Hello Shabby Chic Cottage readers! I’m Jessica from Decor Adventures, a professional by day and project addict by night, decorating my new 111 year old house. Today I want to share with you how to cut your own picture mats. It’s so simple and affordable and the best part is you can customize your own wall hangings to fit your style.
Framing photos and art is one of the most common projects I do. There is a really easy way to cut your own mats, without expensive mat cutter tools. All it takes is a few supplies, some art or a photo to frame and you’ll be creating your own decor in no time! Here’s how to cut your own picture mats.
The supplies you’ll need are:
Picture frames
Mat board
Ruler
Cutting mat
Exacto knife
Pencil
Tape or hardware for holding the art in the frame
Of course you also need art or photos you’ll put in the frame and the tape is for taping the art inside the frame if you don’t have another way to hold it in.
All of these can be found at craft or art supply stores. I typically get frames at thrift stores and paint them to the color I want. Mat boards will run about $8 for a large piece that you can use many times. I used scraps for this project.
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.
Here you’ll measure the width you’ll want the mat to be around the entire photo/art. For the most part this will be even, for example, you’ll have an inch (or a few) wide mat on all sides. Sometimes it can be different on the top and sides, but that depends on the piece you are framing.
This is the beauty of this project, you can cut the mat to any size!
Then you tape your art/photo to the back of the mat, making sure your piece is centered in the mat as you want it. I used masking tape for this. Something with a medium tack works well and you can always switch out the art.
Voila! You have some art, all cut and matted by you! This blue was spray painted, it worked well on the mat boards.
Lastly, simply put the mats inside your frame, securing them in as the frame allows. Some have metal pieces you twist or bend down.
If your frame doesn’t have either, you can always tape the piece in like I’ve done here. I’ve found this is the case in art you’ve purchased that is sealed on the back, you have to tape the piece in because there are no metal parts to hold it.
Find a place to display your handiwork, step back and admire 🙂
Making your own art is simple and easy. Let me and Gina know if you try this out, we’d love to see your creations!
Thanks to Gina for having me, please come visit Decor Adventures I’d love to *meet* you!
I always wondered how to do that!! Thanks!!
Hi there,
Is your cutting mat self healing or a glass? I’ve tried cutting mats myself but never tried doing it inside on a mat. My problems stem from where and how. I’ll be cutting my own mats soon!
I never thought about painting them. Thanks for the tip!
so pretty!!
Thanks for that great tutorial. I love the idea of painting the mat. ~~Sherry~~
Great tutorial!
Hey! I think I used to have a picture with that same heart mat and frame. It was kind of a gold colored frame, wasn’t it???? Got it at one of those decorating parties that used to be so popular. I might still have it in storage somewhere!
Hi all,
Jenny – My cutting mat is a plastic type material, definitely not glass.
Loribeth – Yes, the frame was gold and yes it was from one of those decorating parties! My mom had one and I found a matching one at a thrift store, can you believe that?
Thanks all for the sweet comments 🙂 And thanks again to Gina for having me!
-Jessica @ Decor Adventures
Hello — Where do you buy mat board that’s not precut?
Thanks,
Danielle
Here you can get it at Hobby Lobby – but I’m sure you could find it in almost any craft store
I checked out your blog for instructions on how to make what was described as photo mats made from cardboard. Most your instructions describe using actual matt board. Very dissapointed!
What kind of paint do you use to paint your mats?
.
Usually whatever I have on hand: craft paint, spray paint, whatever color I have that works.
Thanks for the tutorial for matting frames. I am just getting started and didn’t know how to get the paper, etc. I will check with HL, thanks again,
My pleasure Gloria, good luck!!
Wow I wished I’d seen this earlier…I spent 3 + hours trying to make a collage mat….didn’t happen I don’t know right now if I’ll try tomorrow…I didn’t know there was such a thing as the mat to line them up though…might make it easier…thank you
You are so welcome Nickie, I hope it makes it easier for you!
Will the paint on the mats (if you paint them yourself) stick to glass, if you put glass over the print & mat?
Not if you let it dry completely, or use a sealant after it is dry to be safe 🙂
What is the thickness of the mat board. I purchased one that is 1/4″ in thickness and the edges looked raw after I cut them?
I used the standard size, probably the same as you did. I’m sure you can smooth it out.