I like using mylar sheets myself. They are good and sturdy and will hold up for future use. You can also hole punch a little hole on the top of the sheet to hang them away in storage :) Xacto knives are great, but you can also get a special Xacto knife that has two knives side by side, so you can cut out the spaces you would trace your design onto your project. I think Olfa carries it. I have one at home. I have used it a few times and I like it