Decorative Matting

Figure A Figure B Figure C

Host Renai Ellison shows how to make interesting mat boards for framed photos and artwork (see photo at right).

Materials:

frame
mat board
fabric of choice
colored beads
straight pins
double-sided tape
foam-core board cut to fit inside the frame
paint
crackle finish medium (optional)

Steps:

1. Cover the matting for the frame with fabric of your choice.
   
   
2. Thread a colored bead onto a straight pin, and stick the pin into the inside edge of the matting (figure A). Continue until the entire center of the mat is lined with beads.
   
   
3. Use double-sided tape to attach another piece of fabric to the foam core (figure B).
   
   
4. Place the fabric matting over the foam core, and place the photo or artwork on the foam core in the center of mat. Place inside the frame (figure C).
   
   
5. If desired, instead of fabric on foam core, paint with a crackle finish medium, then add matting that is covered with fabric (such as animal print). Place the artwork inside and frame, and that's it.

Also in this Episode

Our Place : Episode OPL-261
•	Mosaic Mirror Frame
•	Framing 101
•	Decorative Matting
•	Trade Secrets