OhSewCrafty Blog

I am embarking upon a huge framing extravaganza (8 pieces), DIY-style of course.  I tackled the 3 without mats first. 

First up is Home designed by the Workbasket, stitched on 34 count cream linen with Gloriana silk.  The frame is black and gray with a luminous, antique finish.  

The finish has subtle cross hatch marks and appears gray to black depending on light and angle, which I believe complements the satin silk perfectly.  This will hang over my front door, in the foyer which is 1.5 stories.  

Next, there is the Fairy Tale Sampler designed by Dragon Dreams stitched on antique copper jobelan.  I wanted a metallic frame, though I felt gold would be too glitzy against the rather earthy fabric.  So I chose this narrow, ornate antique silver frame, which seemed appropriate for the small and delicate design.  

Between the inner and outer carved detail bands is an inward sloping piece with a brushed finish. This will hang in Oliver’s room.  At 1, he’s too young to read the verse, but I hope he’ll enjoy it as he grows.

Finally, Emerald Mermaid is stitched on “Cascade” belfast linen by Silkweaver (old).  The frame has a dark brown metallic finish, part of same collection of frames that I used for Mermaids of the Deep Blue.  Just like with that project, I skipped a mat because the fabric is so pretty.  

The larger outer part of the frame has carved detail suggestive of ocean waves.  The frame’s inner detail is a rope, perfect for a nautical scene. This will hang in the master bath along with Mermaids of Deep blue. I am hoping for an eventual mermaid gallery in there, with at least 5 or 6 pieces.

 Sources: PictureFrames.com for the first two custom frames.  Americanframe.com for the third custom frame as well as all the plexiglass (which is not yet inserted in these pics).  Michaels’ for the acid free foamcore which I use to stretch around and lace the needlework.