Originally posted by SuperScrubber

Want a new mouse mat but don't fancy the ones of the ones currently on the market?

I was in this position a little while ago and was looking for something a bit unique as well as functional, I'd been searching for a while and had all but given up until I needed to place an order with Maplins for some blue LEDs. I decided to spend a while looking through their catalogue to see if I could find any other interesting bits and bobs I could use somewhere on my computer and was then that I spotted that they sold aluminium sheet... "that's pretty cool", I thought, and putting two and two together I hatched a plan...

Here I'll be doing a quick guide on how to make the aluminium mouse mat...

Parts Needed And Codes (all from Maplin)

• Aluminium Sheet - LH12N (295x195mm) @ £3.99 or LH13P (490x295mm) @ £6.99

• PVC Beading - XR78K (sold per meter - you'll need a couple) @ £0.49

• Stick On Feet - FW38R (in packs of four) @ £0.49

Tools Needed;

• A sharp knife

Use a sharp knife to cut the PVC beading at a 45' angle at one end so the side with the groove in is shorter than that without, then line it up along one of the long sides and cut another 45' angle in the same fashion at the other end to form the beginnings of a mitre joint.

This is easiest to show in a diagram (the gap is illustrative and you should aim not to have one !!)

Repeat this for each side and corner and you've got the surround.

Next up the feet... turn it over and stick 'em on!!

That's about it - flip it over and enjoy!!!!