More Photo-Framing Tips: No Matte? Use Fabric

You may have noticed from previous blog posts that I like framed artwork. You may have also noticed that I often use pre-made frames and pre-cut mattes. They’re less expensive and less time-consuming than getting a custom frame made (or cutting the matte yourself). What if you can’t find a matte in the right size or just want a different kind of look for your framed art piece? Why not consider fabric? Fabric can be a relatively inexpensive material (you’ll need less than a yard for most projects), and once ironed or steamed flat, it looks great in a frame. Bonus tip: A steamer is a great way to flatten out a poster too. Just be gentle and don’t over-apply steam. You want to smooth it out, not to dampen it. Once flat, let it dry for an hour.

For this Maker Faire poster, I used a contrasting polka-dot fabric that was leftover from another project. I love that the lime green color picks up on details from the print. This is a print from my first Maker Faire, almost 5 years ago.