.Great review, thank you! You're right, cutting on glass is the best, it seems to be made for that. As for heat embossing, I've always been told never to heat emboss without holding it up and away from any surface. The heat needs to circulate and escape, otherwise you can burn what you're embossing or whatever is underneath if you're not careful.
Admittedly curious about real-time use of Tim’s new mat, I was so happy to see your review. Thanks Jenny, as always we can count on you for a thorough and honest review!👍 Tim’s mat pales in comparison to the versatility of a LightPad, IMHO. Tempered glass surface is a must for durability, and there are many LightPads out there much cheaper than mine. I received an Artograph Pro1700 LightPad as a gift, it’s now my ultimate craft mat. I don’t heat emboss on it, but do use it as a palette, cutting, applying mediums, no line watercolor, and of course tracing. I’ve always used a glass mat, but the LightPad is my absolute favorite and best solution ever. Those individual very affordable packaged alcohol and adhesive removal pads make it a breeze to clean your glass mat. I also use my craft knife to scrape off extra hard dry mediums.
I contemplated about getting the Tim Holtz Glass Media mat and while I love the black working surface and the white grid media mixing area and the removable media mat, I didn't like the glare. I think I would have had problems reading the measuring increments on it. So I decided to go with the white We R Memory Keepers glass media mat. The white background is much easier on my eyes and I can see the measurements much better. It is laid out VERY close to Tim's mat. As far as the heat problem, go to the Dollar Tree and get 1 or 2 of their silicone oven pot holder things. They come in red, black and gray and use it as a heat barrier, place it on the glass mat between what you are working on and the glass, problem solved for 1 dollar! I know this video is 4 years old and We R Memory Keepers probably didn't even sell their media mat back then. But I'm completely happy with the WRMK mat. I recommend it. I used a 40% off Michaels coupon and it dropped the price to around $26.00, that's a great bargain! JMO!
The extra tool set you purchase separately comes with a heavy duty scrapper!!! Just got my mat yesterday and the tool set! Loved the review! Thank you for taking the time out to do all the reviews you do!
Great review. Since your post these are being discontinued. But I bought the lefty & I am ambidextris to a degree but just flipped it 180 degrees around and this works fine for me. Also you can still find the travel version. TRAVEL? Ok glass even a smaller glass work mat may need some rethinking by YOU and your needs. I may try to track the travel down. (I already own a BIG white based glass work mat by the way which is as big if not bigger than this. So why another? I do have space and I have the glass one in sewing room area.) I own a plantinum 8.5 big manual die cut machine. But have been looking at smaller ones as in mini's. And many of the smaller machines have a suction system that vacuums to a smooth surface. I wanted a large glass mat for that purpose where the mat may not slip around when it's being used as a smooth surface to hold a mini die cutting machine. OOPS even the big ones can. I solved this by placing under both large glass mats a sheet cut to each mats full size out of that rubber like non adhesive contact material sold at most hardware stores even grocery stores or big box stores. Comes in two types solid and mesh like. I have luck with either. And it worked very well to stop the slipping about. The Tim Holtz mat is set up usually on a glass surfaced antique library table so it's kind of glass to glass. I removed the corner protectors that kind of give it feet too. Turns out it's big enough for some of my work to want to flex into it's middle section so by not using the corners it now lays flat and the non slip material under it may have helped stop any flexing when I might add too much pressure to the center of the plate. Such as the case with pressing down on a small vacuum stuck manual machine and also when I apply ironing pressure to set HTV onto paper goods or fabrics. I use a combination of a thick felt pad and silicone pads as you suggest for ironing and heat gun/embossing etc. I also have a free lance hot foil pen and again the silicone mat is a must have. I do very little to date mixing of media for painting or inking media and stamps. Maybe in time I'll develop those techniques but I've just never picked up on it. I also love chalks since high school so more than 50 yrs using soft pastels in much of my colorings. Since your review was almost 3 years ago this month and you just got it that day...oh so fun. And supply and demand is iffy and prices all over the place for this Tim Holtz black beauty both large and travel size I thought I'd add a few other ideas out