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Friday, January 24, 2014

MOM'S GALLERY WALL AND RIBBON PHOTO MATS


In the past, I've shared with you how to do your own framing, how to cut your own mat, and how to make a custom fabric mat.  Today, I'm showing you one more option for a photo mat.

This week I've been working to put together a new gallery wall in my Mom's kitchen.  They've recently re-painted and she was ready for some updated family photos in the spot where she's always had our pictures in the past.  

She already had plenty of frames.  But often, especially with vintage or thrifted frames, the size can be slightly different than the standard print sizes these days.  It's especially aggravating when the frame opening is just  >>this much<<  too big for your photo.  So, here's how I like to solve that problem sometime.  With ribbon!  



Granted, you can always cut a mat.  But depending on the size, sometimes to cut a mat that would be thick enough to not look wimpy you'd be covering up too much of your photo.  Here's an example:

I printed our family photo as close to this frame size as I could get it.  However, there was still a gap and the top and bottom, even though the sides fit.  So, I dug through my ribbon stash and found the appropriate width that would cover that gap.



If we needed it, I cut a piece of poster board the size of the frame, I used my trusty Glue Dots once again to adhere the photo and the ribbon to it.  Just one in each corner and one in the middle of each side works great.



Then pop that entire thing behind the glass, put the backer board on and secure.  If you really want to get fancy you could miter the corners, but I found it fine to just cut straight edges.



For this fun photo of the cousins we used a wider polka dot ribbon.  I think this is our favorite photo on the whole wall!




I still have to find one more photo for the oval frame, and we've already tweaked the left side a little and moved a  few frames around.  That's the beauty of a random gallery wall...you can always squeeze one more thing in!



I hope you'll try using a ribbon in place of a mat sometime.  With hundreds of great designs available, you can easily add a big dose of personality to your gallery wall!

Do you have big plans for the weekend?  Tonight we're all going to see this guy:




Are you familiar with him?  If not, you'll be glad you watched.  Then you'll want to look at all of his clips on YouTube, including The Wife Song and Hand Raising and Sanitizer.  I promise.  Your family can watch with you too!

Have a great weekend!


Linking up with:  Home Stories A to Z

 photo jennifersignaturetwo_zps56f3de87.png

Would you like to comment?

  1. What a great solution!! Your mom's gallery wall looks great!

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  2. so fun! i love the polka dots! and this is a fabulous idea!

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  3. You're such a smart girl - I've never thought of doing this but LOVE the idea. So simple and such a fun look!

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  4. What a great idea! I'll be using this one.

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  5. That a great idea, and gives the framing a little personality, too! Have fun at the concert!

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  6. Love this idea, Jennifer! So simple plus I love the pattern and whimsey the stripe adds to your photo!

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  7. Cute touch with the ribbons! Happy Weekend! xo K

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  8. Very creative! I love everything about it! And yay for you about getting to see Tim Hawkins! The man is CRAZY! I have yet to see him in person, but I've seen a number of his videos and about laughed myself silly.

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  9. I love this ribbon idea. Have been going to GoodWill, Salvation Army and St. Vinneys a few times a week looking for unusual shaped frames. Just got done with my bathroom, spraying the frames and filling them with a family photo. Now want to do a gallery in the hallway. Have to octagon frames and need many more.
    Will have to show you pics when I am done. But really love this idea. Saw the dots on yours chairs. Remind where you got those? Thanks! Happy Weekend - LuAnn

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  10. The gallery wall looks great! Enjoy Tim Hawkins tonight. We took our kids to see him. He is hysterical!

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  11. This is very clever! Even if the photos did fit the frames, I think it is really cool to do.

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  12. I'm so glad you think of these things and then share! :) I have 2 photos that do not fit the frame...now I have a solution.

    Enjoy your weekend!
    xo
    Pat

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  13. I am a comedy fanatic, so I really like the ribbon idea, but I love Tim Hawkins! Have you ever watched Though Shalt Laugh? Family comedy, recorded at a church auditorium, and hosted by Patricia Heaton from Everybody Loves Raymond. So much fun!

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  14. Great tip! I was struggling with this issue when I was trying to do my family room gallery wall, then kind of just gave up. Will definitely use this tip!

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  15. Thanks for sharing this wonderful tip! So quick and easy and I always have ribbon on hand. I can't wait to try this!

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  16. Fabulous idea! Looks perfect with the photos of your gorgeous family!

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  17. Love the tree decorations in your pictures. They are beautiful! I also like the way you did the word "jolly" with an anchor and on wood. The white birch in the fire place is a very creative idea. Thanks for the ideas. Teenage Bedroom Design

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  18. I love the bit of detail the ribbon adds to the photos - such a clever idea!

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  19. Great idea! Love how the gallery wall came together.

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  20. Great idea. I got a folding screen with photo glass panes for 8X10s or 2 smaller, horizontal pics..None of mine fit, printers out of commission so I can't change size without going to Staples. Ribbon I have aplenty. Now I can fill it in! Thanks.

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