Ancient And Modern Framing Alternatives

 Picture frames are generally square and rectangular but other shapes such as round, oval, heart, triangle and other unusual shapes are also available. Unusually-shaped frames are intended to contain photographs while square and rectangular shapes are commonly used in paintings, big family portraits and in offices, their organizational charts, mission and vision statements and their directional charts.

History reveals that the earliest forms of frames were found among Egyptian tombs thousands of years ago. They gave the impression that mummy portraits may have been hanging around walls of the owners' homes prior to funeral. Because the frames were still in their good condition, it is believed that they have been preserved by the desert climate.

Between 12th and 13th century, framing, primarily designed by artists, sculptors and architects, was more difficult and costly as frame panels were carved-out from one piece leaving a raised boarder around the edge like a tray and laid flat before painting is done. By the 13th to 14th century, most European frames were commissioned by churches as altarpieces that later became symbolic of the subjects that they frame and church architecture was primarily composed of ornamented carved frames. Overtime, frames became movable, portable and designs were also made by furniture builders and designers other than artists. As Europe is a mixture of different cultures, their art reveals the intermingling of various ancestries making framing more rich and interesting. Until now, their rich culture is evidenced by the preserved historical artifacts, sites and buildings that remind generations of the past.

Framing during the earliest times were exclusively afforded by the rich that became status symbol. Today, due to the advancement in technology, it allowed an affordable framing works as more affordable materials and other alternatives for expensive ones are made possible. Wood, which is generally expensive, rivaled with cheaper materials but is at par with it such as metals and plastics which can be molded and gilded in an almost unlimited shapes, sizes and colors. Glazing on the other hand is not limited to glass as plastic substitutes that appear as glass such as Plexiglas and Acrylics have become more affordable alternatives which are more convenient for transport. In addition, synthetic glasses are lightweight and unbreakable thus only minor scratches appear when framed subject hang loose and fall.

Now that frames made from various materials are available, you can now frame your most cherished pictures, paintings and even citationbuilder pro. If you are artistically-inclined, designing your own frame is also possible as frame-making kits are also available in craft shops in your neighborhood.

Go out and let the artist in you shine as you can design and make your own picture frame. Whatever the occasion is, a custom frame that you personally designed for a friend will sure reward you with a beaming smile of appreciation.