Painting - Help!!

I need to paint the image of a gilded or ornate picture frame 24" X 36". This would be like a theatre set decoration. I am volunteering to decorate for a High School graduation lock-in party and we have to paint panels to cover the walls. The fire marshall prevents the use of actual frames so I need to paint pitcure frames. I have to do 14 of them to frame 14 - 2x3 posters. We are doing the Rock N Roll hall of fame so the posters need to be framed as if they are in a gallery. It is too expensive to blow up an image of a frame. How can I make a template or stencil so that 14 individual frames don't have to be painted? Any advice would be extremely helpful!

I'd either purchase or make 'straight' bulletin board border. You can use the reverse side of the purchased bulletin board border to apply your faux painting technique. The border can be used to frame the posters. Corners can be mitred. Attach faux frames with hot glue.

The advantage of the paper frames is that the work can be done at home. Faux frames can be sprayed with Krylon Gold Metallic Paint and embellished with your paint and paint brush to provide a faux profile. This would be less labor intensive than painting on panels. Friends can help with installation around posters. It's all about creating an illusion. All that glitters is not gold!

A faux painted frame, whether done on paper or panel, can be as simple or as ornate as your skills and time allow.

http://www.sudbury-picture-frames.co.uk/Images/CategoryIcons/Hollows.jpg (http://www.sudbury-picture-frames.co.uk/menu.php?sel=7&uniqueID=&page=)

http://www.sudbury-picture-frames.co.uk/Images/CategoryIcons/Modern.jpg (http://www.sudbury-picture-frames.co.uk/menu.php?sel=5&uniqueID=&page=)

http://www.sudbury-picture-frames.co.uk/Images/CategoryIcons/BoxFrames.jpg (http://www.sudbury-picture-frames.co.uk/menu.php?sel=6&uniqueID=&page=)

Photo Credit: Sudbury Picture Frames

Another option would be to cut out two pieces of cardboard to use to trace around on the panels if planning to paint faux frames on panels. Mitre the corners. The shorter piece would be used to trace pattern for top and bottom of frame. The longer piece would be used to trace each side of the frame. You would need a square to make sure the faux frames are square.

Practice faux technique on cardboard until satisfied. Experiment with different paints if desired. Varnish over yellow ochre paint on beige base may work. Local craft and/or paint stores should have what you need.

In sum, keep it simple and speedy. The use of border offers more advantages than applying faux technique directly to panels.