A cheaper solution is to learn to cut your own mat frames using a handful of basic materials that allow you to fully customize the look of your framed picture.
Make your own mat for frame.
Especially when the mat doesn t match the bright white of the frame.
Making your own picture frame is a great way to personalize your home décor and to create a device that is truly appropriate to the image inside of it.
Another reason to do your own mat cutting is that for the first time a truly professional type of cutter is available for under 100.
Cutter i used is listed at 79.
Just simply trace or measure the size on the back of the mat board then cut it using your ruler and some sort of cutting.
What kind of images would you put inside.
The first opening is free.
Cut the mat size using your exacto knife.
If its a new frame i always use the paper inserts as a tracing guide.
It looks custom even if you buy a readymade frame from a store what you need materials mat boardartwork tools sharp straight blade such a x acto knife or box cuttermat cutter like this logan 4000 pull style cutterstraight edge.
These frames are my favorite ikea stromby frames.
To make a picture frame you ll need to assemble a cardboard mat four wood or metal sides creating the outline of your frame and the glass or plexiglass front used to protect the picture.
The cost of this product has increased to 109 95 since this segment first aired.
Your frame size will depend on the size of the picture you are framing and the size of the mat that you want.
Determine the size of your picture frame.
1 4 plywood or cardboard.
Such a great value at 7 99 each.
Invest in a simple mat cutter and the world of framing is at your fingertips.
I ll share the formula to figure it out.
In addition to that issue i was also working with some art sizes that didn t actually fit the mats they were square or just off the usual size and mixing in some vintage frames which didn t have any mats at all.
The addition of a sleek well cut mat can greatly enhance the look of any framed picture but having a mat cut and frame made commercially can sometimes cost more than the picture itself.
For example an 8 00 board with 5 openings would be priced at 20 00.
First measure the size your mat will be which is typically the size of the glass in the frame and the size frame you buy 8 10 11 14 etc.
You can score the mat and cut again if that s easier for you sometimes the mat boards are thick.
Cutting mats is easy inexpensive and takes your artwork to a new level.
Have you been wanting to create a collage frame with custom mat board of your own.