DIY IDEAS

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, what better way to celebrate a loved one than with a DIY gift from the heart?

Inspired by DIY Network Canada’s 10 Grand In Your Hand, a gift for all to love is a handmade matted and framed photograph (maybe of you and that special someone!).

Follow these simple steps to impress your partner.

1. Select your mat. Place a selection of different coloured mats alongside your photograph and frame to ensure you choose one that enhances the image.

Varying textures can look great too. It is amazing what a difference the right mat can make to a photograph’s appearance! You can find a selection of mats at your local craft or art-supply store.

2. Cut the mat to fit the frame.  Lay cardboard on your worktable for protection and trace the frame insert onto the mat. Cut using a straightedge and X-Acto knife.

3. Cut an opening. Measure your photograph and allow for about a ½- to 1-inch border around the image to be covered by the mat (make the opening size smaller than the photo).

Sketch the opening on the back of the mat; your picture should be equidistant from both sides of the mat. Using a straightedge and exacto knife, cut along the line in one quick motion and stop precisely in each corner.

4. Mount your photo.

Place your photograph upside-down on clean paper to protect the image.

Tape a piece of acid-free tape along one side of the photo and allow half of it to hang over the edge.

Flip your photo right-side up and place the mat over top. Once the photo is centered in the mat opening, press down on the tape edge so that the mat and photograph stick together.

5. Do some finishing touches.

Being careful not to disturb the photo, turn the mat upside-down. Finish taping the photograph to the mat, ensuring that it stays centered.

6. Frame that puppy.  Your work is now ready to be framed. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Tune in Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT for back-to-back episodes of 10 grand in your hand on DIY Network Canada.