Serve up a spoon collection in hinged boxes - she frames … - framing an antique spoon collection - Brief Article

Art Business News, Sept, 2002 by Meg Peters

When one of my favorite clients brought me her antique spoon collection to frame, I couldn't say no, even when she asked that the frame allow her easy access to the spoons. I puzzled over how best to build a box for her treasured collection, and the idea finally came to me around 3 a.m. one night.

The boxes were built with a hinged frame that opens to a black, suede-lined case made from 1- by 4-inch boards I bought at the lumber yard.

My client selected Larson-Juhl No. 371110 for the face frame, and it was my job to paint the pine boards to match the moulding. I was able to imitate the moulding's finish by base coating the wood with red acrylic paint, then applying a coat of black semi-gloss paint. Just before the paint was dry, I wiped the edges to reveal red highlights. The black semi-gloss paint was too shiny, but after I rubbed it with steel wool, it matched perfectly.

Hinges were added to the left side, and on the right, instead of latches, I recessed 1/2-inch round magnets into the opposite corners. It's a clever solution for a perfectly flush joint between the two frames.

The ladle was secured with a black satin ribbon tied through the Masonite backing board. The Masonite had to be precisely cut to fit inside the pine box. (Luckily I keep a skill saw around!) To mount the spoons, I used Mighty Mounts, and the cases were mounted to the wall with Z-Bar.

Both frames were completed in about five hours. The ladle box measured 7 by 15 by 6 inches and cost $176. (Not nearly enough, I realized after completion!) The spoon box measured 14 by 26 by 3 inches and cost $235.

The finished frames were a big success. In fact, my client has asked me to consider building a tea table to match the shadowboxes.

Meg Peters is the owner of Finer Frames in Meridian, Idaho. She apprenticed for three years with a framer in Portugal and has been framing for 12 years. To contact her, call (208) 888-9898.