How to make a mat for a picture frame?

Hello Kathy,

There is a special mat cutter and the mat board needs to be purchased. Its more technical and difficult than I expected, I never mastered the perfect beveled cutting.

In my experience-I have spent $40 to buy a medium custom cut double mat. Since then —I make the occasion to reuse thrift store frames with mats usually run $5-10. Often you you cant buy glass or a mat for that. I hope this helps.

You can cut mat board with an exacto knife, but it will not look professional. BUT you can also paint mat board with spray paint. Go to a thrift shop and get the size picture you need. Lightly spray paint the mat. Let dry and spray again. They come out custom and perfect.

I always had a framer do it. Hobby lobby is always putting framing on sale. Check their ads for 40% off.

Hi Kathy! I also watch for them to go on sale or for a coupon that I can use. I've also layered two different sizes to make a custom look mat.