Hi there

This is just cross stitch pattern. About the color that you see it is all cross stitch About framing just give it to the frame shop they will do for you. Have fun.

katy,
I would take the picture of this project AND the colors of the floss you will use to stitch this project and go to where they sell frames and/or crafts such as Hobby Lobby, Michaels, etc. Is this a completed project? If so, take your needle work with you and do what I mentioned above. That way you can take different sizes and colors of matt at the store AND different sizes of types of frames at the store and start matching up your colors. It's important that you decide IF you are going to mat it first. If no matting then you just experiment with different frames and colors. If you are going to use mats, how many? One, Two? Do you have a specific room in your home where you are going to hang it? If you have a specific room to hang your completed project, you might want to consider the colors in that room OR decide you want to keep the project somewhat neutral so you can move the picture into other rooms as well.
A suggestion if you use mats, lets say you decide to use two mats, then see if you can pick out a couple of MINOR colors in your project as the matts you want to match with the project. Keep in mind, there is NO HARD AND FAST RULE for choosing your colors; it's what makes you happy and what YOU consider attractive. From what I've read on framing, the frame should not overwhelm the picture where all you notice is the frame. A frame should compliment the picture; but again it is your choice what you believe is pleasing to the eye.
I noticed after awhile when it comes to FRAMES, I'm not a "modern" type person with bright colors and straight plastic frames. I'm more of a traditional person who likes different style of wood frames from simple "coastal" frames with soft colors to simple medium to dark wood frameswith a bit of gold trim to them.
Hope this helps! I am NOT an employee of ECS, just a stitcher that comes on the "chat" message board and saw your message. Hope this helps and have a wonderful holiday season!

It's totally going to depend on how the finished product looks. While taking the floss with you before you stitch it out willl give you an idea of what color to use to mat it - once it is stitched the colors that dominate may be totally different. It's also going to depend on whether you want the mat and frame to blend with the design or contrast with it.

My suggestion would be to finish the project and then take it to your favorite framing shop and ask their advice. They will always have samples of both frames and mats. Play with different colors and see what you like best.

I framed a set of photos a while back and, when I was looking at them recently, was wishing I had done it slightly differently. Remember, you can always change both the frame and the mat if you change your mind.

I generally carry m completed project w/ me when I am framing myself. use it to compare frames, mats etc and decide what you like.. if you like it, all is well.

All good suggestions, katy. I like the matting used in the pattern. I cannot tell if they used two mats one white and one green or if the white is the edge from the green one. The frame I'd have to see close up. Looks like distressed or antique gold. I'd probably go with something different but like the other ladies suggested you can sort that out by taking your finished project to a frame shop. You can still mat and frame it yourself. It's a very cute motif. I like birds and love Dogwoods. I have a lovely Dogwood pattern that I plan to stitch one day.! :)

Congratulations on finishing this lovely work. DH once suggested matching the wood frame to the wood of the furniture in our home. Turned out great.