How to Frame Your Calligraphy

Black and white calligraphy can have neutral or colorful frames.

Whether you are trying to sell your calligraphy at an art show, giving it away as a gift or keeping it for yourself, framing the calligraphy is a suitable way to present your special artistic talent. The colors that you select for the frame and the mat can help highlight your calligraphy or make it compatible with the rest of the decor in a room. As such, consider the hues you used in the calligraphy drawing or painting to help you pick out a complementary frame.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Mat
• Frame
• Glass

Instructions

1. Measure the dimensions of your calligraphy piece -- whether it be drawn on silk, canvas or cardstock -- using a measuring tape. For smaller pieces with dimensions under 1 foot, you can use a standard ruler instead. Write down the length and width of the calligraphy so that you know what size frame to fit around it. Additionally, if you drew or painted the calligraphy on a thick canvas, you should also take the depth measurement in case you want to frame the canvas inside a shadow box.

2. Select a mat to use with the calligraphy. In framing, mats which are made from a heavy cardstock, are used to separate the actual image being framed from the frame, to draw more attention to the artwork. Mats come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some mats offer a rectangular window, while others offer oval and square windows. When it comes to selecting the mat, the most suitable mat is one that has a window large enough to display all of your calligraphy. As such, match the window dimensions of the mat with the dimensions of the calligraphy artwork, and avoid windows with dimensions that are smaller than the measurements you took of the calligraphy piece.

3. Take the measurements of the exterior sides of the mat with the measuring tape. Adding a mat will most likely add onto the total length and width, which impacts the size frame you get. When you purchase a mat, the packaging should tell you what the outside dimensions are, but you can still double check them with the tape.

4. Search for a suitable frame that corresponds with the overall dimensions and fits into the color scheme or theme of your calligraphy. Take the background color of the calligraphy, as well as the color ink you used, into consideration when selecting the frame. If you are using a shadowbox, match the depth of the canvas to the allowable depth of the box.

5. Identify your means for mounting the frame. When you are selecting the frame for your calligraphy take into account whether the back of the frame allows for mounting and hanging on walls, because some frames are just designed to be able to stand up.

6. Choose a type of glass that protects the calligraphy behind it. Basic glass will not offer protection -- such as protection from sun rays. Advanced types of glass can protect the artwork inside from UV rays, as well as reflect light better so that you can see the calligraphy from all angles.

References

• Silk Road Enterprises: Framing Suggestions