[Countries and Cultures]   [Mexico]
  

DLTK's Animal Crafts for Kids
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.
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.