Retrofitting Frames: Antique Shop Finds

Sometimes an old frame is not suitable for artwork anymore and needs to be recycled. Then there are frames that still have life left, but they need some extra TLC to look their best. That’s where a dedicated and knowledgeable frame shop comes in!

Vintage gold ornate frame with burgundy velvet liner and inner textured gold frame. Note the damage: especially around the corners.

This lovely old frame was rescued from an antique mall to be used on a manuscript print from the 1600s. The velvet was in need of cleaning. The corners of the frame were showing gaps and missing parts of the finish. Finally, the interior gold textured frame was a little too much on the eye, and needed to be replaced with something more elegant.

Here you can see the gaps forming at the corners as well as the missing finish on the gold and black sides.

The framer began by covering the delicate velvet border with tape so as not to get it dirty as the frame was retouched.

Notice a part of the upper profile moulding is missing as well as a crack forming at the corner.

Although still not prefect, the retouches soften the look of damage immensely and lend a feeling of care and consideration to the framing presentation.

Next the framer filled all the gaps with specialty glue to provide extra stability. Then the finish was carefully retouched using paint and putty to replicate the previous colors and cover the damage.

The inner gold frame is removed carefully to allow a new fillet to be inserted.

The framer removed the inner textured frame to create a better style. This also allowed for a better final cleaning of the velvet liner as well.

A small gold fillet replaced the old gold inner frame, opening up the frame by a few more inches.

And finally the antique print could be installed with acid-free matting, backing, and Museum Optium Acrylic for a stunning no-glass look.

The finished frame, completely retouched and sporting a new fillet.

The end result is a gorgeous marriage of art and frame: each complimenting the other. Great care was taken to match the shade of gold on the new fillet to the old gold of the frame - making a nice transition for the eye. The upgrade of Optium Acrylic allows the viewer to see every minute detail in the tiny print.

Bellisima!

Framing Redesigns: A Collection of Native Arrowheads

This beautiful mount of hand-collected arrowheads was in need of some attention. The initial glue mount of one of the arrowheads in the top left corner failed, leaving the arrowhead free and potentially damaging the other arrowheads around it.

You can see the fallen arrowhead in the left upper corner. The original frame had a fun, native motif but was not conservation-quality; nor was the mat, as the bevel was brown, indicating acid and the associated discoloration.

So our first course of action was to take apart the old frame and reglue the arrowhead to the backing. In this case, the backing was a extremely unique material: real leather hide! The leather was heavy so there were extra precautions taken to ensure that it would not slide around underneath the new matting.

There is wear and tear around the old frame edges, and a few parts where the veneer was pulling back. A new and deeper frame would allow a true shadow-box treatment.

Once the old matting was removed, we found that the leather had discolored under the mat. Instead of hiding this new element under a mat that would produce the same pinched proportions as before, we opened up the design and leaned into the unique extra line.

Here you can see the depth of the new frame, which allowed a shadowbox to be built. The sides of the box were lined in black to give even more dramatic dimension against the grey/brown top mat.

This extra line became a beautiful addition around the arrowheads and acted almost as a second mat. By moving the mat line outwards and adding several more inches of top-mat around the whole design, the piece became lighter, more focused on the arrowheads, and ultimately more inviting to the eye.

The finished piece: a beautiful woodgrain frame with an open shadowbox in shades of tan, black, and soft brown.

The result is a beautifully reframed piece with better dimensions and Optium Museum Acrylic which lets viewers see the fine details of these exquisite arrowheads up close and with more clarity than before: Stunning!

MORE Best of 2023

So many unique framing projects in 2023, we couldn’t stop at just 6! Enjoy an encore of framing masterpieces!

We created a protective clear acrylic box for this antique ceramic statue from China. A linen base and hidden mounting pin complete the elegant and secure presentation for a precious object. Definitely one of our favorite pieces of the year!

Gilded gold frame and velvet liner on an engraved book plate from Davidson Galleries. (Browse their incredible collection to find more gems like this!) Museum Glass and a delicate filet were added to refurbish this vintage presentation.

A leather printing plate in the shape of a dragon was a memento of a client's travels in Indonesia. The heavy leather was sewn to a linen backboard and we used a deep, textured wood frame to create dimension and Museum Glass for crystal clarity.

This wild and wonderful Frank Kozik print in an acid yellow mat and lipstick red "Gaudi" frame from Roma Moulding was a winner! Nothing subtle about it, which is perfectly psychedelic.

We worked with a new client to frame an autographed copy of To Kill A Mockingbird and a facsimile of the title page. A custom Conservation Plexiglas box holds the book securely without tape or glue. Flax linen and a walnut frame complete the look.

Created for the popular Magic: The Gathering card game, this illustration is all about duality and opposing forces. We extended the concept into the framing with a spliced mat and two-tone iridescent metal frame...Magical! Artwork by Kaja Foglio.

Best of 2023

As we enter the new year, we always take a moment to appreciate the most unique and beautiful framing projects we had the pleasure of working on throughout 2023. It's a joy to reflect on the fine art and family mementos that passed through our studio, and we look forward to providing more amazing design ideas in the year ahead. Enjoy!

"Bronze Fins", print by Shag in a bronze metallic frame by AMCI. If ever there was a frame made for a piece of art, this is it! The black matting adds a dramatic touch.

Stained glass in a silver gilt frame. The floating look was achieved by mounting the inner frame to a sheet of clear acrylic -- a great solution to create privacy in the client's window.

Korean wedding jacket and shirt in an ivory linen shadowbox with ebonized walnut frame from Picture Woods. We took great care in the mounting of this precious item, including the use of Optium Museum Acrylic for optimal clarity and protection from UV light damage.

"Bally" poster by Bernard Villemot gets a classic treatment in a black frame and white mat. Great design never goes out of style!

Collectible masks in silver shadowbox frames: this project turned out super sharp! The masks were mounted to linen boards in contrasting tones. A great example of how small objects can be given greater presence with framing.

The client wanted to amplify the pastel colors and organic feeling of this 2023 concert poster. We pride ourselves on a having huge selection of frame samples (like this pink-and-purple inlaid wood frame from Italy) just for unique projects like this. Fun!

Barbara Leuty Debuts Paintings at Last Art Reception of 2023

Local painter and art educator, Barbara Leuty, made her Baas Framing Studio debut on Saturday, November 4th, captivating the audience with her stunning artwork. We were beyond grateful to see so many neighbors and friends gathered at the reception, truly making it a memorable event. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and a genuine sense of community as everyone mingled, savoring the light snacks and refreshing drinks provided.

The artist gathers her inspiration from the natural world around her, especially water settings.

“I start with an underlying composition and add layers of paint and texture in response to the visual image that is appearing. The overlaying pattern and texture create the close knit color fields that I observe.”

— Barbara Leuty

Barbara's works, with their dreamy color palettes and playful brushstrokes, proved to be a much-needed antidote for the encroaching autumn blues. As we prepare to embrace the darker and rainier winter months, her pieces serve as a source of inspiration and joy, reminding us of the beauty that lies within our surroundings. We extend our heartfelt thanks once again to all who attended, for your presence helped foster connection and shared artistic passion within our beloved community.

“Afternoon Reflections” by Barbara Leuty. Acrylic on Canvas, 24x36, $1,600

Introducing Artist Truitt Grae

We're thrilled to feature works by Truitt Grae in the gallery space during the month of October! Working in inks on paper, Grae follows the narrative of line to create striking abstract works. An interest in ancient languages along with the visual movement created by linear shapes truly brings this series to life.

Truitt Grae, VI, Ink on Arches Satine Paper, 19" x 15" framed