Canvas keys are small pieces of wood that come with a canvas that allow you to stretch and tauten the canvas, while keeping the canvas at the best tension. They are designed so that the artist can paint without fear of the canvas sagging.

They may arrive in a little bag that is stapled to the back of the canvas and may be made of plastic for cheaper canvases. They may even be already applied to the mitred corners of the stretcher bars of your canvas.

There are ready-made slots primed on the canvas which are waiting for you to tap them in to tighten or align the canvas. If the canvas is unprimed or you are stretching the canvas yourself you should only use the keys once the canvas has been primed, to aid in rigidity.

Some canvases have rigid corners and will not require canvas keys, just ensure that before using your canvas that it is taut. Now you will not have to worry about your canvas becoming loose before you can hang your wonderful art piece.

There are different styles of frames available in market. The main categories are listed below

• Traditional décor: These are used when the artist wants to give a more formal look. These are ideal for ornate and decorative look and are mostly available in silver, golden and wooden frames.
• Rustic décor: Italian Country and Shabby chic looks are complimented with these rustic décor. These are usually wooden frames.
• Contemporary décor: Usually found in black, these are simple elegant frames and best for places where simplicity is sought.
• Casual/Eclectic: Last but not the least is the casual frames. These give the impression of free spirits.

When choosing a frame for your painting you must keep in mind that there are many things that you need to consider before finalizing the frame. In fact the truth is that not all frames are meant for every painting. It is very important to choose a frame that compliments the overall theme and mood of the painting. If chosen correctly, the frame will become an important part of the art otherwise it would look like something foreign.

Here are some of the things that you must consider while deciding about the frame.

1. Frame Size: Although it is not necessary but artists mostly prefer to use wide frames on big arts while thin frames on smaller arts. This is for the reason that although wide frames seem to compliment large arts but if they are used on smaller arts then they seem to overwhelm them. But if chosen wisely then even a wide frame can give the effect of luxury and style to smaller arts as well.
2. Frame Color: The next most important thing that you must consider while deciding on the frame is its color. It is not important that the color of the frame matches the colors used in the art. Rather the color of the frame should be such that it compliments the overall décor of the room.
3. Frame Style: Beside size and color, it is very important to consider the style of the frame as well. An overly-wide frame can result in giving a crowded feeling to the picture and confuse the beholder.
4. Frame Composition: Now-a-days frames are available in a variety of material. If you go to an art supply shop or a frame supply shop then you will realize that you can easily find frames that are made of wood, plastic, metal and many other materials.

In short, it is very important to consider all aspects of a frame otherwise it is likely that it will do more harm then good.