Won’t your child be proud to have his or her crafts displayed prominently during the holidays? What could be better for a child than showing off his handiwork at the dinner table (or should I say on the dinner table)?
Custom Placemats
Grab a flannel backed vinyl placemat in a holiday theme at any discount store. On the back measure and mark off rectangles about 12” high and 18” wide. Cut them out. Fold the edges over and crease them well. Use fabric glue to secure the edges so on the front, the edges will be nice and smooth. Glue trim around the edges. Use stencils to paint on names or a holiday themed message.
As directed above, measure and mark rectangles, this time on the back of holiday themed or colored fabric. Prepare the edges as directed above. Apply clear contact paper over the front to protect the fabric (you can do the back too, if you like). Personalize if desired.
*You can also make either of the above placemat crafts in other shapes, such as an oval. If you really want to get creative, try a heart, star, turkey, or Christmas tree.
Woven Placemats
You can make these from paper, cloth, vinyl, or even wallpaper. Cut strips about 18” long and about 3” wide. Cut more strips about 12” long and 3” wide. Fold each strip into thirds and glue. When dry, begin weaving.
If you use thumbtacks and secure the long strips to cardboard, it will be easier to weave. Secure them upside down, so the back (the glued side) is facing up. Weave the shorter sides with the back facing up as well.
When all the strips are woven, and the placemat is the size you want it to be, apply masking tape around the edges, removing the tacks as you go. Look for colored tape and leave a little overlap, so you can fold it over onto the front of the placemat, if you want to create a border. You can make your placemats all one color or mix and match.
Napkin Rings
Pick up some inexpensive, unfinished wooden napkin rings. Your children can paint them in holiday themes or cover them with beads or sequins. Kernels of Indian corn would be cute for Thanksgiving, while stars will work for Christmas, hearts for Valentine’s, etc.
A couple more holiday ideas: