Tutorial: DIY Glass Media Mat

As in all things, the crafting world is constantly improving and changing.  Tonic and Tim Holtz developed a Glass Media Mat that looked incredibly amazing.  Unfortunately, I could not find one for purchase (that wasn't a preorder) a month or so ago, so I decided I would just make my own.  I do not wish to take away anything from the mat designed by Tonic and Tim Holtz.  This is just a version that works for me, in a size and style that I was able to customize to fit my needs.  The Tim Holtz Glass Media Mat retails for around $35-40 plus shipping.  My total cost was around $23 because I had some of the items on hand (grid paper and spray adhesive).

I think it helps to think about what the features of the media mat are: easy-clean surface that is scratch-resistant.  So, I began my search for tempered glass.  I started by looking at tempered glass cutting boards, then I found tempered glass shelving.  I chose to purchase the tempered glass shelf listed below due to preferred size.  (NOTE:  I will put asterisks by the items I personally used to construct my glass mat, but I am including other options for you to review.  Since I knew what I was looking for, I thought it would be nice to give you a head start in your search.)  Bear in mind, the cutting boards are great options since most already have non-slip feet at the bottom, removing a step from assembly and added purchase.

Since I selected a glass shelf, I knew I needed non-slip feet for the bottom.  I considered corner feet, carpet grip pads, but ultimately settled upon a longer silicone mat due to its low profile, price, and ability to use without permanently adhering to the underside of my glass mat.  Consider where you will be using your mat and what would suit your situation best.  I love that the Tim Holtz mat has a ruled work surface, for measuring and keeping things straight.  I remembered that my Memory Misti came with a 12"x12" gridded paper pad, so I used one of those sheets for the main work surface (on the left side of the mat, but remember you can switch sides if that suits you better).  

I also loved the palette on the right side, so I wanted to use a lighter paper on that side so that I could easily see what inks, paints, etc I mooshed onto its surface.  I considered hand-drawing a larger palette grid for that side but thought that was silly (for me), and elected for a white brick patterned scrapbook paper from my stash.  I trimmed it down to 6" wide, leaving the 12" in length.  I chose to fill the space between my gridded work surface and brick palette area with sweet clippings from scrapbook paper in my stash.  Things that make me smile.  

Again, the beauty of customizing this mat is being able to do just that!  Skip this bit if you wish, or look for things that inspire you!  Hey, you could even mount little plastic sleeves at the bottom so you could easily swap out pictures, cards, images that inspire.  In hindsight, I TOTALLY would have done that!

To mirror the Tim Holtz mat, I did want a non-stick mat for my glass surface as well.  So, I simply purchased the replacement non-stick mat made for the Tim Holtz Glass Media Mat (links below)!  Yes, they sell them and it was better than figuring out a good way to attach a teflon non-stick mat to silicone/grip surface.  The price is also not a deal breaker, and I'm glad to know they are available in case I need a replacement.

Steps for Assembly

1. Clean glass.

2. Using spray adhesive, coat the top of your grid paper with glue and carefully apply top down onto the bottom of your glass.  Smooth it out with a soft, dry rag.

3. Repeat step 2 for any additional elements, like the palette area and any pictures, etc you wish to add.

4. Attach non-slip feet to the bottom of your mat, if needed.  Or, lay your silicone mat on your table surface.

5. Flip over your glass mat, lay on top of non-slip silicone mat (if using) and get messy!  Optional, add the Non-Stick Mat to your glass mat for more fun!

It really is that easy!  I know, you're thinking.. man, that wasn't difficult at all!  And you are right, it truly wasn't.  Better yet, It will be easier for you since I've found links for everything below!  I would LOVE to see what you make!  Please tag me on Instagram (IG @thefrolickingfairy) or on Facebook (The Frolicking Fairy) so I can offer my congrats on a job well done!

Supply List

All prices are current as of 07-24-2018; Items with ** are items I used.

**14" x 24" tempered glass shelf from Store Supply Warehouse  $6.70 + shipping

Glass Cutting Board by Clever Chef | Non Slip Cutting Board is Shatter-Resistant, Durable, Stain Resistant, Dishwasher Safe | Rectangle 15.75" x 20" (Clear)  $19.99 prime

Kleen Freak Sticky Grip Corner Pad Bumper/Gripper  $8.99 prime

White Food Grade Silicone Pastry Mat Extra Thick Large Nonstick Baking Mat Oven Counter Children Student Table Mat  $9.99 prime

**40*30CM Silicone Baking Mat Non Stick Pan Liner Placemat Table Protector Kitchen Pastry Liner Baking Bakeware Mat for 6 Color from AliExpress  under $3.25 shipped

**Memory Misti Grid Pad  $12 plus shipping on Amazon

Pinkfresh Studio - Simple and Sweet Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - Fresh Air from Scrapbook.com  $0.98 plus shipping

Reminisce - You've Been Schooled Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - 5th Grade from Scrapbook.com  $1.04 plus shipping

Prima - Flirty Fleur Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - Pretty Birds with Foil Accents from Scrapbook.com  $0.98 plus shipping

Bienfang Designer Grid Paper, 50 Sheets, 11-Inch by 17-Inch Pad, 4 by 4 Cross Section  $11.66 prime

 **Check your local craft store for sheets of gridded scrapbook paper.  This is what I could find for you available online.

**Aleenes All Purpose Tacky Adhesive Spray, 11-Ounce  $5.97 prime

**Tonic Studios - Tim Holtz Replacement Non-Stick Mat for Glass Media Mat (from Tonic Studios; from Amazon)

Thank you so much for checking out my DIY project!  Until next time, craft happy!

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#thefrolickingfairy #glassmediamat #timholtz #tonicstudios #mediamat #diy #craftmat #protectyoursurface #getinky #workspace #craftycorner #doityourself #tutorial #misti
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