there too. I'm still debating about picking up a large desk top or wall glass magnetic white board. Yes they make them for both desks and walls and the magnetic aspect is really interesting. If one needed a grid there are a lot of contact sheets available for that. I'm like you in that I do not rely on grids perse. BUT there may be times but have wonderful different rulers including clear ones and right angled ones that help me with that. Meantime I also rely on self healing mats and love the wee ones that's difficult to find but you can cut them down too and I never as in NEVER EVER place the self healing mat onto the glass mats and attempt to hammer anything. I know you would think that's a given but oh yeah sometimes someone somewhere is going to not think about it. But I do a lot of eyelet settings and love the punches that make holes where ever you want such as die cut earrings and faux leathers. So I keep a stack of self healing mats near by all the time and again never lay them on a glass mat. I missed the do ont use alcohol on the mats. I probably did use some hand sanitizer as it's great for any ink. But my usual go to is water based baby wipes as it leaves little to no residue that the aloe and some oil based ones can leave grease spots. I've watched a number of your videos now and you are just the best. Love you seem to hit on so many of the items I'm looking at to do or use and also you have an uncanny way to be answering questions I'm just forming or working out. Stay safe and hope you continue to help us all out. BTW I'm just a beginner with this stuff. (I tend to jump into the deep end before I actually catch up to swimming let alone the back stroke. But learning is half the fun of any journey.) Stay Safe everyone and keep on sharing whimsy and the love.
Thanks for your review Jenny. I have one ordered and am anxiously awaiting delivery. It’s always good to hear both pros AND cons on a product. My biggest concern was heat resistance. My sister contacted Tim directly and he responded that it is absolutely heat resistant so don’t be afraid to emboss on it. If it gets really hot, it may be something to consider. I too was taught to hold my work off the surface while embossing but sometimes it’s much more convenient to lay it down. I am left handed so I noticed it’s set up for a right handed person. Since I have to make accommodations in most everything I do for that reason I don’t see a problem. I am fortunate to have a designated craft room so my mat will have a permanent place. All in all I think it’s going to be a product that will work well for me. I saw mention of the mat bubbling. Might there be a protective covering on the glass for shipping purposes? Just guessing. Thanks again!!
Thanks for the objective review, Jenny...and I'm so glad you mentioned having three different mats! Me, too. I am in love with my Tonic glass mat that I often us in conjunction with my silicone mat. Given that, I believe I may wait on this somewhat pricey purchase.
Traci Brennan the Tonic Glass mat is the exact same item, with a different background. I actually have both and I find the Tim Holtz black background difficult to work with when I'm using dark mediums, like paper. I prefer the Tonic one for that reason. Otherwise from a technical perspective, they are identical glass mats just with different background designs..
Thank you so much! I did find your video very helpful and I am one of those who work in a 10 inch square area! The fact that is is not heat friendly is a little annoying, so now I have to think about actually getting one. Thanks again!
I have had my glass media mat for 4 months and i love it, im also left handed but its not a problem for me because when i always used my craft mat i would put my inks on the right of me when i was younger i taught myself to use scissors in my right hand so i have no problems with my mat i love it
I have one and I'm left handed, I don't have a problem with the palette being on the right. I've lived in the right handed world for 64 years, you adapt. Would I rather have one that is left handed, sure but it's not a game stopper, it's still a handy tool to have.
Appreciate the review. I think I've only seen one other person heat emboss on it with a barrel type gun, she put her hand on it said it was warm but ok. That is my concern with the glass getting hot. Thanks for sharing that "good to know" info Jenny 😊
Wow, after watching this, I just realized that out of a huge craft room with two desks, I only work on a 12×12 surface. That is how big my mat is and I only work on it. That is crazy especially because I'm ADHD and ocd, and i keep everything really clean, so I have plenty of clean surface to work on. I'm going to try and expand myself today and see how that feels, probably end up back at my little 12×12 space. I even cut down paper and card stock to be smaller than my space just to stay on my mat, lololol!!
