Visit my ebay store for all your nursery and gift giving needs! Click here.

MATTING TIPS

I'm writing this guide give you some great tips that you may like to use to frame and mat your prints. 8x10 prints can be made larger by adding a colored mat.  You can either do this by having a custom mat cut or by making your own.   GREAT  TIP :  If you are wanting a particular colored mat that you you can't find.... this is a really neat trick.  Buy PLAIN WHITE mats and PAINT THEM!   I usually use the little inexpensive bottles of craft paint found in the craft section at Walmart. I think they usually run anywhere from .44 to .88 cents per color.   Take a small to medium sized craft paint brush or sponge brush and paint very light coats on your mat. Let the coats dry in between. Continue to add coats until the desired look is achieved.  Make sure your mat is completely dry before putting it in your frame. You can get really creative with mats.  You can....

Paint them

Stencil them

Cover them with wallpaper or fabric

decoupage them

Once you have your mat done,  tape your print to the backside so it doesn't slide in your frame.

FRAMING TIPS:

Need a white or colored frame?  Buy the inexpensive frames at Walmart. They usually have 11x14 frames for 5.00. Buy the semi glossy to glossy spray paint and paint your frame ANY COLOR you need !  I usually just paint the frame with no primer with excellent results.

HANGING TIPS:

Instead of just hanging your framed prints on the wall you may want to try ribbon to add that special touch. Ribbon comes in every color, and every print you can imagine. Walmart has a great selection or try your local fabric or craft store.   Staple your ribbon to the back of your frame to form an "arch". For girls art, add a bow at the top of each one. 

Hanging 5x7 prints on the door.   

Here is the neatest trick of all. Ranks right up there with painting your own mats. Need to hang a 5x7 name print on your childs door?  USE velcro tape!!   You can find this in the craft section at Walmart. Once you have your print framed, apply velcro tape to the back of the frame and to the door. Stick your frame on the door. NO NAILHOLES!!   My husband and I tried slamming the bedroom door and the tape held wonderfully.  Be sure to use enough tape that it's secure on the door.   You can always take the glass out of your frame and either leave it out or replace it with plexiglass if you feel it's too heavy.  Another idea is to buy those 1.00 plastic frames at your Dollar Store. Spray paint them any color!  Again.... as long as you're not going to be beating the frame to death, I usually don't use primer.  Always test slam your door to make sure it stays on! 

I hope you have enjoyed these tips.  I'm a stay- at- home  Mom and strive to provide  inexpensive helpful tips that won't cost you other Moms a small fortune!

If you have found my guide helpful, PLEASE rank it has being helpful to you.   ALSO send me pictures of your projects so I can post them.  I love to see your finished creations!  ;o) 

Thank you and have fun creating! ;o)