Hi from Cheltenham

[Gillthepainter]

I should introduce myself. It seems only polite as I'll be asking a lot of questions from you all.

My name is Gill Cox. I'm an oil painter who makes her own frames, but not for others (I send them to the local framer if they ask).
I rent a very small studio with another painter, so space and money are tight. Even if I could afford specialist kit, I don't have the room.
I keep a stock of mouldings flat, suspended from the ceiling, enough to make 6 or 7 frames if I need to. And otherwise get small deliveries from Lions, Frinton, or my local framer who kindly lets me pick from his stock of mouldings.

To make my frames, I use a mitre rotary saw, a joiner kit/ or frameco pushmaster, a strap & glue. A bit laborious, but I can get surprisingly flush tidy joins. It took a while getting there though, with mistakes on the way. Some of my early frames looked like drawers.

Any way. Nice to have found my way here.
And thank you for the advice I've had already. Regards Gill.

[Steve N]

Welcome to the forum Gill , good to have a bit of background, hope we can help with the questions

[prospero]

Welcome Gill.

Some of my early frames were pants too.

Ever thought of doing hand-finishing on plain wood frames? You don't have to fret too much over a few gappy mitres then. You can fill them and paint over.

[Gillthepainter]

Hi Steve and Prospero.
I don't have much of a repertoire when it comes to hand finishing plain frames. I tend to lime/ or lightly cream wash so the wood grain shows through. Then matt varnish to harden and protect the exterior from grubby paws.

I certainly haven't got a clue about any other techniques, and buy ready done mouldings if I want something ... well darker.

It's funny you mention hand finishes. As my exhibition chappy has told me that my frames could be bolder. One size doesn't fit all.

[prospero]

If you can paint paintings, you can paint frames.

[Gillthepainter]

Ah-HA. It's harder than it looks to do well.

I've got some 3 "pasta" frames, and I just don't know how to paint them up. On an off cut, I've tried white with a little gold, black with a little gold, but it doesn't enhance the pattern.
I should take pictures and start a post to see what options are out there ...

[framemaker]

Hi Gill, welcome to the forum! lots of people here able to help and answer any questions.

[Gillthepainter]

I like your blog, framemaker.

And you are close to me - we've even walked to Evesham before.

[framemaker]

Thanks Gill, the blogs been a bit neglected recently but I will hopefully be posting more soon.
If you are passing the workshop you would be welcome to call in for a framing chat

[Gillthepainter]

I shall take you up on that kind offer.

[DEEPJOY]

All the best to you and all newbies I missed out on welcoming into the forum fold.

deepjoy