I will show you how you can frame your art without using a matte in this easy simple tutorial.
I’m always looking for an easy way to frame artwork especially without using a matte.
I also have many postcards that I’ve collected over the years from some of my travels and never know what to do with them.
I love framing them but the mattes are expensive and sometimes hard to find the right size.
This is a very easy alternative to buying mattes.
Let me show you in this tutorial how to frame postcards without using a matte!
Here is my framed postcard. And there is no matte!
Can you believe I just used a piece of watercolor paper?
I had three old white frames. I spray painted them a flat black. Each frame is actually a bit different but the color makes them look the same.
All you need is some of this watercolor paper from your arts and crafts store.
I got this one at Michael’s.
Place a postcard on top of a sheet of watercolor paper. Glue or tape into place. Then just pop it in a frame! It’s that easy!
These types of frames are the ones that stand up on their own but you can still hang them on a wall. I tied some jute rope to the back. I left it a bit loose so you can see the rope when hung on the wall. It gives it a bit of a rustic look.
I like how they turn out. Although I might be moving these to another part of my house one day soon.
Yep, the decorating never ends!
I hope you try framing your own artwork without a matte!
Selene @ Restoration Beauty says
June 24, 2013 at 4:52 amThis is such a cool idea! I’ve used burlap as a background but never thought of watercolor paper!! Thanks for the tip!
Selene @ Restoration Beauty
Jamie {Better With Age} says
June 26, 2013 at 4:22 amThanks so much, Selene! I’ve always wanted to try burlap. I still gotta try it 😉
Hugs,
Jamie
Jenna LaFevor says
June 24, 2013 at 10:56 amI love these! Great idea! I totally cheated in Landry’s nursery with her vintage nursery rhyme prints and didn’t use mats! So expensive! I love those postcards!!
Jamie {Better With Age} says
June 26, 2013 at 4:20 amI know, so expensive. I love Landry’s artwork!!
Jamie
Craftivity Designs says
June 24, 2013 at 3:04 pmWatercolor paper is a great idea! I’ve done this with cardstock, but the natural look of the watercolor paper would make it look more like an actual mat.
– Lora
Jamie {Better With Age} says
June 26, 2013 at 4:20 amThanks Lora! Cardstock is a great idea too!
Hugs,
Jamie
Shannah @ Just Us Four says
June 24, 2013 at 7:36 pmThis looks so great! Watercolor paper is a fantastic idea.
Jamie {Better With Age} says
June 26, 2013 at 4:21 amThanks so much, Shannah!
Hugs,
Jamie
Chelsea @ Making Home Base says
June 25, 2013 at 5:48 amThey look great, Jamie! At first glance, I totally thought they were matted! You are a clever girl!
Jamie {Better With Age} says
June 26, 2013 at 4:21 amhaha thanks Chelsea!!
Hugs,
Jamie
srpprcrftr says
June 26, 2013 at 6:11 amWater color paper is an excellent backing paper as it’s nice and strong with a great texture. Your post cards look great in your frames, which I love for the embossing on them. Very nice. You were very clever to use water color paper.
I use watercolor paper for so many things, it’s very versatile, can cut it easily enough and looks nice with objects. I was making a wood flag for 7/4, had intended to stencil stars on the blue field but I seem to make a mess, after working so hard to keep the stripes and star field neat I decided not to take a chance on messing it up. I traced a star shape off my stencil onto watercolor paper and glued them on the star field instead. I think the little raise of the stars helps to make the flag look little nicer. It turned out nicely, instead of having to worry about messing it up with paint. I know my faults and steady hand is not always one of them, steady eyes either. Hope somebody else loves my flag also. Happy Summer
Jamie {Better With Age} says
June 28, 2013 at 1:18 amSounds like a great project!! Thanks so much for stopping by 😉
Jamie
stacked says
June 26, 2013 at 10:13 amGreat idea, I have some postcards I can’t part with, thanks to you I know what to do with them now!
Jamie {Better With Age} says
June 28, 2013 at 1:18 amThanks for stopping by!
Jamie
the cape on the corner says
June 26, 2013 at 2:08 pmlove those postcards, it’s such a great idea. sometimes I just use scrapbook paper as matting, and I’ve even been known to use construction paper, lol.
Jamie {Better With Age} says
June 28, 2013 at 1:17 amOoh white construction paper would work too!
Thanks for stopping by!
Jamie
Artsy Chicks Rule says
June 26, 2013 at 4:03 pmGreat idea! Thanks so much for sharing on Project Inspire{d]! Pinning!
Nancy
Jamie {Better With Age} says
June 28, 2013 at 1:16 amThanks Nancy!
Jamie
Cindy Eikenberg, Little Miss Celebration says
June 29, 2013 at 10:58 amHi Jamie – I love this! I collect old postcards and really need to frame some of them, so this inspiration and how-to is perfect! Thank you so much for sharing at Best of the Weekend and hope you join us every week. Will be pinning to our board. Have a wonderful weekend!
Jamie says
July 12, 2013 at 11:55 pmThanks so much, Cindy!
Jamie
Desiree says
June 30, 2013 at 11:30 pmLove this idea. These are made without glass, right?
Madalyn McArthur says
July 1, 2013 at 6:42 pmBeautiful! I’m going to have to try it!
suburbsmama says
July 5, 2013 at 4:56 pmLove these, Thank you so much for linking up to my linky party. Hope to see more from you next time.
Maureen says
July 21, 2016 at 6:20 am????