How to create your own mat

Buying a custom-made mat can be expensive. And since watercolours and printed photos often come in non-standard sizes, pre-made mats don’t always work. Fortunately, creating your own mat can be done quickly and at a low cost.

Create Yours Now

Instructions:

Create your own mat

Step 1: Be sure to have the following items close at hand: a framing mat, a pencil, a ruler and a cutting blade. Also, make sure you know the exact dimensions of the photo or image you want to frame when you purchase the mat.

Step 2: Centre the photo on the cardboard mat and trace its outline using a pencil.

Step 3: Cut the cardboard mat along the lines you traced in pencil, using the ruler as a guide.

Use an acid-free cardboard mat. The acidity contained in the cardboard has yellowing properties that could alter your wedding photo in a terrible way.
There are mat cutters available for cutting your cardboard mat at a 45-degree angle. These mat cutters are ideal if you want to cut several mats in a professional manner.
For a contemporary look, layer two colours of mats. For a more classic feel, favour a tone-on-tone approach.
Don’t forget, the larger the mat is, the more the emphasis will be on the photo. This is an easy way to have your favourite memories take centre stage.

Suggested Products:

Logan #500 mat knife L500		$16.99	Sold out online	Find in store
Mat cutting kit L525K		$99.99	Ships in 3-5 business days	Qty Find in store
Gummed Paper Hinging Tape, 1" x 130 ' L0751	1 IN X 130 FT	$18.99	Ships in 3-5 business days	Qty Find in store