DIY Custom Matting + Framing for Cheap

[@1fashionbliss]

Tutorial starts at 2:52

[@sammy8663]

Ty!

[@myundeadducky]

Thank youuuu

[@cocoprettyproducts133]

Thanks

[@danizahrah210]

Thanks

[@thebrokeway9838]

ty

[@dovelyden]

I came here for a mat board hack and was surprised to learn about another hidden hack in this video: a card to open the frame locks in the back! Brilliant! Thanks for this 🙏

[@MeganBell]

Glad you liked it!

[@LcLceder]

You forgot one thing, what kind of matting did you use, poster board, oak tag?

[@leahf145]

In all my decades of living, I'm grateful I came upon your inspirational tutorial of how to economically 'class-up' some art work, making it look more refined & finished. Whether it be a print, painting, or poster, no more thumb tacks or crappy fitting, recycled frames, from the thrift store. Affording my rent & groceries trumps me being frivolous with fancy custom framing. I've always wanted them before but could never bring myself to pay the over the top $. Even with a coupon. I have an idea on how to augment your great idea 💡 LAYER IT! Make multiple mats (2 or 3 of them), but each one is slightly smaller (& a tad dif color) than the one on top of it. I'm trying this out tonight 👍🏼🤞🏼

[@paulebien-pesa6513]

I love it. I’m far from poor or needy but like to make things myself. Make it my own. Saving a few bucks and having a completely original frame is like artwork in itself. It looks awesome .

[@PattymacMakes]

You did a great job on it Megan! The biggest difference in a DIY mat and one from a framing store is the bevel cut on the opening which is done on a special cutter. And you can get a much thicker piece of card stock which looks really nice. But I think your finished project looks nice.

[@MeganBell]

Pattymac Knits yes the beveled cut on the opening is the difference for sure. But saving 60.00 is worth it! I just don’t have the money for fancy matting. Maybe one day!!

[@PattymacMakes]

I think your cost friendly solution looks great! And you did a good job explaining how to measure!

[@scootermom1791]

Could you use poster board instead of cardstock?

[@natashaorr1596]

@@scootermom1791I’m pretty certain poster board will work too. Anything that’s pretty sturdy can work. You can even layer a color poster on top and cut it a few millimeters inwards to give that bevel illusion.

[@scootermom1791]

@@natashaorr1596 layering the poster board sounds like a really good idea. Thanks!

[@luckyatoms]

Thank you so much! Super helpful video. I’ve been looking for offset mats everywhere and can’t find any without the frame or for a good price. You are a lifesaver.

[@ELRenaud]

This is exactly what I want to do. But my frame is 27x40 - and I'm searching for that size mat. I'm determined to find a mat or something comparable. Great video!!

[@jacknjill3000]

What’s mounting and is that what they do at framing stores to posters before framing? Or just put the poster inside the frame with a little tape like you did? Great video and it came out looking great!

[@jddeefo1022]

Beautiful job. I'm just planning my first mat job. Can I cut a beveled window in the mat with an xacto knife like yours?

[@user-sy5pi9yn3g]

thank you, i thought it was gonna be just that easy, now ill do it

[@ziggy33399]

We spent our honeymoon night at The Biltmore & got a tiny globe at their gift shop. You did so much better. Belated congratulations 🎊 on your marriage.

[@MeganBell]

Thank you! I can’t wait to go back and visit. I just love it there

[@gordonshaw5381]

Where did you purchase the mat board from?

[@evangelinaabella-rees8090]

I loved your tutorial. Thanks for the ideas! Congratulations on your wedding!!

[@judyrobertson9479]

I went to Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity. Found a frame, finally, and painted it and then covered the mat with fabric using artists adhesive spray. Worked a charm.

[@jenniferharris2066]

Yours looks great and I followed your thought process to make a mat for my original artwork from vacation. I used an Olfa rotary cutting mat, see-thru ruler, and rotary cutter on posterboard and the finished product is perfect. Thank you!

[@scootermom1791]

This is very useful! Thank you! P.S. what tool were you using to lift up the metal holders on the back of the frame? Just curious...🤔

[@audiemolina]

what kind of material your using for matting?

[@KeithElphick]

Nice work Megan.......but where do you buy your matte board material from uncut. Thanks

[@dianeo]

Similar situation for me! Frustrated by the high cost of pro framing, plus the good mat cutting equipment is expensive, I cut my own mat with my X-acto knife. Not beveled but adequate. Highly recommend using a brand new blade as the slightest bit of blade dullness will make for a difficult and sloppy result.

[@javierrosquete]

Simple and easy, exactly what I was looking for, specially the part about the math and the advice on where to cut the frame. Thanks for sharing!

[@iluvfigs4712]

Can't you buy matting as well? In different sizes and colors at a craft store?

