Q: I want a new way to showcase my photos to enhance the pictures as well as create a little drama in my home. Can I make my own photo mat that will do this?A: You absolutely can make your own photo mats, and this is a great project for anyone who loves to display family photos all around the house.
I'm going to show you how to create beautiful textured photo mats that will not only enhance your photos but will also add a little pizzazz to your decor. These mats give you a chance to add some personal touches to the picture and the frame. If you scrapbook at all, you're familiar with all the 3-D stickers and accessories that are available at any crafts or scrapbooking store. This project is almost like a scrapbook, except that we're going to be able to display our work for everyone to see at all times.
To really get the most out of your photo mat, have a picture in mind to use as your inspiration. This will help you choose the colors and materials for the mat.
1. Decide which frame, photo and mat you will use. Place the mat in the frame and lightly trace around the inside of the frame onto the mat. This will give you a template to create the textured mat.
2. Remove the mat from the frame and mask off the outside of the mat to the pencil line; you may want to mask off an interior border as well.
3. Mix structural gel with paint or pigment and with a palette knife begin to spread the gel over the mat in a layer about 1/8" thick. You can get creative here and make swirls with a paintbrush, a sponged look with a sea sponge or many other techniques. As an option, you may want to add trinkets to the gel at this time. Let this dry.
4. You may add more paint to the texture at this time if you like.
5. Here are some options:
- If you left an interior border, you may apply tacky tape to this area and sprinkle sand on for a second texture.
- You may use a paint pen or stamps to add a caption.
- Use stamps to place embossing ink onto the mat, then sprinkle with embossing powder and use a heat tool to set the powder.
- Add ribbons or other trinkets.
And that's all it takes. There wasn't too much involved in this project, and it was a lot of fun to create.
