I was wondering what kind of material makes a good close up pad. Instead of buying a ready made one I was going to make a custom one. I'm pretty new to magic (about 1 1/2 years into it) and I'm doing my first REAL show Sat the 13th of December for my fire Dept. but if anyone can help me with the close up pad material I'd be grateful. thanks.

If you check out your local fabric store you can find some stuff that feels about the same. I don't know the name of the stuff though. It is soft and supplies enough cussion. You could also get a mouse pad if all you need is a small surface.

At Staples or Office Depot you can get a giant mouse pad.

Yeah mouse pads are like the next best thing to a close-up pad. Why don't you want to get a close up pad? They aren't that expensive are they?

Some years ago I used outdoor carpet remnants. They sold at most carpet stores for $.50 to $1.00 I found them to be quite good (and cheap). Sometimes carpet stores will even give them to you for no charge.
Iven