Studio Notes - Craft Mat Options

Studio Notes, today I wanna talk about craft mats. The options are wide and varied - glass, self-healing, silicone, magnetic, sticky, non-stick, foam, heat-resistant, and grippy.  there are also a variety of sizes available.  The options can be crazy overwhelming.  In the end, my advice would be to choose the mat or mats that fit your crafting style.  

Currently, you'll find three mats in my studio - self-healing, glass, and non-stick.  I've researched some of the other options and am giving some serious consideration to snagging one of the Tim Holtz Media Grip Mats.  The Media Grip Mat is designed to be cut to size for your needs.  I would be cutting it to size to use mostly in my ink blending with stencils in conjunction with my glass mat.  I currently use Sizzixs Sticky Grid for holding my piece in place while ink blending, more on that in a future post.

Self-Healing Mat:

I refer to this one as my everyday mat.  I have had a couple different ones but like the light color of this one best.  The size is slightly smaller than 12 x 18 inches.  The color of this mat wooed me, as it matches the decor in my studio.  I also find it easier to create on a light-colored surface.  

The measurements of this mat are in centimeters, so keep that in mind when you're looking for a mat.  If you plan to use the measurements marked on the mat be sure to get a mat that fits your measuring system.  I only care that the mat has a grid to use for lining up card elements.  If measurements are important I use my T ruler or Tim Holtz ruler.  I've found that self-healing mats clean up easily with a bit of hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth.

Glass Mat:

When Tim Holtz released the Glass Media Mat I was all in but opted for the travel size one.  I love the glass surface, but don't love the black so knew I wouldn't be using it for all my projects and the smaller mat would fit my needs.  For me, this mat was an ink blending game changer! 

As an ink blending addict, there is no better surface for me to work on.  I also use the glass mat for messier water and ink techniques.  I think it's a must if you enjoy ink blending and techniques using inks, sprays, and paint.

The Glass Media mat cleans up easily with water if your using inks and sprays.  Messier mediums can be cleaned up with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol. 

Non-Stick Mat:

Before there were glass mats on the scene, there was the Ranger Non-Stick Mat.  This was once my go-to mat for ink blending.  Now it's my go-to when I pull out my gel plate and dive into printmaking.  I've found the non-stick mat to be an amazing surface for placing my gel plate on.  

I gleaned a tip from a Jennifer McGuire video a while back.  She took her non-stick mat and adhered it to a self-healing mat with spray adhesive.  Having my non-stick mat attached to a heavier mat creates a more rigid surface, keeps the mat in place without taping to my desk, and makes it easier to clean as well.  It's another mat that cleans up easily with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.

Shopping Notes:

• The self-healing mat I have is no longer available, but I have linked a few similar options.

Shop the Supplies:

PVC A3 Cutting Mat Shop at: AZ	Ranger Ink - Reusable Non-Stick Craft Sheet Shop at: SBC | AZ	Ranger Ink - Wendy Vecchi - Non-Stick Craft Sheet Shop at: SBC | AZ	Self Healing Cutting Mat Shop at: AZ
Sizzix - Cutting Mat Shop at: SBC	Tim Holtz Tonic GLASS MEDIA MAT Shop at: SSS | SBC | AZ	Tim Holtz Tonic TRAVEL GLASS MEDIA MAT Shop at: SSS | SBC | AZ