Custom picture framing can be a tedious
and laborious process but rewarding at the same time. Creatively speaking we can communicate to the viewer the impressions and feelings we have when we see an object for the first time.
Recently a customer brought in a rubbing from Cambodia. After chooseing mats and a frame we began the next step which was how to deal with the art it's self. The customer had to roll it up to put it in his suitcase thus it was wrinkled and a little crushed. We first needed to straighten it as much as we could by hanging it for a week to let it relax.( That was our first thought, it really took two weeks for the thick material type paper to relax and fall at least halfway down. ) We then layed it flat with weights around it. Finally we had it flat enough to get an accurate measurement.
The next step in the design process was to create a mat that would allow the depth we needed for the piece. We also wanted to give it a "temple" feel. Creating a design that looks like a temple archway you maight see in Cambodia was exactly what the art needed. We added 2 layers of 3/16" acid-free foamboard between the bottom and middle layer, then we added 1 layer of acid-free foamboard between the middle and top layer. It has a nice three demisional look which really gives the opening a "doorway" feel. The middle mat did not have the right tone to match the frame so we painted it with black, gold and copper to match.
Mat used for top, bottom and mounting surface of art is Crescent's 4 Ply Black Museum Board 100% cotton rag; solid color.
Mat used for the middle color is Alpamat Artcare Baroque Black, acid and lignin free.
The frame is Monarch Moulding PR4123
The Completed Frame
Cambodian Temple Rubbing --->