Mat Making – Step 1

It’s now time to start the mat making process. After the vinyl is bevel cut to 8’x10′ and primiered, a soft yellow base coat is applied to start the faux background process (picture 1). The toughest part about faux finishes is picking the appropriate color combinations. Once a good combination is found doing the faux finishing is easy . A mustard colored glaze is rubbed to tint the base coat (picture 2) and then a second coat using the same gaze is dry brushed in a criss-cross motion (picture 3). The result is a beautiful fresco background (picture 4). Next up, art to mat.

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If at first you don’t succeed…

Below is round two of design and happily the clients loved it. The design is based on Craftsman style stencil art. The scatter print in the center matches a similar design in the fabric of a living room chair – something they love. The background will be a golden fresco faux finish. Since computer inkjet proofs are not color accurate, I provide a sample that shows paint colors and the faux background (see picture below). Next up, starting the mat.

Craftsman Designed Mat

After researching the Craftsman style in detail on the internet, I decided to mimic the stained glass doors and lamps that I saw in so many of the home interiors. Below is the computer sketch I created for the client which matched some of the fixtures and fireplace/cabinet details in their home beautifully. Even though client liked the sketch and thought it was designed in the true Craftsman style they decided they wanted something with a slight floral influence which can also be seen in some Craftsman stencils and tapestries. Keep logging in (or email subscribe) for phase two of design.

New Year, New Project

I thought I’d start off the new year doing something new. Instead of showing you a finished mat and talking about it, I thought it might be fun to follow a project start to finish. So… I was hired to create an 8′ x 10′ mat to go under a dining room table (see below pic). The client would like a Craftsman style design to match their decor which is done in burgundy, dark green and features heavy, rich wood furniture, typical to the Craftsman style. Next I’ll be showing you the computer concept and swatches. Stay tuned…