Problem Bamboo leaf art

[5th corner]

Hi have a couple of bamboo leaves to frame.

The art has been painted on sort of tissue paper and then glued to back of bamboo leaf I guess.

Thoughts on how to attach them as they are translucent. Tissue tape even shows up.

I figure probably the only way would be to put a stich around the base of the leaf at the stem and maybe a very fine drop of glue near the top on the vein??

Any ideas?

 

[Jim Miller]

It's hard to guess at the durability of such unfamiliar items. Would the leaf deteriorate and become more fragile over time? If so, then using glue or stitches for spot-attachments may tear away later, expecially if the framed leaf were subjected to an impact.

How about a direct contact overlay (DCO) mount, using fine mesh fabric or abrasion-resistant, optially coated acrylic? For a fresh description of the process, check Wanda's current thread about framing the fragile embroidery.

 

[5th corner]

The painting is on paper and stuck to the back of the leaf. The stitch would be around the base on the woody stem and a very fine spot of glue would be on the paper not the leaf. Hate the idea of glue but not real familiar with the extent of possible overlay techniques.

"Acrylic, on the other hand, has much better thermal properties and would not condense moisture so readily. A study of "dew point" explains the physics involved."

This is true and I have read an artical on it but have heard from others that sticking can still occur even with acrylic?? Does sticking not occur to "optically coated acrylic"

Also would "Crepeline etc" over the object or image not reduce the clarity of the framed object?? A pic of such a job would be interesting to see?

I have also wondered if one uses a mylar or the non glossy version the name of which I cannot remember overlay that the static alone would keep the piece in place. Would it not move if frame takes a bump??

 

[Framar]

Hi Sam, if you use a Mylar/Melinex or Invisimount overlay there would be little "legs" that would go through slits in the substrate to secure the item.

 

[ann e sellers]

Maybe use suede matboard and put glass directly on art. I know this is an archival no no, but you rely on friction to hold art in place. this has worked well for me in past and you do not have to use glue or have visible stitching.

 

[urban20]

Bamboo leaf

I would shadow box them, so that it would give it a 3D effect. Using rice papaer paste or linen tape to adhere it to the mat.

 

[5th corner]

Can't even use the rice paper hinges as they show. I have heard that just a mylar overlay will hold it in place with the static but am concerned that a bump would dislodge it?

 

[Framar]

How about setting it on top of fabric with a bit of batting behind and then smushing a piece of glazing onto it - that should keep it in place, doncha think?

If they want a mat you could also put a second piece of glass over the mat - these are small enough not to worry about a weight problem.

 

[Jim Miller]

I have heard that just a mylar overlay will hold it in place with the static...

The thin sheet of clear film probably could not carry enough static charge to hold the leaf.

Framar said:

How about setting it on top of fabric with a bit of batting behind and then smushing a piece of glazing onto it - that should keep it in place, doncha think?

This is one of the direct contact overlay (DCO) mounts I referred to in the second post. I still think a fine mesh fabric DCO would probably work best, but an acrylic DCO would be OK too, so long as flattening the leaf would not harm it. If you go with an acrylic DCO, you do not need a secondary glazing, but I suggest using abrasion-resistant acrylic. Optically coated would be even better.

Whatever DCO mount you choose, be sure to use a background padded by polyester batting, preferably needle-punched polyester batting, which is more dense and made of better quality material.

Instructions are still in the archives.

 

[5th corner]

Decided to go with stitching only after lots of thought and advice from the conservator.

 

[Framar]

Good job Sam!!! They look lovely.

 

[chesswidow]

Great job! I just saw this tonight but that is how I mounted 3 of these leaf paintings a couple of months ago. This is the leaf of a Banyan tree and it is done in a special process - and they are very delicate as you found. Very nice work.