This is an easy craft project that can be done with small(er) children. It's also a fun way to prepare for any holiday meal because you can choose the colors based on the occasion.
Step 1
Cut one inch (2.5 cm) wide strips of construction paper (your choice of colors) in the following lengths and quantities. If you make longer strips in one set, make more strips in the other set.
- 9 strips that are 12 inches (30.5 cm) long (or longer, for larger mats if desired)
- 12 strips that are 9 inches (23 cm) long (or longer, for larger mats if desired)
Step 2
Place the long strips horizontally and weave the short strips vertically.
- Glue or tape the ends of horizontal strips to one of the vertical strips, alternating top and bottom attachments.
Weave the remaining vertical strips, securing their ends to the top and bottom horizontal strips.
Step 3
Trim the edges. Alternately, you can cut the strips a bit long to start with, and leave the ends sticking out a bit, on purpose.
Step 4
Mat if desired. You can cover this project with clear contact paper to protect it for longer use, whether or not you mat it.
Tips
- This placemat can also double as a checkerboard!
- Tape the strips temporarily while the glue dries.
- A good thing to do to make this placemat last longer (as an alternative to contact paper) is to laminate it. This will protect it for a very long time and keep if from water damage, etc. A downside of this may be that the placemat would become slightly slippery.
- These are quite pretty made from colored ribbon. You might want to stitch the perimeter instead of using glue on the ribbon.
Warnings
- Scissors are edged tools. Handle with caution.
Things You'll Need
