S
SuzyQ
Guest
I could use any help available on stretching a needlepoint piece. I thought this was dampening the cloth and stapling it to a board to stretch it. Is this wrong? THANKS for any help!
Bogframe
SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Suzy,
I'm willing to bet that this is going to be a loooooooong thread! Blocking is stapling or nailing a piece of needlework to a board after dampening it with a relaxing solution available from most distributors. It is suggested that you check the material for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area before dampening the whole piece.
STRETCHING, is affixing the blocked piece to a board. Staples are often used, but can eventually rust, permanently damaging the piece (a big no-no). Stitchin and lacing are the most generally accepted ways of strtching needlework. Vivian Kistler CPF,GCF wrote some fine books on the subject. They're available from PPFA. Might I suggest hiring an experienced framer to teach you some of the basics of the trade?
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Seth J. Bogdanove, CPF
21 years framing and still loving it
I'm willing to bet that this is going to be a loooooooong thread! Blocking is stapling or nailing a piece of needlework to a board after dampening it with a relaxing solution available from most distributors. It is suggested that you check the material for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area before dampening the whole piece.
STRETCHING, is affixing the blocked piece to a board. Staples are often used, but can eventually rust, permanently damaging the piece (a big no-no). Stitchin and lacing are the most generally accepted ways of strtching needlework. Vivian Kistler CPF,GCF wrote some fine books on the subject. They're available from PPFA. Might I suggest hiring an experienced framer to teach you some of the basics of the trade?
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Seth J. Bogdanove, CPF
21 years framing and still loving it
A
Angela
Guest
Is the piece that you are blocking a needlepoint (on an open-type canvas) or a needlework on a fabric? Blocking is done to re-align needlepoint, which tends to become very warped when stitched because all of the stitches go diagonally from left to right, giving a constant pull on the canvas. Thus, blocking is done to gently pull the piece into shaped so it can be stretched (either by lacing or pins, although I've seen needlepoints stapled to mats too). If the piece is REALLY warped, you can get a needlepoint relaxer to spray on it so that it's a bit easier to work with. Blocking boards are available from most framing supply places or you can make your own by drawing out a grid and drilling small holes at the grid intersections. Then, using either pins or nails, you can line up the edges of the work along the grid lines. Leave it in place for awhile (or until the needlepoint relaxer has done its job) and then remove it from the board and stretch using one of the methods discussed in another post.
Good luck!
Angela
Good luck!
Angela
lise
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
I'm sorry for sounding too abrupt but you really should not have to ask how to stretch needle work if you are presenting yourself as a professional to your clientele. I would suggest contacting your local PPFA chapter, taking some courses, and maybe even becoming a C.P.F. Can you imagine an accountant asking an associate how to reconcile his client's books?
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Lisa Kozokowsky C.G.A.H.
Frameswest Inc.
(403)230-1865
888-230-5775
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Lisa Kozokowsky C.G.A.H.
Frameswest Inc.
(403)230-1865
888-230-5775
Suzyq,
Your question was a totaly valid one and as you saw, the proffesionals gave a valid response.
Please do not be intimidated by a few bad apples. Most of us welcome you to our trade and will do anything we can to help you master our craft.
It is much better you send a question to a forum such as this one to get a quick answer to a question than to destroy a customers piece of art.
All of us have e mail addresses if you do in fact feel intimidated by the response Lise gave you. It would be a shame though because there are a lot of framers who would also learn from your questions.
Best Wishes
John
[This message has been edited by JRB (edited August 14, 2000).]
Your question was a totaly valid one and as you saw, the proffesionals gave a valid response.
Please do not be intimidated by a few bad apples. Most of us welcome you to our trade and will do anything we can to help you master our craft.
It is much better you send a question to a forum such as this one to get a quick answer to a question than to destroy a customers piece of art.
All of us have e mail addresses if you do in fact feel intimidated by the response Lise gave you. It would be a shame though because there are a lot of framers who would also learn from your questions.
Best Wishes
John
[This message has been edited by JRB (edited August 14, 2000).]
lise
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
SuzyQ and RJB,
My point was valid and here is why:
In custom picture framing, you are either a business person or a hobbyist. While participating in this forum does not require certification, or even an entreprenarial spirit, it does require the most basic knowledge of being a "picture framer". I would suspect that most of us in this industry have had to defend our profession from people who have had bad experiences with other framers. In my opinion, the "bad apples" are the ones that my company has had to repair work from, or ones that sit back and coddle "dabblers" in this business. All I know, and it isn't a heck of a lot, is that what Suzy needs to know is what none of us has the time to teach her and I wish someone had told me that when I started in this business.
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Lisa Kozokowsky C.G.A.H.
Frameswest Inc.
(403)230-1865
888-230-5775
My point was valid and here is why:
In custom picture framing, you are either a business person or a hobbyist. While participating in this forum does not require certification, or even an entreprenarial spirit, it does require the most basic knowledge of being a "picture framer". I would suspect that most of us in this industry have had to defend our profession from people who have had bad experiences with other framers. In my opinion, the "bad apples" are the ones that my company has had to repair work from, or ones that sit back and coddle "dabblers" in this business. All I know, and it isn't a heck of a lot, is that what Suzy needs to know is what none of us has the time to teach her and I wish someone had told me that when I started in this business.
