Basic Guide to Mat Decoration

64

Transcript of Basic Guide to Mat Decoration

Page 1: Basic Guide to Mat Decoration
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MAT DECORATION

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The Basic Guide to Mat Decorationby Vivian Kistler, CPF, GCF

© 2006, 2001 Logan Graphic Products, Inc.,Wauconda, IllinoisAll rights reservedFirst Edition in 8.5x11 formatPrinted in the United States of AmericaColumba Publishing Company, Akron, Ohio

10 9 8 7 6 5

ISBN 0-938655-72-8

Translation or reproduction of any part of thiswork, beyond that permitted by the InternationalCopyright Act, without the permission of thecopyright owner, is unlawful. Please requestpermission or further information from thePermissions Department, Columba Publishing Co.Inc. 154 Pembroke Rd, Akron OH, 44333 USATelephone: 1.330.836.2619Fax: 1.330.836.9659www.columbapublishing.com

The information and suggestions in this book areoffered in good faith, but without guarantee, sincethe techniques of individuals are beyond ourcontrol. We recommend the user determine, forher/his own purposes, the suitability of allmaterials and suggestions mentioned. LoganGraphic Products, Columba Publishing andVivian Kistler, both individually and combined,disclaim all responsibility for loss or damageresulting from the use of the information furnishedherein.

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C O N T E N T S

Mat Decoration 5

Basic Principals ofDesigning Mats 6

The Basic MatsThe Single Mat 8The Double Mat 10

Making a Guide forDecorative Borders 12

Tips and Techniques 14

DECORATIVE SURFACE CUTSMatboards 15Tools for Surface Cuts 16Hand Knife Technique& Design Ideas 17

Cutting V-GroovesUsing a Simplex V-Groover 18Offset Corner 20Inside Angle 21Connecting Angle 23

Cut-away Designs 25Designs for Cut-aways 27

Linear Cut Designs 29

DESIGN ELEMENTSDecorating Bevels 30Painted/Colored Bevels 30Paper Fillets 33

Rub-on Designs & Monograms 34

Stencil Decoration 37Designs for Stencils 38

Ink Lines 39Ruling Pens 39Ruling Pen Technique 40Mat Decoration 41Correcting Overruns 43

Color Panels 44Using Watercolors 44Using Chalk Pastels 47

Decorating with Rubber Stamps 51

Decorative Items 52

Woven Ribbon Mat 53

Threaded Borders Mat 55

Quick Shadow Box 56

Memory Book 57

Fabric-Covered MatsWet Mounting Method 59Cold Mounting Method 60Wrapping a Bevel onFabric-Covered Boards 62

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Guide to the Mats on theFront and Back Covers

Directions for the mats pictured on the front andback covers are to be found in this book. Use theguide below to find your favorite style.

A. Woven Ribbon Mat, pg. 53B. Double Mat, pg. 10C. Painted Bevel, pg. 30D. Inside Angle V-Groove, pg. 21E. Rub-Ons, pg. 34-36F. Fabric-Covered Mat, pg. 59-62

G. Stenciled Mat, Pg. 37H. Ink Lines, pg. 41I. Color panel, pg. 44J. V-Groove, pg. 18K. Memory Book, pg. 57

Art shown on hte cover• Reproductions used in matting B, C, D, H, J arecourtesy of Wild Apple Graphics, Woodstock, Vermont.

• A, E, F, G, I, K are from the private collection of theauthor.

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MAT DECORATION

Mat Decoration 5

Mats may be used on any art on paper, fabric artor needlework. Mat cuts and decorative techniquescan enhance the display of all sorts of artwork,such as family documents, photographs, andanything from paintings to needlework.

This book contains a wide variety of techniquesusing inks, watercolors, acrylic paints, pastels,tapes, rub-on designs, art papers, ribbons, andrubber stamps to decorate matboards. There arealso several mat cuts shown in this book which maybe used to embellish the mats.

Mats may be purchased in standard sizes in a widevariety of openings and colors. Or they can be cutusing any of the mat cutters detailed on the lasttwo pages of this book.

Designs can be subtle and unobtrusive, or verydecorative works of art in themselves.

Use the guide on the facing page to locate matspictured on the front and back covers.

Follow the directions on pages 12 and 13 to make ahandy guide for placement of lines on decorativeborders.

For Basic Mat Cutting information:A companion book: The Complete Guide to BasicMat Cutting contains information on color selection,proportion, standard sizes, measuring for mats,cutting singles, doubles, inlays and offsets. Alsoincluded are several oval and circle cuts as well asmultiple opening mats.

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6 Mat Decoration

THE BASIC PRINCIPLES

SIZEThe border should be even on all four sides,unless a weighted bottom is being used, inwhich case the bottom of the mat is slightlylarger than the borders of the sides and top.

Do not be afraid to use a wide mat. Thepurpose of the mat is presentation. It canprovide the decorative element to coordinatethe art with the environment and it canprovide important breathing space betweenthe art and the wall.

For example, wallcovering can interfere withthe enjoyment of art because the patterndistracts one’s focus from the artwork. Awell proportioned mat will provide the spacerequired to enjoy the artwork.

