three millimetres of the contrasting inner mat reads as a contoured outline of the picture.


Interesting Bottom Corners As picture framers, we are always thinking about the corners. The most traditional formula for decorative corners in matting is to apply the same treatment to all four corners. Another idea from architecture is to add details


to only the bottom corners that make the base of the rectangle a little wider. This creates a feeling of weight and stability. It also allows us to add a touch of decoration without sprinkling it all over the picture. Once again, the idea is to make small changes to the shape and introduce decoration without veering too far from the original rectangle.


Flared Bottom Corners [03] In this triple mat arrangement, the top two layers have shaped bottom corners and the innermost layer is rectangular. The fl ared corners of the top two layers are the simplest corner decoration imaginable. The horizontal line of the bottom corners fl are perceptibly downward and the sides fl are more dramatically. The top layer fl ares even more at the sides to give the dark outline of the middle layer more shape. Once again, the middle layer is a shaped


contrasting outline. Compare the outline in this example to the outline in the previous example. Notice that in this example, the middle reveal is not parallel all the way around the picture. The


important addition in this example is the widening at the bottom corners that forms a base for the picture.


More Artistic Bottom Corner Details [04] As we explore the idea of adding detail at the bottom corners, it is natural to include elements that call to mind a certain style. This example shows much more decorative elements merged into the bottom corners of the top layer of the mat.


Both these examples illustrating bottom corner details were constructed with an arrangement that preserves the fl at bottom of the shape. Though this helps the shape look more like the original rectangle, the fl at bottom is not critical. Make sure that the elements are very close to the bottom and that the details widen the bottom. The choices for designs will be far greater without this limitation. Though the mat colours in this example starkly


contrast, ponder the idea of using colour to mute the distraction of complex decoration. The decoration can steal the focus from the picture and can be minimised if the colours contrast less. The additions to the corners of this design are specifi c to a style. This mat would not look good on every piece that comes through your shop. Remember that the concept of widening the bottom corners is universal, though. Remember this for the curved top shapes, too. These ideas are adaptable to any style. We all have our favourite styles and these two ways for changing the shapes


of openings may prove to be a key to exercising more of our creativity for more of our customers.


p: 01530 516925 e: sales@framerscorner.co.uk w: www.framerscorner.co.uk


Brian Wolf


For Brian Wolf, picture framing began as a part time job while attending Iowa State University. During that time he won the Janice Petersen Andersen award for outstanding design student in 1973. He started hand-carving mats early and began demonstrating his skills at conventions in 1978. In 1979 he began teaching decorative matting classes for the Professional Picture Framers Association. He started his own frame shop in Cedar Rapids,


Iowa in 1983. Since 1989, Brian has focused on giving seminars and leading workshops on his mat cutting techniques in Europe, Australia, and across North America. He is the author of books on artistic mat cutting and decoration, he appears in several videos, and his articles are featured in trade magazines around the world. In 2002 Brian moved to Seattle to work with


Wizard International as their Director of Standards and Training where he continues to develop his designs for the computerized mat cutter.


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