I need help on framing and mounting?

Question

I have recently thought about framing and mounting my art work. Im an all rounder with media and dont have one subject. I only do art in my spare time evenings and weekends and have a full time job ( in admin), but have recently thought about presenting my art in a simple mount and buying plastic display covers. 1 to keep them in good condition and 2 maybe later, I can take them to a craft or art fair and sell them. What im really struggling with at the moment is the colour and size of the mount and how to attach my work to the mount. I have predominantly watercolour paper which buckles (I cant get on with stretching the paper) Please any tips or hints would be much appreciated because at the moment all my work is in a portfolio. thank you

Answer 1

You will need to mat and frame the watercolors. You can buy precut mats and frames from Michael's or Hobby Lobby  (search on line for money saving coupons). (Don't use plastic frames.) Later on you can learn how to cut your own mats and assemble your own frames. If you’re going to get into art and craft shows to sell your work, don’t get too discouraged if you don’t sell much.

Keep Arting!

Jeff (weseye) Wesley

Answer 2

You shouldn't spend a lot of money framing everything. If you want to sell/transport your works, frame some samples and mount and mat the rest. It's not that hard to do, and you can save some money. Art supply companies, (Hobby Lobby/Micheal's) would have what you need. Acid free foam core, logan 300 series mat cutter, mounting corners, and a roll of shrink wrap. Try mail order at http://www.cheapjoes.com/

Answer 3

Watercolor originals that have some buckling can be flattened.  Spray the back with water and then press it between two sheets of masonite or pegboard, using stacks of books or bricks for weight.  I would put a clean pice of paper like newsprint between the painting and the raw board, thought, so as not to leach any chemicals, acids, or dyes.  

Daniel Smith sells packages of mats and acetate sleeves at a reasonable price.  

http://www.danielsmith.com/subcat~cat~60...

http://www.danielsmith.com/products~sku~...

Matting is necessary to keep your art from contacting surfaces that contain acids and oils that could discolor your artwork.