Homecraft Framing and Gifts

Mounting and Framing Primitive Stitchery

2009-03-25T20:46:00.013-04:00

Let me start by saying, this style of mounting and framing should only be done with items of stitchery that you do not mind if these pieces of needlework loses its' looks over time. That being said, since primitive stitchery has had the cloth and or threads treated with a variety of staining agents, ie...coffee, tea, vanilla or Distress It, this mounting technique will not harm the primitive look over time.

Supplies Needed

Piece of finished Primitive Stitchery, punch needle, counted cross stitch or needlework of Choice.
Press-on Mounting Board (sticky mounting board matching the size of your pressed needlework).
Pen/Pencil.
Ruler.
Glazier Points.
Flat Head Screw Driver.
Double Stick Tape.
Sawtooth Hanger (2 Nails).
Cardboard Backer (sized to the inside measurements of the frame).
Dust Cover (paper grocery bag, wrapping paper or paper of your choosing).
Hammer (I forgot to put the hammer in the picture, sorry).
Scissors (I forgot the scissors in the picture as well).

Mounting

Press the primitive stitchery, punch needle, counted cross stitch or the needlework of your choice, that you will be placing on the Press-On Mounting Sticky Board. You can purchase Press-On Mounting Board @ Joann's Fabrics, Hobby Lobby or purchase it online @ http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat3270&PRODID=prd2672 . For the money, the best value is the 16 X 20 size. Out of the 16 X 20 size, you can get four 8 X 10 pieces, eight 5 X 7 pieces and a variety of other sizes by cutting the mounting board yourself. Getting the Press-On Mounting Boards from Joann's Fabric online, the purchase of three boards plus shipping was economical. If you have a friend to split the cost of shipping, it would even be more cost friendly.

Remove the cover paper (it has red printing on it) and center your primitive stitchery on the sticky side of the mounting board. Press the center of the fabric to the board, adjusting the primitive stitchery until it is smooth and centered all the way around the four sides. When you are happy with the way the primitive stitchery looks on the sticky mounting board, use your hands to press the fabric firmly to the mounting board. If you should have extra fabric hanging off the sides of the sticky mounting board, you can use the scissors to trim off the excess fabric. Now your primitive stitchery, punch needle, or counted cross stitch is ready for framing.

Framing

Remove the back board from the frame and if using glass on your primitive stitchery only, clean the glass. Needlework that has not been treated to have the primitive look, I would not put behind glass unless you have a mat or some kind of spacer in front of the fabric. Place your mounted primitive stitchery, punch needle, counted cross stitch or the needlework of your choosing in the frame and replace the backer board.

An easy way to hold your primitive stitchery in place is by using glazier points. You can get these at your favorite hardware store. Set the glazier point (flat side down) with the point aiming at the inside edge of the frame. Use a flat head screw driver and with steady pressure, push the point into the side of the frame until the two metal guards are touching the wood. Do this on all four sides to secure your primitive stitchery. On small framed stitchery example 3 X 3 to 5 X 7 you will need to use only one on each side to hold your primitive stitchery. On larger needlework pieces you can judge how many glazier points you would like to place on each side of the frame.

To give your framed primitive stitchery a finished look, select the style of paper you wish to use for a dust cover. Take the frame and lay the frame back side down on the paper and trace the outline of the frame. Take your scissors and cut on the inside of the line until you have the dust cover cut out. Place double sided tape along all four sides of the frame. Try to use enough tape to cover the entire length of each side. Place the dust cover on the back of the frame and carefully press it down. Just a little tip, never paint the back side of your frame, with the heat and humidity in every one's home, in time the paint can adhere itself to your wall or wallpaper and leave a paint mark.

To finish your primitive stitchery piece of art, center a sawtooth hanger on the back of the frame, then measure the center of the frame and and place a mark. You will center the sawtooth hanger by locating the raised dot in the center of the hanger itself. Put the nails in the sawtooth hanger and you now have successfully mounted and framed your primitive stitchery.

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Determining the Size of Frame You Need

2009-01-25T22:21:00.005-05:00

The majority of the time if you are looking for a frame size, the size of the frame will be determined by the size of the artwork you will be framing. Example, an 8 X 10 photo would be put into an 8 X 10 frame. This would be considered the inside measurements of the back of the frame opening, not the front opening. This information would be the same for custom order frames as well. You need to measure the length and width of the item being framed before purchasing a frame, so you do not have a frame that does not fit your artwork. This happens more often with custom frames.

