I Never Say No to Messy Crafts, Thanks to This Big Blue Mat

Beneath my grown-up lawyer/writer/tennis player persona is a creative 6-year-old eager to make things. It’s possible that my creative spirit has blessed me with an oversized tolerance for messy creative play. Yet, despite my penchant for art projects, I’m still a busy mother of three who likes to see my kitchen counter from time to time and would rather read than peel glitter glue from my granite. This is why, for years, I’ve relied on an oversized silicone mat for my family’s artistic endeavors.

My kids know to grab “the big blue mat” from the art closet whenever we start Play-Doh or pedicures or even eat cereal in the living room. We’ve also used it for slime; pumpkin carving; and water, ice, and snow play.

• It’s the perfect size. At 26 by 16 inches, there’s enough space for a few people to comfortably work around. It’s giant, bigger than any paper we’d use for painting or a baking tray for cooking, but easily fits on any table or counter.
• It’s not too heavy. The mat weighs around 1.72 pounds, which is not too heavy and not too light. Made of thick non-toxic, food-grade silicone, it won’t shift or slide or need to be taped down like a disposable tablecloth. Still, it rolls up for easy storage.
• It has a high edge: The high, flexible raised edge keeps messes contained, whether you’re working with beads, jigsaw puzzle pieces, or Legos.
• It’s easy to clean. Best of all, this blue mat is durable and easy to clean. 

My kids are now 8, 11, and 16 and we’ve been using the same mat for their whole lives. I just bought a second mat this year because we’ve gotten into acrylic resin and designated our first one for that kind of mess.