Mat cutting:
1. Assemble your materials (metal ruler, X-Acto knife, pencil, mat board, photo)
2. Measure, Measure, Measure for the cuts that will make the frame. First find the side edge you want to start from and measure 11/2 or 2 inches in from that edge making 2 pencil marks around 3 or 4 inches from each other. Connect the marks with a straight line. Second do the same from the top with the same measurement. Connect the marks with a straight line. Then, measure from the bottom a 1/4 to a 1/2 inch larger than your side and top edge. Make two marks, then connect the marks with a straight line.
Helpful Hint: Use your ruler for every line and every mark. Measure very carefully to the line, and watch the end of your ruler. Start from the line mark at 0 not the edge of the ruler.
Finally, lay your picture down and "eye" the final edge. How many inches do you need to cut the opening so that your picture is exposed the way you want. Measure the inside of the opening and make two marks, draw a straight line, then add the same measurement (11/4 or 1 1/2 ) and draw a line. The outside line is the edge of your mat frame, and the inside line is the cutting line.
Now you may cut.
3. CUTTING Use the metal ruler and hold it down with your hand. Keep fingers away from the edge, and use the mat knife to cut. Start at the corners and make marks through the matboard.
When you have all marks carefully made, turn the matboard over and cut on the black side carefully and slowly. Slips will show, so cut carefully and slowly. Only cut on the mat cutter, and only cut after you have done all measurements. I will oversee the mat cutting table today.
Ask for help if you need it. Use a plain piece of construction paper a little smaller than your mat and tape it using the acid-free double stick tape to the mat, then use the same tape to center your photo onto the construction paper. You have matted your first piece. Good luck. There is sand paper here to use to finish the edges if it is choppy.
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