A quick and easy DIY mat and frame project. (No tools. You just need tape!)

A few years back I made a simple burlap mat for a framed photo, and I recently had someone ask me how I did it.  Here you go… It is super-duper easy.  A DIY mat and frame project.  (Don’t blink, or you might miss it!)

I found this frame sitting on the curb.  (People in my neighborhood throw away the best stuff!) It did not have glass or backing… it was just the frame.  I painted it black, then cut up an old box to get a piece of cardboard to fit the frame.

This all might look a bit strange, because I actually deconstructed this to show you, but here goes:

Take a piece of burlap (or any fabric that you like) and cover the cardboard.  I folded it over the edges and secured it on the back with Duck Tape.    It’s OK if it overlaps because it is part of what will keep the cardboard in the frame.

The photo I printed up had a big white border on it.  Rather than try to cut it off, I cut 4 lengths of sheer ribbon.  Run the first 2 pieces over the top and bottom of the photo first.  Fold the loose ends around to the back of the photo and adhere with regular adhesive tape.  Take the 2 remaining lengths of ribbon and fold them over the sides.  Where the ribbons overlap you will have darker little squares in the corners.

Now all that is left is to pop it into your frame.

I just taped the cardboard in there with lots-o-duck-tape.  (There!  I fixed it!)

Since it hangs on the wall, the back doesn’t show.  Considering the project consists of a free frame, burlap and ribbon I already had, and a photo I printed myself… I splurged and bought glass to fit.  (At a yard sale.)

Yep.  That’s how I frame.  Do you have any dirty little decor secrets?