Your child can make a cool custom placemat, table runner, dresser scarf, or any other type of fabric treatment to show off his or her own personal style. These treatments work great in kids’ rooms, or your child can make a custom placemat for each member of the family.
Placemat
Choose a vinyl, rectangular shaped placemat. Have your child glue on images such a photos (or copies) images from magazines, clip art, scrapbook die cuts, or hand draw images. Some should overlap a bit to make a collage.
You can outline different images with glitter or paint for added interest. Allow to dry. Then, cover the entire placemat (front and back) with clear contact paper, which will work as a laminate. Once the protective coat has been applied, you can cut the placemat into an oval or another shape and add trim if desired.
For a reversible placemat, decorate both sides before applying contact paper.
Runners and other Treatments
You will need vinyl fabric for these projects. You can buy vinyl by the yard, or just pick up a flannel backed vinyl tablecloth and cut it to the size you need. These tablecloths only cost a few dollars, sometimes less than one yard of vinyl. You can make several projects from one tablecloth. If you want to make reversible treatments, simply cut two equally sized pieces from the tablecloth and attach them back to back with fabric glue. Then, follow the directions above.
Decorate tabletops, dresser tops; make a desk blotter or a wall hanging.
This is also a cute way to make a custom window valance for your child’s bedroom or playroom. Cut the vinyl to the appropriate size, and make a rod pocket before decorating.