DECORATIONDecorative elements should generally staywithin the first third of the mat width fromthe opening. This provides a comfortabletransition from the frame to the mat to theart.

COLORColor selection can be based solely on theartwork itself. When looking at the piece,determine which colors represent the largestportion of space and which the least. If usedin the same proportions for the mat andframe, a harmony will result. If you use itin opposite amounts, a contrast will becreated drawing attention to the entirepresentation.

DESIGNThe design can be inspired by the characterof the artwork itself or the period design ofthe room where it will be displayed. Bookson interior design will explain the colorsused to depict many period designs.

The top and sides are thesame width while the bottom

is slightly larger.

Keep decorative elementswithin the first third of the

border.

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OF DESIGNING MATS

Mat Decoration 7

Multiple mats require special considerationwith regard to shape and proportion, toavoid a distracting over-striped effect.

When making triple mats, the size of the twoliner mats should not be identical.Example:Top mat is 2-3/4"Middle mat is 3/4''Liner mat is 1/4''

orTop mat is 2-3/4"Middle mat is 1/4"Liner mat is 3/4"

Whenever possible, do not duplicate thewidth of a mat, liner, fillet, or frame. Thedesign may look alright, but with betterproportions, it could look fantastic.

When placing objects or multiple openingsin a mat, gather the elements toward thecenter while leaving a border around theoutside edge to balance the pieces. Theoutside border should be significantly largerthan the inner widths.

Decoration can be concentrated at thebottom, center or top. Plan to divide theavailable space in approximately thirds; useone third or two thirds for decorationallowing the last third to balance the design.

Oval and circle mat openings look better ifthey are placed in square or rectangularframes rather than ovals or circles.

When designing double ortriple mats, use differentwidths to create balance.

A pleasing balance is createdwhen an oval is used within a

rectangle.

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THE SINGLE MAT

8 Mat Decoration

These directions are for use with a LoganCompact mat cutter to make an:11 x 14" mat5 x 8" openingwith a 3" border on all sides.

1. Slide a slip sheet onto the base of thecutter. Slip sheets are made fromscraps of matboard approximately 6"wide by 20" to 30". A much neatercut will be achieved by using a slipsheet.

2. Set the side mat guide at 3".To set the mat guide: loosenthe black knobs, pressdown on them until theyclick, then slide theguide into position,and tighten theknobs.

3. Take thetrimmed11 x 14" atboard andslide itface downunder theguide railand faceagainst theside matguide.

4. Using apencil, drawa line againstthe rail ontothematboard.Repeat thison the other three sides. The lines must be longenough to intersect.

Matguide

Guide rail

Cuttingboard

Bevel cutterhead

SilverMarking

Compact Mat Cutter

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Mat Decoration 9

5. Set the bevel cutter at the bottomintersection where the pencil markintersects the rail edge. Line up the silvermarking on the side of the cutter with thepencil line.

6. Hold the cutting head still with the lefthand while pushing the blade intothe board.

7. Push the bevel cutter forward andstop on the pencil markintersection at the top of themat.

8. Repeat this procedureon the remaining threesides.

*When using the LoganSimplex mat cutter,pictured at right, alignmatboard flush withthe mat guide andsquaring arm, insertblade at top marks onmat, and pull thecutting head towardsthe squaring armuntil touching thestop.

Mat guide

Guide rail

Squaring arm

Bevelcutterhead

Guiderailstop

Silvermarking

Cuttingboard

Simplex Mat Cutter

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THE DOUBLE MAT

10 Mat Decoration

This method of cutting double mats willresult in a perfect border every time.

1. Trim a Gray 1l x 14" top mat.Trim a White 10-3/4 x 13-3/4" liner.

The purpose of cutting the linermatboard smaller is to keep its edgesfrom interfering with the measurementson the first set of cuts.

2. Set a slip sheet in the cutter. Put Grayboard into cutter face down and cut a2-3/4" border; save the fallout.

3. Apply four strips of double-sided tape onthe face of the White board and attachit to the back side of the Gray board.

4. Take the Gray fallout and tape it backinto place with a 1" strip of double-sidedtape to make it easier to cut the nextopening.

1

2

3

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5. Set mat guides at 3".

6. Insert the two taped-together matsface down with the fallout in place, thencut the 3" border on all four sides.

NOTE: Remove the tape from the sides andbottom. The tape may be left in place on smallmats but when mats are larger than 11 x 14",the tape may cause buckling over time.It is best to use tape on the top side of the

mats only to allow the boards to expand andcontract with changes in humidity.

The inner mat will be perfectly parallel to theouter mat if you use this technique.

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MAKING A GUIDE FOR

This guide can be made from matboard andis handy when laying out decorative matsrequiring parallel lines.

By using this type of ruler you will only haveto mark off the four corners rather thandraw full lines that will later have to beerased.

1. Using a mat cutter, paper cutter, or a T-square and utility knife, cut the triangleand the rectangle pictured on the right.Accuracy counts. Make them straight.

2. Glue the two pieces together with whiteglue. Make sure the triangle is accuratelypositioned on one of the short ends. Lineup the long side of the triangle with ashort end of the rectangle.

4"

2"

2"

8"

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Mat Decoration 13

3. Choose one of the rulers on this pageand transfer the measurements to theguide or make a photocopy and cut andpaste it in place. White glue or double-stick tape will attach the guide.

