having a mat cut???

[vjmartin]

I hope someone on this budget board might have an answer for me. i feel a little dumb going into a store and having no idea what to ask. last time I went into a craft store and asked a got the brush off, because I just had questions. I purchased 4 x 6's prints of my baby-to save money I thought it might be cheaper than buying the 9 prints called peices of me for almost $200 (that is without a frame) from the photographer--I know I'm being cheap right. anyway here are my questions--have you had a mat cut??? If so what are the ins and outs??? like how many 4 x 6's can I get on a mat. are there different sized mats?? I purchased 12 photos however I am not sure if all would fit on one mat?

Thanks in advance

 

[ajh88]

The last time we had mats cut, they were cut from one very large piece (larger than a posterboard) - depending on the orientation of your pictures, I would think you could fit them all on one. However, then you'll be looking at a much larger frame (which will likely be more expensive).

We like to go to Hobby Lobby for framing - they have a good selection of frames and they frequently have 50% sales on their open stock frames. If it were me, I'd probably split them up into 2 mats - 6 photos in each - but we don't really have a wall space for one gigantic picture. Also, to save money, make sure you get the mats in standard sizes (8x10, 11x14, etc.) - otherwise you'll be looking at custom framing. $$$

It was also more expensive than I thought it should be to have a mat cut- seems like it was around $10-12 for the last one we got and it was small and nothing special. I could be remembering wrong, but it was more than a couple of dollars for sure (for one, you have to buy the mat board to begin with - unless you already have your own, then they charge per hole cut). Although, it still saved us a lot of money over custom framing!

And FWIW, I wouldn't go back to the store that gave you the brush off (unless you have no other choice!). It may work differently in different stores - but hopefully this helps a little!

 

[semo233]

Getting your mat professionally cut is expensive, but worth it in the long run. As an art student in college, I learned to cut my own by hand...one little slip, and you've ruined a large mat though.

See if you can find a large framed picture at a discount store (Target, JCP, even Home Goods). Doesn't matter what the picture is because you want the frame...check the clearance section even. Check your basement also, tag sales, freecycle, etc.
Get the whole mat to fit the frame and have the holes cut for the pictures.
If you can take out the picture, put in your mat and pictures and replace the back, you will probably end up with a bargain.
Good Luck!

 

[PrincessKitty1]

If you're trying to save money, I think you'd be better off buying pre-cut mats. Since 4 by 6 is a standard size, you could buy a couple of collage frames with pre-cut mats, and they could look really nice.

I only have mats custom cut when I have a non-standard size print or artwork, and they are very expensive. A 14 by 20 mat I had custom cut at Michael's a few years ago cost right around $60--I was in shock!

 

[aribelle]

If you have a Michael's craft store near you they typically have 50% off framing (which I believe includes the mat cuts).

I do cut my own mats...its easy....after about the first dozen that you ruin! Seriously, once you get the hang of it, you'll never need a pro again. BUT if you are only going to want this one thing done.....save yourself the headache of the learning curve and pay to have it done. If, however, because you have a new baby you're looking at wanting to do this over and over again, like I did....then check around for a class or at least a book to help you learn. Then buy the right cutting tools and some cheap mats and work on it for a while.

Places to look for classes: I got lucky and a friend put me in touch with the local high school art teacher who was willing to teach me (he offered for free but in the end I decided it was well worth the $100 restaurant card I gave him to take his wife out....we talked a lot during those lessons so I knew what they liked to do!). That was many years ago and since then I've seen classes offered in various college "community classes", the town's recreation department, even the local art school. Contact those places and if they don't already have a class ask if they could create one. If you're part of a mom's group, see if the others mom's might be interested in having an art student come to a meeting and teach you all. My daughter just suggested getting a part time job at Michael's and learn with their stuff, lol.

Check to see if your library has books on it if you're the type that can learn from a book, some need hands on.

If you don't really want to go through the whole learning process, maybe still contact the art school to see if there are any students looking for some side work....but I'd ask to see some of their cuts first as they may still be learning too!

 

[Adi12982]

If you have an AC Moore near you- they do custom framing (mats and frames) and they ALWAYS have 50% off coupons n the weekly ad's as well as printable ones from their website. HTH

 

[DisBride2007]

If you're trying to save money, I think you'd be better off buying pre-cut mats. Since 4 by 6 is a standard size, you could buy a couple of collage frames with pre-cut mats, and they could look really nice.

I second this idea. 4x6 collage mats are pretty easy to come by, and you can get them with the frame for reasonable prices. I wanted to frame my wedding invitation and was looking for a mat with four 5x7 openings. Finally found just what I was looking for - with a great silver frame - at Target for $30. Much, much less than it would have cost to get it custom matted. I also love Homegoods for frames - and after I bought the Target frame I found one at Homegoods that also would have worked for $25.

 

[vjmartin]

Wow!! thanks for all the great replies. i know an art teacher actually a long time family friend. i think i will give her a call to get some instruction on learning how to cut the mat myself-would be nice to know how to cut exactly what i want. because i cannot seem to find exactly what i want. in the meantime i will definitely look for the size frame i want especially in the sale bin. splitting the group up is also a great idea-we actually have a lot of free space-new house and afraid to put a nail in the wall.
thanks again for all the wonderful replies!!!!!!

 

[disneymarie]

I have framed my photos both ways. Mainly buy the fram and mat board and insert the picture, for an 8X 10....But for a collage, I found at Walmart they had great pre arranged formatts and you just insert your pictures.

Many stores carry discontinued frames for a lot less. There werre some for under $12 at Walmart last week. I did three horizontal 4 X 6 Butterfly potos in a floating frame, clear glass and blck trim. WOW was it great. I also had found an 11 X 14 tat was $4 glass see trough that I put 8 X 10 picture in and it was great.

Then from Animal Kingdom, the tree of life, with a water area and dove flying in the front, I blew up to 12 X 16 poster size at SAMs Club for $6.90. It turned out beautiful. I much prefer and find less expensive and less then an hour the Sams over Walmart.

I love digital frames too. I have my favorites on a seperate SD disk and have the frame on to enjoy the many vacation and family photos at a touch.
Dianne