Custom Photo Frame Mat

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Jazz up your picture frame with your own custom photo frame mat made with a cereal box! Or, if your photo does not fit with the frame you already have at home, you can make your own mat to accommodate your photo.

This is an easy and cheap, or even free project with supplies you may already have at home. You can make a lot more photo frame mats to switch out for future use.

Total Time: 15-20 minutes

Yield: 1 photo mat

Supplies:

contact paper
scissors
cereal box
Xacto knife
frame
pen
ruler

Steps:

Find the photo frame you want to make a photo frame mat for. I am using this 8 in x 10 in frame.

Custom Photo Frame Mat - choose the frame size you wish and remove the paper inside

Using an empty cereal box, unravel the edges and lay flat.

Custom Photo Frame Mat - open along glued edges

Trace 8 x 10 paper on cereal box with pen and cut out. Make sure the cardboard fits in your frame, if not - trim until it fits flush.

Custom Photo Frame Mat - trace around insert from frame onto cardboard box

Custom Photo Frame Mat - cut to fit inside the frame

Figure out and measure the size photo mat you need to accommodate your photo. Using an Xacto knife cut your mat out. Tip: I found using my ruler over the line I drew, cutting was much easier and straight!

Custom Photo Frame Mat - use ruler and pen to mark mat dimensions

Custom Photo Frame Mat - cut using Xacto knife

Custom Photo Frame Mat - center of cardboard removed to form mat

Flip your photo frame mat around and decide how you want to decorate your mat. I used a floral contact paper duct tape roll I had left over. Cut out strips to fit your frame and remove backing and attach using a credit card ensure there are no bubbles.

Custom Photo Frame Mat - cut strips of duct tape roll style contact paper to cover mat

Custom Photo Frame Mat - paper laid out next to mat

Custom Photo Frame Mat - start sticking on short sides, smooth with credit card

Optional: Depending on your frame, the cereal cardboard may be too thick. You can peel off a layer of the the cardboard so it will be flush.

Custom Photo Frame Mat - if the cardboard is too thick peel off a layer

Custom Photo Frame Mat - outer layer removed

Your photo frame mat is completed. Ready to frame the photo of your choice.

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