Anne-Marie Battis Mosaic Studio

Getting the frame ready FIRST is the best method in stained-glass mosaic creation. It is actually a lot harder to frame it after the fact. (Unless you have soldering skills and can build your own frame around the piece, which I do not.)

I start with a regular picture frame, usually acquired at the dollar store or from someone who has donated it to me (since my fans know I’m always on the lookout for frames)....

The best type of frame has a groove into which the glass fits, like these. Here are basic instructions for getting your frame ready:

Take all the cardboard and backing off the frame and dispose of it -- you won’t be needing it. Remove and clean the glass and the frame too, while you’re at it. If the frame needs painting, now is the time to do that. Remove any brads or staples that were holding the backing material in place (not really necessary but makes it neater).

This is also the time to make sure your frame will accept a hanging device later. If you think it might be tricky, now is the time to test, i.e. make sure it will accept an eye-screw. I have found frames with very hard wood that do not easily take a screw or even a nail, and metal frames are also tricky. If you can, you may want to plan on soldering a metal hoop onto such a frame. Alternatively, the mosaic could be displayed on an easel.

Now, you’ll need to use a strong glue like Weldbond, running a bead around the inside groove. Place the glass into the groove and press down. Allow it to dry. You now have a secure surface on which to make your mosaic, and there will be no need for further fussing with framing!

As for the size: it is risky to use too large a frame, say over 12” x 12”. The mosaic will become heavy as you add those little tesserae, and the frame must be able to support the weight. I tend to make small mosaics, so it is not really an issue. For something larger, use a wood panel instead of glass. This is a completely different type of mosaic, but...  I made the mistake of putting a good-sized mosaic onto a lightly-framed glass backing, and witnessed it spontaneously discombobulate, literally throwing itself off the shelf where it burst into a million pieces. This was a sad sight, though funny too. Here is what the mosaic looked like before (Unfortunately, I don’t have an “after”!)