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
From Rebecca Ludens, About.com
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
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