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How to Mat and Frame a Paper Collage
- 1). Measure the height and width of the paper collage with a ruler. Use the ruler to check the size of the space where you plan to showcase the collage to determine the size of the frame you can use.
- 2). Calculate the dimensions of the mat by measuring the height and width inside the frame with a ruler. Use a pencil to mark cutting guidelines on a piece of mat board, card stock or patterned paper that complements the collage. Cut the mat to size with a paper trimmer or craft knife.
- 3). Create the "window" in the mat to reveal the decorative paper collage by placing the card stock or mat board face down on the work surface and positioning the artwork in the desired spot on top of the mat. Lightly trace the collage with a pencil. Use a paper trimmer or craft knife to cut along the pencil-drawn guidelines.
- 4). Leave the mat "as is" or embellish it to personalize the project. Add your signature in the bottom-right corner, use a dry paintbrush to create an artistic swish of colorful paint across the bottom or use alphabet rubber stamps to add a dedication or caption directly under the collage.
- 5). Affix the paper collage behind the mat with photo tabs sold at scrap booking and craft stores or with snippets of tape.
- 6). Remove the particle board backing from the frame by using a screwdriver to lift or push the metal tabs aside along the frame. Place the matted collage inside the frame, reposition the backing and return the metal tabs to their original positions.
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