Framing Contest - Diploma 2009

Select your favourite Entry

  • Entry 1

    Votes: 7 7.4%
  • Entry 2

    Votes: 37 38.9%
  • Entry 3

    Votes: 17 17.9%
  • Entry 4

    Votes: 9 9.5%
  • Entry 5

    Votes: 17 17.9%
  • Entry 6

    Votes: 8 8.4%

  • Total voters
    95
  • Poll closed .
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ENTRY 1
Frame : Studio Poems Blue
Mats : B8260 Ice White A4151 Lapis
School Penn State (as if that wasn't obvious
 
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ENTRY 2
High School Diploma dated 1903.......with various memoriblia from that class.....

LJ Marias II frame...............size is 23.5 x32

Ribbons are sewn down to matboard......Hand crafted calligraphy and pen and ink
scrolls........(this took forever) and Consevation Clear glass

This piece is being donated by the customer to their High School.........4 generations have
graduated from there!!!!
 
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ENTRY 3
I wanted to capture elegance in the framing without over-powering the piece. The warmth of the mat colour and bronze effects of the fillet and moulding are well suited to the colour of the diploma. A small reveal of mat under the fillet and a v-groove about 1” from the fillet provide a nice balance.

Frame Size 16 ½” x 20”; overall size 21 ½” x 25”

Moulding: 80432 Omega Veine D’Or line
Fillet: 80434 Omega Veine D’Or line
Mats: 2 - Peterboro Conservation A431 Pumice
 
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ENTRY 4
High School Diploma with Academic Letter, Tassel, and Class Ring

Framed in Nielsen Profile 117-235 with Tru-Vue Museum glass
Final Size: 15 3/4 x 18 3/4
Top mat: Artique 4969 Night
Bottom mat: Crescent 9929 Orange Ade Black Core
Tassel floated on 4969 Night, sewn down with fishing line with limited freedom of movement. Double layer 3/16" black foam core for build-up.
Diploma has a normal, two-mat opening.
Ring is recessed, crown level with the bottom mat. Special cut opening. Ring is attached with a combination of slit through 4969 and a piece of 1/2" black foam core as a brace. Removable if needed, but firmly secured. Does not stick out past the back of the frame. 3 layers of 3/16" black foam core for build-up.
Academic letter floated on 9929 Orange Ade, sewn through matboard using white button thread. Custom-programmed opening. Single later 3/16" black foam core for build-up.

This is a project that I had done for the shop as an inspiration example.
 
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ENTRY 5
Intel, main server "Blade", a water cannon, a few hours shaping a frame,
23kt gold leaf over purple bole,
and a few electrical engineering formulas. Deliver with a 6 pack of Jolt
and a dozen last week donuts.
 
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ENTRY 6
2-1/2" Copper pipe, a few hours, some sheets of museum glass and a
touch of paint... and a crappy design.
(Waste water treatment design engineer's diploma)
 
HA there is only one person...........................................who over uses...........................like they've been.............burp............drinking...................OMG ............all day....................:popc:
 
I voted #6, although from what I understand from the rules, one isn't supposed to post the image elsewhere prior to entering. ^_~

From an artistic point of view, this one is clever and unique. I love the use of clear acrylic to the glass to create the ripples.
 
I agree with Wendy. While these "over the top" designs indeed show a lot of skill and craft, they are really just "stunt framing". I know I will get flamed for this, but I hate to see all the gimmicks that detract from the actual item being framed. Although, in fairness, it is a contest, so I can't blame folks for trying to get noticed.
 
Hey Paul, when folks submit their work in a contest, the work is going to be "judged". That's the whole point of a contest. It's clear from the comments in this thread that most of the other framers on this site are pretty enthusiastic about the "stunt framing" that I criticized, so I didn't think anyone would be too devastated if I expressed a dissenting opinion. That's "why the negative comments". When people are involved in a creative endeavor, they need to be prepared for criticism, especially if they enter their work in a contest. As far as your remark about "photographers / artists / painters" "forcing" anything on the "framing public", I'm pretty sure the "framing public" can choose what they want without being "forced" to buy any design they don't care for.
Cheers
Slim
 
As far as your remark about "photographers / artists / painters" "forcing" anything on the "framing public", I'm pretty sure the "framing public" can choose what they want without being "forced" to buy any design they don't care for.
Cheers
Slim


I'm going to seriously disagree with you here. How often does a customer walk into your shop and as for a slim black frame and a white mat? It's a regular occurrence at every shop I've ever run. This is because enough "photographers / artists / painters" frame their works in this fashion, and the "Framing public" sees these presentations at Art festivals, and anywhere else the artist displays their work. The "framing public" looks to the artist who, in their opinion, made a choice to frame their works in that fashion, and the "Heck, if the Artist did it that way, I should frame my stuff that way" mindset is born.

