The Framers Forum

I decided on an antiqued finish on this Tabernacle. I’m pretty happy with it although I think I need more gold highlights. I must get around to learning how to use gold leaf.

Well cut frame.
I'm thinking that's a very effective use of your computer cutter.
What did you use to gild?

Thanks, just gilt varnish. Lazy I know.

No, not lazy - just what you wanted to use.
Now imagine it with the columns and other fluting oil gilded. The top and bottom frieze painted ultramarine blue and the gothic insert watergilded.
Beautiful frame.

The next one…

WOW, that's really nice! Very classy indeed and perfectly executed as well. I'm just so impressed!

Really smart.

As someone who procrastinated for ages (and struggled to find time) to start down the gilding road, i would highly recommend it, especially when making frames like this. It is a really steep (and long) learning curve, but is truly satisfying.

Nick

Hi Alan,

Is this just a one off, or are you intending to add this to your range of frames that you offer to your customers? I think that is likely to appeal to customers quite a lot! I take it that you have been giving this project a lot of thought for some time, before producting it. The spandrel part of the frame in particular does not look like it was an easy thing to do! Can I ask how long this frame took to produce? To me it looks like quite a lot of work and dedication went in to this.

I’m planning on more but special orders rather than having them listed on the website. In fact I’m just designing a small version for miniatures, I’ll probably make 3 or 4 as examples.

I’ve sold four so far.

The time take was spread over a few days but probably around 4 hours excluding figuring out the CAD elements which involves some 3D design. Once done however the parts are easy enough to replicate.

I’ve got some more complex Gothic patters planned but there is a steep software learning curve.

And to learn gilding…

It's been an ambition of mine to make a tabernacle frame one day, but I don't think it it likely to be happening for long time. Currently I have still got a lot to do before I can re-open my shop again, so it won't be happening any time soon!