Thanks for the video. MY QUESTION IS, " IF YOU USE THE SILICONE MAT ON TOP OF THE GLASS MEDIA MAT, WILL THE GLASS GET HOT UNDERNEATH OF THE SILICONE MAT?". Great info.
Thanks for your review, Jenny, it was very informative. You made me laugh when you mentioned how you end up working in a tiny space because of limited space. I can relate. Although the glass is appealing, this is not the mat for me. I would be interested to know what the other glass mat is you have, please? Thanks again.
Another awesome review Jenny! I wouldn't buy this for the simple reason that I'm a lefty and the upside down numbers would make me nuts! I was so glad when Iliana came out with replacement stickers for the MISTI! Thanks for always giving us such great information. ~HUGS~ #kindnessmatters
Watch Tim's videos instead of this one. Usually you are spot on, but this time, no way. Instructions are very clear on Tim's video of the dos and don't see. Just sayin...
Tim is a designer and spokesman- it’s his job to sell you product. It’s MY job to provide a fair, honest, unbiased opinion. You may not agree with me, but my opinion is still valid.
Every time I have watched Tim emboss, he holds the paper away from the surface he's using. Also, he uses a non-barrel heat gun which doesn't get as hot. I have both. I always use a barrel heat gun to emboss. Just gets the job done faster and less disturbing of the powder. I sure didn't mean to be nasty or negative in my previous comment. Just noticed that Jenny was trying things that contradicted what Tim recommended. But we all use our products in our own way. I have tried actions in my Big Kick that I'm sure that the manufacturer wouldn't recommend! LOL!
Jim Flack thanks for your comments and I had forgotten that. Changed my mind and am awaiting my mat. I always hold my paper up to heat emboss too😁 thanks for the reminder!!!
Thanks again for another wonderful review. I just got mine today I got it from joann.com and I spent $24 & got a bunch of other stuff I don't need but I'm very excited about this finally. I'm very happy that I'm right handed because my left-handed friend is not happy with me right now but those are the breaks, baby. LOL first world problems... am I right?
Thanks for the great review. I'm kind of a ditz, I'd be the one forgetting that the glass is hot and wind up with red marks. This is not a product I would buy only because I use my cutting board when I do cut.
Yes, I do!! After living in Manhatten with such a little "maids closet" I am thrilled my husband agreed to give me the whole basement office for my craft studio. I'm very lucky!
Thanks for your review. There's one con that was not stated---this product was made for right-handed crafters. One might think it could be turned around for the lefty but that's not acceptable as the numbers and writing would be upside down and backwards. Tonic needs to re-think this product.
.Great review, thank you! You're right, cutting on glass is the best, it seems to be made for that. As for heat embossing, I've always been told never to heat emboss without holding it up and away from any surface. The heat needs to circulate and escape, otherwise you can burn what you're embossing or whatever is underneath if you're not careful.
Indeed- although sometimes I'm speed-drying watercolors and so I *can't* hold the paper up. And the glass holds the heat in that situation.
I didn't even think about the other stuff, duh. Again, you're right!
Admittedly curious about real-time use of Tim’s new mat, I was so happy to see your review. Thanks Jenny, as always we can count on you for a thorough and honest review!👍 Tim’s mat pales in comparison to the versatility of a LightPad, IMHO. Tempered glass surface is a must for durability, and there are many LightPads out there much cheaper than mine. I received an Artograph Pro1700 LightPad as a gift, it’s now my ultimate craft mat. I don’t heat emboss on it, but do use it as a palette, cutting, applying mediums, no line watercolor, and of course tracing. I’ve always used a glass mat, but the LightPad is my absolute favorite and best solution ever. Those individual very affordable packaged alcohol and adhesive removal pads make it a breeze to clean your glass mat. I also use my craft knife to scrape off extra hard dry mediums.
