This picture frame was designed for a person who loves to have images of his family but didn't want to have separate frame for each family member. Strict dimensional requirements existed for this project: the frame would be placed in a corporate office and height was of utmost importance. In addition, the frame needed to show the various generations.

With that in mind and input from the customer, the design process began. After placing the various generation pictures a rectangular frame would be too plain and boring with a lot of unused space. Then a thought occurred - what if the unused space didn't exist: the design then took the cross shape. This was also a surprise element: the person is a deacon at a local church and the cross design also perfectly fit into their spiritual beliefs.

To add to the uniqueness of the frame, two different woods of contrasting colour and grain were suggested. Not only that, some of the frame's dimensions are based on the golden ratio, which is approximately 1 to 1.618. For instance the width of contrasting woods, the width of the space between pictures to picture width, and the picture width to height are in the golden ratio proportions.

Once the design and choice of woods were approved, the build began. The frame is made from Sapele with Maple accent. Sapele is native to Africa; the wood is close grained with interlocking to ribbon grain pattern, fine uniform texture, and good natural lustre. The North American Maple has been chosen because of its birdseye figure; the tiny dots in the wood resemble tiny birds eyes. The two woods form a unique colour and grain combination that emphasize the beauty of the wood and the design. Despite the many angles, no metal fasteners were used in the holding the frame together. Instead, epoxy glue, wood spline, and tiny dowels were used in securing each corner.

The glass is professionally cut and it has been fitted to the frame to accommodate some of the imperfections in the glass cutting.

The mat chosen has yellow colour to match the colour of the Birdeye Maple as well as provide contrast to the background colour of the pictures.

The frame back has been made from 6mm Baltic Birch plywood and is held to frame with turnbuttons. The desktop support is made from Sapele and has a wider base to provide stability. The height of the support is specially designed so that it can be mounted vertically and horizontally. A wood bar is placed close to the hinge of the support to prevent it from opening completely.

The frame and desktop support have been finished with Tung Oil. The Tung Oil penetrates the wood to emphasize the grain and colour. The oil does not contain artificial thinners or cure-accelerants and is approved for food-contact items. The frame back is in contact with the pictures and hence finished with water based varnish.

A truly unique frame that has a lot of significance to the customer.

Note: the weight is in grams; the dimensions are in millimeters and shown as length by width by height.