Why Framing Matters

Beyond making a piece look “finished,” a frame acts as a physical shield. It protects delicate mediums—like watercolors or pastels—from dust, moisture, and damaging UV rays. It also creates a necessary visual pause, separating the artwork from the chaos of the wall behind it.

The Core Components of a Frame

If you are framing a work on paper or a print, you’ll generally interact with three main elements:

  • The Glazing: This is the clear cover (glass or acrylic). Acrylic is lightweight and shatterproof, while glass is ideal for charcoal and pastels because it avoids static electricity that can smudge the art.
  • The Mat: The cardboard-like border placed around the art. It draws the eye inward and prevents the art from pressing directly against the glass.
  • The Backing: The rigid material that holds the artwork flat and secures everything inside the frame.

Rules for Choosing the Right Frame

Don’t fall into the trap of trying to match your frame to your furniture. Instead, focus on the art itself using these guidelines:

  1. Highlight the Art’s Tones: Pick a frame color or texture that brings out a subtle tone within the artwork, rather than simply matching your couch or floorboards.
  2. Consider the Style: Modern, abstract pieces look striking in simple, thin metal or box frames. Traditional, classical works often shine in ornate, gilded, or warm wooden frames.
  3. Use Floater Frames for Canvas: If your painting is on a stretched canvas, a floater frame is a must-have. It leaves a small gap between the canvas and the frame, making the artwork appear as if it is floating inside.

To DIY or Not to DIY?

You don’t always need a high-end custom framer to get a beautiful result. If you are on a budget or working with standard-sized prints, there are plenty of excellent, ready-made options. For affordable, high-quality custom sizing, consider online retailers like Art to Frame or Frame Destination. For original or highly valuable pieces, however, take the work to a local custom picture framer who can use conservation-grade materials to preserve the piece’s integrity.

Mastering the Art of Gold Leafing: A Beginner’s Guide

Gold leafing, or gilding, is the ancient and highly rewarding craft of applying ultra-thin sheets of gold onto surfaces like wood, paper, or glass. This beginner-friendly project elevates everyday items—from antique frames to canvases—into luxurious, luminous pieces.

What You Need to Get Started

Before you open your gold leaf packet, gather the right supplies to ensure your project goes smoothly.

  • Gold Leaf: You can choose between genuine gold leaf (which offers a deep, authentic luster) and imitation gold leaf (an affordable copper-zinc alloy perfect for beginners).
  • Size: This is the special adhesive glue used to stick the leaf to your project. You can find water-based sizing at most craft stores.
  • Brushes: You will need a flat synthetic brush to apply the size, and a soft mop brush (or cotton ball) to gently press and brush away any excess gold.
  • Sealer: Once your piece is dry, a gilder’s sealer or clear acrylic spray will protect the delicate leaf from tarnishing over time.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Gold Leaf

1. Prep and Paint

Ensure your surface is completely clean and dust-free. If you are working on a piece of raw wood, give it a smooth base coat of acrylic paint first to prevent the adhesive from soaking in unevenly.

2. Apply the Size

Using a flat brush, apply a thin, even layer of your size over the area where you want the gold to go. The most common beginner mistake is applying the leaf while the glue is still wet. Wait roughly 30–60 minutes until the glue becomes tacky. You will know it is ready if it creates a slight “suction” sound when you tap it with your finger but leaves no wet residue.

3. Lay the Gold Leaf

Gold leaf is incredibly delicate and behaves almost like static cling. Carefully pick up a sheet using tweezers or a brush and gently place it over the sticky area. Don’t panic if it wrinkles or tears slightly; overlapping the sheets and gently pressing down hides any seams beautifully.

4. Burnish and Brush

Use a soft, dry cotton ball or a mop brush to gently burnish (rub) the gold leaf so it firmly bonds to the surface. Use circular motions with a soft brush to buff away all the loose, flaky excess gold, revealing a seamless, brilliant shine. Save the flakes in a small jar for your next project!

5. Seal Your Masterpiece

Because imitation gold leaf contains copper and zinc, it can tarnish or oxidize over time. Apply a high-quality, water-based sealer to lock in that gorgeous, metallic sparkle.

The Ultimate Guide to Decoupaging on Canvas

Have you ever stared at a blank, uninspired canvas and felt a mix of intimidation and excitement? You don’t need to be a classically trained painter to create a beautiful masterpiece for your home. Decoupage—a French craft that involves gluing paper or fabric cutouts to a surface—is the perfect solution.

Whether you’re updating a thrift store find or starting with a brand new blank slate, decoupaging on canvas is a budget-friendly and deeply rewarding way to elevate your space.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into your project, gather the following supplies:

  • Stretched Canvas: Any size you prefer (check out local craft stores or even the Dollar Tree for budget-friendly options).
  • Decoupage Medium: Mod Podge in matte or satin is highly recommended for canvas, as it reduces unwanted glare and blends smoothly.
  • Paper or Fabric: Paper napkins, lightweight rice paper, scrapbook paper, or printed images work best.
  • Brushes: A foam brush or flat artist’s brush for applying the medium smoothly.
  • Acrylic Paint: Optional, but great for adding a colorful background or blending the edges of your paper.
  • Plastic Wrap: For smoothing out wrinkles without tearing delicate paper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prime the Canvas (Optional but Recommended)

Most pre-bought canvases are already primed, but if you want your decoupaged images to really pop, giving the canvas a base coat of white acrylic paint is a great move. Let it dry completely before moving on.

2. Prepare Your Decoupage Materials

If you are using multi-ply paper napkins, carefully peel away the bottom, unprinted layers so you are left with just the single, ultra-thin top layer. Rather than cutting straight lines with scissors, gently tear the edges of your paper or napkin. Tearing creates feathered edges that blend beautifully into the canvas.

3. Apply the Decoupage Medium

Use your foam brush to apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge to the exact area of the canvas where your image will go.

4. Place and Smooth

Place your paper or fabric design onto the wet Mod Podge. To avoid wrinkles and bubbles—which are common on flexible canvases—place a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper over your image and use a soft, rounded tool (or the back of a spoon) to gently smooth it out from the center to the edges.

5. Seal It

Allow your canvas to dry for about 15 to 20 minutes. Once it feels set to the touch, apply a topcoat of Mod Podge over the entire design and the sides of the canvas. This acts as a protective varnish. Let it dry completely for several hours.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Avoid Water: Canvas naturally absorbs moisture. Try to use your decoupage medium sparingly rather than soaking the canvas, which can warp the fabric.
  • Finish the Edges: Don’t forget the sides of your canvas! Painting them or wrapping your paper around the edges gives your wall art a polished, gallery-wrapped look.
  • Add Embellishments: Feel free to get creative! Mix in dried flowers, ribbon, or a touch of metallic paint (like Rub ‘n Buff) around the borders to give your art extra texture and dimension.