This item is, as you would expect, a nice large mat with a great beading surface and a secure edge to keep beads from scattering off your work area. The biggest advantage here, which I didn't even think about when ordering, is its cover. Now I can put the cover on and put the project aside, and even if it's accidentally bumped, it is much more likely to contain all the beads in one place. I can also travel with it, keeping certain small items and papers inside it. The cover isn't secured on, but it is still so much better than having none at all!