It's our job to create a finished package for the artwork that completes the artwork and compliments, yet doesn't distract from, but you first have to overcome the hurdle of the customer putting (fake) stock in the Artists "original intention".
 
Slim:

If it weren't for some "over the top" and "creative" framing, the framing public wouldn't know any better than thin black frames and white mats.

That's why I view such contests as a means for both the public and the framers to see what's out there and make choices accordingly.

Even a Vermeer looks better in......you guessed it, over the top gold leaf frame than a thin black one!;)
 
y'all are presuming that a slim black frame with a white mat is somehow unacceptable. I don't get it.


It's not wholly unacceptable. However, MANY "photographers / artists / painters" frame their stuff this way, because it can be inexpensive, and the mindset by the customer gets created that slim black, & white is the only way to frame.
 
Well, that's where you come in. As the frame designer, your job is to advise the client what frame design is best suited to showcase the item being framed. We're not here to sell the frame design that best showcases the various tricks and techniques that custom framers can whip up in their fevered imaginations. It's supposed to be about the item being framed, not the frame. That is where I object to the stunt framing.
 
Slim, you have the opportunity to enter these contests just like everyone else, I am certain that your methods will be effective in getting votes if they present the items well. Going to extremes actually suits some customers, I am certain you have been asked to do something odd in your time as a framer, if not then I am certain you will be sooner or later.
 
I find it a bit strange that anyone would find fault with the entry's in this contest. It is as it should be, the one with the most votes wins. Thank goodness we are all different in our way of looking at things. Life could be very boring if we all saw everything the same way. I personally prefer the more plain, but elegant look for diplomas. But that doesn't mean that I can't recognize a job well done and creative like many of these are. My hat's off to all of you who participated. Great job!
 
I would've voted for #2 .... I like all of the elements, except one....the ribbon.

If the frame would've been lengthened and the item put into another recessed opening, I think it would've been absolutely perfect. But because of it, I did vote for another one because I felt like it was too distracting. But that could've also been a customer decision. But as it is, it doesn't looked planned and just looks a little thrown in. It doesn't blend with the rest of the design.

Now...for everyone who is arguing about over the top. With the exception of that ribbon ...to me, that is the perfect framing package. It reflects a continuation of the beautiful diploma... old style looks and the calligraphy pulls it all together. In order to 'wow' our customers we have to channel every aspect of our own creativity and skills. Calligraphy is obviously one of this framer's gifts.

Although it has the brighter element of the ribbon, it is still a neutral package but very, very pleasing to the eye.

I think its just beautiful and serves the desires of those people who like run of the mill framing AND shows off the design and technical skill of the framer who did it.
 
# at top of page may be misleading

If you look at the top of the page of each entry you will notice a number. That number indicates the number of posts.
It clearly states as you scroll down what the entry number is. The numbers are one digit off so some people may have voted for #4, when in fact they meant to vote for #5.
It's probably not an issue but I just wanted to bring it up.
Thanks,
Bill Taylor
The Framemakers
Waterville, Maine
 
Nah, it's OK Bill, I voted for #3.... or was it 1.... ah heck, I don't remember...

Slim, you missed the whole point about this contest; this is NOT about conservative framing. This is framers blowing out their chests, thumping said chest, dancing the hootchy kootchy and trying to will the admiration (or at least their vote) of their fellow bored to tears with slim black and white mat brothers and sisters who come hear to let their hair down and maybe catch a break and be entertained.
IF, an inspiration comes their way.... mozzeltof!

