The openings for the pictures were cut out with coping saw and knife and bevelled. The bevels on the outer edges of the frame were planed.
Fig. 85. Carved picture frame
[Fig. 85] shows a problem in designing for irregular spaces, and the design is a typical Swedish form. In both of these frames it was necessary to provide a method of holding the photo on the back.
This was accomplished by tacking on two strips of 1⁄8-inch basswood on each side, and the bottom as shown in [Fig. 85], the narrow strip being 1⁄4 inch wide, and the top one 1⁄2 inch wide, making a groove 1⁄8 inch deep to receive the picture. If it is designed to have glass in front of the photo, the narrow strip must be 1⁄4 inch thick in place of 1⁄8 inch.
The problem of polishing carved work is rather a difficult one. Ordinary varnish or shellac cannot be used to advantage, as on flat surfaces, because it fills up the spaces and ruins the effect. Perhaps the best method is to dissolve a small quantity of beeswax in turpentine, and rub in with an old tooth or nail brush, which is comparatively soft. This will not injure the carving, and will protect it from dampness and dust, as the wax hardens. It should be put on when about the consistency of soft putty.
Fig. 86. Palette photograph frame