I contemplated about getting the Tim Holtz Glass Media mat and while I love the black working surface and the white grid media mixing area and the removable media mat, I didn't like the glare. I think I would have had problems reading the measuring increments on it. So I decided to go with the white We R Memory Keepers glass media mat. The white background is much easier on my eyes and I can see the measurements much better. It is laid out VERY close to Tim's mat. As far as the heat problem, go to the Dollar Tree and get 1 or 2 of their silicone oven pot holder things. They come in red, black and gray and use it as a heat barrier, place it on the glass mat between what you are working on and the glass, problem solved for 1 dollar! I know this video is 4 years old and We R Memory Keepers probably didn't even sell their media mat back then. But I'm completely happy with the WRMK mat. I recommend it. I used a 40% off Michaels coupon and it dropped the price to around $26.00, that's a great bargain! JMO!
Just a fyi heat resistant isnt that it won’t get hot , it means it won’t be destroyed by the heat , 😘
I was thinking the same thing, I wouldn’t use my media mat directly for any heat, I don’t wanna chance ruining it!
The extra tool set you purchase separately comes with a heavy duty scrapper!!! Just got my mat yesterday and the tool set! Loved the review! Thank you for taking the time out to do all the reviews you do!
Great review. Since your post these are being discontinued. But I bought the lefty & I am ambidextris to a degree but just flipped it 180 degrees around and this works fine for me. Also you can still find the travel version. TRAVEL? Ok glass even a smaller glass work mat may need some rethinking by YOU and your needs. I may try to track the travel down. (I already own a BIG white based glass work mat by the way which is as big if not bigger than this. So why another? I do have space and I have the glass one in sewing room area.) I own a plantinum 8.5 big manual die cut machine. But have been looking at smaller ones as in mini's. And many of the smaller machines have a suction system that vacuums to a smooth surface. I wanted a large glass mat for that purpose where the mat may not slip around when it's being used as a smooth surface to hold a mini die cutting machine. OOPS even the big ones can. I solved this by placing under both large glass mats a sheet cut to each mats full size out of that rubber like non adhesive contact material sold at most hardware stores even grocery stores or big box stores. Comes in two types solid and mesh like. I have luck with either. And it worked very well to stop the slipping about. The Tim Holtz mat is set up usually on a glass surfaced antique library table so it's kind of glass to glass. I removed the corner protectors that kind of give it feet too. Turns out it's big enough for some of my work to want to flex into it's middle section so by not using the corners it now lays flat and the non slip material under it may have helped stop any flexing when I might add too much pressure to the center of the plate. Such as the case with pressing down on a small vacuum stuck manual machine and also when I apply ironing pressure to set HTV onto paper goods or fabrics. I use a combination of a thick felt pad and silicone pads as you suggest for ironing and heat gun/embossing etc. I also have a free lance hot foil pen and again the silicone mat is a must have. I do very little to date mixing of media for painting or inking media and stamps. Maybe in time I'll develop those techniques but I've just never picked up on it. I also love chalks since high school so more than 50 yrs using soft pastels in much of my colorings. Since your review was almost 3 years ago this month and you just got it that day...oh so fun. And supply and demand is iffy and prices all over the place for this Tim Holtz black beauty both large and travel size I thought I'd add a few other ideas out there too. I'm still debating about picking up a large desk top or wall glass magnetic white board. Yes they make them for both desks and walls and the magnetic aspect is really interesting. If one needed a grid there are a lot of contact sheets available for that. I'm like you in that I do not rely on grids perse. BUT there may be times but have wonderful different rulers including clear ones and right angled ones that help me with that. Meantime I also rely on self healing mats and love the wee ones that's difficult to find but you can cut them down too and I never as in NEVER EVER place the self healing mat onto the glass mats and attempt to hammer anything. I know you would think that's a given but oh yeah sometimes someone somewhere is going to not think about it. But I do a lot of eyelet settings and love the punches that make holes where ever you want such as die cut earrings and faux leathers. So I keep a stack of self healing mats near by all the time and again never lay them on a glass mat. I missed the do ont use alcohol on the mats. I probably did use some hand sanitizer as it's great for any ink. But my usual go to is water based baby wipes as it leaves little to no residue that the aloe and some oil based ones can leave grease spots. I've watched a number of your videos now and you are just the best. Love you seem to hit on so many of the items I'm looking at to do or use and also you have an uncanny way to be answering questions I'm just forming or working out. Stay safe and hope you continue to help us all out. BTW I'm just a beginner with this stuff. (I tend to jump into the deep end before I actually catch up to swimming let alone the back stroke. But learning is half the fun of any journey.) Stay Safe everyone and keep on sharing whimsy and the love.
