How to Make a Burlap Matte for a Frame

“Smoky Black & White Paint” // Order this print HERE

A long, long time ago… when this blog was only about a month old… I shared 3 prints that were hanging in my kitchen during the holidays.

The mats are covered in burlap and actually hung in the kitchen throughout the year — just not with the “Oh Deer” prints.

I created some printable art for our bathroom renovation and had been trying to find some inexpensive matted frames since early this summer with no luck. These are the times I wish Ikea was much closer 🙁

While searching through some frames for the entryway, it occurred to me that these were just what I needed {oh, and they actually are originally from Ikea, ha}.

 Gather these Supplies

Since I completed this project several years ago, there aren’t any photos of the process. However, these graphics will hopefully help!

How To

Step 1: Apply mod podge to the face of the mat and then lay it face-down on the burlap fabric to adhere.

Step 2: Cut the burlap along the black lines, leaving approximately 1″ additional burlap on the inside and outside of the mat.

It should look like this after step 2 {obviously, you won’t actually have black lines!}.

Step 3: Slit each corner of the burlap on the inside and outside of the mat. Do NOT cut past the mat’s edge. Each slit is noted with a black line in the image below.

Step 4: Fold back each 1″ edge of the burlap and adhere it with mod podge to the back of the mat. Flip it over to see your finished product!

Such an easy project; but it really adds so much detail to a framed print.

“So Fresh & So Clean” // Order this print HERE

I really like a burlap mat with these black and white prints.

“Smoky Black & White Paint” // Order this print HERE

By the way, the artwork shown in the last two photos are available for purchase in our Etsy Shop. They are digital downloads, which means that as soon as the payment process, you’ll receive the digital files. You can print them at home, or have them printed somewhere like Walgreens or Fedex.

Have you covered a mat before? Burlap {or any other fabric} would be a great way to “fix” an ugly mat or amp up a piece of art you already own.