A couple of months ago I started having some awful neck and shoulder pain. It is much better now after time and many adjustments to the way I do things. My crafts were not the cause of the problem but they did contribute to the aggravation while it was going on. Tilting my head down was a particular problem.
During this time I noticed on some Internet videos the Basic Grey Magnetic Mat being used for scrapbooking and card making. It was positioned flat on the work surface. Yet, I wondered if everything was held on with magnets, couldn't I tilt it so that it would be easier to see and reach the items I was working on?
The solution my husband and I found was to clip the mat to a board attached to hinges that would allow me to tilt it up. The components are:
- Basic Grey Magnetic Mat kit including 8 magnets and magnetic ruler - available through Amazon.com or Two Peas in a Bucket.
- A piece of masonite cut 15"x15". Any firm board will work.
- Two 8" triangular hinges - available from Lowes Hardware
Two bolts to attach the hinges to the masonite. Be sure to countersink the screw heads into to the board so you have no lumps beneath the mat.- Two binder clips to hold the mat to the masonite. I didn't want to attach it permanently. This way I can take it off and use it directly on a work surface. The mat also works as a cutting mat and I would probably want it flat for cutting. I still have my regular cutting mat available.
- Two small dowels cut to a length that will achieve the desired angle. I just bought a dowel rod from Lowes when I got the hinges.
I really love this system for scrapbooking! With the ruler and all the edge markings on the mat, I can line up letters, photos and embellishments easily on my scrapbook pages.
The magnetic mat is a great tool even if you want to just use it flat and not tilt as I have.
nice job...kudos to your hubby for making this for you.
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