Thanks for your review Jenny. I have one ordered and am anxiously awaiting delivery. It’s always good to hear both pros AND cons on a product. My biggest concern was heat resistance. My sister contacted Tim directly and he responded that it is absolutely heat resistant so don’t be afraid to emboss on it. If it gets really hot, it may be something to consider. I too was taught to hold my work off the surface while embossing but sometimes it’s much more convenient to lay it down. I am left handed so I noticed it’s set up for a right handed person. Since I have to make accommodations in most everything I do for that reason I don’t see a problem. I am fortunate to have a designated craft room so my mat will have a permanent place. All in all I think it’s going to be a product that will work well for me. I saw mention of the mat bubbling. Might there be a protective covering on the glass for shipping purposes? Just guessing. Thanks again!!
Thanks for the objective review, Jenny...and I'm so glad you mentioned having three different mats! Me, too. I am in love with my Tonic glass mat that I often us in conjunction with my silicone mat. Given that, I believe I may wait on this somewhat pricey purchase.
Traci Brennan the Tonic Glass mat is the exact same item, with a different background. I actually have both and I find the Tim Holtz black background difficult to work with when I'm using dark mediums, like paper. I prefer the Tonic one for that reason. Otherwise from a technical perspective, they are identical glass mats just with different background designs..
Thank you so much! I did find your video very helpful and I am one of those who work in a 10 inch square area! The fact that is is not heat friendly is a little annoying, so now I have to think about actually getting one. Thanks again!
I have had my glass media mat for 4 months and i love it, im also left handed but its not a problem for me because when i always used my craft mat i would put my inks on the right of me when i was younger i taught myself to use scissors in my right hand so i have no problems with my mat i love it
Thanks for all your info....I’ve had one since it came out and love it....never noticed the heat but good to know.
Thank you this helped a lot!
Thank you for taking the time to do this. I had really been wondering about this product. Thank you for the information you gave about it.
Thanks for yet another objective review particularly since this one is a fairly substantial amount of crafty dollars
Thank you again for your truly unbiased opinion ❤️❤️❤️
I have one and I'm left handed, I don't have a problem with the palette being on the right. I've lived in the right handed world for 64 years, you adapt. Would I rather have one that is left handed, sure but it's not a game stopper, it's still a handy tool to have.
Thanks for a very objective review as usual. Great to hear what some of the con are for this instead of everybody just going rah rah rah.
Appreciate the review. I think I've only seen one other person heat emboss on it with a barrel type gun, she put her hand on it said it was warm but ok. That is my concern with the glass getting hot. Thanks for sharing that "good to know" info Jenny 😊
I thank you I just ordered it I appreciate your video well done
Wow, after watching this, I just realized that out of a huge craft room with two desks, I only work on a 12×12 surface. That is how big my mat is and I only work on it. That is crazy especially because I'm ADHD and ocd, and i keep everything really clean, so I have plenty of clean surface to work on. I'm going to try and expand myself today and see how that feels, probably end up back at my little 12×12 space. I even cut down paper and card stock to be smaller than my space just to stay on my mat, lololol!!
