Preparing an image quickly for display means bypassing certain features, including elaborate mats or layered techniques. Unfortunately, the mat is often what makes the display work, meaning a shortcut solution is needed to enhance the picture's appearance.
Displaying photos and pictures with alternative backdrops is simple to do and an attractive alternative to traditional methods. From fabric scraps to decorative cardstock, traditional craft materials may create a beautiful setting for old-fashioned photos or creative collages.
Although backdrops leave the edges of the photos exposed, they provide a touch of color or pattern, making it possible to frame a picture without a traditional mat or exposed backing from the frame.
Patterned Cardstock
For pictures large and small, a classic paper backdrop is an excellent choice, with or without a matching mat cut by hand to frame the picture. Sheets of decorative cardstock make for elegant backdrops for photos and pictures. Patterned or plain colors, flowers or whimsical kid's prints -- all are excellent choices for placing behind a photo.
For large pictures, use sheets of decorative posterboard to create a backdop, a mat, or a series of layered mats for a textured frame. Printed papers offer versatility in style and a sturdy construction that won't wrinkle from temperature or climate changes. The posterboard and cardstock varieties can easily be cut to size to fit the frame; the photo can be centered and secured on the backdrop using sticky tack, double-sided tape, or other temporary adhesives.
Decorative Fabrics
Like card stock, fabric adds both color and patterns behind photographed images. The same means of adhering photos to backdrops can be used, with non-permanent adhesives holding the picture centered.
The fabric provides both texture and color to framed images, creating a soft wallpaper-like backing for pictures and photos. Unlike card stock, however, fabric is available in a range of sizes and lengths, making it a perfect choice for large framed images.
Newsprint and Antique Paper
Antique newsprint in the form of reproduction sack paper, sheet music, and other vintage papers make excellent backdrops for antique or old-fashioned photos. Even crumpled or damaged pages will work, enhancing the antiqued appearance of the photo backdrop.
Yellowed or antiqued newsprint is also an attractive choice. Age modern print by using a strong tea dye or a sepia dye to make the pages appear older than the actual age. Iron the paper between the folds of a cotton towel to remove fold lines before measuring and cutting the paper to fit the frame.
A quick internet search will yield several tips on hand-cutting or creating easy picture mats; but less experienced framers may prefer to use the simple backdrops suggested above to decoratively frame a picture. The tips above will help users frame pictures quickly in colorful displays that help set off a room's unique style.
Sarah Briggs - For the last two years, I have designed primitive dolls and folk art sculptures (such as Edwin Drood and the Ghost of Marley) for Cordwood ...
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