Framing my paintings. I love to paint oil on canvas. There is nothing like the feeling I get sitting before a blank, white canvas. I love it, so now I have over 30 paintings, some are painted on studio canvas’, so no frame needed with them, but a majority are on canvases that need frames. Frames are expensive, so I decided a half year ago to build my own frames.

My first attempt was not successful. I have learned from the mistakes I make with framing. I purchased a book from the 1960s about making frames. It gave me some ideas. I’ve also had to buy some needed tools: a box for cutting the angles, and a device for gluing something square with perfect squareness.

The key word for building a frame is precise. I am not a precise person. I am more of a “close enough for jazz person,” but in framing precise is important. My second attempt taught me about precision. I give myself a D- on my second frame (the first went into my stock of wood sticks).

My third attempt was more successful because I have learned from the previous mistakes; it’s kind of like life, I think. It’s not perfect, so I give myself a C- or C. (Can you tell I used to teach.)

I am most excited about the future because I want to build more frames now. Soon I will be better with the precision needed, and I look forward to some sanding and staining (I love walnut stain).