Fall Decorating Ideas

Courtesy of HGTV

Small Doses, Large Impact

Use an expensive fabric in small amounts like on pillows, table runners, valances, in frames as artwork or pulled taut over a large canvas stretcher frame to beautifully fill a wall.

Be Strategic when AccessorizingThink of the frame style you want (all silver, gold, wood, mixed metals, etc.) and focus on that when shopping or providing gift ideas. Are you into large or small accessories? Do you have items tucked away that could be used in a new way or in a new location? Do you love everything you have out? If not, pass it on to make breathing room or for something new. Being strategic keeps you from buying on whims and collecting a bunch of disparate items that won't bring enjoyment for years. You won't spend money foolishly and for items that don't make the cut for long.

Spicy Orange Accessories

Vibrant orange is visible in many elements in this cozy yet bright living space. Combine orange paint, art and furnishings with subdued yellows and browns to create an eclectic and lively fall color palette that will have you feeling right at home.

Make Inexpensive Artwork

Create your own art by framing unexpected items. Consider things like calendars, postcards, cards, your kids' artwork, pressed flowers, seashells, a necklace, thrift-store finds, buttons, trip mementos, concert tickets, baby clothes, foreign currency, etc.

Go for Big (Not Broke)If you have a large expanse of blank wall space, it could cost less to hang one large piece of artwork rather than several smaller items.

The Importance of Conservation Framing

I came across this article and as a professional it is my duty to share it with you. If you are trusting your valuables to a professional picture framer it would be wise to do some research on conservation methods of picture framing. Make sure that you ask for conservation framing; if it is not suggested by your framer. It might be more expensive but believe me it is worth it.

There have been multiple times that I have opened art and they were not properly framed. Recent incident includes 3 signed Norman Rockwell prints. The prints were backed by cardboard, masking tape was used to attach mats and on one the title had been cut out & repositioned. It is a travesty to see art framed in these conditions. I realize not everything requires conservation methods but if it is of value to you; either sentimental or monetary you should consider conservation materials.

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Behind the Scenes: Captain America

Here is a behind the scenes look at creating an aluminum wrapped frame for a Captain America movie poster.  Everyday I handle art and frames with extra care.  The process is so delicate at times that it requires wearing white gloves throughout the framing.  It was a nice change to let loose and just take a hammer to a frame. I wanted this frame to mimic the background of the poster.  I started by joining an unfinished frame to be the base structure.  

Joining the base of the frame.

Poster mounted and ready for frame.

Next, I measured and rolled out the sheets of aluminum needed to wrap the frame.  Started wrapping the aluminum so that the wood was no longer visible.

Rolling out aluminum sheet.

Wrapping aluminum around unfinished frame.

Then the fun begins...hammering the aluminum to enforce all the creases of the frame and wrapping more aluminum to the other legs of the frame.

Hammering aluminum to enforce the folds

Wrapping more aluminum

Once the entire frame was wrapped...more hammering to distress the aluminum.

Hammering to distress

Frame waiting for final touches

Here is the completed frame!

Complete!

Projects Past and Present

Here are a few of our memorable and creative projects that we have never posted to our blog.  All are items that were near and dear to our customers.  Coincidently none are photographs; but who says frames are just for photographs. When it comes to framing open your mind to the possibilities and create anything into ART!

Vintage Record Album: Abbey Road is The Beatles last recorded album. The image of the Beatles on the crossing has become one of the most famous and imitated in recording history.(1)   Since this album is so famous, it demanded a creative twist.  The cover and record are floating on a cream mat to match the white of the crosswalk.  The bottom of the mat was painted to mimic and continue the zebra walkway. 

Abbey Road

Retirement Gift: This gold badge was given upon retirement; commemorating 50 years of hard work.  An honor such as this deserves to be showcased.  The badge which included a diamond is raised to float over a black suede mat.  To enhance the dimension of the badge the black suede mat was also used as the top layer. The top mat has an opening cut and was raised to the level of the badge.

50th Anniversary Badge

Concert Memorabilia: You Get What You Give by the Zac Brown Band. The cover is signed by the band.  Unfolding the case and sliding the disc out transforms a simple cd case into art. The album and top mat are raised to add dimension. 

Zac Brown Band-Signed 'You Get What You Give' album

 House Warming Gift: A Wishnest is a beautiful house blessing meant to bring love, nurturing and prosperity to your home. The nest is cast from pewter.  The nest is attached to the blue textured background without adhesive. The liner is wrapped in a cream silk.  The nest is accessible to remove the eggs.  Each egg represents one of the customer's four children. 

Wish Nest

Custom Sgraffito Frame

A sunny day in the park makes a perfect engagement session. This amazing moment was captured by Justin Bass of Justin Bass Photography.  If you are looking for a wedding photographer you will not be disappointed. I guarantee you.


