I have been experimenting with torn paper collage that incorporates papers, fiber, wire, found objects, etc. This started when a good percentage of people told me they were going to frame my little collage cards. Hey, I can do that! I ramped it up considerably and made more complex designs. I love doing it, it is such a relief after the required precision of book binding. I would love to make them a larger part of what I do.
I have been framing them, but I'm wondering if this sort of work lends itself to being sold matted and mounted but not framed. I wouldn't do it with a piece that needed a deeper set frame because of the components, but if it is mostly papers and fiber, etc, why not?
I don't think I've ever seen this sort of thing sold "in a bag" so I'm asking the artists among us for an opinion. Also, if I do this, what is the professional method of mounting the piece to its backing and mat?
I will focus on 2 sizes...5X7 and 8X10, matted. Thanks
Replies
Hi Pat. I used to make and sell one of a kind collage greeting cards too. I found that when I framed or matted them it upped the price and gave me much more of a profit margin.
What I did was took a regular matt (8 x 10 or 11 x 14) and cut some foam core 'strips' to put underneath them to RAISE the matt. You can get the foam core at Home Depot. I then shrinkwrapped it all together. I still do this with my art but instead of charging $10-15 per 'card' I now sell them for $36 to $39.
You can also buy a deep frame. I use Decor frames out of Florida. I highly recommend them for price and service. If you have any other questions Id be happy to answer. I do mixed media art. Ive since discontinued my art 'cards' because it took me just as much time to make a card as it did to do the shadow boxed art, so it wasnt worth it anymore.
Thanks Guys! Larry..what is the best way to cut foam core? My mat cutter shreds it. Exacto?
Michelle..that'sjust my line of thinking. My cards are uber simple and only go for 5 bucks, but the "real" collage (collages? collagi?) are more complex and, I hope, more artful. I have a wholesale acct at a framing place locally, but I'll comparison shop. A friend in Syracuse recommends Decor also.
Hi Pat,
I do pastel work and have to do the same type of raised mat. Fome core cuts nicely with a sharp utility blade and a metal straight edge. The mat cutter should work too, just make sure the blade is very sharp. I used to use my mat cutter on fome core, and I would cut it in two passes---start by scoring one side, then bend the fome core back to break the score, turn it over and cut along the crease. I switched to the utility knife because it was actually easier. Instead of cutting out a hole in a full piece, I cut strips about 1/2" narrower than my mat and tape them together for less waste.
The best deal I have found on fome core is by the case from my local frame wholesaler. They often have it on sale, and when I buy in bulk I can wait for the sale prices. The nice part about getting it from them is that I can buy the acid free kind.
I hope your new framed collages are a huge hit!
Sheila
Thanks for the support :) The collage sold pretty well at Syracuse, all things considered. The unframed pieces sold best and I wished I had more, An artist friend says I should back them with foam core. My new question is this: I was selling them in a clear bag, a sandwich of mat, work, backing board. The collage is done on watercolor paper (I think 140 lb cold press). Does the foam core replace the backing board or is it in addition to it?
Oh, and I did use the tip of cutting strips of foam core to raise the mat and I love the effect. SUch a simple tip and it enhances the work so beautifully. You guys are going to make an artist of me yet! Thank you!
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100