Framing the Panda

Framing the Panda

Comments 33 comments

Happy New Year everyone!

For the 4th Quarter Challenge I did a dimensional panda picture in monochrome.

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I  hung it on the wall in my bedroom which is also a shade of gray.

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Lyn suggested on the forum that I frame it.  I really liked the picture she posted. It really popped.  The mat was very narrow. I had a frame that fit it perfectly, but needed the right sized mat which unfortunately wasn’t a standard size. I’d have to have a custom mat made.

Lyns panda

Instead of paying for a custom frame and mat, I decided to try a standard size 16 x 20″ frame and a mat that was larger than the picture Lyn had posted.  Fortunately, the picture was just a little larger than the opening in the mat.

Here is the result.

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There may be too much white.  What do you think?  Should I invest in the smaller mat and frame? Or does the standard size work ok?

 

33 thoughts on “Framing the Panda”

  2. Do you know a framer you could ask what they think. Or you could paint the mat you’ve already got to a better colour.

    But I do like the picture as it is.

    Reply

    1. Thanks MCH! I do know a framer, but she lives a distance away.

  3. The framing is lovely! On the grey wall I think you need that wider band of white. I hope you enjoy the happy panda for many years.

    Reply

    1. Thanks for taking the time to show me the framed version it certainly inspired me to go the extra step! I love this picture and will probably move it to a more prominent place in the house for others to enjoy as well.

  6. Both views work for me. You have the necessary contrast , so enjoy what you have accomplished!

    Reply

  8. I like it both ways but if you’re not sure, could cut a piece of black card as a sort of extra mat board to create a visual effect of the fame being larger?

    Reply

    1. Thanks Teri! I’m happy with it, but was curious to know what my felting friends thought.

  10. Both look good, but the standard size with more black background makes the Panda really stand out “front and center”!
    I guess I mean that it is more dramatic!
    Sylvia Lee

    Reply

  11. I agree with Sylvia, I think that the smaller amount of white mat really emphasizes the panda. I have found when I use a standard size mat and frame that doesn’t look “perfect” then I am disappointed later when I keep looking at it. I have one now that is bothering me and I will probably re-frame.

    Reply

  12. When I get home, I’ll have to look into a custom mat and perhaps try Teri’s suggestion first.

    Reply

    1. I tend to agree with Ruth and Sylvia. Both frames work.But, I think this is a really lovely piece. It makes me happy to look at it. I think the twinkle in the Panda’s eye comes out just a bit more with the black frame. Given how lovely this picture is and that happy twinkle, I think the black frame might be the way to go. But, either way, it is really a wonderful picture!

    1. Thanks Ann! I guess I’ll be trying several variations. 🙂 thanks for the idea.

  14. I really like the framing, I think it makes everything look more “professional,” if that makes sense. However, I would perhaps change the white to a light beige, to offset the brightness a little (but that’s me!)

    Reply

    2. Thanks Leonor! You’re right the white is a little stark, but I didn’t have any other choice except black or red in the standard size. The eyes are gem stones usually used in floral or decorative vases.

    3. How about painting it with acrylic paint? Or staining it with tea? 🙂

      Oh, how interesting! I’ll have to look those up.

      One final thought: I look at your panda and am reminded of King Fu Panda, and for some reason the scene that comes to mind is the one where his ‘father’ is proud because “my son had his first noodle dream!” It always cracks me up 😂

    4. It would probably be easier to take it to a framer. :-). I’ve never seen the Kung Fu Panda movies, but recently saw the trailer for the new one. My girl panda is cutier. 😉

    1. Thanks Zed! Yes, so many choices. Right now we’re facing winter storms, so I think it will be a while. 🙂

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