Now about the framing...This frame is the perfect demonstration of what we can do. We chose an old world frame style while giving the essence of modern touches. The frame was hand-crafted, finished-cornered and water-gilded (the oldest method of applying gold leaf.  Leafed only by hand, produces a luster and richness unmatched by any other method of gilding.)  with 22kt white gold by a master artisan.  It was finished off with a sgraffito (A technique where a top layer of color is scratched to reveal a color beneath.  the term comes from the Italian word Sgraffire meaning (literally) "to scratch".) leaf design on blue background throughout the frame. For an added personal touch the couple's names and wedding date were custom sgraffitto at the bottom. Custom framing is an old world trade and this frame showcases that.  In this case we wanted to add a touch of modern aesthetics, although it is hard to see in this picture the white gold was not antiqued as to show the brilliance of the gold which gives it the modern appeal. The piece also includes double silk mats with a fillet and UV filtered near zero reflection museum glass.

Close-up of custom name and date.

Wanted!

It's not everyday you get to frame a piece of history.  We just finished framing one of the earliest "Wanted" posters to bear a fugitive's photograph.  Five days after President Abraham Lincoln was fatally shot, authorities distributed posters promising a large reward, $100,000 for the capture of his assassin: John Wilkes Booth and conspirators.  The photograph of Booth had been produced as a publicity shot for the actor. 

This had to be framed a unique way.  The customer asked if we would make a frame from authentic barn wood.  A barn in Kent, CT had been torn down and he had purchased a few planks of wood.  We were able to take the planks, cut them in half and mill them to create the frame.  The peeling red barn paint adds an authentic feel to the art.  What better way to showcase this piece; that would have originally been nailed to the side of barns in 1865.  

Kid's Art Show Opening

Middlebrook Elementary School art club just had their two-night opening reception (May 17th-18th).
Here are some of the highlights from both nights. If you missed the fun art-filled nights there is still time to come by and view them all.  The art will be on display until June 1st. 

A peek at 2nd Annual Kids Art Show Opening

Here is a peek at the 1st night of the 2nd Annual Kids Art Show.  If you missed tonight's opening reception you may join us tomorrow (May 19, 2011 from 5-7pm)  All art will be on display until June 1st.

Latest Shadowbox Project

I had a customer come in with a few things from Charlie Sheen's “Torpedo of Truth” Tour: Signed T-shirt, 2 signed posters, Tour ticket and backstage pass.  

We laid everything on the table and she gave me creative reign on the layout.  Here is a look at everything before.

Before

We choose a black bevel frame with a thin red stripe.  I decided to sew the shirt center and one poster on each side.  The posters are lifted from the mat to give a floating effect over the shirt.  I placed the ticket and backstage wristband on the lower right to balance the negative space. Here is the final project, love to hear what you think?

After

Local Up and Coming Artists' Show

I have visited many galleries over the years but of all the showings there is one that has stuck with me.  While in college, one of my classes took a visit to a New York City  gallery.  The day before our trip my professor prepped us on the will-known artists' work we would be seeing.  As we toured the gallery, I noticed the artwork was quite simple and different from what I had seen before.  One work of art was as simple as a  piece of cardboard that had been stabbed by a pencil repeatedly.  A few weeks later, we had handed in our critiques on the art showing. My professor tells us that the "well-known" artists were actually just 5 year olds! That experience has taught me that art is how your perceive it.


Last year, I teamed up with local elementary school art teacher, Amy Battaglia to host our first kid's art show at Framed by Kosal.  For our first showing we hosted the 4th grade art club. This year we will be showing the art of 4th and 5th grade art club members. The art club meets once a week during recess and works on projects the school might need as well as their personal works of art.


This year's art show opening reception will be Wednesday, May 18th and Thursday, May 19th from 5:00 p.m-7:00 p.m.If you are not able to make the opening the children's art will be up for viewing in our store until June 1st.

Art from 2010 Kid's Art Show

Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is sneaking up on us, and as we all know moms love something from the heart.  Here is a great idea you still have some time for are:

Framed Silhouette of Child- These go as far back as the Victorian era but are growing more popular today.  They are a different look at your child in an elegant, sophisticated way.  Even better they are easy to create. Bring your silhouette(s) to our store and we will help you choose the right background mat to showcase your silhouette uniquely.  Want to finish off your silhouette with a frame. We can also assist you in finding the perfect frame as if it was the victorian era or give your silhouette a modern spin.

Steps to create your own silhouette:

With the light behind your child – have them stand at a 45 degree angle to you. Have someone stand in front of them looking at the child – so that you can take a photo of the child from their side profile. Take several photos – the nose, lips, hair and chin are important – you can also include the top of the shoulders. 
Print your photos onto paper and adjust the contrast – you want a good outline. 
Trace the profile onto black cardstock or for a different effect use wallpaper. Cut out the traced silhouette – it’s easier to move the paper, not the scissors, as you cut. 
Position the cut out onto matboard. 
Apply glue to the back of the silhouette, cover the entire back surface to the edge.  
To add a more personal touch, add one or all of the options shown our example below.

Add a trace of the child's handprint.  Mom's LOVE handprints!

Add the child's name and year.

Welcome!

Framed by Kosal has decided to enter the world of blogs.  Here we will post about our most recent projects, give you a behind the scenes look at unique frame fabrications.  Along the way keep you updated on store events/offers and latest design tips/trends. Stay tuned!