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rivercraneframing

Making samples Most (all?) professional framers ha Making samples Most (all?) professional framers have corner samples that they use when working on a design with a customer. Using a combination of mountboard chevrons, and frame corner samples, we build up a design for the customer.When I teach my students, I encourage them to add to their basic range of mountboard chevrons. For example, I supplement mine, and have used a variety of decorative mount samples, including prepared double mounts, V-Groove and others with lines and washes, for years. Having these helps my customers get a better picture of the end result. You can of course layer mounts with the same results, but I find having prepared examples really useful.I also have small completed framed examples on display in my workshop. For these I frame small postcards, 6" x 4" or 7" x 5" photos, or thank you cards from my customers. Again, these serve as teaching aids and help a customer see the technique, or materials (such as different kind of glass). My samples help customers with their design choices. My argument is that if they don't see it they don't know it's there!On many an occasion a client has spotted something and said, "Can I have it like that?"The framers I talk to often say they don't have time to make these. I get that. So I have been on something of a mission in the last few months - to tidy up my samples set. I'm boldly throwing away some of my older samples and working on a new set. That's mountboard chevrons, and small framed pieces.I'll post a few examples here over the next few weeks.I made this sample using a beautiful 6" x 4" post card by Jackie Morris @jackiemorrisartist (The original is in "The Lost Words"). It's supposed to be an example for the workshop, but we love kingfishers and I love this little piece, so it made its way into the house - I'll have to make another sample!Note on the materials: The frame is from @lionpfs The glazing is @truvueglazing Anti-reflective UV92 glass. I painted the inner bevel using @crobersonco liquid metal paint.#bespokeframing #framingworkshop #handmadeframes #onlineframingworkshop #pictureframing #rivercraneframing #smallbusinessowner
A few of the books on my shelf.#worldbookday2025 A few of the books on my shelf.#worldbookday2025 #smallbusinessowner
When your favourite jeans show signs of aging… When your favourite jeans show signs of aging…Yesterday I spent time with a friend who was running a social mending morning as part of #mendmarch2025You must have favourite pieces you wear in the workshop? I do- and my jeans all wear thin across the thighs. Yes I know, a good apron will solve that! And I wear aprons a lot, but not always.I also know that for some reason ripped jeans are fashionable and people actually buy them. 😳.Besides all that, I wanted to fix mine.So I’ve started!Thank you @makersuniteduk and @talesinstyle for setting this up.It was a wonderful morning in the sunshine, fixing, chatting and learning.I may even show the finished results soon😊
It was a delight to start January with a varied co It was a delight to start January with a varied collection of pieces to frame.I have art (that I have collected) , which I have been meaning to frame for years. I'm starting to get to it. My plans for this year are to do more more woodwork, learn more techniques and frame more of my own artwork.Much like me, one of my clients has art that she's been collecting and meaning to frame for years. She bought this piece some 15 (or was it 20?) years ago! She brought it into the workshop just before Christmas, with a few others that she's been meaning to frame.Now it's ready to go on the wall. Isn't it a beauty?I think it's been waiting for the perfect frame to be designed. This new range of mouldings from Lion, were perfect for her pieces. Clean, modern and with a touch of silvery edge.The frame is from the @lionpfs "Palette range. We used a selection of these across the frames she'd brought in.I also used Conservation UV99 glass, to help preserve those deep and beautiful colours.Don't wait years to enjoy that artwork you have collected, find the perfect frame this year.#bespokepictureframing #UV99glass
