DIY OVERSIZED MAT & SQUARE FAMILY PHOTO FRAMES
SPONSORED POST
This DIY project is sponsored by Custom Mat. I wrote this article myself and as always, all opinions are 100% my own. Disclosure: This post uses affiliate links. This means that if you purchase something that I feature, I’ll get a small commission (this will not increase the price of the item). Thank you for supporting KFI!
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BACKGROUND: DIY OVERSIZED MAT & SQUARE FAMILY PHOTO FRAMES
It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year - gift giving season! If you’re looking for an affordable and easy DIY this winter, you’re in the right place. In this tutorial, not only am I going to show you how you can get oversized mat picture frames for a fraction of the store price, I’m going to give you THREE different templates to help you do it.
This DIY gift is incredibly easy, sentimental, and very affordable; I’m making them to use as Christmas gifts, but you could easily make these DIY photo frames for birthday gifts, anniversary gifts, wedding gifts…and for any other occasion.
Bonus: If you love the oversized mat look, be sure to check out my first DIY with Custom Mat, where I created an oversized mat gallery wall grid.
STEP ONE: CHOOSE YOUR FRAMES
I chose three different frame sizes and found them at my local Michaels:
If you find frames elsewhere with the same measurements, you can absolutely use those too! If you have a frame that’s a different size, you can enter the dimensions on the Custom Mat design tool and copy my designs or create your own.
STEP TWO: ORDER YOUR OVERSIZED MATTING
I created three different designs using standard picture frames purchased off the shelf:
1) An 8.5x14 tall, narrow picture frame with oversized matting and a 5x7 photo
2) An 8x8 square picture frame with oversized matting and a 4x4 photo
3) An 8x10 collage picture frame with two 4x4 square photos
8.5x14 Narrow Frame
Below are the exact measurements and details I used to order the mat boards from Custom Mat. If you’re creating your own design, their easy design tool helps you bring your own ideas to life and does all the mathematics and calculations for you. You can also find a handy measuring guide here.
Shipping: Custom Mat’s matting is shipped within 1-2 business days and is delivered to your door, so if you’re a last minute gift-giver like I am, there’s no need to stress.
Price: Each mat cost me less than $10, but Custom Mat also offers a quantity discount of up to 40% off. So that means the more mats you purchase (they can be different sizes), the bigger the discount. The best part? They ship to Canada and the USA with free shipping over $49 - you know I love free shipping!
8.5x14 Narrow Frame
8x8 Square Frame
8x10 Square Picture Collage
STEP THREE: ORDER YOUR PHOTOS & SWAP OUT THE MATS
I used 4x4 (great for framing Instagram photos) and 5x7 photos that I printed at my local drugstore. My custom matting arrived within 1 business day of ordering it, so as soon as it arrived, I was ready to complete my project. All I had to do was swap out the matting to see the instant transformation that oversized matting can make.
I am so happy with this DIY (can I even call it a DIY?!) family photo project. The oversized, custom mats really elevate the simple and affordable frames to give them an elegant, classic look; I can’t wait to surprise my friends and family by giving them custom framed gifts. Perhaps I’ll even find one addressed to me from Santa because I want one for myself now!