We maintain a large inventory of raw wood moldings in bass and poplar, many of which are of our own design. We biscuit join our frames with a special type of wood glue. The frames are then carved and prepared for gesso.

The gesso is prepared from the raw materials according to traditional formulas. The clay or “bole,” which we prepare as needed, is then applied over the gesso in preparation for guilding. All our frames are water-guilded, using genuine gold leaf, and hand-finished according to the specifications called for by artwork.

Carving: After the design is selected and modified, if necessary, the carving is begun.

Gesso: The carved frame is “put into” gesso and prepared for the application of clay.

Clay: The various layers of clay are applied.

Water Guilding: The gold leaf is laid on the frame.

Burnishing: After the gold dries, it is hand-polished with an agate-tipped burnishing tool.

Antiquing: This illustrates one of many steps in hand-finishing each frame.

Carving Logo: We hand-carve our logo and the year on each frame.

The Finished Frame.

We offer a large selection of carved frame designs, which are mainly historically accurate replicas of American Impressionist frames, as well as designs from other periods and countries.

Please visit our gallery to see samples of our work.