It took me ages to get back into the workshop in J It took me ages to get back into the workshop in January. I certainly didn't venture in between Christmas and New Year. I can heat the space and wear warm gear to work in, but a lot of it was just the thought of stepping into that cold space. I had work that clients had brought in December, which weren't Christmas orders, and I had appointments set up starting the first full week in January, so I had to brave the cold.It was great! Last year I started a project of rearranging the space, starting with my samples. I also always tidy the workshop and put everything away before I leave it each evening, so I wasn't stepping into chaos - just an inviting space ready to get started...and I did. Before I knew it I'd had meetings with a variety of clients - caught up with news of their families and holidays and had accumulated an impressive collection of varied artwork, and I was off.It was so good to be back, working in silence or with the radio on in the background, sometimes even a podcast.If you're hesitating to start whatever project you are doing this year, then don't. Take that first step and get started. Even if you started and then stopped - grey days can be off-putting - Take a small step and get going. You'll feel fab!Oh, and an extra note... which samples do my customers select the most? The ones on the wall!#workingalone #myworkshop #bespokepictureframing
Thank you to the team at Tate Britain @tate for su Thank you to the team at Tate Britain @tate for such an interesting and inspiring afternoon. A group of us framers - members of the Fine Art Trade Guild- spent time “behind the scenes” with the conservation technical team, who mount and frame artwork that comes in. Everything they do with the view to the longevity of the work. Mindful of the impact of the tapes, paper and environment has on artwork. So good to spend the time with other framers, learning new techniques and confirming that we use similar methods in our workshops. Bringing to the fore once again, how important a frame is in the life of art.#museumframing #finearttradeguild
Basingstoke Canal. Blue skies…#basingstokecana Basingstoke Canal. Blue skies…#basingstokecanal
No need to say anything more... If you're curious, No need to say anything more... If you're curious, @rivercraneframing and follow the links to read more about the webinars and register.
What are you missing?What do you overlook as yo What are you missing?What do you overlook as you rush through each day?I am fortunate enough to have grown up in South Africa and get back to see family regularly. I'm fortunate enough to be able to walk in the mountains and spend time in the bush, and have seen amazing things.I understand - if you're visiting for the first and perhaps only time, that all you want to see is "The Big Five". (The Big Five are Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant) But if that's your only ambition, you miss a lot.Don't for a minute think I don't think these are incredible things to see. The snag is though, when you're tearing across a game reserve to see the possible sighting of a leopard's tail, that you miss all the little things.As we tear through the day, do we miss the small wins in our businesses? The small successes that happen every time someone says yes to you work?Let me tell you about these images: The first is a pygmy mongoose, peering out of a log. Very small and very cute. We'd stopped to watch one dashing through the grass and then saw a whole family of them. What a delight!The second image: Our guide spotted the spoor of a hyena, showing us the drag marks of the prey it was pulling. No sign of the hyena though. He told us the den was a long way off. That the hyena would have to drag it down the one valley and up and over the ridge to the next. We followed and waited. Patience rewarded us. Can you see the hyena?The last is a Martial Eagle. What more can I say?What do we miss, when we don't stop and look? What do we miss if we don't try new things?Are you afraid to start something in case it doesn't work out? Does it matter if it doesn't? We make the mistake and learn.Do you fancy trying something new? I'm running a series of free tools webinars as a way of introducing you to picture framing.Follow the link in @rivercraneframing to read more and register.#hyena #martialeagle #pygmymongoose#framingworkshop #onlineframingworkshop #onlineworkshop #onlineworkshops #pictureframing #handmadeframes #pictureframingtools #pictureframingequipment
Despite devastating fires rolling through the moun Despite devastating fires rolling through the mountains, if you look closely, there are signs of new life everywhere. Nature at its best. Resilient.Does it feel like your business is stuck? Has it had a blow that feels like you might not recover? Look for the small signs of life, and take it one step at a time, one day at a time.Everything you have done, and learned, is still there.#smallbusiness #startingover #newbeginnings
