I’m going to show you a little hack: here’s how to use scrapbook paper to create a picture “mat” in a floating frame.
When I bought the Ikea frames for the enamel paintings I bought in Hungary, I also looked around for a frame for the quirky print I bought in Budapest. Unfortunately, the print is not exactly a standard size. But elsewhere I found a pretty white floating frame that fit the bill (and was half off). But white print + white frame, against our white walls . . . I worried the print might disappear. As I meandered my way to the till, I spotted the scrapbook section. Can we just take a moment to acknowledge the mind-blowing variety of scrapbook paper? I was seriously overwhelmed, but I found two sheets I liked – a rich teal and a softer turquoise, both with the same embossed polka dot pattern. I asked Hubby which he liked better (the teal). I cut each to size and affixed the color that got Hubby’s vote behind the print with double sided tape – instant “mat”! The other colour was placed facing outward on the reverse. It’s easy to swap the colours when Hubby’s not looking (and fun to see how long it takes for him to realize), but the back also looks more finished, which I like.
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| The back is pretty, too! (The teal and turquoise look less similar in real life). |
If you’re curious, the print is by Tascali David. “Lesz” is a Hungarian word that sounds like “less” and the saying means, roughly, “it will be how it will be,” a spin on “it is what it is” – which is an expression Hubby loathes, so this print cracks me up. I set the framed print on the mantle along with the little oil painting Mom bought me.
I’m definitely hooked on floating frames (for everything from antique postcards to pretty notecards I’m sent), and now I’ve added scrapbook paper to the mix. Coupled with Tuesday’s painted background trick, I’m out of ideas for replacing custom mats. For now…
What are your nifty tricks for framing awkward things?
Looks good. I too am a cheapskate when it comes to matting. Usually I just flip the insert that came with the frame over (showing the white side) and put the art on it. Yep, my dirty little secret. I think a thick fabric (burlap? velvet?) with a hole in it would make a cool matte to go in front of art.
Great trick!! I love both your ideas.
Hi! Can I ask that where is from the big text above your fireplace??
Thanks for the comment. I actually made the text from an old bathroom mirror. I antiqued it, stenciled the poem and then my Hubby built a frame for it. I have a tutorial right here: http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.ca/2012/06/poem-stenciled-on-to-antiqued-mirror.html
Megnéztem a linket amit megadtál és találtam egy magyar kommentet. Igazából arra voltam kíváncsi, hogy maga a vers honnan van. Amúgy nagyon jól néz ki! 🙂
Petöfi, ez a cime is. "Fa leszek" Eneklik is, nepszeru mudal volt valamikor.Anita
Köszönöm Anita. A Petöfi neve és a fordítás a linkbe vannak, de azt hiszem, elfelejtettem írni a vers címet.
I LOVE using scrapbook paper for mats. They make really cute little impromptu envelopes too. Every time I'm at the craft store and see sheets on sale, I buy a bunch.