When I visit my friends’ homes for the first time, I always like to peep around (non-creepy peeping) and look at all their photographs, collections, and any special albums they may have. I LOVE IT. What’s weird is that on the flip-side, I do feel sort of self-conscious displaying photos of us in our home. I don’t know—it feels sorta weird.
But after doing this project, I think I will definitely have more confidence displaying our family photos for the future because it totally changed our space! I instantly loved our entryway 10x more than I had in the past. It just feels more welcoming!
Whether you are displaying photos of your family, or other special photos, this tutorial will help you make a plain black and white photo instantly more interesting, inviting and vibe-y.
Today I’m here working with our longtime supporters Canon USA to share a simple method for cutting custom printed photo mats!
Supplies Needed:
-mat board
-patterned paper to cover mat with
(I used two gift wraps and painted a large piece of art paper with watercolor paint for the third one.)
-spray adhesive or rubber cement
-X-Acto knife
-metal ruler
-cutting mat
–Canon PIXMA iP8720 Crafting Printer
First, print out your photos. B&W photos were pretty important for me on this project since I chose colorful mats. I didn’t want it to look too busy. In addition to wanting the large 13×19 printouts, I used the PIXMA iP8720 here because of how well it captures contrast in the prints. It looks SO good! Dull B&Ws can be a real bummer.
Use your X-Acto knife and metal ruler to cut out your mat the size of your frame. Decide how wide you want your mat to be (I chose 3″ for my mat) and measure that distance in from the edge of each side to create a smaller rectangle within your mat. Depending on how big your photos and frames are, you can adjust the mat width to whatever looks best. Cut out your smaller inner rectangle.
Spray the back of your patterned paper and the front of your mat with the spray adhesive, and carefully place one side on top of the other to adhere. Smooth out any bubbles.
Use the X-Acto knife and ruler again to cut away the excess paper from the mat. Then tape your photo in place behind the mat. Place the mat and photo into the frame, and you’re ready to hang!
The cozy factor just skyrocketed in here! I really like how the textures mix and the colors work well with plants. My only regret is that I didn’t do this two years ago! Thanks so much for reading. xo! Elsie
Credits// Author: Elsie Larson, Project Assistant and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess Actions.
Gorgeous idea, easy like poster printing but so much more elegant! Thank you for sharing! Would make great photo gifts, also 🙂
I took an art class in college where we had to make our own mattes. Mine was more decorative and the instructor said that if your matte is decorative (rather than a solid color), it detracts from the central image. I feel like your project does the same. All I notice is the mattes, that’s probably why you feel more comfortable displaying the photo’s this way.
Love these DIY wall print ideas!
For this & your other wall print post (the cluster of prints above the fireplace), what kind of paper do use for the prints? Is it photo paper or regular/card stock? Thanks! Can’t wait to try these out. 🙂
Hi Shelly! Elsie uses hers several times a week and the ink cartridges typically have to replaced once every month or so. They last a while! 🙂 -Jacki
I love this idea! It would be fun to use the wrapping paper from the Target dollar section. 🙂
I am seriously considering buying the PIXMA iP8720. How long does the ink last for? Were you able to print all these photos and still have plenty of ink left?
Me, too! Do you have any recommendations for places to find a cool variety of affordable frames? Thank you!
Hi Jess,
It’s from West Elm.
xx- Elsie
It’s from West Elm! 🙂
(they still carry it)
xx- Elsie
I had some paintings in this spot before!
xxoo- Elsie
Your house is like a gorgeous just-in gallery! I love all your posts.
My Morning Routine 2015 | Spring 2015
Very wonderful idea for my living room!!! Definitely shared
on my fb fan page!!
I invite you to visit my etsy shop at :
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MALUARTPERU
Blesses!!!!
Ok, this gives me the confidence to try with my pics. I’m hesitant, too, to hang pics in my house, but I love when I see my friends decorating their walls with beautiful collages. I like that this project won’t cost me a fortune, either!
Wow, those frames are lovely! What a great idea.
Sweet Like Cinnamon | www.sweetlc.blogspot.ie
I use scrapbook paper when making mats for my smaller photos, and have had some wonderful results! It is especially great for the old family photos, as a genealogist I can get really creative with the older photos that I have collected, and it adds an extra dimension to the story the photo is telling. Great project!
I wanna know too!
Simple and beautiful, like the trio of pictures on the wall and thanks for the tutorial
I love this! Especially how you paired it with black & white photos so the colors aren’t overwhelming.
This is such a great idea! It gives such a great dimension between the picture and the frame!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Super cute, Elsie! Love this.
Carrie
www.wearwherewell.com