If you have a small item or photo and want a larger frame presence on your wall, you can mat the item and place it in a larger frame or purchase a frame that has a wider moulding size. When matting a picture or artwork you, will want to use the overall size of the mat to determine the size of the frame you will need.

When framing needlework you will want to have your needlework piece mounted before you purchase a frame. The size before mounting is not the same as the stretched size. Some pieces of needlework needs to be stretched over stretcher bars or stretching strips. Some needlework needs to be laced while others are mounted to a sticky board. Any of these mounting techniques will depend on what kind of needlework you have and will determine what kind of frame you will need. Measure the size of the mounted needlework in order to determine the correct frame size.

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When Is Acid Free Framing Not A Must?

2008-03-23T16:10:00.004-04:00

I have recently pulled out my stash of unframed cross stitch and punchneedle pieces. It occurred to me, that antiquing the cloth regardless of the method, the ph stability of the needlework has changed forever. Keeping this in mind, you will want to still conserve the art work the best you can. If at all possible, avoid putting the needlework under glass.

For those of you who like to extremely antique your primitive stitchery, you can use the sticky board to mount your needlework. Since the Extreme Primitive look is what you are after, the sticky mounting board and glass will only add to the look over time.

Since I am not quite sure what ingredients are in the product call Distress It, I would use it on pieces of needlework you would not mind if they are not conservation framed. What a great product for some of the DMC threads that may be too bright for your taste. Go ahead and cross stitch or punchneedle your pattern with the thread you are going to distress. Spray a good amount of Distress It to saturate the threads on the cloth and let dry. If you want it darker, repeat until you get the look you want.

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Framing Tips

2008-03-23T14:37:00.004-04:00

I realize how costly framing can be, but keep in mind that the item you are working on is in progress of becoming a family heirloom. Great Care should be given to any piece of needlework. In the event custom framing is impossible, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Never use any spray adhesives regardless of what others may have done. The damage is not always noticeable right away but in short time it will be.

Stretching is always the best method and on acid free foam core or rag mat. If you are a do it yourselfer, there are places like Michaels Arts and Crafts where you may purchase these items. For those of you who feel this is still too expensive, then I recommend using Presson Board. Although, I would advise not using glass to cover your work.

This next tip may add a little extra life to your needlework if; every year you take apart your needlework, remove it from the Presson Board, and wash it in Woolite. It would not hurt to take the sweeper attachment and run it lightly over your needlework when you sweep.

Never hang any artwork over heat sources, such as fireplaces, heat and air vents.
Avoid hanging valuable pieces of art on outside walls. These walls are where the temperature and humidity fluctuates causing condensation.

Keeping that in mind, Kitchens and Bathrooms are rooms where the temperature and humidity fluctuates greatly. This in turn can cause paper art to wrinkle and needlework to get moldy.
This next tip is a killer to many decorators. Once you paint or wall paper, do not hang any art work for at least two weeks. Although, your walls may be dry to touch, drywall and plaster holds in moisture that is not noticeable.

Avoid hanging art in direct sunlight or direct ultra violet sources, such as, fluorescent lighting.

Never spray cleaner directly on glass, spray the towel then clean the glass. The cleaner can run down under the glass into the rabbet where your artwork lives and destroy it.

Check your book collection once a year for insects, they do not know the difference between a book and valuable work of art. To them, paper is paper.

Smoking does not do anyone any good and it reeks havoc on art work. If you cannot kick the habit, then kick the smoker outside. Your art work will love you for it.

According to Larson Juhl Framing School, the average height to hang most art is 5’ 7".

When having important art pieces framed, ask about conservation framing. It insures the item framed will be protected from acid which will yellow and eventually destroy the art work. Something to keep in mind if you do have something conservation framed. If you do not follow the above tips, you are also wasting your money, and the piece of art you just had framed.
Some of you are thinking, where can I hang anything? On the walls that have vents, outside walls, kitchen or bath, this is where you hang the pictures you purchased from your favorite Mart store.

Lean your shoulder to the wall, or the fireplace. Now with a sideways glance, look at the picture you had hanging there for years. Can you see the wrinkles?

Something to remember, if you took the time and care to create a work of art, then you will want to treat it like, a work of art.