DECORATIVE BORDERS

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TIPS ANDTECHNIQUES

14 Mat Decoration

• Consider style, size, color andproportion when designing matdecoration. Plan the design, thenmark placement of design elementson the mat. Use a hard lead pencilwith a light touch to create thin,light lines and dots that will beeasy to erase.

• “Clean up” rough bevels withvery fine sandpaper or neutralcolored emery boards. Using sharpblades and slip sheets will helpprevent rough cuts.

• Small scratches, scuffs orindentations in the mat can becorrected by gently moistening thearea with a clean, slightly damppaintbrush, sponge, or cotton swab.Test first in an inconspicuous areato make sure that dampness willnot cause waterspotting.

• Many marks and surface spotscan be removed or at leastminimized by gently scraping witha razor blade. Careful not to presstoo hard or dig the point in toodeep, or the mat’s surface paperwill be scratched.

• A loop of removable tape, woundaround a finger with the adhesiveside facing out, can be gently tappedor very gently pressed againstsurface imperfections to lessen orremove them.

• Erasers can be very useful forcleaning up many types of marks onmatboards. Different types oferasers behave very differently.Have several kinds on hand and testin inconspicuous parts of the mat tosee which will be most effective.Artgum® and white plastic erasersare very versatile.

• Do not try to erase grease marksfrom matboard; the eraser onlypushes the grease deeper into theboard. Try sprinkling a teaspoon ofcornstarch on the spot. Allow thestarch to absorb the grease, thenbrush it away. If that fails, try acommercial spot remover, followingthe instructions on the productlabel. Test product on scrap boardfirst.

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MATBOARD S

Mat Decoration 15

Matboards are made especially for use inpicture framing. The center core of the board isspecifically made to be white, or in some casesblack or a few other colors.

The surface paper is a thick covering of artpaper. Fade and bleed resistant, unlike othertypes of craft paper and boards, matboardsurface papers are made to last significantlylonger than poster boards and wrappingpapers.

Cuts can be made into the surface fordecorative accents. The cuts can be made withseveral tools and the designs can be very subtleor quite elaborate. They also can be combinedwith other types of decoration.

V-grooves are classic designs used byprofessional framers. They can be done with aV-groover tool or with the straight-line matcutter.

Accent cuts, called cut-aways, can be done witha pencil-style knife or with a hand-held cutter.

Tools are shown on the following page.

surface paper

core made from layers of paper

backing paper or lining paper

bevel

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TOOLSFOR SURFACE CUTS

16 Mat Decoration

Rulers—A cork-backed ruler is great format decoration because it stays in placewithout sliding and is easy to clean. Also,the cork layer raises the straightedge of theruler slightly above the working surface,allowing the pen, brush, etc., to make clean,consistent lines on the surface.

Hobby Knife— There are several differentstyle knives to choose from.The pencil-stylehandle is best for decorative mat cutting. Itis comfortable to hold and easy tomaneuver. The narrow, fine point bladesallow precision.

Blades—Sharp blades are an important partof successful mat cutting. Don’t try toeconomize by using blades that have losttheir edge. Some types of boards dull bladesquickly and require even more frequentchanges.

Hand-held cutter—Several hand-held modelsare available. Along with a ruler and T-square, these cutters can be used to trimboards square and to cut mats with bevelededges. They can also be used to make V-grooves and other decorative cuts.

V-Groover—This is an add-on attachmentfor mat cutters that allows easy cutting ofconsistent V-grooves.

#703

V-Groover

#1000

Hand-held Cutter

Ruler

Hobby Knife

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Practice using the small hand-held knife onthe matboard surface. Cutting the surfacepapers can be done with one slice, but it maytake 2 or 3 slices before cutting completelythrough the matboard.

Change the blades often for sharp, cleancuts.

The angle at which the knife is held isimportant, as well as the amount ofpressure.

Practice will help release the tension fromyour hand. Smooth cutting will come withpractice and sharp blades.

Stabilize the thin blade by pressing a fingeragainst one side of the blade.

HAND KNIFE TECHNIQUE

Hand-held knives can beused in either the left or

right hand.

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CUTTING A V-GROOVEUSING THE SIMPLEX V-GROOVER

18 Mat Decoration

1. Set squaring arm stop at 2".

2. Place spacer bars flat against thesquaring arm. If spacer bars are notbeing used, set the stop 1/2" less thanthe desired V-groove measurement.

3. Set the guide rail stop at 2".

4. Place matboard in cutter face up.

5. Place V-groove stop onto guide railand lock into place. Make sure thefoot of the stop rests against the topedge of the matboard. Set scale at 2".

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6. Place the thumb of right hand on theV-groove label and place the index andmiddle fingers on the front of the base.

7. Use left hand to push on the left leverhandle (note arrow direction on lever),hold down and push the cutting head fromthe bottom to the top (the V-groove stop).

8. Use left hand to push on the right leverhandle (note arrow direction on lever),hold down and pull the cutting head fromthe top to the bottom.

9. Reposition the matboard and cut theremaining three sides.

If corners are still slightly connected after allfour sides have been cut, use a razor blade tocarefully finish the separation.

