Hobby knives cut through mat board cleanly.
Rather than use the basic square or rectangular hole in the mat board to back a picture, use an octagon. The different shaped window adds a decorative element to the picture. Mat board, similar to cardboard, cuts best with a sharp blade. Ragged edges from a dull blade distracts from the image. You can use the octagon cutout from the mat board for various crafts. For example, mount a picture to it to put on a scrapbook page.
Instructions
1. A stop sign is in the shape of an octagon.
Lay the ruler on the back of the mat board. Using the ruler and pencil, draw an octagon. Each of the eight sides needs to measure the same length. For example, make each side two inches.
2. Hold the hobby knife at a 45 degree angle. Insert the tip of the knife into the mat board, along one of the pencil lines. Cut along the lines, moving slowly.
3. Push the cutout octagon from the mat board. Run the hobby knife along the cut edges of the mat board to smooth out any uneven spots.
