Packing an olfa mat? Good idea or not?
 

Hi,
We're headed down for an extended visit to FL soon. Am taking a Featherweight and some kits I've put together out of my stash. Do you think it will be safe to pack an Olfa mat in my suitcase or do you think the heat will warp it? I can buy one down there but I know if it smells like skunk (as so many of the new ones do), I'll hear from the peanut gallery.
Thanks for your thoughts,
lots2do

As long as it remains flat in the bottom of your suit case, I think you will be fine. I have never had problems with the heat in cars as long as I put the mat in first on the bottom of everything else, so it stays flat. Being in your suitcae it should be even more safe, IMHO.
Others may have different information for you. Hope you have a good trip.
peace

I have one of these: http://www.joann.com/omnigrid-fold-a...x18-/prd22597/

It's got a bit more substance to it than just the mat, so less likely to warp than a mat by itself. Fits into a medium suitcase, if you're flying.

I would think it would be OK as long as the car does NOT get hot. I am even worried about when I move 40 miles south of my current location. It gets HOT in the desert and that will be the last thing in and the first thing OUT !!

When I went to Fl. from Pa. I layed my matt flat in the back of my van (or a trunk in the car) and had no problem.

As long as the mat is laying flat and covered from the sun it should be fine. I use a June Taylor mat for traveling. It will not warp in the heat, standing up or laying flat. It's a hard surface mat and better for the rotary blade. The blade does not cut into the mat like it does with the self healing mats. I have both types and use which ever one is handy at the time.

I think as long as it's kept flat, it should be okay.

It should be okay as long as it is flat...and also weighted down by something else....just flat with the heat it could warp, but if there is something on top of it to keep it from warping, it probably will be ok.

Purchase 1 or 2 pieces of foamcore board - looks like stiff poster board, often can find them at Dollar Tree, etc. - and make a "pocket" to hold your board safely. I use duct tape around three sides of the 2 boards, leaving one open so I can slide the mat into the pocket.

The number of boards you buy will depend on the size of your cutting mat. I made these pockets in several sizes when I lived in Texas, where even placing a mat flat on the floor of the car trunk would allow them to warp from heat. Never had a problem in years after beginning to use these pockets.

An added benefit -- cover one side of the pocket (or both if you wish) with flannel or a piece of leftover batting and you have a portable design wall. I even slide my long ruler in beside the mat.

Jan in VA

Love this folding setup for travel!
 

I have one of these too and I LOVE it! You have a cutting surface and a pressing surface that folds up and fits in a suitcase with no problem. I just took mine on vacation across the country and it was really handy! Very sturdy too -- I don't know how it could be damaged inside of a suitcase. They're on sale right now too!