Opinions Wanted Here goes

[Terry S Williams]

This is my first Frame Design to post so Constructive criticisms please.

The top mat isDS951 Navy Suede
The Middle mat is A222 Azure
The Bottom is M905-4
The Frame is a Designer (?) 25301 Matte Black Frame
Conservation Clear glass
used T- hing and Lineco Clear Corners

 

[j Paul]

Bravo, for getting up the courage to post a design, keep them coming. Aren't dark suedes a PIA when it comes time to remove flumbs? They look great, but those flumbs sometimes make me want to pull out what little hair I have left. A good tip there is to use a lint roller.

My observations, since you asked.

1. I would vary the reveal more on layers 2 & 3, they are to much the same size and create a distraction in viewing that way.

2. The top mat and second mat are both so dark, that if I were going to use them next to each other, I would either have not reversed beveled the suede, or if I did I would have used a spacer between level 1 & 2 to offer some definition.

2A. I think my choice would have been to reverse layers 2 & 3 , and then only show approx. 1/8" of layer 3.

Let's see some more.

 

[Ylva]

Good for you to post! I always find it interesting to see what others come up with. I also keep in mind that every framer will have a different design/color choices.

Personally, I would have kept it lighter, it's a bit too dark to my taste. When I use a dark mat, I usually have a much lighter 2nd mat, or a fillet. I'd probably wouldn't have chosen a black frame with a navy mat. But again, these are personal choices. A customer might feel completely different, so might other framers.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Terry S Williams]

Thanks both for your encouragement!

John,
Thanks for the suggestion about the lint roller. I used 811 tape. Putting the black next to the picture would have given it some nice definition and the lighter blue would have framed it better. Currently the focus is definitely on the art, but I guess it gives more of a dark tunnel effect. Each layer had a ¼ reveal which was too much and a learning experience.
I have a pair of pictures that I just finished and am considering posting them soon. I had put the black against the pictures and a light mat next. Then another dark mat but I put a V-groove in the top mats and changed their whole appearance.

Yvla,

I tend to like natural wood frames but since I have started framing I have been gravitating towards black. What did you have in mind?

Thanks again for your input

 

[Baer Charlton]

Switch the two inner mats... reduce the light blue to about 1/8 exposed. Rev Bev all the mats.

Framarica has a new series of "Pine" out. Even the light one would look good.... but I'd probably go for the darker.. but not black.

 

[Terry S Williams]

Baer,

Thank you for the input. So far I have liked all the suggestions. As with all things this is a learning experience. So if I listen, I'll learn.

Terry

 

[Shayla]

Hi, Terry. It's good to see your post here.
I've looked at it twice and thought about what suggestions
to make. I like that idea about switching the two inner mats. Maybe so the lavendar middle mat would be about 1/4 inch, with the inner one 1/8 or less. Having a dark mat and a dark frame can overpower something, and it feels a bit that way with this piece. But as I sit here thinking of what else to put on it, no one frame comes to mind. Well, not one I have anyway. What I like the idea of is a simple frame that's a soft old silver, with a wash that would be in that rosy lavendar that's in the background trees.

 

[Boxer Too]

If the customer likes it, nothing is wrong with it. There is so many right ways to frame an item you can drive yourself nuts trying to decide if you're doing the right thing.

I agree with most of whats been said here. I do not consider myself much of a designer so I use this, somewhat simplified, procedure. Starting from the inside and working out, dark/light/dark/light, or light/dark/light/dark. Did I mention it was a simple system.

It doesn't work all the time, but it does more often than not. When it doesn't work for a particular item, I find it a great starting point.

Now that I've released my ever so guarded secret, I would invite opinions on that as well.

 

[Ylva]

Thanks both for your encouragement!


Yvla,

I tend to like natural wood frames but since I have started framing I have been gravitating towards black. What did you have in mind?

Thanks again for your input

Very hard to tell without having the piece in front me. I like the 'azure' mat / dark navy combination. I think I would not have used any black (mat or frame) but instead have picked up more of the color of the picture, leaning towards the silver tones probably. (thinking LJ's Meridian for example)
I have the opposite with black frames, there are only a few pictures where I think it looks really good (keep in mind these are just personal opinions, and again, everyone designs in a different way)

Keep posting! I haven't figured out yet how to post pictures, will work on it and try to find the courage to post.....

 

[Terry S Williams]

Ylva

Above the message area is a smiley face. To the right of it is a paper clip. click on it. There will be a "BROWSE" button on the pop up window. click on that look on your computer for the picture you want to upload and "upload" Once that is completed close that window. Click on the paperclip again. Then click on the name of your picture. Done.
If you want to see how it all looks then click on the preview button below.

That's how I figured how to do in any.

Looking forward to some of your work.

Terry

PS this attachment was an accident. (oops)

 

[danny boy]

I like the way we all look to designs. The same picture or piece of art can take on an entirely new look with just a little change in mats or frame. A mass produced picture has the ability to be framed and give an original look. Nice job.