My parents loved the mountains and instilled in us My parents loved the mountains and instilled in us the same joy of hiking, bird watching and being outdoors. Only fitting for us to celebrate their long and full lives in one of their favourite places.#giantscastle #drakensberg
Students who spend a day with me in a workshop, go Students who spend a day with me in a workshop, go through the whole flow of measuring up artwork. They then move through the steps of cutting mounts, the frame, glass and so on. We keep to a reasonable size piece of art, so that we can practice concepts and techniques. Sometimes they want to focus on some aspects of framing.Take this piece. This was part of a collection of stretched canvases which my student was interested in framing. She was interested in the impact of a frame. We worked with raw wood. First measuring, cutting and joint the frame, then moving on to joining the lengths. Once the frame is made we moved on to preparing it for a finish. Typically I do these finishing stages over a succession of days, so in one day we stuck to a single shade. With more time you can layer up the tones and shades. Even so, the hand painted and varnished frame lends great impact to the piece.#handfinished #bespokeframing #pictureframingworkshop #framingworkshop #handfinishedframes
Teaching at RHACC @richmond_art_school @rhacc_coll Teaching at RHACC @richmond_art_school @rhacc_college at the start of the summer break.Students bring in their art. We start with work on paper. If the group is small we can stretch a little and try different artwork, like framing small stretched canvases or perhaps work on board. I order in some mouldings for them to cut and join, most students preferring to use a low flat profile in white or black. We also get wood donated. These can be interesting and possibly more elaborate, like an ornate gold or this very wide white.The donated wood comes from framers clearing out. So often there is a corner in the workshop with sticks of 1 or 2m in length that just take up space and often end up as scrap. It's a win/win situation. The framer clears out dead wood, and the student gets to try a different style of wood.What about this? Isn't it fab? The donated wood had lots of damage, but my student was able to salvage enough to produce this excellent piece.With the help of a strap clamp, she made the perfect frame. What a lovely achievement and sets the art she bought of beautifully.The frame is St. Ives from @lionpfs#artonboard #bespokeframing #creativity #customframes #custommade #custompictureframing #fabricart #framed #frameshop #framingworkshop #greatframedesign #handmade #handmadeframe #handmadeframes #pictureframing #rivercraneframing
There is still time to join our short summer works There is still time to join our short summer workshop. Don’t leave it too late, we’re starting on Monday at 09:30 (BST 🤣)💥 4 weeks 💥 4 live sessions (recorded so you can catch up if you miss any 💥 plenty of extra recordings 💥 fun, framing and learningBut why am I telling you this when you can read all about it and sign up today!Add Summer to the comments or go to @rivercraneframing and sign up.Bookings close on Friday at 20:00
The London Branch of the Fine Art Trade Guild is h The London Branch of the Fine Art Trade Guild is having their monthly meeting on Zoom on Wednesday 24th July at 8pm (BST) Topic: Equipment Maintenance. Our speaker is from @lionpfs We meet as a group (of framers) every few months, share ideas, ask questions and always learn something new. If you’re interested in joining the Guild, you’re welcome to attend one of our meetings as a guest.Email info@fineart.co.uk for details about tomorrow’s meeting.@lion @finearttradeguild#finearttradeguild #morsoguillotines #keencut #alfamacchine
I'm amazed at how quickly my framing workshops fil I'm amazed at how quickly my framing workshops fill up and sell out these days.I think it's because we're learning that being a little creative is so good for us.It's good old fashioned fun to work with your hands, to learn something new and try it yourself.That's why I'm offering an online "Summer Framing Workshop"DM me for more information or Post "Summer Fun" in the comments or Follow the links and register today, orI'll send you more information#creativity #customframes #custommade #custompictureframing #framed #frameshop #framingworkshop #greatframedesign #handmade #handmadeframe #handmadeframes #handpaintedpictureframe #handpaintedpictureframes #onlineframingworkshop #onlineworkshop #onlineworkshops #pictureframing
