build the frame

First I build the frame. I have the images printed on canvas with 2-3" of extra canvas around the edges to facilitate stretching.

stretching tools

Then I stretch the canvas print over the frame using these stretching tools.

white edges

When I'm done stretching, the edges are white.

I suppose I could stretch the image around the edges, but with so many images, it breaks my heart to crop, even a little.

paint the edges

I paint the edges with acrylic paint to match the image. I love this part. I get to make four long skinny paintings.

Sometimes I follow the image closely, sometimes I get a little more 'painterly'. It all depends on the feeling of the whole piece.

many sizes

This one is 40"x60".

I usually do a group of smaller sizes for my gallery shows: 16"x24" or 24"x36"