Wednesday, January 19, 2011

{Tutorial} - DIY Photo Mat
& A Birthday +

I haven't been very crafty for myself since sometime before Christmas.  I went into overdrive for presents and then life has been busy.  This morning, since The Husband was up at 4, so was I.  Anyone have tips to master the art of sleeping when your significant other isn't?!
Anywho, I decided to do something easy and make a custom mat for an 8X10 shadowbox frame I had.
First, I picked out a fun/happy design on one of my Cricut Cartridge and cut it out.
 
Next, pick out the perfect paper.
 
Trace the backing of the frame so you have the perfect cut out size.
 
Cut along the lines you just made.
Glue down the cut out in the best spot.
I was on a budget when I did all my wedding DIY.  Therefore, I didn't use hoitey-toitey-expensive glue.  I used what was cheap and WORKED.  This, my friends, is the clear Elmer's glue.  I'm not joking =)
Add embellishments (optional)
 
Pick and print the perfect picture and adhere picture opposite the cutout you've already glued to the paper.
Optional step: create a window cutout for your picture -- I didn't do this step BUT to make it a TRUE mat, you can/should do thins.
Put in the frame and VIOLA! The perfect custom mat!!

Today is a special day for my little sister -- no she isn't getting married on a Wednesday; it's her birthday! I can't believe my baby sister is going to be 23!!  How in the world did THAT happen!! We are going to dinner tonight at Maggiano's, which I am SUPER excited about.  J hasn't been yet but I know he'll love it! Any suggestions on what I should order???
♥ Happy Birthday Baby Sister!! I love you! ♥
    
Photobucket

12 comments:

nomo wino daph said...

That turned out great Ashely, too cute!
I had a Cricut when they first came out.I never used it so I sold it. NOW I wish I had it back. I'd be poping out nylon monograms like no tomorrow:)

Happy Birthday to your sister-
Have a great day!
Daph

Anonymous said...

Cute project! And a happy birthday to your sister!

Faith said...

i don't know how i've mastered it. all i know is that when we gets up i still want to be sleeping. i get my kiss and fall right back to sleep ... hope you can figure it out soon! :)

that is such a great frame! i love it. i would love to do something like that.

happy birthday to your little sister!

Jessica and Stephan said...

So nice to see other scrapbooking ideas! I just got into it, so I'm still a newbie at it! Lots of fun though.

Ashley said...

this turned out AWESOME!

redwhitebride said...

cool project, love it! happy birthday to your sister!

Nicole said...

Such a cute idea and Happy Birthday to your sister! Her growing up, does that make you feel old... LOL

Unknown said...

VERY cute! xoxo

Christina said...

That turned out so cute!

Have fun at dinner tonight! :)

Megan said...

That is SUCH an adorable idea! I love it!! I will definitely have to buy some cute new love Cricut cartridges!!

Happy birthday to your sister!!

Café Moka said...

Love your project, that's cute!!!

star said...

The photomat turned out fabulous! I love it! I have a Cricut, but I have never used it. I need to start though, I want to make pretty stuff like you do! Have a great day!