Wrapping Paper Photo Frame Mat Project

I was snowed in all day and got my 'DIY' fix by recovering the mats of some photo frames I have been wanting to change.  Instead of buying new mats to make the photo frames more stylish I went to my craft closet, and made one using wrapping paper!  

You can also use fabric or pretty paper like scrapbooking paper for this project!

Here's how to do this DIY project:

Supplies you need:

1. Frame with mat

2. Dorm Tape (I love this stuff because it sticks to so much and peels off easily) BUT you can use scotch tape instead.

3. Wrapping paper

4. Scissors

STEP 1

- Roll out your wrapping paper and place the mat on it face down. 

STEP 2

- Cut around the mat to make it easier to work with.

STEP 3

- Fold in each of the long sides and tape them down using the Dorm Tape or Scotch Tape.  No need to fold in the shorter sides.  I just taped them down like this photo.

STEP 4

- Draw an X from corner to corner inside the mat using a pencil and a ruler.

STEP 5

- Using your scissor, make a hole in the center of the X then follow the pencil marks corner to corner to corner.

STEP 6

- Fold back the pieces you just cut up, cutting off the excess that reaches past the mat.  

-Tape them down like photo below.

STEP 7

- Cut off short ends that you taped down in STEP 3.  You won't see the outer mat edge cuts when you place them back in the frame.

DONE! Place back in the frame!

This photo is now as delicious as the sweet snack this blue eyed baby is eating!

Here are the two other DIY frame mats I worked on today!  Want to get instructions on how easy it was to do these also?  

CLICK HERE to see how to make the Zig Zag Burlap Ribbon Mat

CLICK HERE to see how to make the Moss Mat Frame

Change The Mat Of A Photo Frame Instantly With Wide Ribbon

This is a great DIY project to do when the snow is piled high outside.  

In Pennsylvania we were snowed in yesterday so I got busy re matting some photo frames I have.   Here is what I made:

Using craft supplies I have in the house, I re-covered a plain white frame mat using wide burlap ribbon, another using gift wrap paper, and the last one, I used moss (the glass to that frame broke and had been sitting in my closet for a long time)!  These are quick projects that will give your photos pizazz! 

Make This Ribbon Covered Frame Mat

Time to roll out the ribbon (he he he!)

An ordinary white mat becomes a zig zag sensation when you cover it with this fun chevron burlap ribbon!  

Don't have this ribbon?  NO PROBLEM! Substitute the ribbon in the instructions below with any fabric or beautiful paper!

See how to make this below:

Supplies you will need:

1. 5x7 frame

2. Mat used in a 5x7 frame to hold a 4x6 photo

3. Wide burlap ribbon (I bought this ribbon at Hobby Lobby)

*You can substitute another fabric, or scrapbook paper too!

4. All purpose adhesive spray (I love Scotch Super 77)

5. Scissors

Choose a ribbon that is as wide as your mat or wider like photo above.  

*You can use a different material instead of this burlap ribbon, like a piece of fabric, or patterned paper.  The adhesive spray I listed above will work with most materials!

STEP 1

-Cut excess fabric so it is easier to work with.

STEP 2

-With the mat front side up, spray the adhesive onto it 

*adhesive gets very tacky fast so spray it on a surface that you can easily clean up.

STEP 3

-Place the sprayed side onto the fabric and press down using your fingers.

 STEP 4

-Your mat should be stuck to the fabric like this photo below.

STEP 5

-Using your scissors, cut a hole in the center of the fabric and then cut corner to corner, creating an 'X'. 

STEP 6

-Pull back each triangle and cut off the excess fabric that reaches past the mat.  

STEP 7

-Spray the pieces to the mat with the all purpose adhesive glue.  Press down to make sure they stick.

STEP 8

- Cut off the excess fabric around the mat.  Don't worry if the fabric has frayed edges because you won't see them! 

Here is what the mat looks like.  Now pop it back in the frame!

Add your photo and ta da!!!!! So cute!

This is a photo of my Dad in 1964 competing at the Olympic Tryouts (he is a weight lifter).

Here are the two other DIY frame mats I worked on today!  Want to get instructions on how easy it was to do these also?  

CLICK HERE to see how to make the Moss Mat Frame

CLICK HERE to see how to make the Wrapping Paper Mat