Awesome Close-Up Mat.... Under $1

[publius]

I was fooling around in Hobby Lobby today, and I saw something that I thought might work as a close-up mat. It's a foam craft panel, and it was a mere 89 cents. Bought it to try out, and it works as good if not better than a high dollar close-up mat sold for cardistry and magic. Just a tip for those living on a budget like myself!

[wildwildcat]

Whoa, will definitely check this out!
What are the dimensions?

[Don Boyer]

A foam craft panel?  As in Styrofoam?  Is it covered with anything?

[publius]

Dimensions are 12 x 18 inches. It's called Silly Winks Foam Panel. It's for kids arts and crafts. They also sell animal shapes and stuff in this material. It's not styrofoam at all. It's a plush soft foam material that has just enough grip to it to catch cards perfectly on spreads and flips. They have about 20 different colors as well. I went with the traditional green felt color. You could theoretically buy several panels depending on how big you wanted your mat to be, and mount them to a nice piece of wood or something. I honestly like this cheap little thing better than some high dollar mats I have used believe it or not. It really is the perfect surface. And hey - if I'm wrong, you're only out 89 cents!

[publius]

The product in question - a little more expensive online lol http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/12-x-18-green-foam-sheet-5mm-338392/

[ecNate]

The product in question - a little more expensive online lol http://shop.hobbylobby.com/products/12-x-18-green-foam-sheet-5mm-338392/

Perhaps you have the 2mm thick version?  Those show as 89c online too.  I wonder if the 5mm would be too spongy.

http://shop.hobbylobby.com/crafts-hobbies-and-fabric-crafts/craft-foam/craft-foam-sheets/?sort=priceasc

[publius]

Ah... ok. Yes, I would think the 5 mil would be too spongy. The 2 mil is really perfect. The one drawback is that the material, especially at only 2 mil, is a little fragile. You could tear it with your hands if you wanted. But if you mounted it to something, it should be fine. I like being able to roll it up and go though. I've really been enjoying this thing. I guess if it tears, that's another 89 cents down the drain lol

[publius]

I just saw they also have 3 mil - that may be perfect, a little more durable and not too spongy. I'll have to go back over there and pick up a few different ones to test out.

[Don Boyer]

I just saw they also have 3 mil - that may be perfect, a little more durable and not too spongy. I'll have to go back over there and pick up a few different ones to test out.

I'm certainly curious enough to hear the results.