By Angie Felix

Covering Circular Slide Mounts

There’s no doubt about it: Slide mounts are hot! From mini photo frames and windows to card focals, there’s something about those little treasures that we just can’t get enough of.

Our designers love to ink slide mounts, chalk them, and yes, cover them—with patterned paper or vellum—whatever their little hearts desire. While the task is relatively easy, on those circular slide mounts it can be a tad tricky.

Here’s how designer Susan Cobb covers her circular slide mounts:

First, add glue to the slide mount and place face down on your patterned paper. Use a pair of small, sharp scissors (like the Cutter Bees) to cut around the outside edge of the slide mount, removing the excess paper. Trimming the excess is easier with scissors because of the slightly rounded corners, though you can use an X-acto® knife.

For the center of the slide mount, there are two methods that Susan recommends:

The first is to poke a hole in the middle of the paper with your knife or scissors. Starting from that hole, cut “V” shapes outward toward the edge of the circle, about every 1/8”. If you’re using a knife, you can cut it just like a pie or a pizza! Pull the cut pieces back and glue down.

The other method is to hold the slide mount on the bottom left corner with your left hand. Take your knife in your right hand and starting on the left inside edge, drag the knife blade against the center of the slide mount. Rather than lifting your knife, keep your knife in place and turn the slide mount with your left hand until you’ve cut the entire circle.
Either method should produce a great looking covered circular slide mount.
Quick Tip: for those little snags of paper you didn’t quite get, just grab some sandpaper or an emery board and lightly rub the snag off.