Mat Cutting & Picture Framing Classes

Our series of mat cutting and picture framing classes are popular with artists, photographers and those interested in pursuing a career in high caliber picture framing.

Available Classes

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BEGINNING MAT CUTTING

Time: 10am-3pm              Cost: $175 per person

A comprehensive introductory class that is great for both novice and intermediate students. Single and double mats will be demonstrated on both high end professional and affordable home use matcutters to allow students to be familiar with a range of features and prices. Discussion on acid free vs. archival board qualities, appropriate backing boards, hinging, measurements and how-to tips for correcting mistakes or flaws in your mats. Excellent handouts and samples provided. Great for those just getting started or wanting to expand their basic skills with helpful tips and tricks.

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ADVANCED MAT CUTTING

Time: 10am-3pm              Cost: $175 per person

Want to use your matcutter to expand your artistic know how and spice up the look of your framing? Let this class show you how. Learning to apply a paper panel to the mat surface can be a nice accent for a wide range of artworks, especially classic botanicals. V-groove cut designs can be made to complement both modern and vintage arts. Deco Corner cutting is a wonderful accent for artworks from the 1920\’s. Other fun corner cut techniques are covered in this class plus helpful tips on multiple opening mats and double thick 8ply mats. A highly informative and fun follow up class that builds on concepts covered in our Beginning Mat Cutting Class.

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MAT DECORATING

Time: 10am-3pm              Cost: $175 per person

Traditional french matting decoration of ruled lines and powdered panels have been gracing mat surfaces for centuries. Most often seen on etchings and engravings, this detailing adds a classic finish to a myriad of artworks. In addition to learning to recreate french matting, you will also learn the art of gold leafing. The gold leafed matting technique demonstrated in this class is a sophisticated accent to both traditional and contemporary artworks. This technique can also be easily modified for use in a variety of refinishing and detailing applications. Also covered in this class: Time saving tips on how to color mat bevels and the fine art of custom painted mats.

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CONSERVATION TECHNIQUES

Time: 10am-2pm              Cost: $95 per person

Understanding conservation concepts, techniques and resources. We’ll discuss acid free vs. archival, pre-made tapes & adhesive options, outgassing, u.v. protective glazing options, frame sealing and more. Students will have hands on practice with creating archival adhesives from scratch.

What You Will Need

There will be one demo mat cutter available for use during class. To get the most out of class I recommend you bring your own mat cutter. Don’t have your own mat cutter yet? We are happy to make suggestions based on your budget and estimated frequency of use!

I’ll supply you with the basic supplies you’ll need during class and send you home with some archival hinging samples, as well.

Bring a good way to take notes, too! There’s a lot of great info we’ll be covering in class! I’ve have had several students take the full class series multiple times because they thought it was so fun and informative!

Class Size

All class sizes are limited to 3-4 students per class to ensure each student’s needs are met and that there is ample time for demonstrations, hands on work and questions.

Location & Registration

Classes At Our Studio:

Classes are held at the JSG studio in North Boulder. 1/2 deposit is due at registration with balance due 48 hours before class date. All dates are set by request and require a minimum of 3 students to run. If you are interested in getting your name on the list to be notified of the next run date, simply email or call and let me know which classes you are interested in and what days & times are best for you.

Classes At Your Event:

Bring JSG Classes to your arts group, venue or frame shop! To request a class or class series simply email or call and let me know which classes you are interested in, your location and it’s facilities, the event the classes are being brought in for, expected number of attendees and what days & times are best for your group.

Jennifer Secrist Goran, CPF, owner, designer & chief framer at JSG Exquisite Custom Framing in Boulder, CO

About The Instructor

All classes are taught by Jennifer Secrist Goran, CPF, who has been providing professional instruction since 1986 to framers and artists alike. Her pleasant demeanor and thorough instruction make her a favorite among her students. She has been custom framing full time for over 30 years. Jennifer is a Certified Picture Framer and a member of the Professional Picture Framers Association.

Student Comments

What Students Are Saying About Our Mat Cutting And Picture Framing Classes

  • Thank you for a very useful and informative class. Right now I am matting some things for Butterfield’s auction.

    Pieter

  • You were (an) excellent teacher. I enjoyed your class!

    Inso Chung

  • I got so much from your class. And although I have not as yet begun to mat my artwork, I am moving toward it with knowledge and enthusiasm as a result of your teaching.

  • You have given me a good opportunity to again thank you for the great class back in January. I just did a nice double mat for a photograph and my wife exclaimed how professional it looked.

  • Thanks again for the class. I really got a lot out of it and I appreciate all that you brought to the class and what you passed on to us.