Frame-Making Workshop

On October 19, Frames by Edward Wright hosted a workshop on designing and hand crafting one-of-a-kind picture frames. Our goal was to explore the classic art of framemaking. Participants learned to water gild 12 karat gold leaf, gild aluminum leaf, and apply a one-of-a-kind finish of their own design. Each participant took home the result of their creative work: a finely crafted picture frame worth more than the cost of the workshop.

The base for water gilding is a layer of colored clay. The clay must be moistened with "gilder's liquor" so the gold will adhere.

Workshop participants learned how to use this special brush to apply delicate sheets of 12 karat gold leaf.

Gold leaf is applied and patched to cover the entire clay area.

After gilding, aniline dye is applied to the frame.

The entire ungilded area is covered with the aniline dye.

Lunch is served! While the frames dried, Frames by Edward Wright provided a healthy gourmet lunch of sandwiches, walnut salad and root vegetable soup, with cookies for dessert.

Common metal leaf (aluminum) comes in thicker sheets and can be applied with bare hands.

The outer edge of the frame was gilded with aluminum to provide contrast.

Gold leaf is burnished by hand to create a smooth, gleaming surface.

Workshop participants could burnish as much as they wished -- the longer they burnished, the more the gold would shine.

The frames are shellacked to protect the gilding, and then casein is applied to the entire surface.

Participants chose from many shades of casein, to customize their desired finish.

The casein was rubbed and sanded off to create the final finish.

Would you like to attend a Frames by Edward Wright workshop? Inspired by the traditional craft of American framemaking, Edward Wright has developed over the last 35 years a unique system for designing and building closed corner frames. Artisans trained in carving, surfacing, joinery, gilding, and finishing will guide you in making a unique frame. You will learn to appreciate these time honored techniques while exploring innovative ways to use your own individual talent. This will allow you to examine first hand our craftsmanship and to determine how our service can best work for you. Contact us for more on our workshop schedule.