Mother's Day Mat

crayola supplies

• Markers
• Washable Kid's Paint
• Glue Sticks
• Blunt-Tip Scissors
• Construction Paper

household supplies

• recycled newspaper
• paper towels
• clear plastic adhesive
• recycled foam produce trays
• container(s) of water
• paper doily

Why

Children leave their own distinct mark on Mother's Day, or any holiday, with a thumb-print flowerpot placemat. Thumbs up to this creative, hand-made gift!

Steps

1. 1. Spread newspaper over your work area. Place a large, placemat-size paper doily on the newspaper.
2. 2. Pour at least three colors of Crayola® Washable Kid's Paint into recycled foam produce trays. Make flower stems by dipping four fingers in paint and then spreading them apart and pressing down in the middle of the placemat.
3. 3. Dip your thumb in another color paint and press at least four times around the top of each stem to create flower petals. Make flower centers with a single painted finger. Explore more ways to make flower designs and leaves with your painted fingers. Dry.
4. 4. Draw a flower pot on construction paper with Crayola Washable Markers. Write your Mother's Day message on the flower pot. If you are just learning to write, ask an adult for help.
5. 5. Children younger than age 3 tear out the flower pot. Older children tear or cut out the flower pot with Crayola Scissors.
6. 6. Glue the flower pot to the doily with a Crayola Glue Stick. Ask an adult to cover the placemat with clear plastic adhesive, such as Con-Tact paper.

When & Where

"We used red fingerprints for stripes and made blue thumbprint stars to create flags for Father's Day mats."
- Liz H, family child care provider.

"I brought my Hallmark Card Studio software along and we made cards to go with the mats for Passover."
- Alicia C., teenage babysitter.

Interesting Info

Many people believe that French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi modeled the Statue of Liberty after his mother, Charlotte Bartholdi. Decide for yourself at www.corrosion-doctors.org/Landmarks/statues/bartholdi.htm

Safety Guidelines

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.

Recycled Foam Produce Trays—Wash in hot, soapy water. No meat or poultry trays should be used.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

© 2000 - 2006 Binney & Smith, Inc.