Using Patterned Paper
Why Should I Mat My Photo?
For the same reason that you frame a picture before hanging it up on the wall! A mat will act as a frame for your photos, giving a visual space or “rest” between the colors and shapes in the photos and those in the background paper. It also gives your page a more finished look.
A mat is a must if you’re using patterned paper as a background. Be sure to follow the Golden Rule of Patterned Papers and always mat your photo onto a solid paper before placing it on a patterned background sheet. If the paper is very bright or heavily patterned, you can make your photo mat a bit wider, or double-mat or triple-mat it.