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OFFSET CORNERV-GROOVE

USING A LOGAN V-GROOVER

20 Mat Decoration

1. Set both the top and bottom stop at 2".

2. Set the mat guide to 1-1/2". If you areusing model #703, remember to accountfor the 1/2" offset by using the spacerbars or adjusting the mat guide to 1".

3. Place the V-groove cutting head on therail as usual and cut all four sides. Noneof the V-groove strips will fall out atthis time. This is intentional.

4. Set both the top and bottom guide railstops to 1-1/2".

5. Set the mat guide to 2". Once again, ifyou are using model #703, remember toaccount for the 1/2" offset by using thespacer bars or adjusting the mat guide to1-1/2".

6. Place the V-groove cutting head on therail as usual and cut all four sides. Thistime the corners will all meet and thestrips can be removed from the board.

7. Set both top and bottom stops and themat guide at 1-3/4". If you are usingmodel #703, remember to account for the1/2" offset by using the spacer bars oradjusting the mat guide to 1-1/4".

8. Place the V-Groover cutting head on therail as usual and cut all four sides. Thisstep cuts a V-groove in between the offsetgrooves cut already, creating a moredramatic look.

9. The mat is now ready for a beveledwindow (see pages 8&9).

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Mat Decoration 21

INSIDE ANGLEV-GROOVE

USING A LOGAN V-GROOVER

1. Set both the top stop, bottom stop and matguide at 2". If you are using model #703,remember to account for the 1/2" offset byusing the spacer bars or adjusting the matguide to 1-1/2".

2. Cut a complete V-groove.

3. Using a ruler, measure 2" from each 90°corner and make light marks with apencil on the outside of the cut V-grooves.Do this on each of the four corners.

4. Place the mat into the machine at an anglealong the guide rail.

5. Space the two pencil marks 1/2" from theedge of the guide rail. If using the #703Simplex V-Groover, use one of the spacerbars provided to line up the pencil marks.Remember that all Logan V-Groovers cut1/2" away from the guide rail.

Note: If using the #705 or #706 V-Groover, the1/2" offset must be compensated for on theleft side of the guide rail.

2"2"

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22 Mat Decoration

6. Place the V-groove cutting head on therail over the V-groove nearest you.

7. Looking down between the bladeholders, press the left blade holderdown so that the top is in the center ofthe cut V-groove.

8. Slide the V-groove cutting head awayuntil it bumps into the other cut V-groove.

9. Lift the blade lever and insert the rightblade lever.

10. Slide the V-Groover cutting head backuntil it bumps into the first V-groove.The angle cut strip of matboard shouldnow fall from the board completing onecorner.

11. Repeat steps 6 through 10 to completethe mat.

12. Use a soft eraser to gently remove thelight pencil marks.

GuideRail

1/2"

1/2"

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Mat Decoration 23

CONNECTING ANGLEV-GROOVE

USING A LOGAN V-GROOVER

1. Set the top and bottom stops at 4".

2. Set the mat guide for 2". If you are usingmodel #703, remember to account for the1/2" offset by using the spacer bars oradjusting the mat guide to 1-1/2".

3. Cut all four sides. None of the V-grooveswill meet at the corners and the V-grooves will remain unfinished.

4. Using a pencil, mark the end of the cuton each unfinished V-groove.

5. Place the mat at an angle underneath theguide rail.

6. Space the ends of two unfinished V-grooves1/2" away from the guide rail. If you areusing the #703 Simplex V-Groover, use one ofthe spacer bars provided to line up thepencil marks. Remember that all Logan V-Groovers cut 1/2" away from the guide rail.

Note: If using the #705 or #706 V-Groover, the1/2" offset must be compensated for on theleft side of the guide rail.

pencilmarks

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24 Mat Decoration

7. Place the V-groove cutting head on the railabove the nearest unfinished V-groove.

8. Looking down between the blade holders,insert the left blade down into the smallpencil mark at the end of the unfinished V-groove.

9. Slide the cutting head away and stop whendirectly over the pencil mark on theunfinished V-groove farthest away.

10. Lift the left blade lever and insert theright blade lever.

11. Slide the cutting head back towards thenearest unfinished V-groove and stopdirectly over the pencil mark. This shouldallow the V-groove’s strips to fall from thematboard.

12. Repeat steps 7 through 11 on theremaining three sides.

13. Use a soft eraser to gently remove anypencil marks.

GuideRail

1/2"

1/2"

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CUT-AWAY DESIGNS

Mat Decoration 25

This style of decoration works well on darkor deep color matboards with white cores ora light colored surface with a black orcolored core.

Designs such as:Teddy Bear on dark brownA Sailboat on deep water blueStars on dark blueCountry House on country redSea Shell on pale roseScotty Dog on red surface Black CoreGraduation Cap on white surface Black

Core

Materials:11 x 14" matboard with a 3" borderhobby knife or Logan #1000 hand-heldcutterBurnisherTracing PaperDesign or stencilSoft and hard lead pencilsRemovable tape

1. Place tracing paper over design and trace.

2. Rub back of tracing paper withsoft lead pencil.

3. Transfer design by setting thecoated tracing paper onto thesurface of the mat. Secure with aremovable tape. Then retracedrawing onto matboard withhard lead pencil.

