5 Steps to Mounting Art on Wood Panels Hastypearl

5 Steps to Mounting Art on Wood Panels

Hastypearl

I was recently invited, to show my work at the Redstone Labor Day Art Show.

I was Thrilled, by the invitation!

The tiny trouble of it is, I don't Live in Redstone, Colorado...yet!

One fine day we will, but for now, it is just a 4 times a year, visit.

Framing and shipping 4 days worth of art, was going to be quite cost prohibitive, 

so I decided to mount my art on wood panels, instead.

Its really a great way to display, anyway.

Its still quite possible for a buyer to frame, should they decide to.

I also think it gives a nice cohesive look to the installation. 

So, I thought that it might be helpful for you to see the process.

I am thankful, that right at the perfect time, 

I saw Jane Davies do the same on her blog.

Thanks, Jane !

There are a number of places that you can buy 

lightweight wood panels, or sometimes called, cradle boards.

Cheap Joe's, is an excellent resource and by far, 

the least expensive for this particular product.

I had to WAIT for weeks, for one of the sizes to arrive, so make sure you check that part.

I wasn't in emergency mode yet, but I had to be Extremely Patient.

Determine what sizes you need.

I did my collages in pretty standard sizes...5 " x 7 ", 8 " x 10 ", etc, 

but you will be amazed at all of the sizes that are available.

Even still, I left a little extra paper, on each collage, 

so that after gluing, I could simply remove it.

Here's how you do it :

Step 1. 

I first painted the outer edges of the panels, with a 

color that would compliment my art.

I even painted a little of the front edge, so there wouldn't be any chance 

that you would see the raw wood. 

(you can see that in the second to the last image)

It would be next to impossible to touch up AFTER the art is adhered. 

I was Really glad that I thought to do this step.

  

Step 2.

Its also time to add whatever kind of hanging hardware that you want. 

I like to use saw tooth hangers. Everyone has their favorite. 

I cant tell you how many times, in my excitement, I forget the hanger, 

and then, I run the risk of damaging the face of the art, pounding in a hanger!

Don't do as I do, rather do as I say ;)

Step 3. 

I am a Weldbond"aholic".

No, there is not a 12 Step Program for such ;)

I buy it online from a place called Grady's Hardware.

(I'm guessing, that I have probably sent at least one of "Mr. Grady's" kids 

through college, for all of the glue that I have bought from him ;)

Whatever your favorite glue is, paint a thin layer on the wood.

You wont have a long time before it starts adhering, 

so get busy with your ruler and make sure that you have it evenly placed.

Step 4. 

After you are happy with the placement, find some heavy books 

and place them on top of the glued art. 

I leave mine overnight. 

If there is any chance that the cover of the books will stain your art, 

place something in between them and your work, just to be safe.

Of course, its like Christmas the next morning! 

I'm like a kid to see what it looks like, dry.

Stillllllll, there is One more step before completion.

Step 5. 

Use an X-Acto Knife/Blade, whatever you have, 

and simply trace next to the edge of the frame to remove the excess paper.

I was a bit nervous the first time, but it is Really Easy.

Depending on the thickness of your paper, you may need to make a couple of passes.

Keep going around the four sides of your frame...and You Are Done!

It really is amazing how Finished your art will look.

I bought multiple boxes of each size and see myself using 

them for many more projects.

With Cheap Joe's, there is a multiples discount.

I hope that this helps You and that You use it with your Art.

Let me know how it goes for You, if You do!

Its really going to make my shipping, much easier 

and I cant wait to see it all on display!

Ill be sure to take pictures of the Art Show and post them here :)

So glad, as always, that You stopped by.

I hope that You are enjoying these Wonder filled days, wherever You are!

Please stop back by, very soon!

: ) Laura aka Hastypearl

Dance and Swing! Fiber Art Collage Hastypearl

 

 

 

Dance and Swing!

 

Fiber Art Collage

 

 

Hastypearl

 

Dear Readers,

I thought it might be fun, for you to see what I've been up to in the studio!

 

After all of the holiday decorating, and shopping and lists were starting to look complete, I slipped up to the studio, for a quiet time of Playing and Making, for two certain ladies... 

Katherine Anne and Savanna Grace!

 

 

I started with simple Line Drawings.

 

For these two Young ladies, I thought the Dress would be appropriate.

But for you, it could be an Animal, Toy, Flower...Anything!

 

While there are dozens of stitches to be used (and can be Googled), I wanted a very simple and straight forward stitch, to "Draw" the dresses with.

 

 

 

I'm very attracted to the shapes of the 40's and 50's.

Maybe, its because the 50's were when my Mother, was actually sewing dresses like this, for me!

 

 

I have saved fabric scraps for years.

You probably have as well.

Start by cutting and tearing and layering out a composition, that looks good for your collage.

 

I hadn't even thought about it, but my Son pointed out to my Grand, when she was opening this piece, that the floral fabric I used here, was on their sofa, that we had given them.

I love it when those kinds of things happen!

I had inadvertently selected a fabric for Her piece, that I had years ago selected, for myself!

 

Next, comes the really fun part!

 

Dig through your buttons, or notions, laces and trims and continue building your collage.

 

One hint I have learned along the way...

 

Sew your buttons and trims on now, otherwise, they will show through to the back of your piece.

I think it looks much nicer, if there aren't threads and stitches showing on your completed back.

 

I learned that the Hard way...you can thank me later ;)

 

 

Add Words if you like!

 

I was reluctant to use this trendy technique for a long time, but sometimes, it is useful, to develop the theme.

 

I have a weakness tendency, with some pieces, to add and add and add.

With these two pieces, I wanted to keep it very simple and let the Line Drawings, lead.

 

At this point, you can stitch or glue this completed layer down, to your background.

I used a measured, torn piece of watercolor paper, but you can use Anything that you want for your background.

Sometimes, I glue a simple saw tooth hanger on the back.

These pieces are so lightweight, that they can be hung on a wall, with a simple straight pin.

 

For these two pieces, I glued two simple loops of ribbon on the top, for hanging.

 

I love Weldbond glue, for these collage projects.

It dries clear and is Super strong.

I buy Large bottles online.

 

Make sure that you sign and date your piece.

It will serve as a timeline, for the one that you share it with.

 

This piece, didn't really compete this year, with the Nerf gun that my Grand was playing with, but long after the Christmas toy is gone...her piece from Grandmother Pearl, will remain :)

 

 

 

"As to dancing, my dear, I Never dance, unless I am allowed to do it In My Own Peculiar Way.

There is no use trying to describe it:

it has to be seen to be believed.

Did you ever see the Rhinoceros, and the Hippopotamus, at the Zoological Gardens, trying to

dance a minuet together?

It is a touching sight."

 

Lewis Carroll 1873

 

As Always, I'm so glad that you stopped in, to read my Hastypearl blog.

 

I hope that you will try your hand at your Own collage!

Who you share it with, will love that you spent the Time on them.

 

xoxo Laura

 

...oh and...I would love for you to subscribe (see that opportunity, on the right sidebar of the blog) to receive notice of these postings!

 ...And I thank you for your past comments, whether here or on Facebook!

 

You would be surprised, how you can connect with Amazing, Special People, who are blogging away the interesting things that happen in their lives.

I personally, have been blessed by many Wonderful Connections!

 

Now...time is a wasting...Get To DANCING! :)