A matboard may seem like a simple detail, but when you’re in a crafty mood, it can become part of the art itself. Looking for DIY matboard ideas? We got you. There are plenty of fun ways to get creative. From paint and stencils to stamping, stitching, and textured details, a plain photo mat can quickly become part of the story.
Decorating a matboard is an easy way to add personality to a framed photo, keepsake, or gift. It can be subtle and sweet, bold and colorful, or delightfully over-the-top, depending on the project. Whether you’re framing a wedding photo, a child’s drawing, a vacation memory, or a handmade gift, a lil DIY adds that extra little touch that makes the whole thing feel more personal.
What Makes a DIY Matboard So Fun?
A matboard already plays an important role in framing. It creates space around your photo or artwork, helps draw the eye inward, and gives the whole piece a more finished look. But it also happens to be a great blank canvas.
That’s what makes it such a fun craft project! Instead of treating the mat as just a border around your art, you can use it to add color, texture, personality, or even a little message. A decorated mat can make a frame feel more playful, more thoughtful, or more giftable without needing a lot of extra supplies.
It’s also one of those DIY projects that feels approachable. You don’t need to be a professional crafter to pull it off. A few simple materials and a little imagination can go a long way.
Start With a Theme Before You Start Decorating
Before you grab the paint pens and glitter glue, it helps to think about the piece you’re framing and where it will live once it’s hung up or displayed.
A matboard for a baby photo might call for something soft and sweet. A framed vacation snapshot might be more playful and colorful. A framed wedding photo or anniversary gift might work best with subtle details, while a child’s artwork can handle something a little more fun and expressive.
When the matboard complements the photo or artwork instead of competing with it, the whole frame feels more intentional. That balance is what makes DIY framing look creative rather than chaotic.
Painting is the Easiest Place to Start
One of the simplest ways to decorate a matboard is with markers or a little acrylic paint.
This is a great option if you want something personal and handmade without needing a ton of prep. A thin border line, a few doodles in the corners, a name, a date, or a handwritten quote can instantly turn a plain mat into something special. It’s especially charming for gifts, memory frames, or anything sentimental.
The nice thing about hand-drawn details is that they don’t have to be perfect. A slightly imperfect line or a handwritten note can actually make the piece feel more heartfelt. That’s part of the charm.
If you’re using paint, just be sure to let everything dry completely before placing the mat in the frame.
Stenciling Gives You a Polished Look
If you like the idea of decorating a matboard but don’t trust yourself to freehand a clean design, stenciling is a great option, and so much fun to do!
Stencils make it easy to create repeating patterns, neat borders, or themed decorative touches without needing much artistic confidence. Very low stakes! You can keep it simple with a subtle design around the opening, or go a little bolder with a full border pattern that frames the piece inside. It’s a great middle ground if you want the mat to feel designed without looking too busy.
Pro Tip: A light hand is your best friend here. Too much paint can oversaturate the surface, so gentle layers tend to work better than trying to get it all done in one pass.
Stamping Is Perfectly Playful
Stamping your matting is one of the easiest ways to add pattern and personality while keeping the project fun and low-pressure.
A stamped border can feel neat and intentional, while a more scattered pattern can give the mat a scrapbook-inspired look. This works especially well if you’re framing memory pieces, event keepsakes, or gifts where you want the mat to feel part of the overall design.
The trick is to choose something that supports the photo or art instead of pulling attention away from it. For example, for this bee print, we chose to try some botanical leaves and flowers for our stamps. Stay with the theme!
Pro Tip: If you’re using ink, give it plenty of time to dry before handling the mat too much. Some pads are more generous than others, and no one wants a smudgy masterpiece.
Stitching on a Matboard Adds a Handmade Touch
If you really want to lean into the crafty side of things, stitching on a mat is such a fun and unexpected technique. We learned about it from one of our very own Framing Fam members!
What a unique way to add texture that feels soft, handmade, and a little surprising. A stitched border around the opening can be simple and lovely, or you can add tiny shapes, initials, hearts, stars, or little decorative lines that make the piece feel extra special.
The key is to keep it fairly flat and simple, and not to add too much additional depth to the matting. Smaller designs tend to work best, so the mat still sits nicely in the frame.
Decoupage Turns the Mat Into Part of the Art
If you want to go bigger with your DIY matboard ideas, decoupage or collage can turn the mat into a true statement piece. Layering in patterned paper, maps, sheet music, pressed flowers, ticket stubs, or other flat materials can create something that feels personal and creative in a very scrapbook-meets-home-decor kind of way.
This technique is especially fun because it gives you a lot of freedom. It can be neat and polished, or a little more artsy and eclectic. As always, just keep an eye on the thickness so the finished mat still fits comfortably inside the frame.
Washi Tape Is an Easy Win
For a low mess option, washi tape is a solid choice.
It’s colorful, easy to work with, and perfect if you want something playful without committing to paint or glue. A few strips around the border, layered corners, or a simple pattern can make a mat feel instantly more fun. It’s especially great for kids’ art, party photos, dorm décor, or seasonal projects where you want the frame to feel cheerful and casual.
It’s also a nice choice if you’re crafting with kids or just want something forgiving.
Final Thoughts on DIY Matting
A matboard might seem like a small part of a frame, but it can completely change the feel of the finished piece.
Consider adding a little paint, stenciling a pattern, stamping a pattern, stitching in a sweet detail, distressing the edges, or building a full collage around your photo. Decorating a mat is a fun way to make your frame feel even more personal. It’s creative, approachable, and just the right amount of crafty.
The best part is that there’s no one right way to do it. Start simple, play around, and let the piece you’re framing guide the design. Sometimes the smallest detail around the edges is what makes the whole thing feel extra special.
Ready to get crafty with some matboards?
Start designing your frame and matting today!
DIY Matboard Ideas FAQs
Can you decorate a matboard?
Yes, you can decorate a matboard with paint, markers, stencils, stamps, stitching, collage materials, and other flat embellishments. Just make sure everything is dry and not too bulky before placing it in a frame.
Can you stencil on a matboard?
Absolutely. Stenciling is an easy way to add a clean, decorative pattern to a mat and works especially well for borders, repeating designs, and themed projects.
Can you sew on a matboard?
Yes, you can sew or stitch on matting by pre-punching small holes and using thread or embroidery floss. Keep the design simple and fairly flat so the mat still fits properly in the frame.