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26 Mat Decoration

4. Using knife or hand-held cutter, cut thesurface paper of the matboard.

5. Carefully peel away cut areas.

6. Burnish the cut-out areas with a roundsmooth object.

7. Color may be added by using acrylicpaints applied with a fine soft brush.

5

6

Cutting a design with the Logan#1000 hand-held cutter.

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DESIGNS FOR CUT-AWAYS

Mat Decoration 27

The designs on these two pages may betraced and transferred to a mat using thedirections on pages 25 and 26.

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28 Mat Decoration

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LINEAR CUT DESIGNS

Mat Decoration 29

Materials:11 x 14" matboardhobby style knifeDesigns to traceRuleTracing PaperSoft and Hard pencils

This method is similar to the Cut-AwayDesign on pages 25 and 26.

1. Trace the chosen design and transfer tothe matboard.

2. Using the pencil style hobby knife and arule as guide, cut into the face of theboard without going all the way through.Hold the knife at a 45° angle to get anopen cut.

3. Turn the board around and slice oppositeof the first cut. Each line of the designwill require two cuts that face each otherto form a handmade V-groove, whichwill expose the center core.

4. Carefully remove the cut-out pieces fromthe design.

1

2

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DECORATED BEVELSPAINTED/COLORED BEVELS

30 Mat Decoration

Method One

Materials:11 x 14" matboardWater-base markersor

Acrylic paints and short bristle brushor

Gold or silver capillary style markers

1. Set 11 x 14" mat with 3" border face upon a scrap of matboard.

2. Hold mat flat with one hand. Placemarker in bevel and pull along the edgetoward bottom.

3. Turn mat and continue until all fouredges are colored, making sure colorreaches all the way into the corners.

2

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Mat Decoration 31

Method Two

Materials:11 x 14" matboardWater-base markersor

Acrylic paints and short bristle brushor

Gold or silver capillary style markersInvisible tape

1. BEFORE cutting the border ofthe matboard, place four stripsof invisible removable tape onthe face of the mat in the samearea where the mat will be cut.The tape should be somewhatcentered over the area where thecut will be made.

2. Place the mat face down and cut a 3"border as usual. The tape will be cut atthe same time. The remaining tape willprotect the mat surface while the bevel isbeing painted.

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32 Mat Decoration

3. Set cut mat onto a scrap board face upand color the bevels with the marker orpaints. Be careful not to push the paintup under the edge of the tape.

Do not use permanent markers becausethey will absorb into the matboard bevelvery quickly and spread onto the face ofthe mat.

4. When the color has dried, gently lift thetape. Although the tape is removable, itmay stick to some surfaces, so pull it upslowly.

3 3Using Markers Using a Paintbrush

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Mat Decoration 33

PAPER FILLET

Materials:11 x 14" matboardDecorative papers such as:Marbled papersThin wallpaperQuality wrapping paperInvisible mending tape

1. Cut a 3" border in the matboard.

2. Cut two 1 x 7" pieces and two 1 x 10"pieces of decorative paper.

3. Fold pieces length-wise.

4. Place mat face down and set foldedpaper along the opening, allowing thepaper to extend 1/4" into the opening.

5. Align and secure papers with apermanent polyvinyl tape or a permanentinvisible tape to the back side of the mat.

6. The overlapped corners will not show ifthe paper is patterned.

3

5

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RUB-ON DESIGNS& MONOGRAMS

34 Mat Decoration

Materials:1/64" or 1/32'' charting tapes (artsupply stores)1 sheet of ¼" rub-on transfer alphabetBurnisherDecorative border guide (see pgs 12,13)or a T-SquarePencilRazor blade or hobby knife

1. Using a pencil and a T-square or thedecorative border guide, mark theposition of the tape on the front of themat.

2. Set tape onto the face of the mat—careful not to stretch it. Pat it down.

3. Allow tape to intersect and overlap atthe corners.

4. Use a razor blade or a hobby knife tomiter the tapes.

5. Lift off loose ends.

6. Use blade point to align corners.

2

4

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Mat Decoration 35

7. To apply the monogram, choose an areaon the mat and cut away a section of thecharting tape.

8. Transfer the letters to the matboard byrubbing on the face of the transfer lettersheet with a burnisher.

Tapes can also be applied to the bevel ofthe mat using 1/8" charting tape from

art supply stores.

8

TK

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36 Mat Decoration

Various rub-on designs are availableto decorate matboards.

RUB-ON DESIGNS

Illustrations and rub-on designs picturedhere are made by Chartpak.

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Mat Decoration 37

STENCIL DECORATION

Add a decorative accent to echo a feature inthe artwork.

Materials:11 x 14" matboard with a 3" borderAcrylic paintsStencil brush or scrap fabricScrap of glass, small plate or bowlMylar®or acetateInvisible tapeHobby knifeDesign

1. Place Mylar over design.

2. Cut out shapes with knife—careful not toovercut.

3. Squeeze acrylic paint onto scrap of glass,or into a small plate or bowl.

4. Dab scrap of fabric or stencil brush intopaint—practice dabbing on a scrapboard.

5. Place stencil over area to be painted.Hold stencil in place with invisible tape.

6. Dab paint on stencil.

7. Lift stencil and let stencil dry.

8. Several colors may be used – simplyblock out area of the stencil withinvisible tape and remove when needed.

2

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38 Mat Decoration

DESIGNS FOR STENCILS

These designs may be traced and used asstencils.

