I have 4 grown kids, but no grandkids yet, either. My kids are 36, 33, 26, & 20.

Hey there! The 12 X 12 mat is a nice thing to have--for the reason you stated--more surface area and you can just pick the Slice up and move it around the mat vs. shifting your paper for each cut. BUT--it is not necessary. The 6 X 6 mat is perfectly sufficient for using with the Slice. I would say use the 6 X 6 mat that comes with it for a while and see if you even think you need the larger one. You may find that it doesn't bother you to use the small one. Honestly, I have a 12 X 12 mat and I almost always use the 6 X 6 mat every time I use my Slice. Plus, you use less adhesive that way, too! Hope that helps!!

Hi, Kathy! Thanks so much for the comment on my 29 Things Column! I hope that you are able to create something for yourself and that you upload it so that we can see it!! :)