This is a very simple craft that can be done with children. On vacation it can be a fun way to organize colorful lunches and dinners, because you can choose the colors according to the occasion.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Base Placemat
Step 1. Look for inspiration in choosing materials
To get started, it is recommended that you visit a craft store. Placemats can be made using ribbons, cardstock, or other even heavier types of paper. At will you can insert decorative materials such as glitter, sequins and so on. Once you have collected all the materials you need, make sure you have at least the essential tools - scissors, cardboard, glue, ruler and plastic sheets to keep the placemats in good condition.
Step 2. Cut out a series of colored cardboard strips 2.5 cm wide (you choose the color)
Start by cutting out long strips of your chosen color. In this guide it is recommended to cut 9 strips 30 cm long each. (Use the ruler.)
Step 3. Cut out another set of strips that are shorter than the first set
Since you have 9 strips 2.5cm wide, each strip in this series should be about 23cm long, so that it forms a rectangle.
Step 4. Place the long strips horizontally, intertwining the shorter ones vertically
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Glue or tape the ends of the horizontal strips to one of the vertical strips, alternately attaching them to an upper and lower strip.
Make Placemats by Weaving Paper Strips Step 2Bullet1 -
Weave the remaining vertical strips, securing their ends to the upper and lower horizontal strips.
Make Placemats by Weaving Paper Strips Step 2Bullet2
Step 5. Trim the edges
Alternatively, you can cut the strips a little longer, purposely leaving the ends slightly protruding.
Step 6. Laminate, if desired
You can cover the placemats with sheets of transparent adhesive paper, to protect them and use them longer. Even non-woven placemats can be covered with these sheets.
Step 7. Done
Method 2 of 3: Fantasy Placemat
Step 1. Review the procedure described in Method 1 to make sure you have learned how to weave a placemat
Step 2. Weave your placemat following the instructions given in method 1
Step 3. Decorate the placemat with handcrafted ornaments
Add glitter, stickers, drawings or cut out images from magazines to create a collage.
Step 4. Laminate the placemat
Method 3 of 3: Build Your Own Chess Board
Step 1. To build a chessboard, use cardboard of two different colors (preferably one dark and one light, to create contrast)
You can also use heavier materials, such as cardboard or felt.
Step 2. Cut out 8 strips of clear construction paper measuring 6.5 X 47cm
Step 3. Perform an identical cut-out operation with the dark card stock, creating the same number of strips of equal size
Step 4. Line up the dark strips neatly, aligning the ends
Step 5. Intertwine the dark and light strips as described in method 1
Advice
- As an alternative to adhesive paper, to protect and make the placemats last longer, you can use the lamination method. In this way the placemats will be kept for a long time in good condition and will not be damaged by water or other elements. The drawback of this method is that the placemats will become slightly slippery.
- While you wait for the glue to dry, momentarily secure the strips with duct tape.
- These placemats can also act as a checkerboard!
- Using colored ribbons you can make very pretty placemats. To weave the ribbons it is better to sew them instead of gluing them.