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Mat Decoration 39

INK LINESRULING PENS

Ruling pens are old fashioned graphic artspens. The purpose of using these pens todraw decorative lines is they will hold almostany ink, watercolor or paint. So using thickmetallic paints is also possible using a rulingpen.

The lines may be any size from thick to thinbecause the pen has a screw adjustment onthe side of the barrel.

A ruling pen consists of two blades, a centerscrew and a handle. The center screw can beadjusted to change the width between theblades which in turn determines the width ofthe ink line.

Ruling pens are available in differentqualities. The better the pen, the smoother itwill operate.

FILLING A RULING PENAlways make sure to fill the pen away fromthe mat so that the mat will not be damagedif the ink overflows from the pen whilefilling.

1. Set the blades to the desired width. Thefarther apart the blades, the wider theline.

2. Hold the pen at a slight angle or the inkwill fall out.

3. Using an eyedropper, which may be on theinside of the cap of the ink bottle, or abrush, drop some ink between the blades.

Thicker paints will require a wider bladesetting.

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40 Mat Decoration

Use the pen atan angle —not straightup and down.

RULING PEN TECHNIQUE

• Before filling the ruling pen with ink,draw several imaginary lines on a scrap ofmatboard to get used to holding the penat the proper angle. If the pen has roughspots, carefully use an emery board to“sand” the edge smooth.

• After filling the ruling pen with ink,practice many lines, both thick and thinuntil you feel comfortable with the pen.

• Make sure the pen is working properlyand the line is the proper width.

• If the pen is sitting for a few minutes, theink may dry. Dry ink will not allow thepen to function properly.

Keep both blades on the paper or matboard.They both must touch the board since thewidth of the blades determines the width ofthe line to be drawn.

Do not twist the pen while drawing the line;it will cause a skip in the line.

Make sureboth bladestouch thesurface ofthe mat.

CenterScrew

Handle

Two Blades

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MAT DECORATION WITH INK LINES

Materials:11 x 14" mat with opening cutRuling penPermanent Artist’s inkDecorative border guide (see pgs 12,13)StraightedgePencil

1. Cut a mat with a 3-1/2" border.

2. Using decorative border guide, lightlymeasure off desired lines from the bevel.

3. Line up straightedge with marks.

4. Fill ruling pen with ink and test on apiece of scrap board.

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3

4

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42 Mat Decoration

5. If more than one line is to be drawn,start with the one closest to the matopening so that the next line may bestarted without waiting for theprevious line to dry.

6. Place the ruler where line is to bedrawn.

7. Place the tip of the pen at the exactstarting point and draw the penslowly along the straightedge.

Note:If the line is very long, the pen may runout of ink. Stop before it runs out, refillthe pen, test it on a scrap of board thenset the pen exactly next to the end of thewet line and continue drawing. The two lineswill connect, if they are both wet.

Take care not to move the ruler or the screwon the side of the pen.

7

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CORRECTING OVERRUNS

In case of an ink line overrun:

1. Do not attempt to correct the overrunwhile the ink is wet since this will resultin a permanent smear.

2. Before the ink has time to cure, but afterit is dry (generally a few hours), slicethe ink where the line should have endedusing a sharp razor blade.

3. Stand razor blade perpendicular to matand gently scrape the ink off.

4. Clean the board’s surface with an eraser.

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COLOR PANELSUSING WATERCOLORS

44 Mat Decoration

The traditional method uses a painted washpanel with several inked lines. Usingvarious colors of paint and inks with varyingsizes of panels and lines will renderunlimited decorative embellishment. Theink lines must be permanent while the colorpanel is watercolor.

Materials:Good quality matboardArtist’s transparent watercolorPermanent ink & straight ruler with acork underliningHard pencil & ruling penDecorative border guide (see pgs 12, 13)Soft hair watercolor brushMixing cup

1. Cut a mat with a 3-1/2" border.

2. Using decorative border guide, lightlymeasure off 4 lines from the bevel. Varythe distance between each line to keep thedesign balanced.

3. Line up ruler with marks.

4. Fill ruling pen with ink.

2

3

4

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5. Draw each line with one continuousstroke. Start with the line closest to thebevel. Draw all four lines on one side. Doopposite side. Let both sides dry. Doremaining two sides. Let dry.

Note: If the matboard is notspecially sized for color-washpanels, spray the board with aWorkable Spray Fixative.

As a result of spraying theboard, the ink lines will holdtight and the paints willdistribute evenly. Not all spraysare the same—Check the canlabel to see what works.

5

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6. Before applying watercolor, brush clearwater into the panel area to lightly wetit. This permits the watercolor to be“worked” and absorbed evenly.

7. Put a dab of watercolor in a cup anddilute with water. Test on scrap boardfor intensity. If the mat is very large, asmall amount of glycerin may be addedto slow the drying time of the watercolor.

