It was either 1979 or 1980 when I got my first Olfa rotary cutter and small mat (and I still have and use them both). Before that, I always said that if my house caught on fire, be sure and rescue my young son's paintings that he had done. Once the rotary cutter and mat came out I added them to my list as 'must saves'!!!! LOL 30 years....hard to believe.