So I wanted to see what all the fuss was about using the chopping mats from the Dollar Tree that I was reading about on Facebook. I decided to make a page finder dashboard that would inspire me when working on my project. I selected some page flags and Post-its that I wanted to use and then put a cute little MAMBI clip at the top so I can find it quickly. I can clip this in right where I want to be directed to work on my project.
My Findings
I had no trouble trimming the mat with my paper trimmer or punching (I use a Levenger heavy duty punch). I have the large corner rounder from Michael's, and a very small 1/8″ corner rounder. Well, for this project the large quarter rounder was too large and the small corner rounder was too small, so I need to add another corner rounder sized in-between to my buy list.
The cutting mats at 2 for $1 are a bargain and I can see more uses. Some people are making planner covers with these, but I think they are a little too flimsy for that. They are thin, so work perfectly for this type of dashboard since they add no bulk.It took trips to two different Dollar Trees to actually get the mats. At the second store, the cashier took to me where they were supposed to be. She moved a few things on the shelf and said they were out of them. I walked around and then went back to that shelf after she left. After moving a few things, I saw 20 packs of the cutting mats. My friend, Karen, said she found hers under some dish towels at her store.
The cutting mats can serve many other purposes, so I am sure I will use all 6 packs I bought.
Shameless Confession
If you look just to the left of the “Right Now” sticker, you will see my absolute all-time favorite flowered Happy Planner sticky. I actually liked these so much, that I bought a second Happy Planner box set that contained them just to get another pack of the Post-it's. Now don't get me wrong, I am using other things that were in that box kit. The stickers, accessories, and covers were great. I used the covers to create a notebook for my project. But bottom line, it was the flower stickies. They look so pretty and work great to divide the sidebar on my weekly spread. ?
UPDATE
I decided to look into some better corner rounders, and they are perfect! I know I will use them for Happy Planner projects, and they are a definite improvement for my other paper crafting projects, especially card making. You can see the improved results below using the large 10 mm corner rounder on the outside corners, and the small 5 mm corner rounder on the inside corners.
Do you glue the post it’s to the dashboard? Mine keep falling off?
Hi Nanci, I add a tiny bit from the repositionable glue stick.
Yes, Use a little bit of e6000 or hot glue 🙂
I wonder what would happen if I laminated the cutting sheets after cutting them to the size I want in order to give them more stability. I wonder if they would melt.
Please let me know what happens if you try this!