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5/23/2009
Just received two projects from Germany – it seems they can only cut square or oval mats there, too bad. My CMC mat cutter is multi-tasking – eat your hearts out ladies. Trust me, she is amazing and all I have to do is help her just a little. Oh by the way, CMC stands for computerized mat cutter. Ever notice we live in a world of abbreviations and shortcuts. However, I don’t take shortcuts in our framing and I really don’t like abbreviations either. Just me, but you get what you pay for, RIGHT? I am truly honored to frame your artwork and needlework and we appreciate your business. Well enough for now and have a happy and wonderful Memorial day.
I plan to thank my father-in-law for his service in the Marine Corps, he was a Captain on Iwo Jima, where he played the organ during the reenactment of the flag raising. Wish my dad was still here, captured during the Battle of the Bulge he served six months as a POW in Germany. Dad served 35 years in the Army and the Department of the Army, as a civil Servant. Gosh, they were real men. Thanks each and every one of you Veterans.
5/20/2009
Did you notice on my homepage, the front cover of “At Home with Needlework?” I am truly honored they used my framing on the cover and included two other projects as well, that we framed. Check out the magazine as it is very well done. Lots of ideas, patterns and they are free with the magazine.....
5/15/2009
My son is home for the summer from his freshman year at Bucknell University and quickly back up to speed as a framer himself, we make quite a team. He is an Anthropology and English major and I pray he does not see my writing and correct me.
I noticed on the web site www.stitchersvillage.com requests for DIY framing instructions. Well, I gave some words of wisdom on archival foam board and no one responded. What do we want to discuss? Pinning, lacing, both or something else – give me some ideas.
4/1/2009
A friend of mine, Michael Holiday from East Side Moldings says, “Life is short, frame hard.” That is just what we have been doing and loving it, let the creative juices flow baby. The response has been over-whelming and that suits me just fine, bring it on.
3/10/2009
Well, well today is my birthday, 39 and counting.
Archival mat board and formboard is the subject requested today. Harmful chemicals such as plasticizers, ketones, aldehydes, solvents, and nitrogen dioxide are out-gassed, in other words released from non archival products. These by-products cause your prized needlework to fade, deteriorate, and change colors. It all has to do with released gasses, pollutants, and acids. Archival products have the ability to absorb and neutralize these by-products. Now here is a kicker - some archival products have an archival surface but the foam itself gives off gasses that can fade your artwork and needle art. And now, my tip for today, common masking tape used by many folks to prevent the edges of their fabric from unraveling is not archivable. Instead, sew the edges, use a product like “Fray Stop”, or archival tape.
I have tried many name brands and my choice is Artcare™ products from Bainbridge. I cut my DIY framers archival matboard. Why would I do that you ask when I have a custom frame shop? Simple, we were a cross-stitch store first and our customers are our lifeblood. We choose not to forget where we came from. Second reason, I am not sure that the products carried by the chain stores are truly archival quality. Try to work something out with your local frame shop to assist in this area or I can help.
Bye for now,
3/1/2009
Here I sit pondering the village from my perch in the loft and marvel at the activity on the square. I even get to wave to my sweetie, Maeann at BushMountain Stitchery. She is the love of my life.
Monitoring the Tea Shoppe tales and questions I notice a few questions about framing. Email me from my web site with questions or topics of discussion and I will try to respond. Although I offer a full service frame shop, I understand some like to frame their own pieces. I will answer your questions here on my blog that I feel would benefit the community.
My first topic will be "Archive foam board" and its benefits later today.
Until then,
Gary
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