Use cardboard to design a photo mat perfect for memories and memos

When displaying photographs or keeping appointment cards visible, there’s no reason you can't do it with a little style. Not much more than a square of cardboard and fabric is required to create a one-of-a-kind photo mat that keeps everyone in the household organized while incorporating a fun pattern and color. The hot-glue gun plays the most important role in this DIY project.

A 12-inch-by-12-inch piece of cardboard is all you need for this photo mat, and you can mix and match sizes as needed for a collection of memory keepers. Covering the cardboard in a foliage-patterned fabric is a wonderful way to pay tribute to the summer season, but you could just as easily use other seasonal patterns. Mount the photo mat on the wall to hold appointment cards and reminders, or lean it up against a bookshelf to display pictures. Miniature clothespins add a charming touch.

-12-inch-by-12-inch square of cardboard
-24-inch-by-24-inch swatch of decorative fabric
-Scissors
-Hot-glue gun
-Gold metallic ribbon
-Miniature clothespins

Instructions
 
1. Place the cardboard on a flat working surface.

2. Unfold the fabric, and center it over the cardboard square.

3. Flip the cardboard square and fabric upside down on the table so the underside of the fabric is exposed at the edges.

4. Cut away the excess fabric until only 1 inch extends past each side of the cardboard.

5. Line each of the four edges of the cardboard square with hot glue.

6. Fold the excess fabric over each edge, and press it to the hot glue to smoothly secure it to the back of the cardboard. Flip the cardboard over so the fabric-covered surface faces upright.

7. Wrap ribbon diagonally around the top right corner of the cardboard square to measure the length needed to reach the back of the photo mat. Leave approximately 2 1/2 inches of space between the ribbon and top corner.

8. Double the measured length of ribbon, and cut it away from the larger spool.

9. Cut the ribbon in half to create two equal lengths.

10. Lay one length of ribbon diagonally across the top right corner of the photo mat square, and hot glue the ends to the backside of the cardboard where the fabric ends. Cut away any excess ribbon.

11. Repeat this process with the second length of ribbon on the bottom left corner of the photo mat. If you prefer, attach the two lengths of ribbon on the opposite corners of the photo mat.

12. Lean the photo mat against a wall or bookshelf, and use miniature clothespins to attach photos and memos to the ribbon.