mats..reasonable source for large sizes?

[jann1033]

after reading the frame thread..how about for mats...i am getting a mat cutter soom as i can but for now i am looking for one for a 16x20 photo and can't find one...tried cutting one with just a straight edge..uhuh

i got a price of over 20 for one from joanns...( and the board costs extra )... at least the photo was free from shutterfly

 

[Furgus]

Jann,
Try here Matshop

If you can pick up a cutter as soon as you can. 30X40 sheets are like 5 bucks uncut and it is so easy to make your own. I wold check the Sunday paper this week, Michaels or AC Moore might have one of their 50% off coupons this week. That is how I got mine.

 

[handicap18]

I got a pretty good cutter at A.C. Moore about a month ago using their 50% off coupon. I also found that they sell the mat boards so you can cut your own. I got one (though I haven't cut it yet) for I think $5. I believe its size is 36" x 54" because in one of the books they have it shows that I can get 6 12" x 18" mat's with only a tiny bit left over (in a chapter about maximizing the cutting board to get the most amount of mats possible out of it). With that the price of each mat comes to less than $1 (not including the cost of the cutter). To buy a mat that size (12"x18") at Michaels, I was quoted a price of $15. OUCH! Michael's doesn't sell the big mat boards so you can cut your own, I also haven't seen them at JoAnn's Fabric's either, only A.C. Moore.

 

[jann1033]

thanks
the largest they have is for a 11x14 opening but i emailed and asked how much the next size up would be..their prices are good and i hadn't thought about the coupons( which i always forget to use)

 

[jann1033]

our michael's has a plain 16x20 mat for around 8...which i bought and after unwrapping realized the photo is 16x 20 so the mat was to small..guess i have one all ready for a 11x14 i can get but not any bigger..an art store husband goes to has the board for around 5 but i don't think we have a c moores around here, just joann( always expensive unless you have a coupon or they have a good sale) and michaels

 

[boBQuincy]

Jerry's ArtaRama has good mats at good prices, I'm not sure how the shipping will be though.

http://www.jerrysartarama.com/

I encourage others to dive in and cut their own mats. That way you get the color, size, and style you want. The Logan line of cutters and guides is easy to use and does a professional job. I have the 301 and it is just great!

Logan also has very nice rulers with guide rails that keep the cutters from going astray.

I buy my plexiglas (never use glass) from Lowes or Home Depot, depending on which Nascar driver I am angry with at the time.