Carol Duvall, host of HGTV's The Carol Duvall Show, shares her expert insights on matting and framing artwork.
Start with a turquoise mat, layer 1/2-inch foam board on top, and finish with a white mat over the foam board.
Here, the image is cut into sections, each mounted on 1/4-inch foam board, with individual mats cut around them.
Many artisans, painters, and seamstresses invest heavily in professional matting and framing services.
I once sat down with a mat cutter and The Complete Guide to Basic Mat Cutting, amazed at how quickly I mastered it. The right mat dramatically enhances a single photograph or greeting card. I only stopped when I ran out of matboard.
The key takeaway? You can achieve professional results at home without a mat or engineering degree, saving significant money—especially for multi-opening mats with several photos. Above all, it's an enjoyable craft.
Professional-grade mat cutters are now accessible under $100. The Logan cutter I used retailed for $79. (Note: The price has since risen to $109.95.)
Choosing the right mat color, size, and opening can be tricky, but the aforementioned book provides clear guidelines and inspiration.
Transform everyday items like greeting cards or rubber stamp images into stunning framed art. Forget the savings—this is a rewarding new hobby.
Prices for matboard vary widely across craft and art supply stores. A 32" x 40" sheet ranges from $4.50 to $12, depending on finish, color, and whether it's acid-free—sometimes even within the same store. De Young's Art Store in Traverse City, Michigan, can order a 40" x 60" sheet for $15.
