Mat, Mount, and Frame It Yourself (Crafts Highlights)

Rating:
Summary: Beyond Mat Knives
Review: Anyone who's ever brought something into a shop for framing knows the shock you can feel when you learn the cost. Many of us decide at that time that we want to use ready-made frames and mats, even though a custom frame or mat might enhance the presentation of the art even more. A few folks then take the big step of buying a mat knife and straight edge and cutting their own mats.

This book is aimed at people who want to go a step beyond cutting simple mats, although enough tips are offered on that subject so that even experienced mat cutters can learn something new. The book is designed to appeal to a wide audience from beginners to those who are considering constructing their own frames from scratch. It does it by simple, direct explanation, and you probably will find it sitting on your work table, like a recipe book, while you frame pictures. There's little art here. For example, the discussion of mat color selection makes it clear that this is a matter that is very personal, and about which the author can only provide the most general guidance.

On the other hand there's plenty of craft. For example, he discusses the variety of tools available and suggests which are worth investing in for the work that one contemplates. He suggested at least one tool that I did not know existed to deal with a problem I regularly encountered.

A typical example of the more complex tasks covered is the preparation of a double mat, that is, two mats stacked together so that the overmat has a larger window than the undermat. Trying to cut the windows separately will almost always lead to an uneven looking window. Logan tells you how to manipulate the two mats together so that the mats will nest evenly. Not brain surgery, but a useful technique.

Logan also spends some time debunking myths, like the supposed danger of using non-museum quality mats. He points out that not only have ordinary matboards improved with regard to the effects of acid content, but that it also makes no economic sense to use materials that will last longer than the framed object.

The book has a few weaknesses. The author clearly doesn't believe it is worth the expense for most people to prepare frames from scratch and gives short shrift to this area. To learn how to do this, you'll need a good manual on carpentry and joinery.

But for most of the framing jobs that the average person may want to try, this book will provide you with everything you need to know. Even experienced framers will probably pick up a tip or two that will make this book worthwhile.

Rating:
Summary: Everything You Ever Needed to Know...
Review: I can't imagine someone needing any more information than Mr. Logan has so clearly and simply provided in this excellent book. He not only discusses how to frame everything from photos to firearms but explains why different types of mats are used, how to select colors, the pros and cons of different types of frames, glazing materials, hardware, etc., etc. You are left knowing what kinds of choices to make and why. The book is heavy with illustrations and photos. I wish more how-to books (i.e. software manuals) were written so clearly and engagingly! Even if you only plan to frame one item, read this book first.

Rating:
Summary: I've found it very useful
Review: I had been making my own frames and doing my own matting for a while before I got this book. I read it cover to cover and learned a lot, and I refer back to it quite often. It's somewhat disorganized, but the index makes up for that. The book even includes instructions for making molding on a table saw, which is unusual.

Deb's point about the cost of a mat cutter is valid; much as I'd love the $300 cutter, I do fine with a Logan 4000 and the Logan ruler, plus a couple of Handi-clamps. I think David Logan is a little too quick to dismiss the low-cost alternatives.

Rating:
Summary: Well written - easy to understand
Review: I had the pleasure of actually taking a class with David Logan, the author of this book. ... The book covers everything one needs to complete a mat project from start to finish.

Rating:
Summary: Well written - easy to understand
Review: I had the pleasure of actually taking a class with David Logan, the author of this book. ... The book covers everything one needs to complete a mat project from start to finish.

Rating:
Summary: Start Up Isn't Cheap
Review: This is a beautiful book. It's nice to look at the framed art as examples within the pages.

Now, this book claims it's easier and cheaper to do this work yourself - it is if you have a table saw and other power tools already on hand. The recommended mat cutter is almost $300.

There are lovely ideas in this book but I don't think it holds up its claim of being cheaper unless you are going to do a lot of framing work. I picked it up at the library with the idea of framing my beadwork, but with starting costs and skills to learn to do this work I'll pay for professional framing and use my time and money for beads and my own work!

If you are interested in learning to do this work, I'd say that this is a good book for you to start with. If you're an artist looking to frame your own work, think about how much time you'll be investing in learning to do this work when you could be working on your art.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely a must-have book for those who frame anything
Review: This is a good book to have if you ever need to frame anything. It is must-have if you need to frame things regularly. It includes absolutely everything you need to know about framing.

The book starts out helping you plan ahead by determining whether you need a mat, what size you need if you do and what frame size you should use. A list of standard frame sizes, help on reading a ruler, rules to live by and an explanation of weighted borders are also here. The border finder, which helps you determine how big your borders should be is very helpful. There is also great advice on selecting colors for both the frame and mat as well as great tips on saving time and money. I love the many examples here of what to do, and what not to do, to show off your art in the best light.

Then you learn all about materials and equipment. This includes details choosing mat board, foam board, frames and glazing (glass / acrylic) materials. There is also essential information hardware, as well as mounting and mat-cutting materials. I like the author's "bottom line" page that gives the total cost of setting up a mat cutting / framing workshop.

Next you learn how to prepare materials, including how to easily size mat board and glazing. Frame making from scratch follows. This encompasses calculating lumber needs, and using box, flat, J, covered, beaded, and beveled molding. You even learn to make a box for objects. The details of cutting mat windows follow. Single, double, multiple-opening, double multiple-opening, title indent, title window, stepped-corner, eight-sided window, oval / round and V-grove mat making are all here. Everything is explained in detail with step-by-step photos and instructions. There is advice on how to get consistently good results with many insider secrets throughout.

The last sections focus on mounting, assembling frames, glazing, handling and hanging artwork. In the mounting chapter you learn not only how to do to safe regular framing but conservation and museum safe framing. You also learn permanent and removable mounting techniques as well as how to mount pastel art (elevation mounting), needlework and three-dimensional objects. Again the instructions for everything are excellent, accompanied by demonstrating photos.

There is a great list of resources in the back that includes web site addressees. There is also a handy index. This book makes the perfect housewarming or wedding gift. It's also a great find for artists or anyone who collects art.