This workshop was at the Home Ext. office.
If you can find the foam back vinyl to cover a thin board (foam side out) it will work the same as the Steady Betty. No, nothing melts. The foam back vinyl use to be sold at most fabric shops for outdoor use. I haven't seen any in a long time in the stores. The Steady Betty is well made, two covered boards together. I used a 40% off coupon for Joanns online to buy the largest size. June Tailor use to make the smaller clapper but discontinued it. Golden Hands now makes the new ones with and without point presser. Nancy Notions sells them. If you find one at a yard sale, grab it. The older ones cost a fortune.