Framing Options and Other Care Questions

I often get asked about the "fragility" of my art and how to take care of it.  This question leads to discussions about framing options and why I display my art in several different ways.  Here are my answers to some common questions.

• What do you do about dust?
  • Many objects like drapery and art work can accumulate dust over time.  I advise owners of my art that is not behind glass to vacuum their pieces periodically.  Putting a fly screen over the surface and vacuuming through it with a hand vacuum on a low setting is sufficient to remove any dust and to still protect the surface.  
• How fragile is the art?  Will it fade?
  • I make my art by a process of wet felting which involves the application of hot soapy water and vigorous rolling in a bamboo mat. Once felted the work is rinsed, hung to dry then steam ironed on a high setting.  This process results in a good strong textured fabric yet leaves the surface features in tact and the colours vibrant.  Avoid hanging any art in direct sunlight not just fibre art.  In a pinch, you can always dry clean the art - if it isn't in a frame.  If your art needs a touch up, call me and I can help with that.
• Your art is sometimes mounted and "floating", framed behind glass and framed like a painting.  Which method is preferable?
  • Most of the time it is a matter of personal preference.    On occasion, I would recommend that pieces with delicate surface organics, such as the pieces with hydrangea flowers, be behind glass in a shadow box.  I think they look good with or without glass but the glass can give the piece an elegant presentation.  Some like to be able to see the texture of the piece closely and to touch it so opt for no glass.  
  • My usual method is to cover a canvas with a vintage table cloth and then sew the piece to the cloth.  The piece is typically framed in a custom made dark wooden floater frame.  The piece sits about 1/4" below the surface of the frame.
  • Lately i have started to mount the pieces to a board with a cradle behind to create the effect of floating off the wall.  A thin board is covered with commercial felt and then the art is sew to it.  A cradle about 1.5" deep is attached to the back and d-rings are attached to that.
  • Some examples are below.  The first image shows floating pieces book ending two pieces with my more conventional framing.  The picture on the right below shows two pieces framed with glass.