OhSewCrafty Blog

This one is a long time coming… my finished projects have been piling up over the past few years and the time was nigh to get these framed!

I spent $250 on 5 custom frames (all wood), hardware, and plexiglass.  The full size matboard and acid-free foamcore were purchased some time ago at Michaels with a 25% off coupon.  Let’s say the final cost was about $65 per project.  I consider this a bargain as custom framing can be very expensive around here, especially when you get into double mats and fancy frames.  I won’t lie, diy framing can take some time and lacing needlework around the foamcore is not exactly a fun task, but it’s worth it in the end to use the materials I really like and know that it’s done right (in a manner that won’t damage my needlework).  I once took apart a project that was custom-framed by Michaels and was horrified to find that the needlework had been glued and cut.  This is a picure heavy post so I’m sharing 3 projects for now.

For Athena, I opted to skip the mat. The detailed frame is shiny black with an antique gold scroll detail.  Overall, the effect reminds me of the Athena’s Greek columns.  DH says it looks like it came from a Greek temple!  Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, hangs in the office, for now anyway.

Living with Charm needed a mat to add a bit of width to this skinny project.  I chose a single mat in moss green.  Despite having to cut the mat twice (I was rusty), I have plenty left over for another project; this is a nice color.  

The frame is brushed silver with a subtle sheen.  I wanted something simple, that wouldn’t compete with the message.  This hangs in my front foyer.

Woodland Enchantress got the double mat treatment, to add some depth to this detailed scene.  The bottom mat is lapis and the top mat is french blue.  

The frame is espresso brown with gold highlights and a sloped profile.  This one hangs over a fireplace on a brick wall in the den.  I love the exposed brick and I love this scene up there!

Next time, I’ll show you Twas the Night and Mermaids of the Deep Blue.