8. When satisfied with the color, start oneinch away from any corner and pull thepuddle of watercolor around the panel.Do not let the puddle dry up; keepadding more watercolor. Whenapproaching last corner, let up on thewatercolor, wipe the brush on a papertowel to reduce the amount of color youare carrying, then continue around thelast corner.

9. A second coat may be put on rightaway—it will make the color moreintense.

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8

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COLOR PANELSUSING CHALK PASTELS

Materials:Artist’s soft pastelsLiquid acrylic paintsPermanent inkDecorative border guide (see pgs 12, 13)RulerWhite vinyl eraserHard pencilRazor bladeAn artist cleaning pad/gum EraserTwo poly foam brushes

1. Use dots to mark board using thedecorative border guide or a rule.

2. Fill ruling pen with liquid acrylic paintor permanent ink.

1

1

2

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48 Mat Decoration

3. Line up rule with dots and apply inklines closest to the bevel first, workingyour way outward. This method allowseach new line to dry undisturbed whileworking on the others. Let them drythoroughly. If you have an overrun, usea razor blade to cut and flake off excess(see Correcting Overruns on page 43).

3

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4. Create a color powder by scraping softpastels with a razor blade. Prepareseveral colors before starting to coloryour panels.

5. Clean entire board with an artist cleaningpad.

6. Apply powder to the panel with a polyfoam brush—which can be cut to anyshape. Do not scrub color into board.Rub gently onto board.

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4

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50 Mat Decoration

7. Work powder around inside edge ofpanel. Then apply to the opposite side ofthe panel and blend towards the middle.

8. Remove excess powder with a clean polyfoam brush.

9. When complete, pull a white vinyl eraseraround the edges to clean up.

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DECORATING WITHRUBBER STAMPS

Rubber stamps are available in a hugevariety of designs. Used with ink pads madefor stamps, or with markers or acrylicpaints, rubber stamps offer a greatopportunity for creative fun on smoothmatboards.

Cut the mat first and use the fallout forpractice with the stamp. Test inks or paintsfor surface bleeding.

Remember that the block holding the stampdesign is larger than the design area itself.Set inked stamp on practice board, designside down, and trace around the block. Liftthe block and see how the design size andposition relates to the overall size of theblock.

Now use light, erasable pencil lines to markplacement of the block on the actual mat, sothat designs will be created exactly wheredesired.

Even if creating a random pattern ofstamping, it is best to practice first ona scrap piece of board, to determinethe best spacing for a pleasingrandomness.

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DECORATIVE ITEMS

Many items can be used to decorate mats:• buttons• beads• birdseeds• feathers• sequins• dog biscuits• dried flowers• silk flowers• paper dolls• appliques

Pieces can be attached to mats by sewing orusing silicone adhesive. Hot glue may alsobe used, but may not have the longevity ofthe other methods.

Use imagination and let the artwork beingmatted guide color scheme and design.

If mats decorated with three dimensionalitems are to be framed, extra depth in theframe will be required to keep the mat frombuckling.

Use buttons of various sizes fora more interesting design.Attach buttons with thread,embroidery floss, or glue.

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WOVEN RIBBON MAT

Materials:Lt. Blue satin baby ribbonCircle paper punchTwo 11 x 14" matboardsMed. Blue top matboardLt.Blue undermatInvisible tape

1. Cut a 3" border on the Lt. Blue board.

2. Cut a 2-3/4" border on the Med. Blueboard.

3. Measure the Med. Blue board forplacement of holes for weaving.

4. Use a common paper punch. Punch holesin the planned places and save thefallout circles—they will be needed. Ifmaking the punch is difficult, use ahammer and tap lightly on the top of thepaper punch.This will help cut throughthe board.

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54 Mat Decoration

5. Start anywhere from the back and weavethe satin ribbon in and out of the Med.blue matboard.

6. Before securing the ends, put the matface down and replace the circles that fellout of the holes. This gives a roundedsmooth effect where the ribbon comes outof the holes.

7. When you are satisfied with the lay ofthe ribbon on the front of the mat, securethe back side with strips of invisible tape.

8. Make a bow and attach it to the board.Be careful not to make the bow too thickor a shadow box will be required.

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THREADEDBORDER S MAT

This method creates a quick and easydecorative line around the mat opening. Avariety of threads and strings may be usedto achieve many different effects. Try twostrands of embroidery floss for a subtleline, or four strands for a bold stripe. Usejute or raffia for a stronger design.

Mark placement on front of mat and pokeholes in mat with a needle or pushpin.The hole should be just large enough forthe selected thread.

For a continuous line around the matopening: Make one hole at each corner.Use four separate lengths of selectedthread, several inches longer than neededfor each side, threaded through a needle.Come up through one hole, and go downthrough the next, then tape or tie threadsat back of mat. Repeat on all four sides ofmat.

For a line with a slight gap at the corners:Make two holes at each corner, about 1/4”apart. Begin “sewing” around the mat bybringing the threaded needle up at anyhole and continuing down through the nexthole, continuing around mat.

To hold threads firmly in place with nosagging, tape threads at corners on back ofmat.

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56 Mat Decoration

QUICKSHADOW BOX

The Quick Fold shadow box is perhaps theeasiest method to create both sides andbackground at the same time. Score backof board and fold as shown at right. Tapecorners at outer edges.