[@fludrbywest3886]

Did you do any research mat cutting and framing ? Also archival material ? You can use the frame and mat but you need archival tape and a backer board with a dust cover on the back. Just so in 20 years you will still have your precious art work❣️ your amazing for getting this far and you did an amazing job! Just take a few more steps so you will have it for 20 to 50 more years. 😊💝🤗❣️

[@MeganBell]

I truly appreciate the constructive criticism! When I created this DIY it was for the sole purpose of offering a cheap solution to an expensive endeavor. Proper framing and matting can be so pricey! But I didn't consider that some may want to frame and mat an important piece of art or a memory. In those cases I would recommend having a professional perform these tasks. I've never heard of archival tape, backer board or a dust cover! Thank you for introducing these items to me! ❤️

[@fludrbywest3886]

Oh I totally understand, I was just suggesting to replace the tape you used and fix it so you will have it on your 50th Anniversary❣️ 🤩 encouraging you trying I am 😁👍🏻 I have not even done a matting yet, I have to get supplies first, I was watching and searching KZbin to see what and where and how to do it 😎 but I did pay for a museum quality frame for a art work 😩 with the UV glass

[@MeganBell]

Martha West and I so appreciate that! Wow I can’t imagine what that cost, but I’m sure you were preserving something important!

[@fludrbywest3886]

Bell and Cotton yes it was a signed and numbered portrait of a hand drawn art piece from “Jake Weidmann “ Master Pennman . But the bevel mat cutter is not that expensive 20 to 30$ but if you get a frame and cutter together like a Logan #525 it’s about 120.$ but if you did all you mat cutting, and framing like you did, well just 2 or 3 pictures would pay for its self, matter of fact on eBay you can pick up a deal sometimes. I have search and researched . Oh yes like today, I found out you need to find acid free mat board not just archival quality, archival is now a misnomer, so it’s more important to find the “acid free” . Just more little tid-bits😊✨ My mat and frame was a lesson learned. I learned I was not doing that again😁 thanks for chatting and happy Easter. You have taught me a great lesson too❣️ where there is a will THERE IS A WAY❣️💫✨🐰

[@fludrbywest3886]

Bell and Cotton ps my husband and I spent our honey moon in Asheville and the Biltmore is where we went ❣️

[@gregorymorris9139]

Perfect, just what I needed. Thank you.

[@reneekroyer5104]

Can you do this method somehow where you'd get a beveled edge? Or would you have to buy a special cutting device for that look?

[@sherryk6703]

I agree with the little hand held ones but they can be tricky as you need constant pressure and steady hands. I successfully cut some small ones

[@dison77433]

Great tutorial, Megan. Exactly what I was looking for to inexpensively mat some concert prints

[@Master_Blackthorne]

It is a sad fact that framing and matting cost almost three times more than the picture. Thanks for posting!

[@Blackbirdofheaven]

Don’t you just love it when someone talks for 2 minutes straight before actually giving the info you needed

[@MeganBell]

This is FREE information mind you.

[@illnesssucksfindfunn]

Nice! So far I’ve had great luck finding frames and matts at thrift stores. Most have cheap ugly primts it pics. Last embroidery I framed I bought 2 frames. One for the awesome frame I loved but had no Matt. The second had a nice matt but glass was cracked. But it was .50 cents. The other frame was 2 dollars. Big frames too. But here I am this embroidery project and didn’t think about size. 😬 so guess I’m gonna DIY it. Cuz ya framing is so expensive!!

[@MeganBell]

Frames can be so pricey! Sounds like you got some good deals. Too bad about the glass on the one. I have a ton of frames from thrift stores and I’ll even spray paint them if I don’t like the color or design. It’s just not something I’m willing to spend tons of money on, ya know ?

[@RanThaMan]

Regina Richardson sounds like a mess.

[@Treetop4045]

That was an excellent video! I’m framing a gift and want to do it all myself :)

[@globalartjewelry2768]

Where did you get the large matting?

[@mikexlarry]

Where did you get that ruler thing

[@deaneclark6469]

You did a great job! I love it! How much did the matting cost you? Thank you so much for sharing, so helpful!❤️

[@bobd5119]

Megan, I enjoyed your video. Ignore the commenters who complain about your talking. If you wish to talk about your life, do so. (Why did you elope? Do you dislike your relatives? Don't you have any friends?) (Were you too cheap to spend money on a wedding? As a New England pinchpenny, I can understand that.) It's good to see what we can do with simple tools, instead of $500 mat cutters. You could make beveled edges with one of those bevel-cutting tools the same way. I think you didn't mention that you have to lean on the straight edge with a lot of force to keep it from moving. It takes patience. Another thing: that is not a T square; it's a framing square. (Picky, picky...)

[@MeganBell]

Bob, that is such a nice comment. Thank you. Some people want to know more about you and some people just want you to get to the point, but at the end of the day I do this as a hobby and so I should do it how I like. Thank you for that. Thank you for the tip on the framing square!

[@rheinri]

Great tutorial ! I love painting and creating my own art however, I'm having a hard time finding uncut matting. Where can I find some ?

[@sherryk6703]

In the past, I used to go to professional frame shops and ask for cutouts. Sometimes, they bundle them up and put them outside their door. Perhaps to take to recycling. Most importantly, some give me my own cutout when I have the matt done

[@grandmarules2011]

@@sherryk6703 Hobby Lobby sells acid free matting board. I just bought a large one for 11.99. I was thrilled. Now just trying to decide how to cut it. Do I want a straight edge or a bevel. Decisions, decisions LOL.

