How to Make a Picture Mat

Matting a picture for your frame can be a precise art. But with a few simple tools and tips, you can easily create a beautiful mat that fits your picture without making an expensive purchase. You can even modify these tips to create layered mats.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A picture frame
• A tape measure
• An exacto knife (scissors not recommended)
• A straight-edge ruler
• One or more pieces of poster board or craft paper (for the mat)
• A pencil

1. 
    

   Measure the inside of your picture frame--take down the dimensions as precisely as you can.

2. Take your cardstock or posterboard and draw off the dimensions of the picture frame.

3. Carefully cut the shape, using an exacto knife (this will give you a more precise line than scissors). Trim away any excess threads of paper.

4. 
    

   Turn your mat to its backside (whichever side you don't want to feature in the frame). Measure and mark the center of each side.

5. Use a straight edge to draw a line connecting the center of each side to the opposite.

6. 
    

   Lay your picture on the mat and center it as closely as possible, using the lines drawn to measure and make sure. Then hold it in place and trace the picture carefully with a pencil.

7. 
    

   Measure and mark the center of each side of the picture (using the box you traced) and draw the lines connecting the opposite sides.

8. 
    

   Determine the margins of your mat (how much of the picture's sides you want covered. Measure and trace those margins into the picture's box using the intersecting lines as a guide.

9. Measure to make sure the new box is centered; then carefully cut the shape with your exacto knife.

10. Remove the square and trim any rough edges carefully, then lay the mat face-down in the frame.

11. Place the picture on the mat, facing through the square, and adjust it until properly centered. Fasten it in place using adhesive photo tabs or tape if desired.

12. Replace the frame's back and fasten. Turn the frame over and make certain the picture and mat are centered and framed as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• For multiple mats, use the directions above, inserting an intermediate step for measuring the second, smaller mat's dimensions.
• Check your craft stores and scrapbooking outlets for decorative posterboard, card stock and craft papers for picture mats.
• With great care, sturdy gift wrap or wallpaper can be substituted, just make sure to weight the corners while you measure and cut. Fasten it inside the frame by using sticky tack on the back of each corner of the sheet.
• Be careful when working with an exacto knife: the razor blade is sharp enough to cut skin.