Things You'll Need:
- Uncut mat board from hobby store
- Photo frame
- Beveled mat cutting tool
- Pencil
- Ruler or other straight-edge
- Tape
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Step 1
When purchasing the picture frame, always go one step up from your picture size. For example, for a 4"x6" photo you'll want to purchase a 5"x7" frame. This is because the mat opening displaying your photo will be 4"x6", while the total mat size will be 5"x7".
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Step 2
Measure the dimensions of the frame, then cut the mat to fit the frame. For example, for a 5"x7" frame, cut a 5"x7" piece of mat board. Alternatively, you can take a 5"x7" photograph or the frame insert, place it on the mat board, trace around it, then cut the mat board.
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Step 3
On the mat board, use your ruler to measure about one inch from the edge of the mat board and mark the spot. The one inch from the line to the edge of the mat board will become the mat border when the picture is placed inside of it.
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Step 4
Align the ruler with the marked spot and draw a line all the way across the mat board using your pencil. Continue this process for all four sides of the mat board.
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Step 5
Place your ruler along one of the lines and press down.
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Step 6
Take your beveled mat cutter and place it against the ruler. Press blade down into mat. Make sure the beveled angle is correct.
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Step 7
With a quick and steady motion, push mat cutter along the length of your straight edge until you hit the corner where the lines overlap.
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Step 8
Continue cutting with mat cutter until all four sides are cut out.
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Step 9
Lay the photo face down on the back of the mat and center it in the mat frame.
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Step 10
Tape the photo to the mat board all the way around.
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Step 11
Insert mat board with photo in the picture frame. The picture is now ready to hang on a wall or set out on a shelf.
