Frame Art Without A Matte
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 beautiful 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 Eiffel Tower 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! Anyone can do this DIY project.
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!
This 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
Thanks so much, Selene! I’ve always wanted to try burlap. I still gotta try it 😉
Hugs,
Jamie
I 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!!
I know, so expensive. I love Landry’s artwork!!
Jamie
Watercolor 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
Thanks Lora! Cardstock is a great idea too!
Hugs,
Jamie
This looks so great! Watercolor paper is a fantastic idea.
Thanks so much, Shannah!
Hugs,
Jamie
They look great, Jamie! At first glance, I totally thought they were matted! You are a clever girl!
haha thanks Chelsea!!
Hugs,
Jamie
Water 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
Sounds like a great project!! Thanks so much for stopping by 😉
Jamie
Great idea, I have some postcards I can’t part with, thanks to you I know what to do with them now!
Thanks for stopping by!
Jamie
love 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.
Ooh white construction paper would work too!
Thanks for stopping by!
Jamie
Great idea! Thanks so much for sharing on Project Inspire{d]! Pinning!
Nancy
Thanks Nancy!
Jamie
Hi 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!
Thanks so much, Cindy!
Jamie
Love this idea. These are made without glass, right?
Beautiful! I’m going to have to try it!
Love these, Thank you so much for linking up to my linky party. Hope to see more from you next time.
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