Usually, I try to layer fragile material between layers of glass, but the driftwood protrudes enough that this isn't practical in this case. I'd need to get a totally different frame if I did that, and I like this frame; it was what I started with, actually; it would seem a shame to lose it. But I do want to protect the gold leaf, which brushes off with the slightest whisper of wind. So I was thinking I might try a spray-shellac; take it out of its frame, lay it down on newspaper, and spray over the entire thing. I did some research online and that seems as if it would work, though the one shellac I was able to read about said that it didn't go on perfectly clear but with a slight amber cast. That might be okay, depending on how slight it was. It might even be a nice effect. I'd test it on some other glass first. But if any of you have any experiences with shellac that might be helpful, please let me know.
The other question is purely aesthetic. I rather like the clarity of the single piece of glass, nothing behind it. But it does mean that the brackets that hold the glass show through, spaced evenly around the edges of the piece. I could leave them as is -- or I could paint them gold -- or I could back the entire piece with gold tissue paper (I'd probably have to use at least two sheets, which might cause an unfortunate visible line. And if I did, it might lose some of the quality of light that I love about working with glass. Or I could do something else I haven't thought of yet. Any opinions? They'd be welcome...
well…after looking at it, I’m thinking you might need to “kill the puppy” so to speak — in reference to the drift wood. I think it complicates the piece and it occures only once. what if you mounted it outside on the frame?
Hmm…not a bad thought, but I think it might be hard to detach it at this point. Probably not impossible, but difficult. Will keep thinking about it…