OhSewCrafty Blog

Last December, I ordered these frames from the pictureframes.com outlet shop, and the acrylic (plexiglass) cut to size from americanframe.com, but in my last trimester of pregnancy, framing was not the highest priority.  Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about framing, as I had 10 finished works in the to-be-framed pile.  I figured I may as well do the ones I have materials for.  

Fair Kind and True was finished in 2013.  I plan to hang this in the master bedroom.

The frame is a flat cherry profile, slightly distressed with gold leaf.  The gold, floral medallion trim is slightly inset.  I believe it coordinates well with the rich red silk thread and botanic design. 

Haunt the Night Away was finished in 2008.  I’m not really sure what I’ll do with this- it’s a seasonal decoration of course.  It looks good on the mantle in the living rom for now.  

The frame is mainly black, with some orange highlights around the ribbed portions.  The central part is pitted with little round depressions that reflect light- this effect reminds me of stars in a night sky.  I believe this detailed, unique frame really enhances the piece. 

For those interested in costs, I will tell you that I spent about $27 for the two custom sized frames and hardware (pictureframes.com has some steals in their outlet shop), and $5 for two custom cut acrylic pieces (americanframes.com has excellent prices for custom cut acrylic aka plexiglass).  I lace-mount my needlework on acid free foamcore, which I pick up cheaply from Michaels, and cut to size myself.  I use a roll of brown paper for backing (also from Michaels).  Custom framing can be a very expensive endeavor; I keep the costs down with my DIY method.  Of course time is worth something- this recent framing project required one evening after my baby’s bedtime and one afternoon nap.  

I created a new tab in my cross stitch spreadsheet to track my framing ideas, etc.  (yes, I’m a stitching geek and proud of it!).  Anyway, my highest framing priorities now are the 4 seasonal fairies, Halloween Happiness, and Home.  I am waiting for a good coupon code and then I’ll start collecting the materials!