Thanks for the review! It was what I needed it!
Are the measurements in inches or centimetres?
Great review. Thank you!
Thanks for reviewing this 👍😍
Mine has a lot of imperfections in the glass. It’s very annoying!
Thanks for the video. MY QUESTION IS, " IF YOU USE THE SILICONE MAT ON TOP OF THE GLASS MEDIA MAT, WILL THE GLASS GET HOT UNDERNEATH OF THE SILICONE MAT?". Great info.
Thanks. You addressed my concerns.
Linda T
Thanks for your review, Jenny, it was very informative. You made me laugh when you mentioned how you end up working in a tiny space because of limited space. I can relate. Although the glass is appealing, this is not the mat for me. I would be interested to know what the other glass mat is you have, please? Thanks again.
I love that acrylic stamp block with the black handle you were using. We're did you get it? BTW..thanks for the review.
Another awesome review Jenny! I wouldn't buy this for the simple reason that I'm a lefty and the upside down numbers would make me nuts! I was so glad when Iliana came out with replacement stickers for the MISTI! Thanks for always giving us such great information. ~HUGS~
#kindnessmatters
do you put your silicon mat for embossing on top of this glass mat?
You can- I also just put it on my tabletop.
Watch Tim's videos instead of this one. Usually you are spot on, but this time, no way. Instructions are very clear on Tim's video of the dos and don't see. Just sayin...
Tim is a designer and spokesman- it’s his job to sell you product. It’s MY job to provide a fair, honest, unbiased opinion. You may not agree with me, but my opinion is still valid.
I may be absent minded - but i don't remember Tim saying anythings about the surface getting hot with using the embossing gun. (I am a Tim fan)
Every time I have watched Tim emboss, he holds the paper away from the surface he's using. Also, he uses a non-barrel heat gun which doesn't get as hot. I have both. I always use a barrel heat gun to emboss. Just gets the job done faster and less disturbing of the powder. I sure didn't mean to be nasty or negative in my previous comment. Just noticed that Jenny was trying things that contradicted what Tim recommended. But we all use our products in our own way. I have tried actions in my Big Kick that I'm sure that the manufacturer wouldn't recommend! LOL!
Jim Flack thanks for your comments and I had forgotten that.
Changed my mind and am awaiting my mat.
I always hold my paper up to heat emboss too😁 thanks for the reminder!!!
Also know that a lot of people are getting bubbles under the glass where it looks really ugly
I hadn't seen that- I'll keep my eye out for it!
Thanks again for another wonderful review. I just got mine today I got it from joann.com and I spent $24 & got a bunch of other stuff I don't need but I'm very excited about this finally. I'm very happy that I'm right handed because my left-handed friend is not happy with me right now but those are the breaks, baby. LOL first world problems... am I right?
It comes for left handed as well.
I keep a small phone book covered in foil nearby to do all my heat embossing on
I'm still bloody waiting on mine to come in .. ordered 3 months ago
Great review! Must ask who sells the flower stamp that you were using? It’s gorgeous.
It's really one of my all time favorites! It's from MFT: (aff link): shrsl.com/ttp9
Thanks for the great review. I'm kind of a ditz, I'd be the one forgetting that the glass is hot and wind up with red marks.
This is not a product I would buy only because I use my cutting board when I do cut.
Nope can't flip it around because the numbers will be upside down. Shame on Tonic for not addressing before production.
Good point. :(
You have a big room wow
Yes, I do!! After living in Manhatten with such a little "maids closet" I am thrilled my husband agreed to give me the whole basement office for my craft studio. I'm very lucky!
Thanks for the great review. Not something I will be getting. Yeah, I love your studio also. Smart husband. Happy wife, happy life. :) tfs
Thanks for your review. There's one con that was not stated---this product was made for right-handed crafters. One might think it could be turned around for the lefty but that's not acceptable as the numbers and writing would be upside down and backwards. Tonic needs to re-think this product.
I agree with you!