The basis of this DIY placemat project is so easy. Simply use two sheets of clear contact paper sandwiched together. The fun comes in what you decide to put on your sandwich.
One roll of clear contact paper can make loads of placemats. You simply use the grid on the back of the clear contact paper and cut a piece in the shape you want. Remember, placemats don't have to be rectangular. They only have to be larger than the plate area. They can be smaller in size for adults and used primarily for interest and entertainment. For children, make them a little larger, as they will also help with clean up.
Here are some ideas.
Bridal shower: Use photos of the bride and groom as children.
Baby shower: Use photos of the pregnant mom-to-be, photos of the grandmothers-to-be when they were pregnant or baby pictures of all of the guests.
Graduation Party: Take a digital photo of the graduate at the actual graduation. Enlarge it on the computer and print.
50th Birthday Party: Use photos of the honorees throughout their life.
Child's Birthday Party: Use the placemats to hold party games, to go along with a party theme, or to celebrate the child and the age number they have reached.
Christmas: Use photos of all of the family members on Santa's lap. Include childhood photos of the parents.
Mother's Day/ Father's Day: Have each child write a note about what is most special about the parent being honored.
Have your children make their own everyday placemat on a rainy day. Then when they are waiting for dinner, give them dry erase markers to write on the placemats. Everything wipes right off of the placemats, including dry erase. Use them for adults the same way by providing them with a fine point dry erase and placemats that have crossword puzzles or suduko puzzles.
Other ideas:
- You can also use the placemats as a learning tool by having your children make a collage to celebrate or commemorate a day in history.
- If your children are smaller and still learning colors or shapes, use the two sides of the placemat by putting colors on one side and shapes on the other. You can use it for numbers, letters, seasons, and simple words.
- Write each of the family members names and use it to help your small child begin learning reading.
- Make them fun, too, by adding hidden picture puzzles and mazes.
- You can even add a grommet to the top corner to attach a dry erase marker with a small ball chain.
Scrapbooking stuff:
Don't forget to embellish your pages. Check out all of the cardmaking and scrapbooking papers and accessories. You can even have each child pick out their own paper for their placemat.
