Creating a French Photo Mat

Materials and Tools:
organza
cardstock
Adornaments fiber
spray adhesive
sewing machine
eyelets
brads
beads and embellishments
cotton batting
chipboard
fabric in color and design of choice
Xyron
Anywhere hole punch

Steps:

1. Cut a piece of organza to approximately 11-3/4" x 11-3/4". Adhere to cardstock using spray adhesive.

2. Using a zig-zag stitch with an extended length, sew an Adornaments fiber to the outer edge of the page. This will help hold the organza in place as well as add a decorative element.

3. Crop and mat photographs. Attach to the page with eyelets or a similar method that does not include adhesive — the organza is not sturdy enough to hold elements on the page.

4. To create the French photo mat, begin with cutting a piece of chipboard to the desired size. Mark the back of the chipboard with a pattern for the fiber to follow.

5. Cut a piece of cotton batting to the size of the chipboard.

6. Cut a piece of fabric 1" larger than the chipboard and batting. Run the fabric through the Xyron and adhere over the batting and chipboard. Carefully wrap the edges of the fabric around the back of the chipboard and adhere.

7. Use hole punch to punch holes through the chipboard, batting, and fabric, where the fibers will intersect.

8. Wrap the fibers around the chipboard, batting, and fabric.

9. Create a mat for the French photo mat, if desired. Attach mat to page layout with brads inserted through the holes of the mat.

10. Add journaling and enhancements to complete the page.