Learn to mat and frame pictures

I’d love to learn the art of making my own mats and picture frames.

After some chaos with the printer acting up again and trying to find a suitable frame at the last minute, I made it to my last class. Several people didn’t, which turned out to be even better for those of us that did, since we had more 1 on 1 time and gear use.

We polished our glass (wearing little white gloves) and learned about frame hardware, dust covers, bumpers, hanging etc. Cutting the covers freehand with a razor blade wasn’t really my thing, but it went alright with a steel ruler & exacto.

We had time to do offset corners, oval matting, and experiment with the V-groove blade (called a Groove Master, lol) she’d borrowed. I also did a B-hinge & backing with linen tape…

I’m really glad I took this class – I learned a lot, and think it may actually be worthwhile to get some of my own gear. I think I’ll have to figure out a few more things, but I’m game.

Yay!

Tonight was fun, but also left me a little bit cross eyed, due to having to run math through my tired noggin. Since I printed my own pictures, the sizes were a bit irregular, so we got into some very peculiar fractions and decimals when trying to line things up. I’ll print more standard sizes in the future.

We learned about different mats, mounting, framing, glass types, additional tools, plus how to do inlays and manual V grooves.

AND… the teacher invited me to a day class she’s just received a grant for, teaching photo album making (the actual album), free, all materials included… which is splendid! It’s on October 21st. How great is that? Very great indeed, I say.

I have my second class tonight. I’m going through my pictures again trying to find things to print.

I found a couple of used mat cutters on craigslist, but I didn’t hear back from the sellers. If I decide to buy one, I think I can get something great for a fraction of what a cheap one would cost new.

Ahh, we’ll see how tonight goes.

Very cool! I liked the teacher, the class was small (but very diverse), and I followed along more quickly than I had anticipated.

I matted two pictures: a single mat (green) and a double (royal blue with a yellow accent). Apparently I did remarkably well for a first cut and I have to say I’m pretty pleased for a number of reasons.

Wow – I’ve rarely seen my photos printed, and never dressed up this nicely. I’m… I’m rather impressed with myself if I may say so.

I bought the instructor’s book, and am considering trying to find a mat cutter. I have to weigh that though. Maybe someone I know has one…

Well, not quite that random, but since we’re just learning with these (and they said 5X7 max size), I’m not going to stress myself out trying to pick “the best”, because for some reason the idea of trying to hold something I’ve done up as the cream, makes me feel really uncomfortable.

I should probably examine that issue more closely, but not right now. Now I have to print some photos.

What shall I print? I do not know.

At least I have the option now. My printer seemed to go belly up yesterday. I spent quite the while under my desk with a flashlight balanced under my chinnie chin chin, following the labyrinth of cords and fiddling with many, many things until I finally managed to bring my printer back to life. (proud of ME.)

I have to pick and print my peck of pickled pictures before my class tomorrow. But which ones? I’m not in a choosy sort of mood. I’m in a ‘didn’t sleep at all well and feel a little crazy’ sort of headspace. Maybe tomorrow. Or if the insomnia fairy bites my ass at 2am.

(Or it will when I pick one up.)

I got my VSB paperwork in the mail today. The class begins next Wednesday. I need a steel ruler, pencils & erasers, and to pick and print out a bunch of pictures to choose from.

I wonder who else is taking this class with me?

I signed up for the class! It starts in 2 weeks.

But one I’ve wanted to pursue for a while now.

There’s a decent online mat cutting tutorial, and I’ve found a 3 session continuing education course (“Matting & Framing – Photos & Art”) at one of the local schools. The night class starts at the end of the month, and I’m seriously considering trying to manage taking it.

The fresh boot to the butt that’s kick-starting this goal? Chloe wants to show some of my photos at the 7th Heaven Gallery. I want to do it. I do.

And I’d like to learn how to present them properly myself.