I'm new to matting, and have been repurposing frames found from Facebook marketplace and thrift stores.
All of these frames cost from $5-$10. I went to a local framer inquiring about matting. He sold me cut off's/fall for a heavily discounted rate after I brought in my portfolios and explained to him what I had in mind.
I bought a Logan compact mat cutter (Edit: off facebook marketplace for $25. It wouldnt be able to do a 24x36, but 18x24's all day), and this has been such a fun process and learning experience. These are just a few examples, and I'm positive I'm doing something incorrectly, but I'm not really looking for advice. Just wanted to share, and I know there will be plenty more to come.
I would encourage anyone that is on this sub to look into it because this will save you $$$$, is a fun activity, and you get to reuse forgotten about frames. One of these cheap frames had a mat with a black core, white textured surface that was only cut out about 7"x18". That matting alone can sell for $100+, and now I can use it for a different print!
Excited to share, to get these prints out of portfolios, and onto the walls here soon!