Setting The Table – A DIY Placemat Project

Matthew is getting to the age that he really needs to start doing some chores.  He really enjoys helping out and trying to do things on his own so I thought setting the table for dinner might be a great way for him to help out. I can never figure out proper place settings so I decided to help him, why not create a visual aid: Place setting Place mats! I search online for “how to set a table” and found this guide:

Good to know I've been doing it wrong for YEARS and that I am not alone in that!  I found some place mats on sale for 50% off at a local craft store – for a set of 4, the cost was about $14. I mixed the colors because they didn't have 4 of one color in the shop. (Please note, this post contains affiliate links for which I make a few pennies if you make a purchase)

I cut stencils from scrap cardstock using my Silhouette Cameo – I cut the knife and spoon together and then cut a stencil for the fork. I laid the stencils in the place where the utensils should go for the proper placesetting on each placemat. Then I sprayed a couple pumps of Fabric Spray Paint Color: Ashpalt over each stencil. I repeated the process on all 4 place mats and let them dry overnight.

Here's a full supply list – you can get all these goodies from Amazon online or from your local crafts store:

Today Matthew set the table and he totally enjoyed being able to help out. The guide on the placemats helped him to feel confident that he was doing it right. And they are kind of cute too!

Do your kids help set the table? The kids can totally help make this craft if you're looking to teach them about place settings this summer!

Author: Jennifer Priest

It started with jewelry, beading, sewing, home decor, painting, basket weaving, pottery, and cross-stitch. Marry that to an entrepreneurial spirit & at 9 years old a girl is selling her wares at craft fairs as far as her parents and grandparents would drive her. These days, Jennifer enjoys crafts of all genres from sewing to scrapbooking to jewelry with a little dabbling in the mixed media world. Her style is approachable and she wants everyone who sees her work to feel that they too can embrace creativity and make their home and life beautiful.