Steph is our very own in-house picture framer, creating beautiful frames for our show home artwork. Traditionally jointed, all of her work is crafted with the upmost attention to detail, ensuring that each piece of art is displayed in style.
From gallery walls to framed baskets, fans and guitars, Steph really knows how to make our wall styling dreams a reality.
We’ve managed to get her alone for 5 minutes to ask how she does it.
Q. What’s involved in the picture framing process?
A. Rather a lot. After discussing with the designer/client what we are going to do, I tend to start by cutting a ‘mount’ (card surround to give the piece a bit of breathing space), sometimes with a small inner-mount to pick up another colour in the artwork. Then it’s a case of choosing a frame to suit, considering shape, size and colour. I then make a frame by mitring the moulding and joining it using an underpinner, cutting the glass and backing board to fit and popping it all together!
Q. What are the advantages of building frames for the chosen art piece, as opposed to buying a ready-made frame?
A. There are just so many. I think you can always tell a bespoke frame from a ready-made one. Whilst ready-made frames are ok for some things, a bespoke frame allows you to really make the artwork into a one-off piece in your taste and style. A well made frame compliments the existing interior style and makes the artwork pop.
Q. What are your top tips for creating an excellent gallery wall?
A. The most important tip I could give is to chose artwork that makes you happy. Try and have fun with it by using different frames, shapes and sizes – this will make the gallery wall look completely unique and a real feature of the room. The best thing about a gallery wall is that you can easily change things around when you fancy a new look – just remember, it’s your gallery and your wall!
Q. What are the most ambitious projects you have tackled?
A. Gosh, a few spring to mind! Framing six cricket bats in an 8x4ft frame was quite memorable. A full-sized kimono, guitars, huge baskets – the list goes on. Generally, if one of the designers approaches me saying ”What’s the biggest frame you can make?”, then it’s time to worry! We always make it work and have so much fun in the process.
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