DLTK's Animal Crafts for Kids
Woven Mexican Place Mats

Thanks to Darren for sharing this craft idea with us!

This craft offers children an opportunity to learn the basic of weaving -- it's a great project for themes other than Mexico as well (just use the colours that go with the season or theme you are doing).

You can make a larger version to use as a Mexican blanket or Poncho.
  

Materials:

• scissors
• glue
• ruler
• pencil
• one 18" x 12" piece of construction paper.
  - this larger piece will become the background color for the placemat
• 16 strips of construction paper in a single color or multiple colors
  - these strips should be 1 inch wide by 12 inches long
• Optional:  clear contact paper.
   

Instructions:

• Take the large piece of construction paper and fold it in half across the width.
   
• Use you ruler to mark the paper a each inch along the folded edge.
    
• Do the same along the open edge but the marks should be 1 inch from the edge of the paper.
   
• Draw a line connecting the marks.
   
• With the paper still folded and starting at the fold cut along the lines being careful to stop one inch from the open edge.
   
• Unfold the paper to reveal the loom that you have created.
   
• Weave the one inch strips through the loom.  If you are using multiple colors be sure to alternate them for the most colorful effect.
   
• Glue the ends of the strips to the edges of the loom to hold them in place.
   
  OPTIONAL:
   - Use clear contact paper to 'laminate' the placemat and extend its life.