Wednesday, March 11, 2015

PICTURE FRAME BACKING

Things to do on cold snowy days while waiting for 
friendlier weather

are you guilty of buying prints or pictures at auctions with the thought of changing the frame?
and so that wonderful antique wood block print looks great on the front but looks like this
on the back?

the fix is so much easier than you think!
you will need a few supplies
scissors, hammer, glue, a sharp razor, picture hangers or wire

begin with your pretty blue tape and tape that baby up...tape it good!
and this goes without saying....but I will say it anyway....if you have glass, clean it first...both sides

then take your cute sacks that you've saved 

and get them wet in some sudsy water
you don't really need suds...I just had a some in the sink already

squeeze out as much water as you can...you don't want to moisten your art

cover the edge of the frame with a bead of glue

lay the damp paper over it leaving the extra to hang over the edge
as the paper dries it shrinks...so you will need this extra bit of paper

let it dry for a few hours...as the paper dries, it will shrink up and the wrinkles will disappear

cut the paper with your very sharp razor and add your hanger

let the back dry in the sun

if you made the common mistake of too much water
as the paper dries, so too will your art...this is why you need to be very careful 
not to get too much water...although I've never had the art damaged for good

and while no one will ever see the back of your frame
you will have the peace of mind that IF they do,
it will look very professional 

**the pair of wood block originals were purchased at an auction for under $5...they looked very sad in their old frames and mats.  I spent $8 each for new matte board at Hobby Lobby and while there also purchased these closeout frames for 60% off
 (it's no secret that I love Hobby Lobby)




11 comments:

Amber ~ The French Pressed Home said...

I have learned something new with your post: How to back a picture. With wet paper bags!? I love you!

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Gina,
Great tip share, frames look pretty and the back looks like an expensive framers workshop did the job. I've never been to a Hobby Lobby. There are none in our area.
xx,
Vera

Karena said...

Excellent Gina, In the past I would have had a framer do this!! So surprising how the paper dries beautifully smooth.

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena

Tina@WhatWeKeep said...

Excellent tip from our artist friend!

StagerLinda said...

Soooo clever! I'll give it a try but even I could screw it up. I can't even get the glass clean on both sides!

Taylor Greenwalt said...

Great tips...perfect for a cold day...we had beach weather today...so guess where I was?

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

Great tip!

Ann said...

This is a really helpful post.
Thanks.

bj said...

O, you are so awesome...thanks for the tips here.
And, a wonderful thing...Mr. Sweet gave me a gift card at Valentin's to ....Hobby Lobby...and I haven't spent it yet. Waiting for just the right time, when I have LOTS of time to browse...:)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

GINA MY DEAR! HELLO! Sprucing up the cottage? LOVELY! Are you loving your home and garden even more these days as I hear your weather is getting warmer out there?

I hope all is well with you. We are enjoying great weather as well, and before I know it, school will be over in May. YAHOO!

Thank you dear Gina for coming by to visit. HUGS! Anita

Anonymous said...

that is THE best tip and you can bet your lucky stars I will be using this one, how very very clever!!!
lovely art too I might add!
perfect frames and I know I always like the back of my paintings to look nice, this is a wonderful way to do it!