These frames are my variations on early 19th Century German Biedermeier frames. A style which was mainly influenced by the French Empire and Napoleonic styles, as well as this simple wooden frame with corner inserts the German style also had variations of the classic gilded Empire frames with composition ornament corners and centres decoration. The period examples are often made from veneered wood like walnut with ebony at the corners. These wooden frames are quite simple but also have an understated style to them.
My frames here are made from solid walnut and the corner squares are made from African blackwood, but you can also use a cheap base wood like obeche and then veneer the main frame with any number of beautiful woods, veneers can be bought from specialist suppliers or you can get a good selection from ebay. The corner inserts can be made from ebony, rosewood, or any hard wood that takes a good finish and they could also be either solid or veneers.
The process so far; the frames were cut to size as normal then the inlay area was removed on the table saw, using a fence in the same way you would make lap joints. The inlay wood was then cut on the saw into 5mm strips and then cut to size to fit perfectly in the recess. You could in fact do away with the inlay part and just stick the 5mm (or whatever thickness) on top of the corner, but to be honest I think the recessed corner looks better.
The last step so far was to join the frames as normal, and then glue the inserts in place. Next will be some sanding, layers of sanding sealer/cutting back with wirewool, and wax polishing. I will also be making one of these types of frames with gilded rosettes which are added on top of the inlay square.
My frames here are made from solid walnut and the corner squares are made from African blackwood, but you can also use a cheap base wood like obeche and then veneer the main frame with any number of beautiful woods, veneers can be bought from specialist suppliers or you can get a good selection from ebay. The corner inserts can be made from ebony, rosewood, or any hard wood that takes a good finish and they could also be either solid or veneers.
The process so far; the frames were cut to size as normal then the inlay area was removed on the table saw, using a fence in the same way you would make lap joints. The inlay wood was then cut on the saw into 5mm strips and then cut to size to fit perfectly in the recess. You could in fact do away with the inlay part and just stick the 5mm (or whatever thickness) on top of the corner, but to be honest I think the recessed corner looks better.
The last step so far was to join the frames as normal, and then glue the inserts in place. Next will be some sanding, layers of sanding sealer/cutting back with wirewool, and wax polishing. I will also be making one of these types of frames with gilded rosettes which are added on top of the inlay square.
