8. DECORATIONS

REFERENCE HAS BEEN MADE concerning the decoration of frames by using the seven basic motifs of design alone or in combination as outlined in the book A Method for Creative Design by Adolfo Best-Maugard.

It is the purpose of this section to point the way toward the simple decoration of frames so that the beginner can exercise his own ingenuity and taste. It would be only too easy to present a set of patterns and rigid formulas to be used for the decoration and fin­ishing of picture frames. The beginner in frame-making will do well to learn first how to finish frames so that they harmonize with the pictures and only later consider the problem of carved decoration.

When a simple, straight cut is added to a curved surface, an entirely new form is created. If the cut is repeated over and over, a pattern is achieved. When a simple, half-round beading is given a cut repeated at regular intervals, a continuous interesting line, rich in itself, is formed. Cut the lines at an angle and the line becomes animated; moving all around the frame. This type of decoration serves to break up the hard lines of the frame and help it to blend more easily with the picture. If the theory of decorating only a ridge or an edge is applied and if the frame is carefully finished, the result will be quiet, harmonious and tasteful.

Carving decorations of any size on the corners alone can never be anything but distracting since they tend to pull the observers' eyes away from the picture itself. Exactly the opposite is achieved by using a simple, running, geometric motif. In fact, the decora­tion can be emphasized subtly by picking out the high points in color or gold or otherwise accenting it. It might be pointed out that a certain school of picture framing insists on carved corners and then, after gild­ing, makes every attempt to break up the effect of the carving by rubbing the metal leaf through in spots to the ground underneath. If distinct carving must be done, it should at the very least be of a continuous pattern and in addition minimized by a soft, neutral finish.

Certain motifs will suggest themselves readily to the framer for use with particular pictures. Com­binations of a simple curved line of some kind to­gether with another shape of line used in texturing the ground can be so integrated that any effect desired can be produced. The spirit of the painting can be easily extended into the frame.

The following suggestions are merely indications to help the beginner get started on one of the most interesting phases of frame-making; one of the first so far in this book that will challenge his taste, in­genuity and perception of what is needed to make each frame harmonize perfectly with its picture.

If there are not enough scraps at hand left from cutting miters and joining the frames, or if frames have been purchased ready-made, the beginner should secure several pieces of scrap wood of various lengths and thicknesses. A commercial frame shop may be a source for scrap pieces of actual picture Moldings, although this is doubtful because of all craftsmen, framers seem to be the most parsimonious. ... At any rate, the edges of the scraps should be rounded or planed to different angles in order to have varying shapes with which to experiment.

Small ridges or the edges of Moldings should re­ceive small cuts close together and the larger parts should be worked with heavier tools. The wood rasps, an occasional gouge and perhaps a triangular shaped piece of metal are all that will be needed for the start. The triangular shaped piece may be an old nail set ground or filed to a point along one side as shown.

Take a small, rounded edge of scrap and make cuts first with the triangle rasp and then with the round one at half-inch intervals. To keep the esthetic quality throughout a frame, it is usually advisable to make the cuts round or square in relation to the type of molding being decorated. Employ a round file for beading or curved surfaces and a triangle rasp for flat or angular planes. At any rate, practice making cuts the same depth at regular intervals until a certain degree of uniformity is reached. First make the cuts at right angles and then diagonally. Now try marking the center of a piece of scrap and make diagonal cuts radiating from each side of the center. Curved lines are best left to the texture, although they can be done by using a small gouge. The straight or diagonal cuts can be spaced further apart and a round dot punched with a prick-punch for variety. A prick-punch is used for marking metal.

The small triangular shaped implement mentioned previously can be used to decorate small headings by holding it in the left hand and tapping lightly with a hammer. Be careful not to make the dent so deep that it breaks the grain.
Edges of large Moldings can be given a shallow, wavy line by filing with the half-round rasp.

On wider, heavier ridges it may be necessary to make shallow saw cuts at the proper spaces before the actual filing or gouging is done. If the lines are to go in different directions from the centers, it is advisable to make a template as a guide for drawing the lines in pencil before cutting. Take a piece of cardboard or stencil paper and mark a straight center line with directional lines at an angle from one side. Cut them through the board neatly as shown. When using it, first find the center of each piece of the frame to be cut and mark the lines all along one side to the miter. When nearing the miter, try to space the lines so that they come out quite evenly. Reverse the card, find the center and mark the other side of the molding. Repeat for all four sides. With a small back saw, cut into the lines to a depth of about ⅛". The triangle rasp or the round one can now be used to complete the cut. Be sure to sand down the decorated parts so that the sharp edges are removed.

These simple, geometric decorations can of course be added to the painted finish while it is being tex­tured. Circles and curved lines are particularly effec­tive when made in this way. The rigidity of filed or carved lines is avoided which helps to soften the entire frame.

Another effective and easy method of adding deco­ration to simple frames is through the use of ready-made decorative Moldings such as beading, rope, etc.They can be purchased in a large variety of sizes and widths and are easily attached to the Moldings with brads and glue.

Frames decorated with these Moldings are partic­ularly effective if the finish is not too heavily textured and if the molding is accented by rubbing with touches of color or gold. These ready-made Moldings will add richness to the frame and give it just as much an harmonious result as hand-carved decorations.

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here….