Updated: 11/1/22
I get a lot of questions about how to frame works on paper and I've put together an idea board for you for you to see how paper pieces frame out! Framing is a really big deal. It can increase the value of a piece by how well the framing sets a piece off and shows off its beauty.
(30” x 30” “Sit Down & Have Some Wine” print framed to 38” x 38” over a 36”L console.
My motto for highlighting great art: GO BOLD! Set if off with a big mat or a modern acrylic frame and sit back to ooh and ahh over your new statement piece.
FRAMING FOR PRINTS !
Landscape prints will be only be available November 3-12, 2022!
Big art + Big frames = MAGIC! The statement of a big art piece can’t be overstated- it completely transforms a space. I was really excited to find these brass frames at CB2. I love the thin brass frame and large mat. But what I really love is that you can order these (they are priced so affordably!) and pop your art right in. No custom framing. No getting a mat cut. Just easy peasy: order, open up for frame, and add your art. This is my # 1 recommendation for anyone who feels overwhelmed with the framing process and doesn’t enjoy customizing. (More gallery wall inspiration coming next week with these frames! )
What you really need to know is that I did something really cool for you. I love you so much that I made sure that every print I am offering except for the square 30” x 30” and 20” x 20” prints fits into these standard sized CB2 frames! I listen a lot to your feedback and wanted to take the stress out of getting beautiful art on your walls as quickly as possible!
*The square prints need to be framed at a local framer. If budget is your concern, talk to them about how to get this look most affordably. They love to help!
Pictured: 24” x 36” prints framed to 36” x 48” Prints: “Michael Scott Falls Into a Fishpond” (left) & “Michael Scott Falls Into a Fishpond 2.0” (right)
Get this look: CB2 Brass Frame with White Mat.
This same framing series comes in other finishes like white, black, and walnut if brass is not your thing.
A grouping is a great way to add variety to a wall space instead of filling it with a larger piece. I'm also going nuts over this new textured Lima frame! This would be incredible pop of energy in an entryway.
8” x 10” prints framed to 19” x 19.”
Top Left: “Moira Knows,” Top Right: ““Michale Scott Falls Into a Fish Pond”
Bottom Left: “Sabrina Was the Savior” Bottom Right “Add Floyd’s Name to Your Quilt”
Get the look: Lima frame from Framebride
When I found this new frame, I audibly gasped. Burlwood is such a classic, yet statement making frame and it’s back in style big time right now.
24” x 36” “Add Floyd’s Name to Your quilt” print framed to 30” x45”
Get the look: Lawrence from Framebride
Frames are for real having their hey day- I’m so in love with all of the exiting options I’m finding these days to show off artwork! One of my current favorites is RED frames! I cannot tell you how much they pop against any wall. Ain’t your mama’s frames for sure! Love these 8” x10” prints (Top “Add Floyd’s Name to Your Quilt” Bottom: “Carol Baskin & Robbins” in 12” x 16” frames.
Get the look: Madrid frame from Framebride
Acrylic: my favorite way for art to pop on that wall!
I'm just dying over the lucite box that frames out this beautiful 40” x 40” oil on paper.
Adding two statement pieces side by side can break up your space and add some flair. Pieces shown: 13” x 16” framed to 19” x 22.” Pieces available in upcoming Studio Smalls Release Sept 29.
More acrylic frame goodness! This is a 30” x 30” oil on paper framed to a 36” x 36.” “Ellen Would Approve.” Available here.
This space is totally set off with a this simple arrangement and far from simple piece of art. Art is 22” x 30” framed to 28” x 36.”
Gallery Wall
I'm really picky about a gallery wall. I think that they can be so lovely if done well. I suggest that it be symetrically lined up like this wall, that the frames be the same size, and that it have a singular color scheme or black and white photographs. See how this arrangement turns several smaller pieces into one large piece of work? I love how these frames from West Elm set off these paper piece!
Large Mat and Frame
I love, love, love this huge white frame/ mat combo to set off this paper piece. This oil on paper is set off by a gigantic mat and I just can't get enough of this! This is a 24” x 30” framed to a 36” x 48.” I don’t think you can ever go wrong with adding a huge mat. It adds drama and is a great way to take a smaller piece of art and fit it to a larger space.
Some favorite tricks:
One super, super important detail to remember when framing- you don't want the glass to come into direct contact with your artwork. Ever tried to pull an old photo out of a frame only to find it stuck to the glass? That's because over time, the temperature cools and warms and adheres your artwork to the glass, even watercolor on paper. A really easy way around this is matting. Pop in a big white mat in a skinny frame, and you have a super hot piece that will last a really long time! It's a super popular trend right now to frame work between lucite. It looks sooooooo good, but make sure you or your framer puts spacers between the glass and your work or add a matto your piece and then sandwich it in the lucite. If the artwork has a lot of texture, you may need a double mat to keep the glass/ lucite from squishing those delicious paint chunks.
Where to find Acrylic (also described as lucite,plexi-box) frames:
If you can use a local framer to frame out your paper piece like the top acrylic/ lucite box frame, I would go that direction. Memphis people, I use Garner Framing. Chris Garner is a master and he's all set up to frame with these lucite boxes. The Frame Corner also does some floating acrylic framing if you are looking for that option. Marc is amazing and so kind- he has helped me out of a huge framing bind and I love working with their staff.
If you don't have a local framer to use, Simply Framed is a great option for these- they refer to them as plexibox frames on their site and they also come with a few options to have colorful sides. See these examples of their frames? SO much boldness!
Wayfair sells a ready made acrylic box frame in several sizes that hold art up to 24” x 36.”
Wayfair Acrylic Ready Made Frame
Mats:
How much mat should I tell the framer to add? My go to is about 3 inches for all pieces 20’ x20” and under. 2” if the piece is really small. Live Mas, y’all. The bigger the mat, the better!
What color mat should I pick? White. Always white. Always. Always. No other hue is going to set off the colors in your piece like white. Remember, the purpose of framing is to further draw the eye to wards the art; the mat is not the art.
Other frames:
I really like West Elm and CB2 for skinny frames, especially square frames.
West Elm Skinny nickel frames
CB2 Skinny Frames
Unfortunately, the larger frames are hard to find ready made online. For those, I'd go the Simply Framed route or use a local framer. Simply Framed will frame up to 40” x 60.” Framgebridge up to 32” x 40.” Both of these have a really great selection, but not an overwhelming amount of options to choose from. I would recommend most frames on their sites!
Target is great for smaller frames up to 11” x 17.”
I also have a lovely Pinterest Board with more framing inspiration.
Happy framing, folks!!! And feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions framing your HB paper pieces!
Next Paper collection: Studio Smalls releasing October 7th.
Mailing list gets first dibs. Pieces start at 6” x 6” - 20” x 20” ish.