Building Blocks This regular column will feature the different types of product segments available on CDs

This is a regular column of Newsletter Plus! to feature the types of elements available on CDs, downloads and as freebies.

There are numerous types of mats available at CottageArts.net. There are embellished, journaling, pocket and other assortments.

Examples of the many types of mats offered at CottageArts.net

*SPECIAL OFFER*

See the FREE SHIPPING special currently running in our on-line store. Plus, for the first time ever, all of our products are on sale, including our books and downloads! Free shipping ends Thursday, September 23rd. Sale ends Monday, September 27th.

This months Focus is on: Mats

Mats are the framework for your photos. They are what hold and surround your photos and have a direct impact to how your photo is displayed. Although mats seem like a simple element to just place under your picture to provide a foundation - they can also be used in a variety of ways to add drama and interest to your layout.

Rectangle Outline Mats - just place a rectangular mat or create one from a paper (see August Simply Digital Plus for more information on how) and place it under your photo for an attractive border outline.

Embellished Mats - by adding embellishments onto your mat you are drawing your the viewers eye to the "heaviest" spot on the layout - the photo.
samples of embellished mats

Journaled Mats - mats are a wonderful place to add your journaling - right next to the photo you are describing!

Mat Overlays - putting a mat over the photo, decreasing the opacity and cutting away a rectangle in the center is a dramatic way to focus on the photo.

Pocket Mats - tucking your picture into a pocket adds depth and interest to a layout and forces the view to "look into" the layout.

Angled Mats - be eclectic and tilt it! By slightly rotating your mat behind the photo you can add a sense of fun or a sense of artsy disorganization.

Shaped Mats - mat can come in shapes to add some additional whimsy to your layout. They can be in the form of a slide mat, a photo negative.