>Firebox

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Today, I'm interrupting my regularly scheduled blog to show you the custom frame for my beaded 1943 Chevy fire truck, Engine Co. 6. In case you don't remember, I took my fire truck to Stanhope Framers in Boston on January 12, and it is finally finished! It took 6.5 weeks to complete the framing! But, it was well worth the wait...

One of the reasons it took so long was because they had to order a custom piece of plexiglass to create a shadowbox with. The plexiglass has rounded corners, which costs a bit more, but it is easier on the eyes when you're looking at it from all angles. The glass and my fire truck were then shipped to Stanhope Framers' Somerville store where they do all their fine art framing. My piece required special care because they had to hand-stitch the truck to a floating linen background. I believe this was done by just stitching through the truck's Ultrasuede backing. After close inspection, and the only stitch I could see was the one below. All other stitches are hidden.

Then, I looked at the back of the shadowbox. There are a few pieces of tape on the back which are securing the threads (which seem to be a type of very strong upholstery thread). It appears that the truck is stitched in only 3 places! I am amazed, because the back of the shadowbox does not seem to be something you can stitch through. It is a manmade wood material. Nevertheless, the entire truck is very secure, and does not seem to move around at all. And, the good thing is if I ever needed to open the frame to fix the side-view mirror or something, I can do so very easily. There are two screws on each side of the plexiglass for easy access...

This is a very professional frame, and the finished piece looks great hanging on my wall! But, it won't be there long. This piece will soon be on its way to Bead International 2008:)

Frame dimensions: 17.5" x 12.5" x 3" D.

Beadwork dimensions: 12.5" x 7" x 2" D .

Thanks again for taking care of my beaded fire truck, Stanhope Framers!! I'll be back.. :D