If you are enamered by the Bauhaus shool (1919-1933 germany) and it's auster line and blank slate...... you can have my share.
My customers seek me out BECAUSE I am bored to tears by Beauhaus, because I'm will ing to mess with their poo-ploma or wire up one large mother for their little expensive piece of paper. And after they have spent $164,000 for an engineer degree that starts their career at $85K+..... what do you can what they want to do with $3k for thier cubie.

If you want to join in and submit a piece.. jump in. But if the framing isn't to your tastes..... recognize that and then look at what the other framers are voting for.... and realize that we all have a different take on life.

Beyond that.... get over it. This contest doesn't even get you a tacky mirrored ball trophy. We do this for the huge reward of "FUN".
 
OOH , Stunt framing! Can I borrow that,Slim? Tempted to use that description on my web site. "I do all my own stunts"......If you think I`m weird,I know you`re boring :)! L.
 
Luddite..... we all know that you suffered a "stunt-ed" childhood.... and we all light ice sculpted candles of hosed-anna in thanksgiving. :D

You can take that as one stunt to another.
 
Can everyone who entered please let everyone know which one is yours!

Sorry, I am just too busy to do this for you at the moment - the next one is done and ready for voting!

Thanks,
 
Mine is #2.......:D :D :D
psssssssssst..... janet......I didnt like the ribbon either.... it came to me in a wad that I had to iron out....last minute addition....ugggg...:cry:

IT Was not fun ..... and did NOT smell good.........:vomit:

And as for STUNT FRAMING....... I LOVE IT!!! ;) :beer:

I hate white mats and black frames......BORING!!!
 
Mine is the notorious #3. I love the stunt framing and I love the subtle beauty of soft classic framing.....I love framing! It's good to be able to do both to keep the client happy. By the way, it's MY diploma! and it is proudly on display. Often, my customers say "make my diploma look like yours"
 
I figured #2 was blackiris's -- she had mentioned something about it in another thread.

5 & 6's are Baer's -- they're on his website.

As for #4, that's our shop -- in fact, it's my diploma and stuffings. What else was I going to do with it? ^_^
 
Congrats Black Iris. If Lance didn't pass this on, I told him that I would give a $50 gift cert. to the winners of all the catagories from now on...instead of only sponsoring a couple with bigger prizes. So...now you will need to call when you are ready to use your $50 prize. Great job!
 
OMG PAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You just made my day!!!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!! :D :D :D
 
I agree with Wendy. While these "over the top" designs indeed show a lot of skill and craft, they are really just "stunt framing". I know I will get flamed for this, but I hate to see all the gimmicks that detract from the actual item being framed. Although, in fairness, it is a contest, so I can't blame folks for trying to get noticed.


In any kind of framing contest what else to you expect??? They are not framing for a museum or gallery.
 
In any kind of framing contest what else to you expect??? They are not framing for a museum or gallery.

No, but take a look at the current and past winners of the PPFA contests. Very elegant, beautiful framing, but nothing that most of us would consider "stunt" framing.
 
No, but take a look at the current and past winners of the PPFA contests. Very elegant, beautiful framing, but nothing that most of us would consider "stunt" framing.

All depends on the judges in my opinion.........maybe they should have a STUNT FRAMING competiton then.......:shrug:
 
"stunt framing" LOL! guess I'm a stunt man! Funny my customers seam to love my work, and this was an open contest so why wasn't there any skinny black frames with white mats? Cause they are boring, old and did I say boring. Sure there's a place for that type of framing but don't come to my shop expecting the same old thing. We'll do it but it is normally for the customer that wants us to do it cheap as possible, and that's just what it is. Glad I didn't enter this one as I'm sure I would have been over the top, just an old "stunt framer" LOL, still makes me laugh.
 
"stunt framing" LOL! guess I'm a stunt man! Funny my customers seam to love my work, and this was an open contest so why wasn't there any skinny black frames with white mats? Cause they are boring, old and did I say boring. Sure there's a place for that type of framing but don't come to my shop expecting the same old thing. We'll do it but it is normally for the customer that wants us to do it cheap as possible, and that's just what it is. Glad I didn't enter this one as I'm sure I would have been over the top, just an old "stunt framer" LOL, still makes me laugh.

CHIS is my FAVORITE!!!! :D :D :D
 
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