A small Georgian Frame

I'll make this frame from lenghts of pine stretcher. Pine has a nice weight and solidity. This piece has been selected for having few knots.

Here I've cut the basic shape and defined the overall size of the profile.

The finished profile with rebate and shaped back edge. This is now sized ready for spraying with gesso.

The frame has been cut, joined and sprayed with gesso.

The most tedious bit. The gesso has been sanded smooth and water-polished to a marble finish.

I've now painted the frame with three colours of clay bole. The base coat is a yellow ochre; then a thin layer of red ochre over the high points and toped with a coat of grey.

The bole has been smoothed and polished to a fine finish. With a thin coat of size the frame is now ready for gilding.