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.

Framing Textiles, Jerseys and Fabric Art

Presenting textiles, fabric art pieces and items of clothing is a specialty of ours. Each project is unique and requires thoughtful decisions about how to best attach the fabric item to a backing (usually a mat board or fabric-covered panel). Sports jerseys might be folded to best display the logos and numbers while minimizing overall size. Heavy items such as woven rugs and heavy embroideries may be sewn or pinned for extra support. Our framers have years of experience in selecting the appropriate method for your piece, and will share details with you during the design session.

Traditional textile from Eastern Europe with fringes in a poplar frame with grey finish. Conservation or Museum glass protects vintage pieces from light damage.

Once the textile is attached, it can be presented in a frame with our without glass. Often glass is recommended because dust and light can damage fabrics over time. Signed jerseys are particularly vulnerable to light damage. If the piece is large, UV Plexiglas is a great choice to reduce weight and provide protection. Custom plexi boxes with clear sides are another option for special pieces where a frame is not desired, or the item can’t fit into a frame.

Basketball jersey with double matting and inset photo. Team colors added a nice design touch.

Military dress jacket in silver leaf shadowbox frame. A true family heirloom, protected by Museum Glass.

Vintage Cake Topper in Acrylic Box: Delicious!

We’re always honored when clients entrust us with their family heirlooms. This decades-old cake-topper was in fragile condition and needed a way to be protected and displayed. The client’s preference for a minimal look led us to the acrylic box solution. We build a custom platform and covered it with a neutral pale grey linen to raise the object inside the box and provide stability. Tiny screws hold the box in place.

Vintage Photo and Document Signed by President Lincoln

A client brought a special family document signed by President Lincoln for framing. Preservation of historical items is the first order of business in custom framing. We selected acid-free linen matting and created an inset space so the document could sit back from the glass, allowing air to circulate. Neutral-toned linen matting and a dark frame with a bronze lip were selected for historical appropriateness and an elegant visual quality. The bronze filet adds a formal touch. The project was completed with Museum Glass to filter out harmful UV light and protect the hand-lettering and photo from fading. The remaining items were placed in a pouch on the reverse of the framed project.