How do you "Present" Your Relief Carvings?

[wolfzaz]

I've finsihed a relief carving of "Grapes on a vine" on Basswood. I first grooved the back to reduce warp. So I have my carving, finished (with Minwax "Polyshade Pecan" (Neat stuff!)). How do you "present" it (do you add a backer to hide grooves)? (hang it, plate holder?)

I'm really wondering about the grooves. Really too thin for adding a hanger, and I'd be worried about putting screws or nails for a hanger (Splitting?)Sarcastic

Wolfzaz
Sunny Az

[rales]

Make sure you finish the back with the Minwax as well - that will help it from picking up moisture from the rear. How big and thick is this thing? Did you leave border? Basswood will cup a bit towards the face... if you do frame it allow it move a bit... i.e. no nails or glue to attach it to the frame... framers points will work well to hold it to the frame.

rales

[pallin]

I reinforce the back of my larger reliefs (>12" wide) with two 1/4" x 1" oak strips perpendicular to the grain. Then I drill two 1/4" holes partway through the strips and hang the piece on two small nails carefully placed in the wall so as to be level.

[Thor]

I use a fortner bit and angle it upwards at an angle in order for it to hang flush on the wall with a nail. The hole has to be dead on in the middle or it will list to one side.

Of course, you have to be careful not to drill through to the other side, and I would not recommend this for really large carvings.
Thor

[Ron Davidson]

I don't put any reinforcement on my smaller reliefs 14X21 etc. I haven't had any of them cup or warp. I use a small easel from Hobby Lobby to display smoe and the others stand up on their own.
Ron

[wolfzaz]

Thanks for all of the replies. Lots of ideas.