Matting for pictures

[Muushka]

Just wondering if any of you scrapbook type people ever cut your own mats for pictures?

If so, can you give me an idea of what is needed to do this, how much $$, is it very difficult, and lastly, is it worth the trouble?

Also, I have seen matts that have the carved edges that I would also be interested in doing, if anyone has done this also.

I appreciate any light that you could shed, thanks!

PS I tried (without success) to do a search on this

 

[yummy72]

We had a mat board cutter when I was in college to mat your assignments before we turned them in (art major) They are pretty simple to use, similar to some of the scrapbooking type paper cutters only durable enough to cut through mat board and also it gives you that nice beveled edge. I did a yahoo search for "mat board cutter" and got several hits. This link is the one that I knew how to use in college.

http://www.artcafe.net/artcenter/studio/mat1.htm

Pricewise I don't know...I remember my mother in law wanting to buy one and split the cost with her sister so I was thinking at least $300+ but that has been a while ago.

You might ask at your local framing shop for more information!

If you are just wanting to cut "mats" for your pictures out of paper or cardstock then there are many scrapbooking tools including paper trimmers, decorative scissors, punchs etc...to help you do this.

HTH!
Candi

 

[DVCajun]

My dad just ordered this one:

http://www.logangraphic.com/products/boardmounted/simplexplus.shtml

We're about to get into this matting thing big time. This cutter is supposed to be pretty top of the line, and I don't think it cost anywhere near $300. More like $125 or so.

 

[Muushka]

Thank you, you guys, for you help and information.

I have my homework 'cut out' for me

 

[janette]

DVCajun - Did your Dad try different kinds? Do you know why he picked that one? I have several pictures I want to mat and having them done is so expensive. I'm wondering whether one of these would be worth it.

 

[DVCajun]

He hasn't actually tried any, but he did a lot of research before deciding on this one. There were a couple of main reasons he chose it. First of all, it can cut a mat up to 40". That's pretty big. Secondly, it has a better cutting guide or something, so your cuts will come out straight. Apparently the ones that were available at AC Moore and Michaels were lower on the food chain and didn't give you consistent results.

Sorry-- that's about all I know right now. I can't wait to try it out. You're right-- getting things framed is expensive!!!! Even with that 50% off coupon!

 

[janette]

DVCajun - I was wondering if you'd had a chance to try out the mat cutter. I got a smaller Logan one at Michaels this week with the 40% coupon. I'm hoping it works well.

 

[DVCajun]

I'm sorry, I still haven't tried it. My dad is working a lot in the yard right now and says that's a "winter project." I don't know why he got it when he did!! I have a stack of stuff ready to frame now.

Good luck with your new cutter-- let us know how it works.

I'm also curious about how much supplies cost. I know a huge mat sheet costs about $5, so that's minimal, but I don't know how much frames cost, or glass. If anyone knows, clue us in please.