More Mini Frames
Recently I posted instructions for making mini-frames for doing petitpoint. I provided two simple methods that didn’t require fancy tools and that also required only basic skills. This sort of thing is often referred to as “teaching them to fish rather than providing the fish.”
But there are some who, for whatever reason, would rather buy frames ready-made. I can understand that. The problem is that some things just can’t be handmade and sold at a reasonable price. These frames may be one of those things. By the time you add in the costs of padded envelopes, today’s high postage costs and a minimum wage, the price becomes fairly significant for something that takes the place of poking a hole in some mat board (grin). I have to admit that I do think it brings a touch of class to needlework that mat board can never provide, and while making them I daydreamed of fancy ones with figured wood and inlay in the corners.
And yes, I did make some. I decided to make them with good, hard maple. I also decided to make them using “real”, cut half-lap joinery. In this way I could be a bit more precise I suppose. It also meant a whole lot of joint cutting. Can you spell BORING? Anyways, here’s the pile of sticks I ended up with after that process.
All of these pieces were glued into 1 1/2″square and 2 1/2″ square frames using hide glue to provide a hard, non-flexing joint. Then I rounded the corners and sanded them, but only to remove any raised edges. These frames work best if they’re NOT perfectly smooth as the glue will stick the gauze to them better.
I applied some oil and let them sit over night. This morning I applied a coat of shellac, trying to strike a balance between protecting the wood and not generating a super-smooth surface, which is counter to the purpose of the frames. This is the result.
And here’s the deal on selling them. It would make no sense to sell these individually as shipping costs would make that silly. So, I’ve clustered them into a package a three frames – two small and one larger.
The small frames are great for doing chair seats, samplers, firescreens, candlestands, pillows and some wall hangings. The larger one is large enough for, well, larger needlework. Neither will accommodate a rug. If you want a set, they are $17USD and this includes shipping costs. At this point I have only 5 sets but I can make more if I can’t persuade everyone to make their own (sly grin). Contact me via email if you want a set.
Cheers — Larry
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