Embroidery & Needlework Framing

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A big “Thank You” to Cheryl and Michael for bringing in their beautiful needlework for me to frame. It’s always such a pleasure to complete a piece that can take literally years to create.

The photos here show the processes involved (after the threads have been tested for colourfastness) -

1) Before steam blocking

2) Hanging to dry, after day three of steam blocking…nearly there..

3) The needlework is pinned to an Alphamat Artcare foamcore board with stainless steel pearl head pins, and weighted overnight. This photo also shows the inner gold frame – there are two frames and a beaded slip.

4) The completed needlework, framed to compliment it’s detail and grandeur.

Let us know what you think!

If you are interested in learning how to frame your own needlework - lacing, blocking, and all the other nitty-gritty details of fine conservation framing, please register your details below. Classes will be held in our brand new studio, upstairs at 190 Tynte Street, North Adelaide, by Adelaide’s leading Preventative Conservation Framer, Jodie Prymke CGF.

Registration of Interest Form 

Jodie Prymke Fine Art Framing is thrilled to be exhibiting at this year’s Beating Around the Bush Stitchers Village Fair, Wednesday 18th April 2012, 10am – 4pm.

You will find us at Stand 18,  in the Auditorium, Immanuel College, Morphett Road, Novar Gardens.

The fair is open to the general public, as well as students from the Beating Around the Bush Convention.

Please stop by and say hello to us, Jodie and Lyn…and go into our draw to 

WIN $500 worth of Fine Conservation Framing for your needlework.

For more information about the fair or convention, please go to www.countrybumpkin.com.au

You might have heard people talking about “Conservation Framing” at some time or other.  But what is it exactly?  And why is it so important when it come to framing your needlecraft? 

What is Conservation Framing?

Preventative Conservation Framing is the combined techniques and materials used to protect valuables and slow down the aging process.

What materials do you recommend?

1) For matting and mounting, at least, alpha-cellulose boards, preferably 100% cotton (museum-grade) rag boards.  Beware of the term “acid-free”. What is sold as “acid-free” today, most certainly won’t be “acid-free” five years from now.

2) I use and recommend Tru Vue Conservation Series Glazing products. It helps protect needlework from 99% of UV rays, which are present in all light sources, including fluorescent lights.

What about the techniques then?

Conservation Framing, most importantly, means that the techniques used to frame needlework should be completely reversible, and not damage or change it in any way.  Say you have your needlework framed today, and 50 years from now, your great-grandchildren want to have it re-framed?  A framer should be able to remove the needlework from the original frame, and hand it back to your loved ones in its original state.

Good techniques which are reversible and inert (won’t harm or discolour threads, fabric or ribbons) are -

• lacing
• dry-blocking (pinning with stainless steel, pearl head pins)
• spacers or matboards should be used to create an “air-space” in between the items inside the frame and the glazing, so they don’t touch

1. Do you practise preventative conservation framing?
2. Are you a qualified picture framer? Have you passed an exam? Look for the letters after their name on their business card - GCF, CPF, MCPF or CGF.
3. Will you lace or pin my needlework?  No glue, tape or staples please!
4. Will you use cotton matboards?
5. Will you use conservation grade glass or acrylic (perspex)?
6. Will you put your name and/or sticker on the back of my frame?

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