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Framing Documents as a Collage, Part 2 Creating the Collage From "Get Framed" episode DGFR-105

In this project, expert framer Shahnaz LaCaze helps create a framed heirloom from family letters and documents. In the preceding phase of the project, she created a unique look for the frame. Now she will design a collage of personal letters, photos and stamps to tell a heartfelt family story within the frame. It's important that we use archival materials so that the precious documents are well protected and preserved for future generations.

Materials:

color copies of letters/documents/stamps
acid free mat board (any color you wish for your background)
acid free mat board (black, to build pedestals with)
x-acto knife
scissors
pencil
straight edge
mylar corners (conservation corner mounts)
barrier paper
plaque (optional, ours has lauren's birthplace engraved on it)
double-stick tape
glue
cotton gloves

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Steps:

1. First, make color copies of everything you want to use inside the frame. In this way you can work out an idea and experiment with the placement of your items in the collage without damaging precious originals.

Figure A

2. Cut the acid-free mat to frame size. Acid-free is important to keep the documents in the collage from deteriorating.

• Place the mat face down.
  
  
• Using a straight edge and a pencil, measure and draw your cutting guidelines to the size of the inside window of your frame.

• Hold the straight edge flush with the pencil line, and cut out your mat backboard with an craft knife (figure A).

Figure B

3. Create your composition (figure B). On the mat backboard, mix and match your contents to come up with the perfect arrangement for your special documents. Try not to overcrowd your composition. Just use a few key items that will really convey the sentimental message of your piece.

Tip: What doesn't fit into your composition can be stored in an archival 'secret' pocket that we will create on the back of the frame later in the project.

4. Mount to the mat (figures C and D). To adhere materials to the mat in the proper way to conserve them, use mylar corners with a dab of glue on the back. Mylar is an archival polyester that is acid free, heat resistant, won't yellow or stick to the items placed against it. It is also sturdy and great for supporting fragile documents.

Tip: Mylar also comes in different size rolls. If you've got newspaper clippings, diplomas, marriage certificate, etc. that you are storing away for safe-keeping, it's a good idea to place them in mylar sleeves to protect them.

Figure C

Figure D

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