Holiday Placemats

perhaps somewhat old fashioned. Not too many people eat at the table anymore.

Still, these are works of art that can be useful at restaurants, or hung on the refrigerator. When you do decide on a family meal, they make great settings.

These work as a way of preserving keepsakes, preparing collages for gifts, and are activities that are a nice alternative to television on a rainy day.

Supplies are fairly basic or inexpensive. This can be done solo, but it always helps to have a partner or two. Of course, this works well for groups.

If children are going to be doing this, it is recommended they have adult supervision.

Take one of the pieces of card stock or construction paper and work on a design for it. You can glue photos, write messages, or decorate it how you wish.

You can color it or place stickers or other designs.

Roll out the contact paper and set your drawing out.

You want a sheet that is about an inch longer on each side of your drawing.

Cut out two sheets approximately the same size.

For example, if your paper is 12' x 14', you should cut a sheet that is about 14' x 16'.

Carefully peel your contact paper sheets one at a time.

You may need a partner with this one.

Try and keep it as smooth as possible.

Peel the first one and set it down on a smooth surface, sticky side up.

Tear off the other sheet of contact paper.

Carefully place the liner over the place mat, sticky side down.

Start at one end and press the second sheet down onto the first.

You may want to use a ruler to smooth things out

Cut off the excess plastic from the edges. You may want a small border along the sides.