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Lisa Kozokowsky C.G.A.H.
Frameswest Inc.
(403)230-1865
888-230-5775
I'm with you Lise!
SuzyQ questions are too big for this forum. You've got to pay your dues. Study, go to classes and trade shows. There are no shortcuts or inexpensive easy answers in this business. Just like college no one is going to hand you the diploma you've got to earn it.
It sounds like SuzyQ has an excellent business opportunity. To capitalize on it she needs to prepare herself. What is one week at a framing school if you can earn a whole lot more?
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.
SuzyQ questions are too big for this forum. You've got to pay your dues. Study, go to classes and trade shows. There are no shortcuts or inexpensive easy answers in this business. Just like college no one is going to hand you the diploma you've got to earn it.
It sounds like SuzyQ has an excellent business opportunity. To capitalize on it she needs to prepare herself. What is one week at a framing school if you can earn a whole lot more?
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.
Hi,
In todays world of instant comunications the damage a framer does to a customers work affects all of us.
A customer in Kentucky has her picture damaged by a local would be framer, Her sister in new york mentions on an e mail she is thinking of going to a custom frame shop. Sister in Kentucky relates her experiance at a " custom " frame shop and talkes her sister out of going to her local shop, the order would have been over two thousand dollars.
What goes on in any part of the country can cost any one of us large sums of money.
If this lady is determind that she is going to be a framer it is in all our interests to get her up to par as soon as possible. Should we be able to talk her into going to a school that would be fantastic, but in the meantime we should be willing to help as much as we can or it could cost our industry as a whole.
There are no frame police, we have to police ourselves. Any one can open a " Custom " frame shop and that can hurt all of us.
We must find the time to help these people
Think about it.
John.
In todays world of instant comunications the damage a framer does to a customers work affects all of us.
A customer in Kentucky has her picture damaged by a local would be framer, Her sister in new york mentions on an e mail she is thinking of going to a custom frame shop. Sister in Kentucky relates her experiance at a " custom " frame shop and talkes her sister out of going to her local shop, the order would have been over two thousand dollars.
What goes on in any part of the country can cost any one of us large sums of money.
If this lady is determind that she is going to be a framer it is in all our interests to get her up to par as soon as possible. Should we be able to talk her into going to a school that would be fantastic, but in the meantime we should be willing to help as much as we can or it could cost our industry as a whole.
There are no frame police, we have to police ourselves. Any one can open a " Custom " frame shop and that can hurt all of us.
We must find the time to help these people
Think about it.
John.
Dear John,
With all do respect. SuziQ's questions are very large and could possibly burden the resourses of this valuable forum. I believe as a group we have pointed her in the right direction. I think most of us are busy training new people in our shops. To ask us to try explain "CUSTOM FRAMING" with all our diverse communication styles could be lengthly, timely and confusing.
I know your heart is in the right place, but I think she needs to pursue the first step herself.
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.
With all do respect. SuziQ's questions are very large and could possibly burden the resourses of this valuable forum. I believe as a group we have pointed her in the right direction. I think most of us are busy training new people in our shops. To ask us to try explain "CUSTOM FRAMING" with all our diverse communication styles could be lengthly, timely and confusing.
I know your heart is in the right place, but I think she needs to pursue the first step herself.
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Timberwoman
AL
I cut the mat, I pet the =^..^= cat.
Get outta here!!! If we are sooooooo busy why do we spend soooo much time on the grumble? Of course you are doing what we are suppose to do on the grumble......GRUMBLE. If I were SuzyQ I would bombard the site with questions. Angela, you answered the question quite well. You didn't go into a "I am greater than thou mode." Evidently Lise(Lisa) and ArtnoLady didn't know how to answer the question. This thread could have ended with Angela's response. I'm sure it won't end with mine. Back to the cave!!!!!
Zorro- You talk about other people having a "Greater than Thou mode", how about you?
You come in to a thread and post a message then dissapear expecting that we won't recognize "Don Diego" in disguise. Take off the mask and stnd up like a man.
Some of us may not like everything we see here, but at least we allow people to see who we are.
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Sue May
"Everyone is born right-handed, only the greatest can over come it!"
You come in to a thread and post a message then dissapear expecting that we won't recognize "Don Diego" in disguise. Take off the mask and stnd up like a man.
Some of us may not like everything we see here, but at least we allow people to see who we are.
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Sue May
"Everyone is born right-handed, only the greatest can over come it!"
I liked Zorro's response the best.
John
John
Well said Susan May . Please read my explanation to Paulette about my vague PS in the Chopper post. Why do we all feal it necessary to use Screen Names ,Suppliers and framers alike? Do we really need to hide our idenity? Do we say things we don't want others to know we said?
