Shield Your Craft Table: Must-Have Craft Mats for Every Crafter

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Protech Your Craft Surface!

Crafting is a cherished pastime for many, offering a world of creative possibilities. While we are immersed in the joys of cutting, gluing, and painting, we often forget the importance of protecting our crafting surfaces. A versatile product that not only protects our surfaces but can withstand all our crafting tools, such as heat guns, glues, and other crafting mediums, is a must-have for any crafter. That’s where crafting mats come in – essential tools that safeguard your crafting surface and enhance your experience, giving you a little peace of mind that your surfaces are protected.
In this post, we’ll explore the world of crafting mats, delving into the three main types that every crafter should have: self-healing mats, silicone mats, and glass mats. These mats not only protect your crafting surface but also enhance your crafting experience by providing a stable and non-slip surface for your materials.Later in the series I will provide an in-depth product review of the  mats that I currently use in my craft room.

The Magic of Self-Healing Craft Mats

Self-healing mats are a crafter’s best friend when it comes to precision cutting and measuring. These mats are designed to endure countless cuts and nicks, thanks to their remarkable ability to “heal” and seal the marks left by sharp blades. You can find various self-healing mats on the market, with some popular options being the Altenew Crafters Essential Cutting and Alignment Mat. This one being one of the two I have on my crafting surfaces, the other being Sew-Ology that I purchased at Hobby Lobby.
The benefits of using a self-healing mat extend beyond durability. They provide a smooth, non-slip surface that ensures your materials stay put, minimizing the risk of accidents and inaccurate cuts. These mats are an indispensable tool for paper crafting, quilting, and any project requiring precise measurements.  Below are links to a couple of alternative mats that are available from amazon. I would like to note that the dollar stores, such as the Dollar Tree that I shop at, have small self healing mats in their crafting section. Perfect for the little projects you have.[affiliatable id=’222353′]
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Versatile Silicone Craft Mats

For us crafters who dabble in heat embossing, hot glue, and other projects that involve high temperatures or messy materials, silicone mats are the ideal choice. These mats are heat-resistant and offer a non-stick surface, making them perfect for projects where melted wax, adhesive, or embossing powder comes into play. I have 2 different types of silicon mats in my craft studio. They are very handy and come in so many sizes that you could have one for every occasion and craft. They are inexpensive enough that if they get stained I don’t mind and since I keep a couple I have them color-coded for different crafts, such as painting, hot glue, etc.

Silicone mats are easy to clean, making post-project tidying a breeze, and their flexibility allows for easy storage. The craft company Waffle Flower has silicone mats that are specific to such things as stenciling to help keep your cardstock and stencils in place, as well as their water media matt. I have seen one similar at Hobby Lobby, and this is handling for watercoloring or if you are using the mini ink cubes and doing ink blending.

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The Importance of Glass Craft Mats

Glass mats cater to artists and crafters who revel in painting, inking, and other creative pursuits that require a smooth, non-porous surface. Glass mats provide an easy-to-clean workspace, and their transparency allows for precise positioning of stencils and templates. I’m fairly new to using a glass mat, and honestly I often forget to get it out when I’m doing painting and inking, I know that is very crafter of me, ha! My favorite is the Tim Holtz Glass Cutting Mat. That is the one I have and it can be found on amazon, or sometimes I have spotted it at Hobby Lobby. 

The glass surface of these mats is also excellent for mixing paints, as it won’t absorb or stain from the materials used. This makes them a top choice for a wide range of crafts, from acrylic pouring to card making. 

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A Little Comparison and Contrast

To determine which mat is best for your crafting needs, it’s important to compare and contrast their characteristics. Self-healing mats excel in durability and precision, silicone mats shine when it comes to resisting heat and mess, while glass mats offer a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. Each mat type has its unique strengths and is tailored to specific crafting activities.

Let’s consider a practical scenario: a crafter who loves both quilting (requiring precision cuts) and hot glue projects (requiring a non-stick surface) would benefit from having both a self-healing mat and a silicone mat in their crafting arsenal. The variety of mats ensures that you have the right tool for each creative endeavor.

One thing to consider when deciding which type of mats you want to invest in, would be to keep in mind what type of project you do the most of. Are you a hot glue crafter primarily? Do you make wreaths and various other hot glue projects? Maybe starting with a silicone mat would be the best bet? Do you do a lot of cutting? Self-healing mats would benefit. Do you like inking and painting, then glass mat is your go too for the smooth surface. Like I mentioned I have at least one of each type to fit whatever type of craft I want to do. I tend to flip between a lot of different crafting. 

Conclusion

In the world of crafting, protecting your workspace is just as important as the craft itself. Crafting mats, whether self-healing, silicone, or glass, offer a shield for your surfaces while enhancing your creative output. By investing in these essential tools, you not only prolong the life of your crafting area but also empower yourself to tackle a diverse array of projects with confidence.

I recommend having a selection of these mats at your disposal, however if your budget and crafting space can only cater to one, that is perfecting fine as well. I know that us crafters love to have all the crafty things! Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a novice, crafting mats are the unsung heroes that make your creative journey smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

In your crafting adventures, don’t forget to follow proper care and maintenance instructions for your mats to ensure their longevity. With the right crafting mats by your side, your creative possibilities are limitless, and your crafting surface remains protected.

Happy crafting!