3440
Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, 96152
ph 530-541-8438 fx 530-541-8709
www.masterframing.com
When you learn how to cut perfect mats and assemble frames, you will thrill at being able to make the best presentation for your art or anyone else's art. Not only is it a fun craft, but it is immensely practical. The simple ability to produce a "mat sandwich" for your pictures gives you a way to easily hang art on your walls whether you decide to frame them or not.
On the practical side, you won't have to pay someone else to do it, saving yourself untold dollars. Furthermore, you'll be able to produce wonderful presents that will be much more appreciated than if you had gone out and purchased something, and you'll save money in the process!
Every year in the spring we teach matting and framing classes at the Lake Tahoe Community College. The class fills up fast, so watch for the spring schedule which comes out in March. You can also call the college at 530-541-4660 to find out when registration begins.
The class runs three weeks. Everyone must come to the first class which is planned for Friday April 25th. (Double check the Class Schedule to verify this date.)
The second and third classes are "hands-on" labs. You have a choice of four lab times for the second and third classes, so it is relatively easy to attend the minimum of three classes. Class dates are listed below.
Please note that if the class is already full when you go to sign up, ask to be put on the waiting list and be sure and come to the first class. Most years we are able to take everyone on the wait list. However, don't sign up at all unless you anticipate being able to attend all three classes.
The class is only three weeks long so by necessity we can only cover the basics, focusing on cutting mats and glass and assembling frames. However, the standard reaction of class attendees after they learn to cut mats is "THIS IS SO COOL..."
(Everyone attends FRIDAY 4-25-08, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. in Room F101 in the Art Bldg.)
The first class we will go over the reasons why we use matting and framing, the theory behind framing, how to think about color in mats, the myriad kinds of mounting techniques for art, how and where to hang pictures on walls etc. We answer all your questions. And we dispel some commonly held rumors about framing!
In Lab 1 we focus on measuring art, figuring mat dimensions, picking mat colors and actually cutting mats. You will experience a great excitement when you cut your first perfect mat.
Everyone must attend at least one Lab Number 1. This is easy because we hold it 4 times! When you register, you will sign up for your preference of lab times. However, if you have a problem we are flexible and you can attend a different lab. In fact, we encourage people to attend more than one Lab Number 1 because the repetition of information is helpful and the extra time to work on your mats and frames pays big dividends.
The four times Lab Number 1 is held are:
Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:50 in room F101. 4-26-08
Saturday afternoon from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. room F101.
4-26-08
Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. room F101 4-29-08
Friday night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. F101 5-2-07
(You must attend one or more of lab #1.)
In Lab 2 we learn how to cut glass, how to assemble frames and put the whole work together. As with Lab 1, the excitement of a finished frame is substantial.
The four times for Lab Number 2 are the same as Lab 1,
but are
held the following week: Saturday 5-3-08, Tuesday 5-6-08 and Friday
5-9-08
(You must attend one or more of lab #2).
For the first class, bring nothing more than yourself.
* * Please Note: It is not necessary to purchase any materials to learn the basics of framing. While a completed frame is required for this course, our store donates small mat pieces and small amounts of ATG adhesive and hinging tape. Our store also provides mat cutters for your use in lab. You may scrounge an old frame out of your attic.
If, however, you wish to work in sizes larger than 8" X 10", you will need to bring mat board, backing board and a ready-made frame or frame chops to class. You can purchase materials at our shop or any of several other venues including art materials stores and mail order houses.
The following items are recommended to bring to the first lab:
* A picture to frame. A photo or drawing or something you cut out of a magazine will do. Please do not bring anything priceless, lest it risk damage.
*Mat board (more than 100 colors are available) $7.00 – $8.50 for 32" X 40". Again, you needn't buy anything and may use our free frame handouts. (But please don't be picky about colors etc if you are going the free route.)
*Foam Core (for backing) $6.00 for 32" X 40".
*ATG adhesive $4.00.
*Hinging tape $4.00
The following items are recommended to bring to the second lab:
*A frame or frame chop.
For frame assembly, metal is by far easier than wood. If you order in advance you can choose from several dozen colors. We also keep several metal colors in stock, black, gold, silver, etc. The small size metal is 30 cents per inch. We cut to any size, you assemble in class. i.e. an 11" X 14" frame is 50" in circumference and would cost $15.00. Assembly hardware is $2.00.
*Glass for your frame.
Glass cost depends on size. We have the cheapest glass in town.
11" X 14" $2.50
16" X 20" $4.00
18" X 24" $6.00
We prefer that you learn to cut your own glass. If, however, you have us cut it, there is a $1.50 cutting charge.
For those of you who want to purchase your own mat cutter, we sell three different types from $21.95 to $125.00.
It is easy to get an A in this class. You need only to do four things:
1) You must attend the lecture and a minimum of two labs, one during the first week, another during the second week.
2) You must cut two double mats (nearly perfect).
3) You must make a completed frame.
4) You must pass a short test at the end of the second lab.
Click for the page of Mat Cutting Instructions.
If you have questions, please feel free to call our shop at 530-541-8438, or stop in and we can help you with any and all of your needs.
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