On the layout shown here, the focal point photo and journaling are both matted on a piece of cardstock that is torn on the bottom edge.
Paper Tearing for Scrapbooking - Combo Photo Mat
By Rebecca Ludens, About.com Guide
Combo mats combine a photo and a journaling mat in one. Tearing the combo mat on the bottom edge helps draw the eye down the strip from photo to journaling.
Combo Mat
Ludens©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.