Design 101

Marc Lizer

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 28, 1999
Posts
1,545
Location
North Hollywood, CA
What would you do differently, and why?
medals.jpg

Would you do a different frame?
Different fabric backing?
Different layout?

You own't learn if you don't speak up?

For that matter, neither will I.
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Assuming that the backing board is some sort of fabric that approximates the uniform to which these would have been pinned, I wouldn't change a thing! I like the precise symmetrical layout (this is a military presentation, after all) and the gold frame accents the gold in the medals and plate very nicely.

Kit (still trying to figure out how to post pics)
 
I would move the two silver eagles in and up a little, move the epaulets up, drop the straight line of medals into a v-shape so that the whole layout took on a diamond shape. Why? Who knows? Just would.
 
I like it. It appears to be a gen-u-wine gold leaf frame.

One thought... how about a raised mat with a fillet? (I read that on TG once, but can't remember to whom to give credit.) It really sets off the design, but many times it's hard to talk customers into the extra expense as it would also increase the overall size.

What is the backer matboard?
 
Looks good to me. I'd agree though that putting a second mat with a fillet would look that much better. It does the same thing for these objects that it would do for a picture. Plus it makes it all bigger, which means you sell more glass, moulding, matting etc. which means more PROFIT!!!Since it looks like Marc did this for his father (uncle? brother?) I doubt if there was much objection based on price.

Put the second mat up against the glass? Maybe, just make sure you leave more room around the objects so that they don't get lost in the shadows.

Put it at the back on top of the floater? Maybe, it would give a neat dimensional look. Or heck, put it halfway between the floater and the glass.

The creamy background and gilded frame work for me. Gives it a very elegant, museum-like (in a good way) presentation.

Overall, two thumbs up.
 
None of Marc's pictures will load for me. I've tried it at work and at home with no luck. :(
 
Originally posted by vilgal:
None of Marc's pictures will load for me. I've tried it at work and at home with no luck. :(
Debbie,

I think that Marc's server where he FTP'd his photos to is not functioning correctly. Somebody else posted that they are only allowing photos from auctions to be accessed.

Nice friendly people, eh?

I'm sure he'll get wind of this and post to another storage area.

FGII
 
Here is a hexagonal display case that I finished recently. These are fairly easy to build and could add a new custom built item to your inventory in the art gallery.

hexcasefront.jpg


Here is a view of the removable top. (The raised moulding and the glass come out)

hexcasetop.jpg


Display case moulding courtesy of Southwinds Moulding Inc., Columbia, SC.

Trim moulding is LJ Kensington in Mahogany veneer.

This is a smaller display case, measuring about 13" tall by about 12" at the widest part of the hexagon.
 
Marc when you say ;Display case moulding courtesy of Southwinds Moulding Inc., Columbia, SC. are you speaking about the uprights? i once built a cubical box ( I'll Try To Get PICS later) of a three demensional Crossstitch project and we had a real problem finding moulding that was as tall as it was wide. This would have to be Chevron shaped to do it my way The outside surfaces would need to follow the octagon top and btm while the rabit would need to be the same degree angle.Is it like that? and does southwinds mill it that way? I have a catalog but i didn't remeber seeingthat.
BUDDY
 
Buddy,

You may have to call for one of their display case catalogs. Their phone # is 800-833-3268.

The basic carcase is made from their mouldings and they are milled with 60&#186 kerfs in the verticals and the top cap and bottom cap are the same rails that you would use for any shape display case. I am finishing up a larger hexagonal case that will house a collector bisque doll and I will try to post when I have it finished.

Marc, aka Framerguy :D
 
Buddy,
I think FramerGuy meant to post as a new topic.

If so, I can see about severing the bottom (of the topic, not FramerGuy) and starting it as a new topic.

If not, then it is another clear demonstration of FramrGuy's flagrant attempt to thumb his nose at the system. In which case, only his nose will be severed off, and made into a new topic.

Come to think of it, a new topic of FramerGuy's severed body parts might not make a bad frame design topic. I bet ScarFinger would have alot to say on the topic.

So, Buddy, this is sort of a design thread appendix from FramerGuy to the initial thread. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm, maybe another body part to that may pose an interesting design challenge?

Now about getting those tonsills or placenta framed . . .
 
Marc,

I am not sure where you are coming from on your post, whether there was meant to be some kind of humor buried in there or what, but I simply posted this display case here because I thought it was the proper place for it and I wanted to contribute to your old thread after you got the picture posting thing fixed.