This quick shadow box is made from afabric-covered piece of matboard.Although it can be made from scrapregular board, a fabric board covers thefolded seams, giving a clean, finished look.

Items can be held in position by sewing inplace or attaching with stick-on Velcro®.How much depth should be created? Usejust enough so the item does not touch theglass. Any additional space is for design orconvenience.

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Matboards are perfect for the front and backcovers of memory albums. Using a matcutter will allow you to cut straight, cleanedges and add some decorative techniques.

The covers can be decorated with the verysame techniques you have used to decoratemats—rubber stamps, paints, V-grooves andfancy cuts.

Adding a mat to the cover will permit acentral picture to be used to set the theme ofthe memory album.

MaterialsMatboardsPaper punchLoose papers for the interior of the albumLace, string, ribbon, embroidery floss, orcord to bind the album togetherDouble-sided tapePhotograph8 x 10" mat with opening cut for thephotographLinen tape or invisible mendingtape

1 Cut 2 matboards 9 x 12".

2. Place the matboard face downin the cutter. Set the guide railto 1'' for the side edge wherethe album will be bound.

3. Use a hobby knife to score thefold area. A score should cutthrough some of the fibers ofthe board but not all the waythrough.

MEMORY BOOK

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58 Mat Decoration

4. The fold area will have to bereinforced with pressure-sensitive fabric tape. Use linentape or invisible mending tape.Burnish the tape to the fold areaand trim any excess tape fromthe edges for a neat appearance.

5. Measure for placement of thepunched holes.Two holes ormultiple holes can be used for amore decorative effect.

6. Hold the paper punch firmly,insert the matboard into the“mouth” of the punch, pushingthe board in as far as possible.Punch the hole. Take care not toscratch the board while pushingthe board into the mouth of thepunch.

7. Repeat as necessary to create asmany holes as the designrequires.

8. Trim 50 sheets of coordinatingpaper to just less than the 9x12.Or use 8-1/2 x 11" copy paper, itworks perfectly in a 9 x 12"album. Some office supplystores carry different types ofpapers. Look for a good qualitypaper with thickness and atexture to enhance the albumdesign and properly supportmemory items.

9. Punch holes in the paperalbum pages in exactly thesame place as the holes in thefront and back of the albumcover.

10. Place photograph in the matopening and attach photo tomat. Position mat on coverboard and attach with double-sided tape.

11. Decorate cover.

12. Align backing board, pagesand cover. Run selectedbinding cord through holes,from back to front, so thattwo long pieces extend fromtwo holes in the front cover.Tie loosely.

13. Decorate pages, then readjustand tie cords into anattractive bow, or tasseledknot. Trim ends.

Using an office style paper punch to punchthe holes in the edge of the board.Use the same punch to punch holes in

the paper pages.

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FABRIC-COVERED MATSWET MOUNTING METHOD

Materials:11 x 14" mat with opening cutMounting pasteBrushFabricRazor blade or hobby knife

1. Cut the opening in the mat first. Applymounting paste to the front of thematboard.

2. Lay the fabric on the wet paste. Be surethe woven lines are parallel to the edgesof the mat.

3. Flip the mat fabric side down and slicethe fabric in the window area as shownin illustration 3. Be careful of thecorners.

1

2

3a

3b

Be careful of the corners,do not cut too close.

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4. Apply the wet mounting paste to thesliced areas. Wrap the four sections to theunderside of the mat. Watch for excesspaste in the corners—wipe it up rightaway. Asmall pointed tool may be usefulto get a tight fit.

5. Put the piece under a lite of glass or otherweight and allow to dry.

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COLD MOUNTING METHOD

Materials:Pressure-sensitive adhesive sheetSqueegee or cold mount press11 x 14" mat with opening cutFabric

1. Apply pressure-sensitive adhesive sheetto back side of fabric. Squeegee to bond.

2. Peel cover sheet from pressure-sensitiveadhesive and apply fabric to the face ofthe mat. Line up fabric weave. Squeegeeto bond.

3. Place the fabric-covered mat face downto cut out a window. Be careful of thecorners.

4. Wrap fabric over bevel and secure toback of mat.

5. Use squeegee or cold mount press tocreate the overall bond.

When working with ovals or circles, theedge that is folded over the mat must be cutin many small places in order to have thefabric wrap over the edge of the matboardwithout buckling.

1

2

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WRAPPING THE BEVEL OF AFABRIC-COVERED BOARD

A matboard with fabric already mounted toit may be cut to have a wrapped edge. Thetechnique follows.

Materials:11 x 14" fabric-covered boardDouble-sided tape or glue

1. Cut a 4" mat border and save the fallout.

2. Adjust blade depth to cut through thematboard only – not the fabric. If theblade cannot be adjusted to a shortercutting depth, use a hobby knife.Practice on the fallout piece.

3. Put mat back into cutter and cut a 3"border—just through the board, not thefabric.

4. Carefully peel the matboard away fromthe fabric.

5. Apply double-sided tape to the undersideof the matboard on the edge of thewindow mat.

6. Slice into the corners of the loose fabricwith a razor blade or hobby knife.

7. Wrap the loose fabric around the beveland press onto the exposed tape. Cornersmay require special attention.

3

5

7