83014 USA

Ordering tel. 800-468-5534
tech inquires: 307-739-9478

Web site: Whitechapel (http://www.whitechapel-ltd.com)

For our Aussie and Kiwi friends, try.....

J A Watson
Cabinet Hardware Collection
Post Office Box 265
Yamba, NSW 2464 Australia

Tel. (02) 6646 1970
fax. (02) 6646 9390
E-mail: watson@nor.com.au
Web site: JA Watson (http://www.jawatson.com.au)

Regards,

John

*Information from my PPFA workshop, "Hanging & Framing Mirrors with Style"
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The Frame Workshop of Appleton, Inc.
www.theframeworkshop.com (http://www.theframeworkshop.com)
Appleton, Wisconsin
jerserwi@aol.com
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[This message has been edited by John Ranes II, CPF, GCF (edited August 19, 2001).]

[Marc Lzier]

John,
I think Jerry meant to purchase them whosale and not retail, hence a soucebook.

HoweverI kinda hedged my answers, to see if y'aal 'd catch on to the obvious.

JRB alluded to it with the Thunderbird.
Does the customer wish to place the sisters orginal artwork under glass (usually directly against it). Where objects will be placed on it that may break it. Where objects that 'sweat' will cause condensation under the glass? Where the object can spill, and send fluids of any sort right around the lip. Or, worst case, break glass, then spill fluid?

DOes the sister think this is where her art is going to see service?

[JRB]

Darn, Mark, now everyone knows they would just be for decoration. In the olden days when someone called on a home or business, the first thing they did was hand the person who answered the door a " calling card ". The calling card was placed on a small tray and carried to the person who was the object of the visit. The trays could be used for doing that.
Perhaps this tradition will come back in vogue and we will all get rich making little bitty trays. http://www.thegrumble.com/framer/ubbs/smile.gif

John

[Marc Lzier]

Odd, now a calling card is a string of 14 )(or so) numbers stolen when you use them in public places. Maybe the trays will be good to put next to pay-phones in the airport or bus terminal, to set your calling card after you punch in the numbers? Maybe is can make the airport a more civilized and genteel(sp?) place?