If there is a lost craft, then frame making has to be it. For those who would like a classic frame worthy of the 17th cent Dutch, here is a recipe for how to finish it:
"To get a very smooth surface on a wood frame first hide skin glue size (with a tiny amount of precipitated chalk or marble dust), let dry at least 3 days, mix up a traditional chalk gesso (you can tint it with some colour), let dry for at least two days, sand smooth, apply a hide glue distemper paint a dark red brown, sand, apply a black distemper paint, sand, damp rub the whole surface with a cotton cloth, apply thinly a black oil paint with a small amount of umber or a cobalt drier (2 or more coats), let dry and wet sand with super fine emery paper, let dry, apply two fine coats of a hard wax finish. Anywhere within your distemper coats you can play up any 'look' you want, even marbling. This method will give a frame that looks so good your artwork will command high praise and maybe even a higher price."
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