It depends on how many times I use the template.

If it's just a few, I use freezer paper.

Medium usage, I use cardboard, usually old cereal boxes, as I also learned the old fashioned way. My first quilt was a grandmother's garden, templates made from boxes.

If I will be using the template alot, and plan on keeping it for future use, I will use the plastic material.

I kinda do like you..I usually draw or print them, cut them out and I take a empty box of like cereal and trace it onto it and cut it out and use that..That way, I can pin the cutout onto my fabric..

whenI first started, I made my own from heavy cardboard from the backs of tabletsss. I would glue fine sandpaper to the backs to keep them from sliding. This works fine if you are hand-cutting each shape. But, it is much easier to rotary cut around the hard acrylic templates, and faster.

I bought a large poster frame and used the plastic part made lots of templates. I did tape clear tape along the edges and cut carefully with my kitchen shears. They are lasting and great because they are cheap! I have some I bought but more home made ones in sizes I use most. Made a 5 inch one for charm squares. Love it!!

I use the disposal plastic cutting boards. They are 2 for a dollar at the dollar store and they are a little heavier than the mylar plastic that we spend over 2.00 for.. These work great!!!

I just made one last night using a plastic ice cream container. Actually, made 2 and glued them together to make it thicker. Was going to use scissors to cut them out but I knew they would be wavy so grabbed my ruler and an old rotary blade. Came out perfect!

If I can't find a template in the shape I want on-line, I have it made at my local glass shop; he uses a 1/8th inch thickness of plastic.
He's n/g on curves though - has to be straight edges.

When I need a template, I use those template sheets you can buy in a pack. I think they last quite a long time.

depends: if it's something I plan to rotary cut around I use the store bought templates. If something I plan to trace around and scissor cut -I make them from plastic container lids- margarine, coolwhip what ever fits the size I need and is flat.

That's too bad ... the first one I had done at the glass shop, were two apple core templates. They came back smooth and accurate as could be. I just take him in a printout of what I want and he does it from that.

Do you have another glass shop that might be able to do a better job?