Submitted by Janet Carson and Willard Ahlman, Plymouth, Michigan; Grapevine, Texas

Idea posted February 17, 2004

Question: I just got carpeting this year and can no longer write a giant staff on the floor and was wondering if anyone had made one? I tried electrical tape and that was a disaster! It needs to be something I can take up and put down quickly and can store easily. Maybe something with a velcro back, or does that cause fuzzies on the carpet?

Answer: From Janet Carson in Plymouth, Michigan:

I made one several years ago for CHEAP! I bought a piece of white vinyl from a fabric store and used permanent black marker with a yardstick to draw the lines. It's large enough for the whole class to see, it will last forever, it's easy to fold and store, and it was less than $5!

From Willard Ahlman in Grapevine, Texas:

I went to the store and bought a big, heavy duty white shower curtain. I laid it out flat for a while to get the folds out, and then I took black masking tape and made the staff on it! It works fine and I have very little problem with the tape lifting up when I fold the curtain to put it away. Once in a while I need to re-apply some tape, but not often. Works great!