The enemy: High heat.

Most materials shrink or expand with high heat, and framing package is no exception. Leave a mat out in an area of rising temperature and it will cup, sometimes substantially. The level of relative humidity will also contribute to this effect. High heat combined with excessive humidity can cause artwork to become glued to glass, especially in case of photos. Once this occurs, damage is permanent. Use mats to keep artwork from touching glazing.

Generally, high heat in a home should not be a big problem, especially in dry areas. Transporting artwork can be tricky. Never leave it in a trunk during hot or humid weather, and even interior of a vehicle can be much too hot. Get it home to a safe environment as quickly as possible. When shipping artwork make sure it will not be subjected to high heat.

Summary

Do not get paranoid about exposing framed artwork in normal settings. Hanging from a wall a few feet from either floor or ceiling protects it from extremes of temperature and humidity within house. Be sure house is never left unheated in cold and damp weather, and never leave it outside or in vehicles any longer than possible. Make sure sun never sees it directly, and keep your better stuff away from florescent lights. Use conservation glass or acrylic for especially valuable or valued pieces.

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See article with images here: http://www.matshop.net/framing_tips01.html

MatShop is a Division of Island Art Publishers, ( www.islandart.com ). Island Art markets art cards and other products throughout United States and Canada using exact products we recommend to our MatShop customers.

In USA? Visit: www.matshop.com

In Canada? Visit: www.matshop.ca

toll-free tel:1-800-663-7501

toll-free fax:1-800-663-7563

MatShop has been supplying mat & framing supplies to photo retailers for 10 years & through the WEB for six. Its customers are artists, photographers, crafters & others who require volume purchases of these products. The purpose of the MatShop.com page is to supply information on all products & to suggest how mats & frames can benefit the specific needs of its customers.

Attaching objects within a Shadow box How to attach object to box deserves careful consideration. If object has little value in itself, and will probably never be removed, job is easier. Paper and other flat objects can use many glues. Heavier objects can use epoxy. Bathtub caulking compounds are great in that you can build up a fraction of an inch of compound to create a large gluing area. A long drying period is necessary but result is excellent.

Sewing objects to backing is excellent for any type of clothing. Baseballs can be sewed from stitching through backing board. Sewing allows object to be removed later without damage. Velcro can be attached to softer articles and attached to backing. Little if any damage is done to article when removed. Glues that can be dissolved with chemicals can be used, but be very careful with this one.

Some imagination can work wonders. Foamcore can be cut out to shape of object, and object imbedded to stop it from moving. This is time consuming and tricky, but object remains in a pristine condition.

There are literally hundreds of ways to attach objects, and many books and articles written about them. Art Supply stores, Craft retailers and libraries are be a good source of information.

Foamcore is an excellent product as an aid to attach objects. The back of plates have a rim which makes them difficult to glue. A 3 x 3" piece of formcore can be attached to back of plate with caulking compound and then caulked to back of box in order to give a larger gluing area. You can also add to "3D" effect of display by using several layers of foamcore.

Summary Shadow box frames can take those treasured articles out of a drawer or box and put them on a wall to be admired every day. Customized frames, both in size and depth, can be made to frame anything from a baby's soother to a full size baseball bat, complete with uniform. For small businesses, customized displays can be very reasonably priced when purchased in bulk, and high markups are attainable. Craft stores giving classes can make make a very high quality and fun project at a reasonable cost. Please click on some of examples shown to give a larger view of frame, and a full explanation of how display was constructed.

FREE Reprint Rights You may publish this article in your e-zine or on your Web site as long as following bio/blurb and links are included at end of article:

See article with images here: http://www.matshop.net/shadow_boxes.html

MatShop is a Division of Island Art Publishers, ( www.islandart.com ). Island Art markets art cards and other products throughout United States and Canada using exact products we recommend to our MatShop customers.

In USA? Visit: www.matshop.com

In Canada? Visit: www.matshop.ca

toll-free tel:1-800-663-7501

toll-free fax:1-800-663-7563

MatShop has been supplying mat & framing supplies to photo retailers for 10 years & through the WEB for six. Its customers are artists, photographers, crafters & others who require volume purchases of these products. The purpose of the MatShop.com page is to supply information on all products & to suggest how mats & frames can benefit the specific needs of its customers.