Website Update

I've been very busy the past couple of days editing photos to size and setting up templates for the new site. It's slow going as I'm learning as I go, but a: I'm learning a LOT, and b: it's a LOT of fun! I'm also taking a web design class on Wednesday nights so that's helping me get up to speed.

So far, things are shaping up well - the site (as it exists on my computer) now has photos, a navigation bar that works (!), and a nice, simple design. We like the way it's looking! Right now we're working on getting the logo finalized, and the welcome page design finished. But we're getting there, and hope to be live sometime in the next month to month-and-a-half.

I have a couple more sneak peeks to put up here, and I've been working on writing up a few recipes as well. We hope to put up some tips soon if all goes smoothly (It's amazing how hard it is to get things done with a toddler around!) Stay tuned ~ there's a lot more to come!

History of false-graining

I wanted to write a little bit about the history of false-graining, as most of our frames are finished in this technique. Faux wood graining originated primarily in 17th century England and France, and became popular in America from the late 18th to early 19th century. During this time, faux finishing techniques were so refined, it was difficult to distinguish a false-grained piece from the real wood! These techniques were used on everything from furniture and boxes to wall panels and doors.

Faux painting emerged as a way to make inexpensive materials look like their much more valuable cousins. Woods such as pine were painted and finished to resemble oak, mahogany and cherry, and allowed people to furnish and decorate in a style much more lavish looking than they could afford. In our modern times, the supply of many hardwoods such as rosewood and burled woods are dwindling and have been protected by law, and false-grain finishing once again is emerging as a craft.

We finish our frames in two styles of graining - in some instances we try to simulate the look of a real wood grain. Other graining is fun and fanciful, with colors and designs to accentuate the framed piece.

Updates

I've made some layout and design updates to the site since setting it up yesterday. Hopefully you'll enjoy the site and visit often! I'll be putting in some more sneak peek photos as I have time between designing the new site and painting! We look forward to getting to know you, and hope that you'll feel free to leave any comments, and that you'll add us to your follows. Please leave a comment or e-mail us if you have any questions about the frames, or anything else you see here.

Twist Frame

This is a frame we're very proud of - it was custom made for a customer and we understand she's very pleased with it! We're hoping to get a photo of her finished work in the frame as soon as we can arrange to get together. The molding style is 'Williamsburg' and the finish is 'Twist'.

Birdseye Frame

This is one of my favorites - the frame style is 'Williamsburg', and the finish is 'Birdseye'. The color is Sienna with a Raven outer edge.

Primitive Frame

This frame is an example of our 'Primitive' style of finishing. The frame molding style is 'Salem' and the colors are America Red and Raven. We love this little pattern by Stone & Thread. It's stitched with Belle Soie silks on Lakeside linen. Please contact us for details.

Welcome friends!

Welcome to Priscilla's Pocket's blog!

It's raining here in sunny Arizona, and we're working to get the new web site up and running. In the meantime, hopefully you'll enjoy some sneak peeks of our products here and we can get to know you. Please visit often as we plan to update this blog with needlework tips, recipes, and other news.