FRAMING

Embellishing with natural materials can be a challenge, not only in regard to the design and execution but displaying can be problematic as well.

After collecting pine needles along my morning walks, spraying with clear lacquer helped preserve them.  Framing the work under glass was the answer for the piece I created with these pieces of nature.  Here's how I did it........

 Once the actual fiber piece was completed, I used tiny hand stitching on the front of the work (large running ones on the back) to attach it to an acid free mat.  Securing all knots very well.  

 To protect and disguise the threads, I 'dry mounted' a piece of handmade paper.  Dry mounting is a process of covering both surfaces (to be attached) with rubber cement.  When each is fully dry, they are pressed together to make a permanent bond.

 Next, I cut clear plastic spacer bars the length and width of the inside of the frame.  The ones I use have a paper covered adhesive strip that when removed, helps to hold them in position.  This allows the work to sit an appropriate distance from the glass. (especially necessary for this type of embellishment)

 A label is added.

And a final protective thin piece of cardboard is added before securing the layers with metal clips.  NOTE....be sure the frame you choose has room for the plastic spacers.  I had to do some adjusting with this metal frame....but opted for it anyway because I wanted the low profile look.  

                                                               click on photo to enlarge

MOUNTAIN PINE NEEDLES   16" X 12"  © 2013

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE HERE

 Artist hand-dyed and felted wool, embellished with pine needles, rusted cotton cord, and hand embroidered.  Matted in a low profile black frame.

Due to the glare of the glass.....I found it impossible to get a good quality photo of the piece in its frame.....I'm sure you all can envision it without the visual!

Detail