woodworksbyjohn

A short time ago I shared a post and my blog on making a custom frame from Red Oak and ebonizing it with a solution of white vinegar and dissolved steel wool. It turned out quite black while still showing the wood grain. When I did that frame I put some of the solution on Basswood scraps and...

Like to share the creation and results of this recent frame I made for my favorite client -- my wife! Some of the other people I make frames for prefer that they're not shared on public boards; why?, I'm not sure. Anyway, this painting is oil on panel and measures 12" x 16". My wife wanted to...

I suppose it's the teacher (now happily retired!) in me that likes sharing things I've learned with others who are like minded. That's one of the things I enjoy about these message boards, not only sharing but asking questions and getting responses from others who are doing the same thing...

Is black the "new gold"? Seems as if many of the frame requests I've had lately are for black ones. They are easier than water gilded gold leaf which is what I'd like to continue to get better at but no matter what the commission, I always look forward to the challenge. What I like to do with...

In early June I added a post to the Grumble talking about a beaded frame I'd created for my artist wife, Diane Eugster. I'm primarily a furniture maker and woodcarver but love the challenge of making custom profiles for her as well as other artists here in the Phoenix area -- contact me if...

It's been a busy time for picture frames in my shop lately. This is another one for my best client, my wife! She recently had three of her paintings accepted into the Portrait Artists of Arizona show here in Scottsdale and this is one of them. Somewhat unconventional technique where raw wood...

Thought I'd share the latest carved frame just completed. The profile is shop made and about 3 1/2" wide and the size is 20" square. Basswood was used since it carves nicely. I've included an image of the frame and painting even though the painting still needs to be varnished to "pop" all of...

This stretched canvas painting measures 16" x 20" and is titled La Nina Mariachi. The frame measures slightly over 3" in width. The wood used is Tropical Walnut and although I really like the consistent, dark brown color it wasn't particularly easy for carving. It could have just been the...