Does anyone in our group do these kinds of French panels: Brian Wolf taught classes on it as well as other Mat Decoration. If you do, I'd like to trade tips and tricks. If noone answers this, I'll know I'm on my own.
MatMagic French Panels
- Thread starter MerpsMom
- Start date
F
framer
Guest
Use it all the time.
Great stuff, and fast.
Great stuff, and fast.
I used to do the real thing with watercolors and ruling pens. The whole process is way to time consuming, not many wanted to pay the price, so I don't offer it as a regular item.
I will do them if the customer insists on it.
I have never used or seen " Mat Magic " and would be interested in what y'all have to say about it.
Thanks,
John
I will do them if the customer insists on it.
I have never used or seen " Mat Magic " and would be interested in what y'all have to say about it.
Thanks,
John
John, get ready for an earful. I just finished two matching botanicals (those about which I gritched in another thread), and they look fabulous, if I DO say so. The powders are virtually goof-proof and allow you to do so many really cool things. Add some French gold lines, charge a lot, and you've got a profit (if you practice before you time how long it actually takes.) If anyone wants to start an e-mail privately, I'll help direct: makes the whole thing fun again! (Do you think it's the heat?)
Mel
MGF, Master Grumble Framer
MM:
Was thrilled to take his classes, bought ALL the stuff, and have't had one customer request it. I'd say it's my location (real cowperson and Native America country), but I don't get much request for barnsiding moulding either. But I still shake those bottles every once in a while.
Was thrilled to take his classes, bought ALL the stuff, and have't had one customer request it. I'd say it's my location (real cowperson and Native America country), but I don't get much request for barnsiding moulding either. But I still shake those bottles every once in a while.
F
framechick
Guest
Where I work now I do traditional watercolor panels, but use ony MM inks, especially the metalics, for ruled lines.
In a previous job I was able to sell quite a few fancy panels made with the paints. Different market.
I also have used the paints several times to alter a moulding or fillet.
In a previous job I was able to sell quite a few fancy panels made with the paints. Different market.
I also have used the paints several times to alter a moulding or fillet.
F
framer
Guest
A couple of points.
Selling:
Make a doz sample corners of different designs. Go from simple a couple of lines to a full blown mat with 8 - 10 lines and a panel with a fillet.
Have a couple of finished sample frame jobs showing off your best.
Very the color scheme of your corner samples. The reason for this is most customers have no visualization of color changes. Most will buy exactly what you show them.
I show my samples with my frame corner samples on the wall.
Doing Panels:
I cheat. I draw the lines first, clean them up, then using 3M Removable Magic Tape, cover the entire mat with it except where the panel will be. Once the taping is done it takes about 30 - 60 sec to make the panel. I do a light mat spray over the panel to keep it from dusting. Remove the tape and the mat is done.
Using this method you can be quite creative in doing panels or mat designs.
Enjoy
framer
[This message has been edited by framer (edited September 01, 2000).]
Selling:
Make a doz sample corners of different designs. Go from simple a couple of lines to a full blown mat with 8 - 10 lines and a panel with a fillet.
Have a couple of finished sample frame jobs showing off your best.
Very the color scheme of your corner samples. The reason for this is most customers have no visualization of color changes. Most will buy exactly what you show them.
I show my samples with my frame corner samples on the wall.
Doing Panels:
I cheat. I draw the lines first, clean them up, then using 3M Removable Magic Tape, cover the entire mat with it except where the panel will be. Once the taping is done it takes about 30 - 60 sec to make the panel. I do a light mat spray over the panel to keep it from dusting. Remove the tape and the mat is done.
Using this method you can be quite creative in doing panels or mat designs.
Enjoy
framer
[This message has been edited by framer (edited September 01, 2000).]
Bogframe
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
I too, have used the watercolor method for many years, but now that I'm getting older (I turned 40 today) my hands aren't as steady as they once were. With the Mat Magic powder and some 811 tape, I can do panels qickly, accurately and easily again. It's fun stuff, and with a few strategically placed french matted pieces on your wall, you should sell quite a few. I usually price them at .75 per inch (based on the outside dimension)
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Seth J. Bogdanove, CPF
21 years framing and still loving it
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Seth J. Bogdanove, CPF
21 years framing and still loving it
framer, how come you do the lines first? Personal preference or just think it's easier? Are these MatMagic metallic inks (or non-metallic, for that matter) or something else? Does anyone use the powder-resist thing? I LOVE that method because you aren't trying to make it look like a true watercolor panel, which should be perfect. Good idea to use different colors. When in Atlanta, I'm going to look for a good book with some updated designs in it to see what to practice.
Speaking of Atlanta, noone has stepped up to the plate and set a meeting? Who's going to be in charge??
Speaking of Atlanta, noone has stepped up to the plate and set a meeting? Who's going to be in charge??
F
framer
Guest
Normally matmagic inks, paints and powders.
I have also use everything else upto and including a black Bic Pen. Whatever works and whatever you got.
Just deleted the last sentence something are better left buried.
framer
I have also use everything else upto and including a black Bic Pen. Whatever works and whatever you got.
Just deleted the last sentence something are better left buried.
framer
ChrisW
CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
Been using MM for years, you MUST show samples or how are they going to ask for it...."ohhh, yes, I want it to look just like that one!"
With practice it only takes a couple of minutes for lines, a couple more for panels.
My problem is that I'm starting to run low and since LJ does'nt stock anymore, who does? Preferable a dealer in Canada.
[This message has been edited by ChrisW (edited September 01, 2000).]
With practice it only takes a couple of minutes for lines, a couple more for panels.
My problem is that I'm starting to run low and since LJ does'nt stock anymore, who does? Preferable a dealer in Canada.
[This message has been edited by ChrisW (edited September 01, 2000).]