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Art Tip 101: Baby Picture Frames
Thinking about baby picture frames? Choose a picture frame that will match your baby's room. The best for baby girls are pink. For boys, choose between light blue and pale green.
Baby frames usually come with very cute designs like teddy bears, clowns, balloons, candy or angels.
If you can't find one that suits your tastes, have one custom made. Ask family and friends for referrals to ensure that you will like the carpenter's work.
Art Tip 102: Decorative Picture Frames
Don't just put a favorite photo in any picture frame. It's important that you use a picture frame that will 'introduce', compliment or even highlight your picture. Choose picture frames that do not clash with the overall style of a room.
Decorative picture frames need not be expensive. As long as they match the colors and tones of your room, they will work great. In fact, some of the best decorative picture frames are cheap or inexpensive just given a fresh coat of paint or one that is personalized.
Art Tip 103: Antique Picture Frames
Into the 'shabby chic' look? Then surely you like antique picture frames. These frames have a certain old world feel about them that many find truly irresistible.
One of the best places to shop for an antique picture frame is in - where else? - garage sales! Amazing how another person's 'junk' can be another's your treasure isn't it? The beauty about antique picture frames is that they don't need much fixing up because the 'old' and 'rustic' look are part of their charm.
Art Tip 104: Children's Picture Frames
Brighten up your child's room by using children's picture frames. These frames are often characterized by bright colors and as such are whimsical and fun to be in your child's room.
Involve your child in the selection process. If your child likes animals, choose picture frames with happy animal characters. If he is very much into the latest kid cartoon (e.g., Barnie, Sesame Street, My Little Pony, etc.), choose picture frames that feature these cartoon characters.
Art Tip 105: Wedding Picture Frames
Everything about a wedding is special and should be well though of. Wedding picture frames are no exception. Care must be taken in their selection so that they complement not only the room where they will be placed but to highlight the 'mood' of the wedding photo as well.
So don't hurry. Many couples fall into the trap of choosing a wedding picture frame immediately as part of a package deal or something, not realizing how their wedding pictures will end up looking in them.
Art Tip 106: Clean Oil Paintings Cautiously
If you must clean an oil painting on your own, do use a soft brush known as 'squirrel' or 'badger' Remember, incorrectly cleaning an oil painting may cause more harm!
Before you start cleaning, check the surface of the painting carefully, ensuring there are no areas where paint is flaking. If so, it's really time to call in the professionals as brushing the oil painting will only dislodge the loose paint. You don't want a priceless heirloom to start 'chipping' do you?
Art Tip 107: Oil Paintings Belong With What?
Oil paintings are focal points themselves, meaning, apart from really good and tasteful picture frames, they don't really require anything else to go with them. They don't have to be over a dramatic fireplace (which will melt the painting anyway!) and they need not be near a tall plant or grouped with other paintings.
If you must put an oil painting with another one, ensure that it is also an oil artwork. Do NOT group modern black and white) artworks in sleek minimalist frames with an oil painting in an antique gold frame!
Art Tip 108: Wedding Pictures - Snapshots
Many of us are just plain bored with stiff wedding picture poses. Of course, there is something to be said about tradition but you really need not limit your wedding pictures to these. Admit it, don't you like the spontaneity of wedding picture snapshots?
Go for traditional 'posed' wedding pictures with family and friends but a little twist by telling the wedding photographer that part of the pictures will be taken 'elsewhere'.
Before the BIG DAY, high off to some clearing, forest or even a lake (hey, go to a children's playground if you like!) and scout the place if you would like some 'bride and groom' pictures take there. Do NOT bring the entourage; just you and your partner and the photographer. You'll see.
Art Tip 109: Old Paintings - Learn to Experiment!
Old paintings always seem to dictate the use of antique frames or simple monotonous black and white frames. Nothing wrong with going with what's traditional of course but do experiment once in a while.
For instance, why not leave old paintings unframed and let their images speak for themselves? Or match old paintings picturing family members with the new generation' of family members. A touch of the old and the new never hurt anyone right?
Art Tip 110: Oil Paintings and Damp Cloths
The surest way to ruin your oil painting is to wash its surface with a damp cloth. Did you know that most pre-1940 oil paintings have a topcoat of varnish? Well they do, and this makes the argument (of not using a damp cloth) all the more valid. Why?
Moisture on an oil artwork may cause blanching where waters seeps under the surface of the oil artwork and forms a white film on its surface. And nobody wants that, especially on an heirloom oil artwork.
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