What is mat board and where can I find it? I’m finding lots of projects that use this material.

I found several definitions of matboard and most described it as paper used in framing to separate an image from the glass of the frame. In crafting, mat board is used for far more than just framing photos or artwork. So I prefer the description of matboard as a board comprised of two parts: the core and the paper face. Most matboard is 4-ply or about 1/16″ thick. Occasionally 2-ply or Ultra-Thick (8-ply) is used. Matboard is available in many forms. It is a heavy- weight paper used to create boxes, dimensional shapes, and so much more.

You can find matboard at most crafts stores in the framing department and also through any art supplier, both traditional retail and online. Mat board is difficult to cut with hand scissors, you’ll have better luck using a craft knife.

The photo above is a FaveCrafts.com project by Eileen Hull a FaveCrafts.com deisgner who created dies for Sizzix specifically for matboard. You can find the adorable basket project here.

Maria Nerius is the craft expert and in-house designer at FaveCrafts.com. She enjoys researching and answering art and craft questions, feel free to send her a note through customer service. She is also the editor of Creative Income, a FaveCrafts.com newsletter available through subscriptions.