Creative Memories has added a new blade, green, to its Custom Cutting System. Here are some simple steps to help you use it to double mat a photo.

Difficulty Level: Average      Time Required: 3 minutes

1. Choose the photo you wish to crop.
2. Select two colors of photo mounting paper that compliment the colors in the photo.
3. Use the plastic template guide that comes with the system to select the appropriate size to crop the photo. Choose a size on the inside of a shape using the blue blade or on the outside of a shape using the red blade.
4. If you choose an inside shape size, cut the photo using the blue blade and continue to step 6.
5. If you choose an outside shape size, cut the photo using the red blade and continue to step 7.
6. After cutting the photo with the blue blade, use the same size and shape to cut the first color of photo mounting paper with the green blade. Continue to step 8.
7. After cutting the photo with the red blade, use the same size and shape to cut the first color of photo mounting paper with the green blade. Continue to step 9.
8. Now cut the second color of paper with the red blade using the same size and shape template; go to step 10.
9. Now cut the second color of paper with the blue blade using the same size and shape template.
10. You now have a perfect set of photo and papers to mount.  Use photo adhesive to adhere the photo to the first color of paper leaving an even 1/8" reveal all the way around the photo.
11. Use more adhesive to mount the first color of paper to the second leaving an even 1/8" reveal all the way around the first color.
12. Affix the mounted photo to your page using mounting tape.  
    

1. If you need help selecting the color of paper to use, try placing the photo on different sheets of color and see what is highlighted in the photo by each color.
2. Try to keep the blades completely perpendicular to the paper/photo when cutting to prevent creating a raised edge and uneven cut.
3. Becoming proficient with this cutting system will pay off but does require a little bit of practice.  Try cutting scrap paper until you feel confident enough to try it with your precious photos.
   

Related Features:

• How To Crop a Photo, simple instructions on basic cropping.