DIY Tutorial to frame ACEOs and small works on Paper using Photo Corners

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. 

http://www.danielsmith.com/Item--i-159-130-004

You can also find a whole range of styles and colors on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Self-Adhesive-Photo-Corners-240/dp/B00161O8BO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1254413635&sr=1-1-fkmr1

Canson Website: Here you can find retail shops near you that carry this item.

http://www.canson-us.com/ScrapPhotoRefillsAccessories.asp

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!