[@romcallis]

That looks great. Your husband is lucky to have such a resourceful-and pretty-wife

[@naveedillahi6062]

Starts at 2:50

[@Daledavispratt]

Yes!

[@dansage3665]

Naveed Illahi TY!! nobody is here to listen about her wedding and having no favors.

[@NewFreeMixtape]

Thanks

[@tingdzinkochu]

Nice job. Very encouraging!

[@rbtrittel]

Well done! I am in the middle of redecorating and have a similar dilemma of an image that needs framing. Thanks for the info!

[@teresaly278]

Thank you so much for your tutorial. I want to make my own headboard my content is going to be vinyl cherry blossom and some important Chinese characters pertinent to my family I was hoping to cover it in cloth any ideas or suggestions? Dimensions 80x50 and I am using a painted bed sheet stretched on a frame/boarder

[@MeganBell]

That's a great idea! Sounds like you have it covered already! I know Joann sells some foam in rolls if you wanted to insert foam or padding.

[@kiranhifrnds]

Where did you get the frame

[@dwklug]

Simple, nice. Thanks.

[@reginaldbrown8012]

4:32 that’s a carpenter square not a T square. Good job though 👍🏿

[@MeganBell]

Thanks!

[@winros]

Measuring doing this doing that I'm just going to buy black cardboard paper from the $1.25 store cut it out on the way home how's that? 🤣 Sure you could use that as a mat as well! I'm going to try it! If you guys later have a great Sunday! Great job thank you for your video! 🤟🏻

[@LargeFamilyHomesteaders]

Good job!

[@MeganBell]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@RussianNightmare]

Good job. Just one note, thats not a T Square, its a carpenters square.

[@lokiheehee]

Many thanks for this!

[@-Samus-Aran-]

did you not want to mention the type of cardboard / construction paper you're using?

[@dferrari3215]

Does the mat board eat the photo app like is it corrosive?

[@WAMil76]

Why not factor in that extra .25" in the original measurements? Makes it much easier and accurate instead of guestimating.

[@carolsmith6817]

Excellent !!

[@hollynellis1292]

Great job. Just wondering if you could of used a poster board as a mat board?

[@MeganBell]

I suppose so holly! However the mat board has a different texture. You’d have to compare in person.

[@skeenasiren3796]

Looks great! I love your doggie and blue rug too!

[@MeganBell]

Heather Bell thank you!!

[@kaliissouledout4jesus928]

I recommend u spray paint matting gold or silver ?

[@SoulfulVeg]

I've had prints that I wanted to frame for a long time. I just didn't want to spend the $$. Now, it seems attainable! Thanks!

[@MeganBell]

I’m so glad! 💛

[@azblondi2730]

Great, quick job..may I give a tiny piece of advice? This comes from Dr. Lori , who is an appraisal expert..Always use foam board , NOT cardboard? It is damaging to your photos..and use white, never colored. Thanks

[@morgannnn161]

beautiful!!

[@MeganBell]

morgannnn161 thank you love!!

[@chjofar]

Great video! You're super-adorable and kudo's for "just doing-it"!

[@MeganBell]

Thank you!! 😊

[@figuresix]

Should have gone with a different color mat, and or double mat with two colors. The white on white doesn't work very well. Black or grey would make it stand out better.

[@jonrenny3107]

That’s not a t-square lol. That’s just a normal square….. notice that it doesn’t have a t at the end of it…

[@ginismoja2459]

Just get to the bloody point...

[@thewealthofnations4827]

Haha you must be aussie. Impatience c%#^

[@sinatabrizi4794]

That's not a T square a T square is shaped like the letter T

[@itshamdan2430]

O

[@johnonorgan]

how to say 100 words in a 1000

[@ginismoja2459]

My thoughts exactly... 🙄

[@muchtoomuch100]

This is not meant as a snide comment to you, but rather as possibly constructive criticism for other youtubers. You are charming and your stories likely entertain your friends. People coming here are not coming to be your new friend. Get to the point, please, without the 3 minutes of personal anecdotes.

[@noverdepaynos171]

So many talking

[@toppcatt5113]

cheap and sloppy ffs

[@MeganBell]

Cheap is literally in the title 🤣 ffs

[@suemontgomery2016]

Less talk

[@MeganBell]

Right on top of that, Sue! 😂 I always think when people complain about how much a creator talks or covers information they aren't interested in that maybe YOU should start your own channel. Just a thought.

[@suemontgomery2016]

No, so many really good tutorials I'll just watch but thank you

[@jtreg]

Lose the music. Less talk.

[@MeganBell]

Welcome to my KZbin channel where I make the videos 🤚🏻 and basically do them how I want.

[@RanThaMan]

Blah blah blah blah blah...

[@johnwynetomas1506]

Damn useless 5 minute tutorial just for the mat ...

[@jamesjross]

Warning... 3 minutes of totally mindless waffle before the tutorial starts.

[@MeganBell]

Warning... Super mindless comment.

[@jamesjross]

@@MeganBell Good come back!