Work-in-progress: alternative framing

The altered books I'm finishing up have a rustic feel, especially with the twine and rope framing I used to highlight the niches.  

Like most art, it just doesn't feel finished without some sort of frame. But what kind of alternate device is visually and physically solid enough to do the job? What works, without fighting the story being told within the niche?

Washboards. (This one was lovely, but too pricey.) It's big but not huge, and weathered enough to evoke the Old West feel of the book cover. With a little help, I found three.

For once, the weather was sunny enough to allow me to spray-seal the wood outside.

Two of the three books are now mounted. As soon as the third is done and all three are professionally photographed, they'll make their official debut here on the site!