Here in Phoenix where it is 112 degrees and rising, pool parties are as popular as mittens in an igloo. It doesn't matter how hot it gets, the patio will be tricked out with munchies and icy, frosty beverages. So enter the painted placemat. An old standard, of course. But did you know there is a super swift way to make these? The secret is to go to the paper pad section of the art or craft store. Look along the bottom row for "Canvas Pad". Fredrix makes one that comes with TEN sheets of primed canvas ($12) - go for the 12x16 size. Rip 'em out and paint 'em and bingo! you have 10 awesomely cute placemats.



Summer's here, so why not have mealtime accessories to match the playful mood? These colorful and zesty place mats will fit with the season. They are made from sheets from a canvas pad found in the art-supply section of the craft store. Once you decorate and varnish them, they are as washable as they are durable. Take note: There are also blank oval canvas place mats ready for your paintbrush as well, but those "designated" place mats come with less product at a higher price. My advice is to go with the traditional pre-primed canvas pad sheets and cut them to any shape you like.


Summer Splash Place Mats
Supplies:
1 package of 12- by 16-inch Canvas Pad (10 sheets in package)
1 can of satin spray paint
Craft paints, assorted colors
Assorted chunky foam stamps
Assorted brushes, including a liner brush
1 jar of water-based brush-on varnish
Foam brush

Directions: Place one of the canvas sheets on a large piece of cardboard or newspaper, outside in a well-ventilated area.

Set it down so it lays flat. Spray on one coat of paint, let dry and add another.

When dry, paint a border around the edge of the sheet and add accents as desired. Add paint to the foam stamp and apply it to the center of the sheet. Outline with black paint. Add any other painted accents that you want.

Let dry. Brush on a coat of the varnish, let dry and repeat two more times. Repeat for other place mats.

Variations: Use a tapestry needle and embroidery thread to sew beads around the outside of the place mat, or add fabric trim. Use curve-edged scissors to create a textured look to the edges.

Have your kids paint their own place mats. You can roll them up and take them to use at the beach or park.

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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: summer/4th of July