Tip Top Tuesday – Mats and Layers Made Easy. For years I have used standard sized mats and layers for almost all my card projects. I have many of them cut and ready to go when ever I need them. If you have followed me for any length time you will know that I can rattle the dimensions off without hesitation. I have seen others share their sizes, so I thought it was time for me to do the same.

As I am in the UK, our standard card size is International A4, so logic would say that I would use metric measurements when cutting my mats. But I am an Imperial girl at heart, so I use inches for my mats. That said, I am happy to convert those to metric for those who are fully immersed in cm. While I was at it I also thought I would give you my suggestions for mats and layers if your standard paper is 8-1/2″ x 11″. The idea is that you can either use neighbouring sizes, or if you want a wider gap, miss one or two. So here we go, for each set I have made 6 nesting sizes.

Metric Mats and Layers for A6 Card bases

In case you don’t know what an A6 card base is, this is what you get if you cut a piece of A4 card in half and then fold that in half. I have started with the largest mat and then reduced the dimensions by 0.25cm on each side for each smaller layer. This gives you the following sizes:

• 14.5 x 10.25 cm
• 14.25 x 10 cm
• 14 x 9.75 cm
• 13.75 x 9.5 cm
• 13.5 x 9.25 cm
• 13.25 x 9 cm

Imperial Mats and Layers for A6 Card bases

Again, these are for a standard A6 card base. For these I have reduced the measurements by 1/8″ each time, giving you these sizes:

• 5-5/8 x 3-7/8″
• 5-1/2 x 3-3/4″
• 5-3/8 x 3-5/8″
• 5-1/4 x 3-1/2″
• 5-1/8 x 3-3/8″
• 5 x 3-1/4″

I know I am probably odd to want to mix units of measurements, but I was brought up using Imperial, so these are my comfort space.

Imperial Mats and Layers for 5-1/2 x 4-1/4″ Card bases

Just for those of you based in North America, I have worked out the sizes that I would use if I used your standard card base. All of these are going to be shorter and fatter than the International A4 versions, and here they are:

• 5-3/8 x 4-1/8″
• 5-1/4 x 4″
• 5-1/8 x 3-7/8″
• 5 x 3-3/4″
• 4-7/8 x 3-5/8″
• 4-3/4 x 3-1/2″

So what do you think? Will these be helpful for you? As you can see, I have cut my standard sizes and added them to book rings so they are now always going to be on hand. If you are one of those people who spends time trying to work out what size mats and layers you should use, then this is for you. Just decide which set of measurements are most appropriate for you. Cut them and punch a hole in the corner, tie them together and you will always have them on hand. Easy! Take a look at the video for more information.

I have a FREE ‘While Stocks Last’ Lucky Dip running until 9pm on 28th February (or While Stocks Last). I have had a rummage and found some unopened Retired Products. There are reels of ribbon, Packs of Paper, Embellishments, all sorts. You could be the happy recipient of one of these. All you need to do is place an order of at least £20 in my Online Store and you will receive an unopened FREE item. Items will be sent with your usual Thank You Pack and will be chosen at random. If you want some of this, then make sure you place an order NOW!

I love that you choose me as your demonstrator. Remember, when you shop with me online, use the monthly Host Code to share the Host Rewards. And for every £30 you spend in one order AND use the Host Code, you will earn a Sunflower Reward. Spend £60 in one order and earn 2 Sunflower Rewards. Earn 10 Sunflower Rewards and you can choose £30 of product of your choice. Full details are on the Hostess Code Club Page. This month’s Host Code is:

UUKMH49C

If your order is over £150 (plus P&P), please don’t use the Hostess Code as you will get to pick your own rewards, but don’t worry, you will still become a VIP Member.

Sale-a-Bration EXTRA FREE PRODUCTS

Remember that until 31st March you get EXTRA FREE PRODUCTS depending on whether you Shop, Host or Join my Team.

Shop – There are Level 1 and Level 2 Items. If you spend multiples you can choose additional items for every £45 or £90 you Spend.

Host – In ADDITION to getting FREE Sale-a-Bration Items, you may also be able to ‘earn’ additional Product FREE if you host a party, or place a larger order.

BUY THE STARTER KIT AND SAVE MORE FOR LONGER!!

During Sale-a-Bration, the Starter Kit is EVEN BETTER and this year you get 2 Options.

Sale-a-Bration Starter Kit Option 1

Instead of £130 (175€), until 31st March 2019 you will be able to include £170 (230€) of product of YOUR choice still for only £99 (129€)

Sale-a-Bration Starter Kit Option 2

To include the exclusive Craft & Carry Tote (valued at £47/61€) just pay and extra £26 (31€), making a total of £125 (160€) for an amazing £196 (261€) of Products. That is almost half price!!

As a Member of this great Family, you get a minimum of 20% net discount on your future purchases. You also get income from sales you make to other people if you want to use this as a business. Win,Win Right?

Whether you are in the UK, France, Germany, The Netherlands or Austria, just click on the picture to join the Team. If you decide that being part of the Stampin’ Up! Family is not for you, then just stop buying and you will revert to being a customer. Easy, simple, no quibbles!