I answered directly Buddy's question about the materials used to construct the box. I know that he thought you made the post but I wasn't trying to do anything other than make Buddy feel comfortable about the mixup by using your name in the end of the post. I didn't think that there would be any confusion about the post or the reply.

If you feel that I maligned you in any way please let me know and I will immediately delete the content of this post and place it elsewhere.

<font color=indianred>quote:

If not, then it is another clear demonstration of FramrGuy's flagrant attempt to thumb his nose at the system. In which case, only his nose will be severed off, and made into a new topic.</font>

I would also like an explanation to this statement. I have participated in this forum by trying to contribute my experiences, maybe some twisted humor, and I understand that sometimes I post "out of order" in the Grumble portion, so don't we all?? But, I am NOT trying to thumb my nose at this or any other system! And I take personal offense to your implying that I am.

As far as the post that I made with the train display case, that was an honest, if not dumb, mistake. I meant to post to the end of your thread on those display cases and didn't realize that I hit the "Post a New Topic" until it was too late. I tried to explain that just in case you thought that I was trying to steal any of your "thunder" by starting a new thread. I apologize if that created any hard feelings on your part but it was just that, a dumb mistake on my part. What do you want me to do to rectify the situation?

Framerguy
 
Humor does not only reside on Warped.

Of course the text on the screen does not always reflect or inflect, or inflict what the writer meant.

I am sorry if I was not clear.

It was and is humor. Twisted humor at that. But still humor.

Tom,

Just think for a moment. As the moderator, who is trying to make the Design Forum mor used, would it be good for me to mean that in seriousness, or in jest?

I am sorry for the confusion.

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Marc,

This is a perfect example of someone (me) putting entirely too much faith in the use of graemlins to lighten things up in a post! I was reading your post in all seriousness and didn't see any goofy little faces which, to me, means "just kiddin' around.

I guess that you have been listening to Zippy too much. He hates those little green guys and won't use them unless he is at a total loss for words. (Which I haven't witnessed on any of these forums as yet!) ;)

I have been catching some flak from a certain selfcentered framer from your part of the world on another forum and I over-reacted to yet another "critical" post from another Californian.

I understand now that you were only trying to be humorous and I simply let it go right over my head. (which isn't that hard when you are reading in the prone position to begin with!)

No harm done and no hard feelings. If you run into me at Atlanta, be sure to ask for that cold beer I owe you. (or Coke or iced tea or whatever you prefer.)

Framerguy, again I am
 
I hope the two of you have made up. It was all my fault for not paying enough attention to whose name was at the top of the post.I am truly impressed with the work both of you have shown,as this comment shows about Framerguy and a few others have about Marc's work. By the way Marc any replies to my comments?
Buddy
 
Marc,

Getting back to your original question about the military frame design:

I just don't like shadow boxes without mat borders. (Someone once looked at a violin I had put in a shadow box and said "look, a coffin for a dead violin")

I would put these items in a multi opening double mat - not too many openings - the medals would all be in a single opening. Then I would put another pair of mats around the whole thing and probably add a filet. A small spacer between the 2 pairs of mats will give enough depth for the items. The tricky part is to carry this off without it getting too busy - likely only 2 mat colors for all 4 mats. I like the ribbons of the medals to have their top edge hidden under the mats - it seems more elegant if they seem to be hanging rather than floating in space.

Also I would try real hard to get the customer to find a picture of the person in uniform to put in with it. Add a bit more data such as unit, dates and where served, ship etc (engraved plate or caligraphy) and the piece tells a little story when viewed. This adds emotion which helps the customer spend a little more.

Just my opinions. Your piece is well done, simple, and elegant!

PS When framing medals be sure to get them in the correct order as if they were being worn!
 
hmmm, pretty neat and perfectly acceptable. I might have considered using something other than a gold frame (timber, big fat timber), when the golds don't match throughout it seems a little "icky" to me. Is the name plate new? it appears to have been made recently and the square corners make it "jump" a bit too much somehow (too clean looking???). I like the layout however the badges in (I can only assume they go in order) the middle look out of line (2&4 are slightly higher), is this intentional or just the angle of the picture?
hmmm.... still thinking
 
The design elements are good. I find the transition from the moulding to the mount a bit abrupt and the objects feel crowded by the frame. Would rather see a deep scoop liner with a matching fillet to give the objects more space. The arrangement is a good design, but I was wondering if they are in correct postion in relationship to one another. When doing militaria I consult an expert in the field to assure that the higherarchy (sp?) of the elements is correct. The nameplate has a bit too strong a design presence. A plate with a bit more subtlety perhaps.

Thanks for subjecting yourself to our critique. Reminds me of the days back in art school.
 
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