Preservation Tips from the Library of Congress

May 8, 2008 – 4:22 am

The Frame Maker just came across this excellent article on preservation of art and other irreplaceable items on paper in terms of matting and framing, published by the Library of Congress.

In addition to some great specifics for framing your art that we have always recommended (like becoming an educated consumer before you go into the frame shop), this article also gives a solid overview of framing materials and this spiffy exploded diagram of a complete archival framing package that is very useful for anyone who’s never considered what goes on inside a frame.

Library of Congress matting and framing diagram
Archival framing diagram courtesy of the Library of Congress

We also appreciate the sound advice about where to hang your completed custom frames (and where not to) in order to ensure the longest life of the valuable items in your collection. Check out this great article on preservation framing here.

Excellent color resource online

April 28, 2008 – 3:24 am

For a vast array of opinions on color, color theories, interesting color palettes and fascinating color patterns, The Frame Maker recommends the online community www.colourlovers.com, which states as its mission:

COLOURlovers™ is a resource that monitors and influences color
trends. COLOURlovers gives the people who use color – whether for
ad campaigns, product design, or in architectural specification –
a place to check out a world of color, compare color palettes, submit
news and comments, and read color related articles and interviews.

Recent examples of palettes featured on their site:

2008 Color Opinions from Crescent

April 25, 2008 – 5:58 am

Another party heard from on color is the venerable Crescent Cardboard Company, maker of many of the matboards we use at The Frame Maker. Crescent makes a vibrant line of rag mats great for designs involving rich color schemes.

For 2008, Leatrice Eiseman, Director of the Pantone Color Institute, (noted as “the source of the world’s most used color specification system”) gives pleasantly concise “overviews” of different color palettes, or groups of colors to work with as a set. For instance, she describes the “High Profile” palette like this:

Inspired by the styles that have managed to survive the fads and foibles of the past, the High Profile palette presents classic shades of Very White, Raven Black, Claret and Neutral Grey. It gets ts glamorous accent with an impact of Cranberry, Majestic Purple, and glimmering Silver-Renaissance….”

Each palette has a second set of “Design Tip” commentary by “Nationally Renowned Interior Designer” Barbara Schmidt, whose syndicated columns appear in over 50 publications. She has this to add about the “High Profile” collection:

These colors are so contrasting that they force the eye to the art. High Profile is perfect when artwork leads the decor. Its silver and gold tones create texture and shine- another trend we’re seeing with the metal, glass and laquered furniture that is so popular today. Vintage posters are great for this palette….”

Check out the rest of their picks for 2008, beautifully illiustrated at http://crescentpro.com/trends.html.

Some notes on color in 2008.

February 19, 2008 – 1:38 am

There is always a discussion about color when it comes to interior design, in paint, in fabrics for drapes and upholstery,
in art, in picture frames— is this color or color-combination “in”, “out”, “hot” or not– its always an interesting discussion with many points of view.

At The Frame Maker, our emphasis is on the timeless, sophisticated and understated when it comes to color, but even we have to pay attention to the trends in color and what people have to say about them.

The following is an excerpt from a recent post on color from one of our favorite blogs at Furniture Fashion.

Some of the best sources you can use for color trends are paint companies, they spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to watch, research, and follow upcoming color trends.

We pull colors from our surroundings and environment, which is always changing, as does our taste and curiosity about the world we live in. So it is quite natural that our feelings toward colors would change annually.

Color forecasters look to many influences to determine the years hot and cool colors, but here are this years contributors:

  • 1. Cultural awareness- Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Egypt
  • 2. Technology- Hybrid Colors
  • 3. Nature- Bright Rainforest hues and contrasting colors
  • 4. Travel- Coastal Living
  • 5. Pop Culture- Think Pink
  • 6. Fashion- Nautical Movement, Rich Earth
  • 7. Demographics- Being aware of who you are appealing to
  • 8. Environment- Environmental concerns and Green Design (does not refer to the color green itself)
  • Yellow is definitely in this season, it is a very positive and optimistic color in all its various forms. Rich gold’s like that of Indian curry and spices is still in for this year, as is bright yellow in fashion’s nautical movement. Deep reds like Russia’s earthy beetroot are going to be popular. Tropical reds from the rainforest of Brazil, and Terracotta reds like that of roof tiles are also in.

    Think Pink! No longer a color reserved for innocence or little girls, pink has been propelled into the realm of power colors by pop culture and breast cancer awareness. It is now more openly thought of as a universal color and is worn by men, women, and children alike. From bubble gum pink to the deep saturated pink of natures Beijing Lily, pink is in and here to stay for the foreseeable future.

    Blue makes a splash with the coastal color trend still going strong as peoples desire for traveling and finding a restful retreat continues. Mediterranean blue, delicate sea glass, primary blue, and navy blue are going to have a strong impact this year.

    Spice orange and saturated orange will be stunning compliment colors this year.

    White on white is taking the market by storm as of late. Antique white on cream can be gorgeous and warm, while bright white and another white with gray or blue tones can be stark and clean.

    Metallic colors are usually thought of as being neutrals, but not so. Even they come in and out of style. Stainless steel and brushed nickel are still extremely popular, as is chrome. However, gold (not brass) is seeing a resurgence this year. Iron ore, a dark gray, almost black, with matte finish metal is being introduced into mainstream design as well.

    Coral, seashell, and beach motifs are setting sail and are out for 2008……


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