You probably know about self-healing cutting mats, and you may even have more than one at home. AlthoughĀ glass matsĀ are not so well known, they are theĀ best surfaceĀ forĀ Mixed Media projects.
Glass matsĀ are perfect forĀ Mixed MediaĀ projects. Since it is a non-porous surface, you can apply different inks or products to make different mixtures for your projects. For example, you can make your ownĀ watercolour mixtures, applyĀ Distress inksĀ to use them as watercolours by adding a little water or even mix different inks colours and use the mat as a palette for your projects.
And whatever falls on the glass mat, you canĀ clean it easilyĀ using little water and a piece of kitchen paper and it will be as good as new. The best thing about these glass mats is precisely how easy they are to clean. Whatever you put on them, you canĀ easily clean the surface.
Craftelier Glass Mat
It's made ofĀ tempered glassĀ in white with turquoise details, as expected. The white colour allows you to see more clearly the colours you apply and the colours mixtures you make. It is also very useful for embossing, as the tempered glass is heat-resistant, and you can work knowing the mat won't be damaged.
It also includes small silicone supports in the corners to prevent it from moving.
The total working surface is 50 x 37 cm. divided into two areas. In the right area, there is a space to make colour mixtures of 33 x 11 cm. and the work surface is 33 x 33 cm. This area includes measurements in both centimetres and inches, which is perfect for centring and measuring projects. All marks are printed underneath the tempered glass, so they will never fade with use.
Other glass mats
Of course, there are glass mats from other brands, here are some of the most popular ones:
We R Memory Keepers Glass Cutting Mat
The American brand has a 30 x 30 cm version, available in two colours, white and turquoise and white and lilac. It has a grid with measurements in both centimetres and inches and angular guides to centre our work.
Another version, a little larger, divides the work area into two areas: one with grids and measurements to work on and a blank one where you can mix colours and experiment with different paints.
All models are of tempered glass, ideal for use while working on Mixed Media projects.
Tim Holtz Glass Media Mat
Tim Holtz's catalogue includes different models, all in black. The original 58 x 32 cm model was the starting point for the other models: a left-handed version and two travel models, one for right-handed people and one for left-handed people, measuring 40 x 26 cm.
The Glass Media has a work surface and a mixing area for Mixed Media, where you can attach non-stick sheets for mixing with your paints.
We R Memory Keepers Magnetic Glass Mat
This cutting base has all the features of a glass cutting base, but with one extra feature: it is magnetic. This allows you to attach your project to the work surface with the help of magnets, so you can work on your mixtures with the certainty that your project won't move. It is also very useful for making precise cuts, as the surface of the tempered glass is easily slippery. But by placing magnets, you can easily solve this problem thanks to its magnetic surface.
What do you think about these mats? Do you have one for your Mixed Media projects, or are you loyal to your self-healing cutting mat? We have to confess that we love the glass base to work with paints and inks, as it is so easy to clean!
