This course will introduce the basics of framing – how to choose mounting and frame styles, and how to cut and join a frame using standard framing equipment equipment. It will cover different materials and how they will interact with your artwork, how to select the most suitable mounting, glazing and style of frame. Attention will be brought to issues of preservation which are often overlooked in DIY framing, as well as the aesthetic considerations when making colour and material choices.

Students are invited to bring up to four works on paper, which they can select from and frame during the course. These should be could be photographs, a watercolours, prints, poems, flyers, postcards or other mementos. Small canvases or works on panel or board may also be possible.

Options will be explained when there is more than one material or method, and why you might to choose one over the other.

You will learn how to calculate your frame size with the addition of a mount, cut mitres and join a frame that is structurally secure and perfectly sized. Students will also have the opportunity to cut glass to size, as well as a bevelled window mount. Mounting methods and decoration such as wash-lines, painted bevels and float mounting may also be covered, and students will be able to learn about methods and styles they may have particular interest in.

By the end of the course you will have something ready to hang on your wall and a good idea of the trade, whether it is something you have an interest in doing professionally or for your own framing needs.

Included

• A half sheet of mountboard to practise cutting mounts
• 2 x lengths of wooden moulding, measuring - 2.4 - 3m each, sufficient to make 1-4 frames, depending on size and ability
• 1 x length of spacer
• Self-adhesive Brown Paper Tape

Please preorder the colour of your wooden mouldings – the choices are – black, white or bare. If you do not get in touch with us we will supply you with the bare wood colour.

What students need to bring

What students need to bring:

• A selection of up to four items to frame: prints, watercolours, needlework, memorabilia, etc. Please be aware that the more complicated projects, such as memorabilia, take longer and therefore you might go home with just one item framed. Please also be aware of the sensibilites of others when selecting the images you bring to frame
• Pencil
• Rubber
• Tape measures/rules
• Craft knives or scalpel
• Scissors and any tapes mentioned, if you have them
• If you already have any portable picture framing tools you are welcome to bring them

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• Float Glass
• Backing board

Optional – if in stock

• Hand mount cutters (Logan 2000)
• Glass cutters
• Framing accessories
• Craft knives and measuring rules
• Tapes (masking tape, acid free, double sided, wide brown and decorative)

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

All tools are available for you to use for the duration of the course, items in the shop need not to be purchased for the course itself.

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

Terms & Conditions