6. INSERTS (Or Linings)

Inserts are frames within frames. They are used either to make the molding appear heavier and wider, to form a decorative border next to the picture or to reduce the size of larger frames to fit smaller pictures. With ingenuity, an insert can be fitted to a frame which, because of its size and shape, seemed impossible for use with a particular picture. Several methods of making, cover­ing and finishing inserts are described in the fol­lowing.

The most common insert in use is a plain, flat, rounded or beveled molding of any width from ¼up. Inserts over 2" wide, however, give the effect of a mat but if they have their own rabbet are technically inserts no matter what the width. The plain insert can be gilded, bronzed, painted or decorated to har­monize or contrast with the frame. When covered with natural linen or monkscloth, it will be found very useful because of the neutral tone of these fabrics. Other textiles may also be used with exceptionally fine effects for certain pictures.
Inserts, carved or decorated with a continuous motif of a simple pattern, can also be used to form a decora­tive border inside the frame. It is obvious that because it will be next to the picture, the decoration should be unobtrusive and should merely complement the frame.

All inserts are to be made in the same manner and with the same care in joining as the frames themselves. Sometimes a narrow, flat strip of wood is glued into the rabbet merely to reduce the "sight" of the frame slightly in order to accommodate a smaller picture. This fills the same purpose as an insert, but since it is actually an extension of the lip of the rabbet of the frame, is not one in fact.

Inserts do not need to be made of the finest molding stock if they are to be covered with a fabric. They do not even need to be smoothed with sandpaper. There are two popular methods of covering inserts with cloth. The first, and the easiest with which to produce clean joints, is to cover each piece of the molding separately and then to do the joining. The other is to make the insert as a complete frame, cover­ing it later and mitering the corners carefully. In the case of heavy cloth or pile fabrics, the latter method is preferable.

Inserts are frequently attractive when they are not completely covered with cloth, but combined with a painted stripe of color or gilt. For instance, the inside edge and part of the top of the insert could so be finished. Velvet is available in ribbon form with finished edges and in varying width and colors. It is easily applied ⅛" or more from the edge and will present a neatly finished appearance. The darker colors combined with a gold line give a particularly rich effect.

It is advisable to experiment with textiles of differ­ent colors and weaves to see what type may be most suited to the picture before attempting to cover the insert. Be sure to save scraps of textiles which may have been used for covering inserts. They will be use­ful as samples for future work.

Neatness and precision must be especially observed when adhering cloth to inserts. Do not use too much glue and never press the cloth down too hard or the glue will be forced through it. It is almost impossible to remove cabinet glue which has touched the face of the fabric without leaving a stain or spoiling the work completely. Velvet or plush in particular are fragile and must be handled carefully in order not to crush the material too much. The pile will naturally be forced down somewhat when gluing, but a clothes brush will bring it up properly.

To cover an insert using the first method men­tioned, first cut the fabric into strips long enough and wide enough to cover the four pieces as shown. Take one of the pieces of molding to be used for the insert (which has been cut to the proper length less two thicknesses of the material to be used) and lay it face down. Incidentally, when using a heavy fabric such as monkscloth, l/g" will have to be allowed. Spread hot cabinet glue on the bottom of the lip of the rabbet. Attach one of the strips of the fabric to the glued surface, pressing it down with a piece of wood or metal always keeping the fabric straight. It will be discovered quickly exactly what shape and kind of implement is needed for the work. Attach one edge of each of the pieces of cloth to the other three sides and lay them aside to dry.Now lay the first piece on its back with the rabbet facing away. Coat the top of the molding with hot glue and, pulling it gently back, press the fabric down so that it will be flat and free from wrinkles. Next coat the mitered corners, and after making the proper cuts in the material, glue down the ends snugly. After each piece has been cov­ered in this way, the excess material is trimmed off when the glue is dry and the four pieces are joined like a frame. Extreme care must be used so that glue will not be forced up on top of the fabric at the joints. Apply the glue at least ¼" below the top edge on each miter. While the mitered joints are very obvious on this type of insert, the neatness and speed makes them quite satisfactory.

A more attractive way of covering inserts but one which requires more skill, is to assemble the insert completely and then cover it. As before, first cut the four strips of fabric with plenty to spare. Lay the insert face down and proceed to cover two opposite sides as described above, making cuts in the cloth so that it will not wrinkle when folding it over. Be careful when applying the glue to the top not to extend it beyond the mitered corner of the insert. Now take a small ruler and make the miter cut to follow exactly that of the frame.Turn the insert on its face again and repeat the operation for the other two sides. The final operation, and the one requiring the greatest care, is the cutting of the overlapping material so that perfect corners are assured. After pressing the last two sides down, try to find the ridge of the material beneath and make the miter cut with a razor blade directly over the first two. This method of covering inserts is the most satisfactory for heavy material.

Still a third way of covering is to take a piece of material ½”to 1" larger than the joined insert, layit down and place the insert face down on it. Cut out the center after marking it carefully so that enough is left to glue to the rabbet, and attach the inside edges first. Turn the insert over and proceed to glue down the top. While this type of covering is excep­tionally handsome, there is a considerable amount of waste. It is useful for small pictures but because of the care which is needed to achieve a neat finish, it should not be attempted by the beginner until he has gained some experience.

Inserts can also be sprayed with flocking which is a powdered textile material to give the effect of cloth or they can be textured or carved to match the frame. Inserts invariably add to the finished appearance and interest of most frames. They also, where needed, help separate the picture from the frame. Let us assume that one has an excellent frame which has a sight measure of 24½" by 29". Further, that one has a canvas measuring 24" by 30". To the amateur, it may seem a hopeless task because if the picture is cut down in length, it will still be too nar­row. If the frame is cut down in width, it will still be too short. The solution to such a problem is to employ an insert. First cut the rabbet of the frame to accom­modate the length of the canvas. In this case, ½" or more will have to be routed out with chisel and rabbet plane to make the rabbet dimension of the frame 30" long and 24½" wide plus room for insertion of the canvas. Next take the measurement to determine the narrowest possible strip necessary to hold the picture along the 30" sides. The illustration shows the required width. Make four strips of wood, ⅛” or 3/16”thick, long enough to cover all four sides. Cut the miters carefully and nail and glue the strips into place so that an equal amount of each shows from the front. After the glue is dry, finish to match or contrast with the frame. It is true that a small part of each end of the picture is cut from sight by using this device, but much time and labor is saved.

Remember that the frame which is designed to have an insert must take its rabbet measurement from the outside edge of the insert. To avoid mistakes, it is suggested that the insert be made first and then the frame cut to the proper size.

Other materials such as sheet cork, metal, etc., will occur to one for use in covering inserts. Inserts will be found to be of the utmost value to the framer because they frequently make the all-important transition from picture to frame easy and harmonious. Their use should always be considered before a final decision is reached on the frame for any picture.

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