Rustic Reflections - Wooden Framed Mirrors and Picture Frames

The indigenous timber is sourced from two areas in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, namely Keiskamma Hoek and Stutterheim. Strict control is maintained to protect our heritage and ensure a sustainable resource. The forests are carefully divided into separate compartments and individual trees with visible signs of senility are selected. Typically, these are trees that are in the last ten years of th

eir live cycle, and which are old and diseased. All timber used has been kiln dried and Borax treated, killing any insect infestation and mould. Once the wood is out the kiln, the lengths are laid out and I select those that have interesting colour variations and shape. The chunkier large 'character' lengths are reserved for mirror frames, as the frame itself becomes the feature. When creating a rustic picture frame however, a great deal of care is taken to match the natural colouring and shape of the frame to the subject matter. The idea is to compliment or enhance the work of art and not to overpower it. The main challenge is to find lengths that are not twisted or warped and can successfully be worked into a frame that inevitably must hold glass or mirror without giving a distorted image! There is a lot more wastage when making rustic frames, and even though it is a time consuming process, it is extremely rewarding to have a totally unique finished product that one could never duplicate. I have been in business since 1997 and from the planing of the timber, to the cutting of the glass, do everything myself.