Tools for Matting and Framing

(Click on the thumbnail for the bigger, better version)

A part of my recent framing frenzy has been the discovery of a few tools that I had never worked with before. This doesn't mean the tools are new, of course, only new to me.  Fortunately, those tools have made matting and framing a much less onerous task.

I doubt that I am in the minority among photographers when I say that almost any aspect of photography is more enjoyable than matting the print and getting it in a clean and dust-free frame. Lately, I have found enormous satisfaction in the final product and that satisfaction powers me through the mundane tasks required to produce the framed piece. Clearly, if money were no object, I would turn this job over to a professional. Now, back to real life.

At the risk of beginning to sound like an infomercial, I am particularly enjoying using some of the items I purchase from Frame Destination. For example, I had never used a print weight. Now, I am a major fan. 

My other favorite inexpensive, yet indispensable, item is their hanging hardware. When I buy one of their complete framing kits (frame, backing, and mat) the hanging hardware is included. But, for frames that I have on hand, I no longer skimp. I spring for the extra buck (or a whopping buck-fifty for the hardware needed for larger frames). I am completely spoiled now. Love that plastic-wrapped wire. Having spent some time using the budget-model hardware store wire, I appreciate the difference. My fingers are worth it.

Finally, I like the Lineco linen hinging tape. I can't imagine myself ever getting the formula just right for the water activated tapes, but the self-adhesive one is easy to work with. Occasionally, I have trouble getting my nail under the edge of that backing; but, more often than not it is only a minor hassle.

The fact that I have yet to find a mat from this company that isn't pristine, with perfectly precise corners explains most of my enthusiasm for this company. I don't know about anyone else, but sloppily cut mats are a major turnoff for me. While viewing an artist's work recently, I couldn't help but be amazed that the man had his work displayed in a major venue; yet the mats were tacky. I didn't spot a single clean cut. Picky on my part, I suppose, but we all have our tolerance for compromise.

I don't expect that I will ever eagerly anticipate a session of matting and framing; but the task is far less a dreaded one these days. Now if this company could just come up with a piece of glass that repels dust.... Oh well, I can dream, can't I?

Ready for the Show, Finally

(Click on the thumbnail for the bigger, better version)

On Friday, the final print was framed and ready to deliver for the show next Saturday. Since that piece is large and heavy (for me), the Husband pitched in and helped. Each time I finish even a medium-sized piece, I swear I will never do another. Why not make 11x14 my top size and save myself the headache? Why even go as large as 16x20? Not only are the larger pieces unwieldy to handle, but where do all those dust specks come from?! The piece just finished is 20x26 and every square inch was a dust magnet. I sometimes think, with a larger frames, that I will use an entire can of compressed air before turning the piece over to see a clean mat under the glass.

And speaking of sizes, I have become enamored of 6x9 prints in 11x14 frames. The 11x14 frame is the practical side of me. It's a standard, after all, and I am only slowly transitioning into some experimenting. One step at a time. The 6x9 prints certainly are not out there on some sort of frontier, but I had avoided that size in an effort to save money, frankly. Unfortunately, custom framing is an investment, for me, and I would rather be able to hang more prints by saving on readily available mats. Now, however, I have decided to indulge my affinity for the 6x9 print. After all, the more mats I purchase the better the discount. (See how easy rationalization can be?)

I never reported on my first order of framing kits from Frame Destination. They are outstanding. Every mat is flawless. The frames are beautifully built and they include excellent hardware. I could not be more pleased. I am expecting a package Tuesday and, yesterday, I placed yet another order. It appears that as long as I don't run out of money, I will be getting packages from the Dallas, Texas area.

I am working on some new pieces, but everything is still in flux. Eventually, I will share some of the work here, but for now I will post this photo from a brief outing last Sunday. We took one of those Sunday family drives down into Caliente Creek Canyon. The repeated rain storms along with the snow melt feeds a handful of waterfalls  dumping into the creek, and that trickle of water we have seen in the past is transformed. At end of winter the previously harmless stream threatened homes and tore up quite lot of road. I wished that I could have gotten out and walked more during this trip, but concentrated on being grateful for the opportunity to see the creek roaring along. By mid-summer it will, once again, be no more than a trickle.

Spring Brings The Local Art Show

(Click on the thumbnail for the bigger, better version)

Lately, it has been easy to forget that spring is around the corner. Days of rain, followed by days of snow that melts only to be replaced by more snow, then followed by rain. Gray has been a dominant color with the exceptional sunny days serving as welcome reminders that this won't really last forever.

I haven't had time to fret over the gloom, as I have been immersed in preparations for the Bear Valley Springs annual art show. Since I missed the event last year, I have only participated in this show once and that time I entered pieces that were conventionally matted and framed. It was basic gallery style frames, standard mats, and your typical color prints for me. This time around, I am trying new things.

For instance, I am experimenting with prints on metallic paper (finally, I might add—the paper has been around for ages now). I also am ordering one piece printed on metal. Of course, like a child, I will be waiting for the delivery truck tomorrow when I get to see my sample pack from Bay Photo. They offer so many finishes in the metal that I needed to see samples before placing my order. While I am catching up with the rest of the photography world, I will test out one print on canvas. I decided why not have fun with this show and check out what everyone else has been playing with for several years now. When this show is over, I will not only have had the fun of participating, but I will have learned a great deal.

Beyond the new print materials, I am also placing my first order for frames and mats from Frame Destination in Dallas, Texas. I have read good reviews about the company for years and thought it was time I found out for myself how good they are.  A few weeks ago, I placed a small order with them and was impressed with the way they handled it. It happened that one item in my order was temporarily out of stock. They called me to inform me of the delay and I was already impressed that a real person called to let me know. Then, the item arrived, having been shipped Fed Ex 2-day, although I had not paid for the expedited shipping. Their handling of the situation gave me an idea why reviewers have given them raves for their customer service. I felt the service warranted further investigation.

You will hear some of those last minute howls of "woe is me" as the deadline nears for hanging pieces, but you know I will be having fun, as well. I remember the opening day reception as a marvelous party where I met a number of delightful people. Why should 2011 be any less a day of celebration?