cereal boxs, or maybe like gift boxs you can buy in pkgs of 3 or so(fairly cheap.) I think someone once suggested using plastic lids off oatmeal boxes works good too.

The boxes are free at the Post Office. If they don't have them out in the lobby where you can take what you need, ask for Priority boxes.

I've used the poster board from the Dollar Store with success.

did you try the round circles that pizzas come on i know they used to sell them at party tree stores along time ago or any resturant supply store

I use plastic plates to make templates.

I save the back cardboard off of paper tablets. Like note pads, sprial binders. You could also buy a sheet of poster board. It comes in different thinkness.

Maybe go to the post office. The one here has boxes on the table out in the foyer for Express Mail and flat rate shipping. As long as you only took a couple, I doubt they'd care.

You can buy big sheets of template plastic at Joann's and Walmart (if your Walmart still has a fabric department). The cost is not prohibitive and they cut easily with scissors or an exacto knife. Just remember not to use the GOOD scissors!

If your knife is not working on the ice cream lids, there is an attachment for those little clover irons that is a heated knife that kinda melts through the plastic. I'm sure you could find something along those lines - maybe convert an old wood-burning tool to the purpose or something.

Good luck!

Check the trash. Lots of boxes we just toss for the landfill. Snacks, cereal, cake mix, feminine hygiene, soap, medicines, etc. I bet you'll start recognizing which thicknesses will work best. Great idea for templates!