“Cloth”
Place Mats
My plan was to chill today, but while cleaning my son asked to do “markers” and I decided to give him a piece of paper towel to color on. When I saw how cute it was I decided to spin it into a easy peasy craft that is useful too! The paper towel makes it look like cloth, I love how it turned it’s simple but a perfect craft for toddlers! Not to mention costs pennies compared to the Thanksgiving place mats at the above mentioned store!
- Gather your materials. You will need paper towels, markers, and contact paper. Oh and if you have them pinking shears or other shaped scissors make a great detail .
- Give your child a section of paper towel. What I love about this is I am the world’s worst straight line cutter, the paper towels are perfectly cut already.
- If your child is old enough to “get it” show them how if they leave the marker on the paper towel it absorbs the ink and makes a bigger mark.
- Cut the contact paper to size before peeling the backing off, then peel only half and add the place mat face down.
- Cover and press. Trim the edges with pinking shears if you have them.
- Now you are ready for the toddler spills at Thanksgiving dinner !
Books!
I am off to the library today, my home library is sorely short on Thanksgiving books, I will be finding some as well as a new batch of counting books to review!
sandy says
Clear contact paper is the best! I use it every year to make a placemat with my kids for Thanksgiving. Your little guy did a great job!
teachingtinytots says
very cute! we do seasonal ones every year!
don’t you just love clear contact paper!
Allie says
I have a love hate relationship with it, I am not very good and getting it off smoothly! My little guy is playing play doh on it right now, works perfectly!
Jessica says
I cannot say enough how much I love your ideas! Your blog has inspired me to organize a “Make and Take” night with some other moms . . . I just have to pass on some of these terrific ideas that you have given me! I’ll be sure to use this one- it’s too good!
Allie says
Jessica,
Thank you so much, I hope you all have fun !
Olive Kids says
Very cute ideas on you blog! Your son is very lucky to have a mom like you who allows him to be creative and who finds great things for him to create!
I hope your saving your favorites – I still have a box of craft projects my 28 yr old made and now his wife is expecting my 1st grand daughter – can’t wait to take the box out and show her when she’s older!
Allie says
Aww how sweet is that? My mom saved mine too. I am saving a few, we send them off to family far away as well.
Shawna says
what a wonderful idea!
Andrea says
Love it! My 3 year old wakes me up with drawings some mornings. She’d love this. ps I might be the worldest 2nd worst straight-line cutter 🙂 pps check out my blog for an easy bird feeder project.
Ohana Mama says
What a great idea! Looks easy too! Thanks for this!
MaryAnne says
I just discovered your blog, I love these crafts you come up wtih!
Allie says
Maryanne
Welcome, I am glad you found us and like what you see !
MoziEsmé says
I love this idea! Especially since Esme loves making polka dots right now…
Michie says
This is cute, cheap, and quick! Sounds like a winner! 🙂