Make easy DIY fabric placemats to match any decor - a great craft for the whole family!
One of the things I look forward to the most at the beginning of each month is a new Family Dinner Book Club night. And this month is no exception, as we have a truly inspirational book and a fun and easy craft that you'll want to keep around for many dinners to come.
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DIY Fabric Collage Place Mats for Family Dinner Book Club
If this is your first month joining our Family Dinner Book Club, you're in for a treat. Every month, my cohosts and I give you everything you need for a family dinner centered around a children's book.
Growing Book by Book brings you conversation starters and service projects, Chef Sarah Elizabeth creates a mouth watering menu, and I give you a simple craft. This year, we are going "around the world" and each month's book features a different country.
This month we are traveling to Haiti with Hope for Haiti by Jesse Joshua Watson.
Growing Book by Book brings you conversation starters and service projects, Chef Sarah Elizabeth creates a mouth watering menu, and I give you a simple craft. This year, we are going "around the world" and each month's book features a different country.
This inspirational story is set shortly after the massive earthquake, and features a young boy and his mother who are living in a shelter in a soccer stadium. The boy finds another child playing with a ball made from rags, and soon many children join in the game. They then receive a very special gift which also brings the gift of hope.
Inspired by the children's ball made of rags, I wanted to create an upcycled craft using fabric scraps. I also wanted to make something that could be used in your home - and our fabric collage place mats came to be.
How to Make Fabric Collage Place Mats
This is a simple project that uses things you have at home that you might otherwise throw away. Everyone in the family can create their own unique design, and the craft is easy for children of all ages. Here's what you need.
- Fabric scraps
- Plastic place mat - this is a great way to recycle place mats that have seen better days, like ours. You can also pick these up in the clearance section for less than $2.
- Scissors
- Paint
- Mod Podge
- Paint brushes
Start by painting your place mat with your choice of colors - use something that will complement your fabric. You may need two coats. Allow the paint to dry completely.
While the paint is drying, cut your fabric into small shapes. They do not need to be perfect - make an assortment of sizes too.
Once your place mat is dry, glue the fabric pieces onto it using the Mod Podge. Overlap them to create a collage effect, or be creative and make a pattern. It's up to you!
When you're happy with your design, allow the glue to dry. Now you're ready to set the table for Family Dinner Book Club with your own custom fabric collage place mats!
Don't forget to complete your Family Dinner Book Club experience by heading over to Growing Book by Book for your conversation starters, and to Chef Sarah Elizabeth for a themed menu. And share your dinner with us on Facebook - we love to see your photos.
Be sure to check out our other Family Dinner Book Club crafts for more inspiration!
Be sure to check out our other Family Dinner Book Club crafts for more inspiration!