Definition:

Creating a backing for photos. Can be torn, decoratively cut, or embellished. Precut mats in several finishes and materials also are available.

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What tools do you need cut your own mats?
You just need a paper trimmer and some paper! Before I really got into scrapbooking, I used to think I needed to know how to cut straight with scissors to cut my mats. After much frustration, I realized a paper trimmer makes everything so much easier!



Any advice on how to measure and cut accurately the first time?
In construction work, don't they always say "measure twice, cut once"? I'd say the same goes for cutting mats!


What are some good sources for pre-cut mats? (Bargain and otherwise!)


This is one of my favorite layouts.I double matted the photos in a different way. I used & . The blue didn't cover the entire photo just a portion. I continued using the blue to matt the title and journaling. I wanted to make a little scene on the sides of the top photo. I took a portion of a scrapbook paper matted it with maroon rustic type paper. I made some cactus' out of clay. To do this I took a stencil and laid it over the clay and cut it out. I did a little embossing on them as well. I used an alphabet punch set to create the title. Lastly, I did journaling by the computer.

Contribution by Heather Gibbs, Heather's Scrapbook's



Did you know that you can matt more than just your photo's. You matt your stickers, embellishments, and even charms. The 3 layouts below are examples for you to see.

As you can see, I matted the Minnie Mouse sticker. I matted it with black because there's a lot of red and I wanted to even the color out a little. Click on this layout to see MORE 8 by 8 inch disney scrapbook pages. For 12 by 12 disney layouts click here.

You can even matt the photo with YARN.

The 2 metal charms are matted with a dark green cardstock. The reason this was done was to introduce a darker contrast color. There's plenty of light green

I matted everything on this layout. The photo's, & I matted the clear sticker phrases after I put them on the peach patterned paper. I used the light blue cardstock for matting because it's a nice contrast against the dark blue background page.