Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Framing Art On A Budget

 One of my favorite dealers at the Alameda Antiques Fair sells vintage prints of every subject you can imagine.  He guarantees their authenticity and age, plus most prints are reasonably priced.
I found some great botanicals and this large, colorful bird print at the last show.

The idea was to frame them reasonably with pre-sized frames from our local frame shop.
If only they were standard frame sizes...

Unfortunately, I had to trim the edge to fit.

The important wording is still visible though.

I ended up framing the birds in this simple silver wood frame, which doesn't compete with the colors.
Both the frame and the print cost around $80.  That's a lot of bang for the buck!
And it's guaranteed to be 75 years old!
It will look fantastic in Ashley's apartment.

The same frame, only smaller is perfect for this vintage Coit Tower print.
This will also go in Ashley's apartment.

 I'm always looking for grape botanicals for Asti and was lucky to find three.
Because they were odd sizes, I matted them to fit into three rustic frames, uniting them.

These 50 year old botanicals cost only $10 each!
The mats were $2 each and the frames $20.
They will be perfect in a vacation rental project that I've been slowly furnishing.
Oooops, that's supposed to be a secret...!

 This German deer print is over 150 years old!
A black mat and a burl frame give it some serious presence for under $100.
It is also part of my project and hopefully will compliment the playful "antler light sculpture thingy" that I bought at the show.
Stay tuned for more information and project reveal.

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12 comments:

Karena said...

Delores, You have a great eye for pairing art and frames. It makes all the difference in the word, Your choices are very complimentary. Custom framing can be extremely expensive!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Orlando Designs said...

Those photos look really great and once you add the mat and frame, they look exoensive.

Unknown said...

I've always thought what makes the picture perfect are the matting and frame carefully selected. Great job Delores! Hugs, Loretta

Sarah said...

Delores, it's always fun to see what you find when you are out shopping. These are wonderful buys! Love the botanicals and eager to see your project. Sounds exciting! ~ Sarah

Terri~terrileeauthor said...

A little more teasing??? Alright, I'll bite.
I love the prints; can't wait to see what you're up to.
Terri

swedecollection said...

That Fireback print is really striking. I see why you liked it. You got excellent prices on the prints. Would love to go to the Alameda show which wasn't there when we lived there in 1998. Wish I could find frames that inexpensive tho.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Delores, Your framed prints turned out so pretty. I'm ready to rent, sight unseen! Can't wait for the reveal. laurie

sugarcreek said...

Lucky Ashley, Love the plumage!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Gorgeous art and frames!!!
Looks amazing!
Blessings,
Cindy

Babs said...

Delores, Great finds, and I love the way you framed them. The botanicals and German deer prints are especially nice.

Kathysue said...

These are gorgeous prints D!! How fun to be working with Ashley, can't wait to see the project. Love her spirit and with your guidance you will make a great team. Such beautiful colors in the bird prints. I want to go next month and look for some architectural blue prints for the family room project!! When you have a chance could you email me your vendors name. I know there is the guy up at the front that is always there, but have no idea what his name is! Just got back from Carmel last night, it was glorious as always!! xo

Things and Thoughts said...

Me too, I like so much these prints. There are absolutely lovely. Cheers

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