I am in the beginning stage of a tapestry and I am thinking about how I want to display it. I'd love to have a black or dark mat like border of about 1.5 to 2 inches around the finished piece (about 8 x 20.) My questions... What kind of frame? Glass/plexiglass or no glass/plexiglass? Recessed or flat? Suppliers? I would be appreciative of any suggestions!

Comments

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 22:03

tommye scanlin

I usually don't frame tapestries but rather mount them on fabric covered backgrounds.  However, I have framed one small piece in a shadow box sort of frame (had it done at a framer).  I'd mounted the piece on a fabric covered piece of foam core board that was just slightly smaller than the piece so that it is slightly raised from the linen covered background that covers the inside of the frame, background and edges.  The frame itself is simple black wood.

There are a number of ways to frame and/or mount tapestries discussed in an American Tapestry Alliance educational article.  Also, Susan Martin Maffei addresses framing in one of the links on the Brennan/Maffei website.

Tommye

Wed, 10/12/2011 - 23:38

suzyhok (not verified)

Tommye, Thanks so much for your helpful advice! I looked at your article on framing small tapestries in the American Tapestry Alliance and I think that technique will work perfectly! What a great website! Your prompt reply is greatly appreciated. Now to get started on my 8 shaft/ cotton & linen & handspun/ abstract/ Japanese & Bauhaus inspired tapestry! I sure hope that our paths will cross in the near future... We are fellow Georgians after all! ...Suzy
Thu, 10/13/2011 - 12:22

tommye scanlin

Hi Suzy, Glad the articles helped! Are you a member of Tapestry Weavers South? It's a wonderful bunch of tapestry addicts :}} We have a workshop or retreat annually somewhere in the Southeast. Membership is open to anyone from anywhere, however, and we have members from throughout the nation. We also have group exhibits. Rosemary Smith in NC is the membership person and I can send her contact info, if you're interested. If you're heading to Dahlonega give me a pm and we'll see if you can get by my studio to say hello! Tommye
Thu, 10/13/2011 - 21:25

suzyhok (not verified)

Thank you Tommye for you very generous offers. I would love to learn more about the Tapestry Weavers South. My email address is [email protected]. I'm reacquainting myself with tapestry having done some years ago when I first started weaving and couldn't afford a floor loom. A frame loom was a very affordable way to create with my handspun. I started up again this past summer while we were living on our sailboat on Lake Champlain in upstate NY. Now the necessity way space...certainly not enough room for a floor loom,but a cute little Bavarian frame loom I found on eBay was perfect. So now I'm home with my 8shaft Mighty Wolf and thought it would be fun to use it to create an intesting effect for a tapestry. I really appreciate your help!
Mon, 10/24/2011 - 02:58

Slipstream (not verified)

Hi Suzy

You might want to check out this tapestry which was framed on a float frame in cherry:

http://www.thegrumble.com/showthread.php?44367-72-quot-x-22-quot-Tapestry&highlight=tapestry

The site is full of very insecure touchy people so they may object to giving a lot of information (they object to everything it seems) it is a very contentious site but they have some excellent imformation.  Use the search function and lurking will teach you a lot about framing.  I hope this helps.

Regards, Charles

Tue, 10/25/2011 - 12:28

Liese (not verified)

http://www.marlamallett.com/mounting.htm  This site has many suggestions for large & small pieces. 

Liese