I have a bunch of these "wine and design" paintings that my wife and I have done. I also have some scrap plywood (about 5/8") that I've thought I could make a frame for some of these with. These paintings are all 16"x20"x5/8" canvas mounted on a wood frame. The canvas is mounted over the frame so from the front and side you can't see the frame at all. I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas for making a nicer outer frame for paintings like this with the kind of scrap wood I have?

Hi - I am not a woodworker in any sense of the term, but I have a nice piece of cypress driftwood that I would like to place in a natural area of our yard. The wood was already in great shape, but I've cleaned it up and touched up a few rough spots with fine sandpaper and steel wool. My question is how to best finish it. When it's wet, it looks great just like it is. When it's dry, it loses much of its depth and appearance. I don't want to change the wood color if possible, but looking for something that will enhance or simulate the "wet look". Once again, it's going to live outside. Any recommendations are appreciated. Thanks.