Charles 'Buddy' Drago
Needles and Knots
Chalmette ,Louisiana
Charles 'Buddy' Drago
Needles and Knots
Chalmette ,Louisiana
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2000
- Posts
- 17,119
It cheapens the craft when anybody can become a framer (or anything else) just by wanting to. A few quick posts, a simple answer and Bam! I'm a framer. This person needs to do the due-diligence required to become skillful. How about a little apprenticeship, how about some on hands training and I don't mean some Mickey Mouse 2 hr class. If this person is really interested in becoming skillful, do the necesaries. Go to work for someone for whatever they will pay and learn, learn, learn. Quit taking the easy way to a quick answer, and Goodness sake's everybody, quit defending some one who hasn't paid their dues like you all have had to do. We expect it no less than any other trade that we deal with. If this person is serious, they will earn the right. If they are not serious enough, the last thing we all need is another amateur. And it starts with their committment.
As an aside, I agree 100% with full and open disclosure. Open up and identify yourselves
As an aside, I agree 100% with full and open disclosure. Open up and identify yourselves
.
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Michael D. Johnson
Tadporter's
Framing & Art Gallery
2130 W. Poplar
Collierville, TN
901-861-4300
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Michael D. Johnson
Tadporter's
Framing & Art Gallery
2130 W. Poplar
Collierville, TN
901-861-4300
Don't you just love a spirited discussion?
We all had to start somewhere. If there had been a forum like this when I started, I would have used it a lot...along with the books & workshops & trade show seminars.
It's better for SuzyQ and other newbies to ask questions than to blindly destroy customers' property. That happens every day, by so-called "professional framers" who think they know all they need to know. At least SuzyQ realizes there are unanswered questions, and seeks answers.
Bob Carter makes a good point about our industry. Anybody can claim to be a "professional framer" with no training whatsoever. One of the ways we improve the level of expertise in our industry is by educating one another. And that's what this and the other forums are designed to do.
SuzyQ, don't take all of the criticism too hard. The critics are simply concerned about someone with no training, experience or general knowledge calling herself a professional framer. I agree with them, that you should seek training & education soon. Very soon. Before you ruin something of value. Keep asking the questions.
Meanwhile, be careful.
We all had to start somewhere. If there had been a forum like this when I started, I would have used it a lot...along with the books & workshops & trade show seminars.
It's better for SuzyQ and other newbies to ask questions than to blindly destroy customers' property. That happens every day, by so-called "professional framers" who think they know all they need to know. At least SuzyQ realizes there are unanswered questions, and seeks answers.
Bob Carter makes a good point about our industry. Anybody can claim to be a "professional framer" with no training whatsoever. One of the ways we improve the level of expertise in our industry is by educating one another. And that's what this and the other forums are designed to do.
SuzyQ, don't take all of the criticism too hard. The critics are simply concerned about someone with no training, experience or general knowledge calling herself a professional framer. I agree with them, that you should seek training & education soon. Very soon. Before you ruin something of value. Keep asking the questions.
Meanwhile, be careful.
cody
CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
I think all the respones to SuziQ have been valid. Most of us agree we cannot teach her framing on the net. But one more point should be made. Suppose she decided she could learn how to frame here. Borrows thousands of dollars to buy equipment and puts herself in a financial bind. Then realizes she can't learn what she needs to know off this forum and is unable to go to a framing school or find someone to teach her. Have we done her a service by mentioning several tools or methods of framing? NO. Art Lady is right, her current knowledge cannot be brought up to speed on this forum. It's a real world & we have done her a favor to tell her like it is. Now she needs to decide how dedicated she wants to be to this profession. We all wish her good luck, but in business you must have knowledge too.
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Cody
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Cody
Susie, Go to this site for some informational terms etc. http://myframeshop.com/ . I'd like to add the books and schools are put on by those who learned from others experiences and found another way to make money. Not that they don't do a good job but when alot of us started out here in mid-America there wasn't alot available. Where you live there has to be more available to you than you are currently finding for help. Good luck searching and learning.
[This message has been edited by JPete (edited August 16, 2000).]
[This message has been edited by JPete (edited August 16, 2000).]
cfkane
True Grumbler
It is imperative that any framer; new, old, ancient, crusty, happy, or apathetic understand the limits of their skills. Those skills must be gathered from any sources available, and while this forum may or may not be the best for lengthy questions, it remains a source of valuable information. To shoo away a newbie (like me or SuzyQ) for asking a question reeks of exclusivity and may cause a framer to go elsewhere for their information. At least this forum affords some give-and-take and options for those of us getting started. Don't force her to go to a hack.
As for screen names, what is the difference? You folks don't know me from Adam to begin with, so my name, real or fictitious, shouldn't matter.
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"It's not the size of the shop of the framer, it's the size of the framer in the shop"
As for screen names, what is the difference? You folks don't know me from Adam to begin with, so my name, real or fictitious, shouldn't matter.
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"It's not the size of the shop of the framer, it's the size of the framer in the shop"
Greg Gomon
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
As a profession we need to mentor newbies and encourage them, not degrade or intimidate them. This forum should be used as a tool to facilitate positive communication and learning among it's members. I do not recall seeing in the registration a prequalification category stating an individual must have X years in this industry to participate. I own a shop, have been framing for awhile, and still learning...plan to be "still learning" til the day I die. Signed; proud to be humble!