Cutting a mat for an irregular shape?

May '09 Stick

How do you cut a mat for an irregular shape (e.g., if I crop a photo so I'm just left with basically a bust - their head and shoulders)? J's has something called http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat3113&PRODID=prd39455, seems like it might a good idea but has anyone tried it? Or what else could you recommend?
May '09 Scatter

RE: Stick: How do you cut a mat for an irregular shape (e.g., if I crop a photo so I'm just left with basically a bust - their head and shoulders)? J's has something called Magic Matter, seems like it might a good idea but has anyone tried it? Or what else could you recommend?

I've got the magic matter I don't use it often but I'm glad I've got it.

I used it here

Ember's Lullaby Redo By Scatter
May '09 Stick

RE: Scatter: I've got the magic matter I don't use it often but I'm glad I've got it. I used it here Ember's Lullaby Redo By Scatter

Oh, how pretty!!
It's pretty cheap, maybe I'll pick it up next time I have a coupon.
Thanks!
May '09 Stick

RE: Scatter: I've got the magic matter I don't use it often but I'm glad I've got it. I used it here Ember's Lullaby Redo By Scatter

Oops, sorry, double post
May '09 AmyWho

RE: Stick: Oops, sorry, double post

I would just stick the pic down on the mat and go for it with the scissors. LOL I didn't know there was a fancy tool for that sort of thing. I should have known since there seems to be a gadget for everything
May '09 SmartyPants

RE: AmyWho: I would just stick the pic down on the mat and go for it with the scissors. LOL I didn't know there was a fancy tool for that sort of thing. I should have known since there seems to be a gadget for everything

I have this tool - I too do not use it much - I usually just cut the mat and eye-ball it!
May '09 Bxr-Linda

RE: AmyWho: I would just stick the pic down on the mat and go for it with the scissors. LOL I didn't know there was a fancy tool for that sort of thing. I should have known since there seems to be a gadget for everything

The Magic Matter has been around for a long time.

A friend has it, and used to use it all the time (until she lost the smallest, most-used size).
May '09 Bwinkler

RE: Bxr-Linda: The Magic Matter has been around for a long time. A friend has it, and used to use it all the time (until she lost the smallest, most-used size).

Can someone explain what is meant by "cutting a mat"?
May '09 Stick

RE: Bwinkler: Can someone explain what is meant by "cutting a mat"?

A mat is the paper frame around a photo. It's easy to make an even mat if you're dealing with straight edges, but for an irregular shape it's a bit more challenging.
May '09 Bwinkler

RE: Stick: A mat is the paper frame around a photo. It's easy to make an even mat if you're dealing with straight edges, but for an irregular shape it's a bit more challenging.

I see. I have always used scissors when I'm dealing with odd shapes and sizes. I didn't know otherwise. Thanks for the info!
May '09 LateNiteScrapper

RE: Bwinkler: I see. I have always used scissors when I'm dealing with odd shapes and sizes. I didn't know otherwise. Thanks for the info!

I just eyeball it as well. Sometimes, I cut all the way around squiggly so that it looks like it's meant to be that way!
May '09 LeeLo

RE: LateNiteScrapper: I just eyeball it as well. Sometimes, I cut all the way around squiggly so that it looks like it's meant to be that way!

I put the picture down on the paper then cut around it with scissors. I can control the width of the mat that way. Mine have always turned out good. Now, if you asked me to cut a straight line, it wouldn't ever work...but I can cut curves all day!
May '09 Scrapperbee

RE: LeeLo: I put the picture down on the paper then cut around it with scissors. I can control the width of the mat that way. Mine have always turned out good. Now, if you asked me to cut a straight line, it wouldn't ever work...but I can cut curves all day!

I have a magic matter--just like Scatter I don't use it a lot, but I love it when I want to mat an irregular shape. It's not expensive, you can use your coupon, I definitely recommend it.

Here's a lo I can't imagine not using it on:

Mmmm Good
By Scrapperbee

(Don't know why it's not showing right, but if you click on the title it will come up.)
May '09 Cindy M

RE: Scrapperbee: I have a magic matter--just like Scatter I don't use it a lot, but I love it when I want to mat an irregular shape. It's not expensive, you can use your coupon, I definitely recommend it. Here's a lo I can't imagine not using it on: Mmmm Good By Scrapperbee (Don't know why it's not showing right, but if you click on the title it will come up.)

Eh... I would just put the picture on the mat and then use my scissors. This way I can use the money I just saved on things like Prima flower!

Like maybe the ones below!
May '09 Johnsusan8

RE: Cindy M: Eh... I would just put the picture on the mat and then use my scissors. This way I can use the money I just saved on things like Prima flower! Like maybe the ones below!

I, too, just eyeball it.
May '09 Scatter

RE: Johnsusan8: I, too, just eyeball it.

My eyeballs can be a bit wonky at times.
May '09 Stick

RE: Scatter: My eyeballs can be a bit wonky at times.
Scatter Said:
My eyeballs can be a bit wonky at times.

LMAO! This is my problem. Plus I just don't think I have a very steady hand for cutting. Eyeballing doesn't make me comfortable, I think I just have to try the Magic Matter.