Spoil yourself. Take a little time out and treat y Spoil yourself. Take a little time out and treat yourself to a short fun, learn to frame workshop.If you’ve done a course, or you’ve been meaning to get framing, you can join us too.I’m running a free webinar on Tuesday, 23rd so that you can ask any questions and see what tools you need.The course itself runs over 4 weeks, with 1 live call each week.Add “Summer Fun” to the comments and I’ll send you all the details.#onlineworkshop #framingworkshop #learnsometingnew
Michelangelo: The Last DecadesOn Tuesday, we wen Michelangelo: The Last DecadesOn Tuesday, we went to the British Museum to see this Michelangelo exhibition. The exhibition focuses on his last 30 years.So much to say and observe, but here for you 2 things:✏ Observing as a framer: Many of his pieces have sketches on both sides. To frame these, the framers have placed the works between 2 pieces of glass. They need to ensure neither piece touches the glass, so use mounts to do this. Then the pieces themselves are either attached visibly, as in this first example (with a piece of tape at each corner) . They don't need to do this in the second example. Both examples have work visible on the opposite side.✏ Observing as an artist: I've started to watch and follow colour pencil artists, many of whom find an image to draw (from a photo and or drawing) and then use this as a reference - tracing off the basic lines and proportions. Michelangelo seemed to do this all the time. This exhibition has a lot of his drawings that he then used as his reference pieces for the main event. He used charcoal to draw these pieces.Observing to appreciate the skill? - well you'll have to go yourself! His drawings are incredible. The third image is a closer view of 'The Punishment of Tityus' shown in this set of images.#britishmuseum #michelangelo #museums #LastChance #visitingmuseumsinlondon
I'm running another online workshop. Yayayay!!D I'm running another online workshop. Yayayay!!Designed to be light and fun and easy, you're invited to join me online.Starting on the 29th July and running for 4 weeks, we'll look at what you can achieve with a mount cutter. I'll show you how to plan and measure your art, cut mounts and assemble and complete your frames. We'll use frames you have, frames you can buy and I'll show you how to source bespoke frames too. This is all about getting started, so that you can learn to frame pieces of art you have been collecting. Those fabulous holiday photos and more.All this is online. The sessions will be recorded and you have access to them and other supporting materials online to watch when you have time.You will need a few tools and we'll discuss those in the workshop and before you even sign-up!You may have some tools and you may have none You may have some experience you may have none You may want to give it a go or want to go further All these are good - join me and work where you are at and I'll help you go further.I'm inviting you to join me. See this as a time to get started or carry on. See this as a place to ask questions and a place to experiment. And if you love it? Then you can take things further.It should be a super inviting price too.😃Just type "Summer Fun" in the comments and I'll send you a DM with a link to read all about it.#summerfun #art #bespokeframing #boxframe #creativity #customframes #custommade #custompictureframing #framed #frameshop #framingworkshop #greatframedesign #handmade #handmadeframe #handmadeframes #handpaintedpictureframe #handpaintedpictureframes #homedecor #onlineframingworkshop #onlineworkshop #onlineworkshops #pictureframing #rivercraneframing #smallbusinessowner #smallBusinessUK #twickenham #twickenhamcommunity #wallart #walldecor
This water colour has hung in my parents' home for This water colour has hung in my parents' home for as long as I can remember. Bearing in mind that was in South Africa, I'm curious about it's history. It's the New Forest (UK) and was painted in 1906.I'm going to reframe it. With my knowledge of materials (mount boards and glass) I plan to frame this to the highest level. The end result may look like any other mounted, framed water colour, but I'll know what's inside that also matters.Framers: Remember what the client can't see also matters. A client brought in a piece that has been in his home for years and now, after all these years, the tapes that hold the piece in place are showing through to the front!What's inside counts.I'll post the details when it's all done.#art #bespokeframing #conservationglass #customframes #custommade #custompictureframing #fineartframing #finearttradeguild #framed #frameshop #framingworkshop #greatframedesign #handmade #handmadeframe #handmadeframes #homedecor #lovemyjob #museumglass #pictureframing #rivercraneframing #smallbusinessowner #smallBusinessUK #truvueglazing #twickenham #twickenhamcommunity
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