FRAMER'S CORNER

Welcome to our February Framer's Corner!!!

This month we are bringing you a unique framing project that recently came through our doors.



This piece was brought to us by a client who acquired it on a trip to Africa.

In all our collective years framing we have not seen anything quite like this before.

Generally when we frame canvas, it starts with a stretcher bar - we stretch the piece around the stretcher bar and then the option of framing can go either way.

In this case the painted stick is a part of the art piece and attached to the canvas, therefore traditional canvas stretching was not really an option.

Jace, one of our talented designers was up for the task!!

During the design process, Jace and the customer spent some time experimenting with various mat colors and textures, carefully considering how they would complement the piece. Ultimately, they decided to keep the design relatively monochromatic. This approach allowed them to highlight the artwork’s rich colors, textures, and its three-dimensional qualities without overwhelming the artwork. Jace and the customer chose a grey toned mat called "Moonrock" this mat comes from Nielsen Bainbridge, one of our suppliers. "Moonrock" is a beautiful rich grey mat with a slight violet undertone.

Jace decided that treating the canvas like a tapestry was the best way to move forward with the design, this allowed for a unique and effective way of mounting this unconventional canvas.

(Great Idea Jace!!) When mounting a tapestry (in this case a canvas) we hand sew the piece to the matboard.

The key was to strike a balance between simplicity and depth.

Jace created a display-style look that emphasized the canvas' organic and whimsical nature.

A shadowbox-style frame added just the right amount of dimension, giving us the opportunity to line the inner walls with the same gray mat used to mount the canvas. This subtle touch added depth while maintaining cohesion.

Jace selected a rustic silver frame that perfectly bridged the gap between overly ornate and too understated. The frame’s distressed finish paired beautifully with the painting’s textured elements, while the gray mat, with its subtle violet undertone, helped draw attention to the central figure in the painting without competing with the artwork’s palette.

One of Jace's favorite aspects of this design is how the frame aligns evenly with the bottom and sides of the canvas, creating a sense of structure and order. At the same time, the painted stick element—kept at an angle—adds a playful, organic contrast that mirrors the whimsical quality of the piece.



To complete the project, Jace hand-sewed the canvas onto the matboard using a needle and color-matched thread. Each stitch around the perimeter was carefully placed to ensure the piece was secure without distracting from the artwork. For the painted stick, we reinforced it with fishing line for extra stability.

The result is a piece that feels dynamic yet grounded—ready to be displayed in a way that honors the artist’s vision while showcasing the framer’s touch.

"This one was a challenge—and a joy to bring together." - Jace

Frame of Mind

1706 Brooks St

Missoula, MT 59801

406-549-8589

www.frameofmindmt.com

info@frameofmindmt.com