Here is a simple and affordable DIY tutorial that anyone can do!
Here are the materials you will need:
1. 5"x7", 6"x8" , 8"x10", or larger sized ready-made frame.
2. Acid-Free Mat board.
3. Exacto or utility knife.
4. Four acid-free Photo-corners.
5. Ruler or straight-edge.
6. Pencil.
7. Cardboard or mat to protect cutting surface.
Use any ready-made frame that comes with glass/plexi and cut a piece of mat board (preferably acid-free) with a utility knife to the same size opening.
My personal preference is to use inexpensive thin black frames and a light colored mat (white or beige) as it seems to match well in various home decor environments; but it's really is up to your creative personal preference.
For this tutorial I used an 8" x 10" inch frame with a beige colored mat board.
STEP 1:
On the backside of the mat board measure 8" inches wide and 10" inches high with your ruler and draw pencil lines as cutting guides.
STEP 2:
Cut the mat board with a utility knife along the cutting guidelines using the ruler or straight edge.Remember:to use a piece of cardboard or foamboard underneath the mat board to protect the surface you will be cutting on.
STEP 3:
Take the 4 acid free photo-corners and place them snugly along the corners of your ACEO or work on paper. Using photo-corners allows one to securely display work without having to use harmful tape or glue adhesives. Also the work can be safely removed in the future.
STEP 4:
Take the mat board and mark the center on the displayable surface.
For an 8" x 10" mat board, the center would be 4 inches equidistant from the left and right sides and 5 inches equidistant from the top and bottom.
I use this technique so I can center mount the work properly on top of the mat board. If you rather just eyeball it - then this step is optional.
If for any reason the work needs to be re-centered and re-mounted on the mat board i've found you can still carefully and safely remove the photo-corners from the matboard.
STEP 5:
After you mount the work on top of the mat board it is almost ready to be inserted into the frame.
Before you insert the mat board into the 8" x 10" frame make sure that the glass is smudge and debris free. Clean the glass with a damp cloth and a little Windex and let it dry for a few minutes.
STEP 6 - FINAL STEP:
Insert the mounted work into the frame and hang on the wall. Voila!
There a unlimited ways to display art and 2D work, have fun with it!
With this technique you can mount more than one work and make interesting visual arrangements, like a diptych, triptych or create geometric shapes. Let your imagination run free. Enjoy!
ABOUT PHOTO CORNERS:
These are the photo-corners I use, made by Canson.
I would try to look for them in retail shops where you live first - it's not worth paying the online shipping for such an inexpensive item - Scrapbook - Photography Stores - Arts & Crafts stores and even Office Supply Stores might carry them.
I find photo-corners are a great way to preserve cherished art, memorabilia, and photographs.
I hope that helps. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for visiting!
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About Me in a few words:
Thanks for visiting my blog!
My name is Daniel Montoya and I am a self-represented visual artist and creative graphic designer living and working in Brooklyn, New York.
I offer Oils, Limited Edition Prints & ACEOs, Bookmarks, Pendantas, and artful Gifts on paper as well as Digital Designs for Arts & Crafts.
I love all things creative and blog about works in progress, creative inspirations, instructional techniques and tutorials, and anything related with visual, digital, and handmade art.
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