A Spring Garden for the Winter

​Courtesy of one of our fabulous framers - Lana Lambert

My mother did these wonderful little needlepoint vegetable samplers when she was in college.  I remember them from childhood and when I recently inherited them I realized that the framing did not do it justice.  Even though they were kits that had the yarn colors already picked out and instructions on how to assemble, I marveled at how delicately she wove the fibers together and meticulously she put it all together.  To me, it was like magic!  Looking at the tattered old frames they were in and some to the open air, it seemed disrespectful to let something I loved so much languish to the elements of time.

I picked out these beautifully carved wooden frames from Nurre Caxton, a moulding company we carry at Creative Framing.  They are from a line called Palladio. They come in silver and gold as well but I liked the natural wood because we have a log cabin and it also reinforces the Roycroftian Arts & Crafts style I like so much.

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​When I removed the old framing, the original mounts were in bad condition.  They consisted mostly of cardboard, masking tape, and even some glue.  We carefully extricated the delicate embroidery and stretched it over an acid free board.  Next, a soft cream colored mat was chosen to compliment the original fabrics and a delicate green line was traced around the mat opening to both accentuate the needlepoint work and to help break up the monotony of the mat color.  Lastly, mat risers were added to create depth of space.  The particular molding we used is a shadowbox so we were able to take the opportunity to create a deep display and allow the three dimensional needlework to retain its shape rather than be crushed under glass.  The whole was sealed against mold and bugs and put under Conservation Clear glass to protect the colors that fabric arts are so notorious for losing.

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Now, my family heirlooms can be displayed in a place of honor for all to see and I don't have to worry about fading, bugs, or moisture and the materials that they are resting in are acid free!  I hope the generations to come will love them as much as I do!

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