When I was asked to check out and create something festive with these Tulip Shimmer Sheets and Paints my first thought was a tree. Then this happened. My kids started playing cars together every day. I knew what I needed to make with all this glitterly goodness – a North Pole Play Mat ! This isn’t a kids craft but the end result is an awesome pretend play toy for your kids. Also who said that crafts need to be perfect? I am clearly no artists and my kids love this play mat. Here is how I did it.
- Gather your materials. You will need a sheet or pillow case if you want to make a smaller play mat. You will also need Tulip Shimmer Sheets, Tulip Shimmer Paints ,Stick on jewels, glue and glitter. You will also need a marker, scissors and an iron.
- Start by drawing out the layout of your North Pole. I did this on craft paper first then laid my sheet over the paper and traced with a permanent marker.
- Next start adding the shimmer! The easiest way to do this is to use the iron on shimmer sheets . Take them out of their plastic sleeves and use the sleeve as a tracing paper. Trace the outline off of the outline already on the sheet . Slip the shimmer sheet back in the sleeve and cut. It fits right on! Iron it on following the directions on the package. So easy!
- I also used the Shimmer Paint to make Santa’s house. I was amazed with how vibrant it was when it dried.
- After all the shimmer sheets were used for the toy shop, tree, elf houses and barn it was time to add some more sparkle! I used the stick on jewels for Christmas lights on Santa’s house, the toy shop and the tree as well as all over the reindeer barn.
I also used the heat set jewels to make the wreath. They were so much easier than I expected them to be. I so rarely craft with adult tools, please no kids it gets HOT. - For the final touch I used some of the glitter glue and glitter for snow on roof tops and some snow banks along the road. Let dry for 24 hours , trim the edges to make it small enough to play with and use no sew bond to hem it.
- And PLAY! I finished this last week and it’s been out in the center of the playroom floor since.
The kids love it and have been playing North Pole daily.
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I wrote this as part of a paid campaign with Tulip and Blueprint Social . The craft idea and opinions are all mine.
pinkoddy says
What a really good idea and that is so cute. It doesn’t look like it was too messy either. Thanks for sharing.
Kristina says
This is brilliant! What a great activity Allie!
Shanna says
I absolutely LOVE this idea!!!! I don’t really want to spend the money on all of the tulip products, so i’ve got to get creative and come up with a different version. Any ideas?
Shanna says
I absolutely LOVE this idea!!! I can’t spend the money right now on all of the tulip products, so I’ve got to come up with my own version of this. Any ideas?
admin says
Honestly I would stick with at least one pack of the shimmer sheets. They made it sooo easy! To save some money I would just make the mat smaller and the buildings smaller. I had lots of shimmer sheets left over. You could even just outline the buildings in the shimmer for a minimalist effect.
Jen says
Love it!!! So awesome and can be pulled out for Christmases to come! Can I pay you to make one for us now? lol
Lindsay @Artsy-Fartsy Mama says
What a cute idea!! You did an amazing job 🙂
Carol ( Answer Is Chocolate) says
What a fun and creative idea and looks like it’s being thoroughly enjoyed.
The Iowa Farmer's Wife says
what a fabulous project!
Christy says
That is so cute!
Heather - Dollar Store Crafts says
It’s so cute! And also, no need to put your artistic skillz down! You definitely have some. 🙂 Just rock it, girl! I love those Little People Santa & Mrs. Claus — right at home in this cute sparkly project.
admin says
Thanks Heather 🙂
keri @ shaken together says
What a FUN idea for the kiddos!! Love all the sparkly details!
katie says
Love the playmat! Very creative!
Jo says
Great idea, i’ve pinned it! I might try something similar on card.
Rachel says
What a fun and precious idea!! I love it!