Episode 123 - Colorful Creations
Segment #3 -Floor Mats
Activity - Painted Canvas Mats

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Cotton canvas from art supply store
• Acrylic or latex paint
• Paintbrush
• Non-toxic varnish, sponge brush or paint brush

LET'S GET STARTED:

1. Cut the canvas to the size desired for your mat.
2. Cover the mat with a one coat of paint. Let dry.
3. Paint your design onto mat. Use things from around the house for patterns like cookie cutters, pre-shaped sponges, or cut a sponge into shapes and use as a stamp.
4. Let paint dry.
5. Varnish over your design with three coats letting varnish dry between each coat.

Variations:

Family Shoe Mat: You may choose to paint the canvas and then fill in the outline of a pair of shoes for each family member. Follow varnishing instructions above. Each person will know to leave their shoes on their designated spot by the door!

Game Board: Cut the canvas into a large 24-inch x 24-inch square. Paint a base coat with one color. In the center of the game board canvas create a game grid (follow a typical checkerboard for help). A simple technique is to use two small square sponges. One sponge is your stamper sponge and the other your spacer sponge. Stamp one square using a different color paint than used for base coat. Set the spacer sponge next to it, move the stamper to the opposite side of the spacer and stamp another square. Let game grid dry.

Line edge of game grid with painter’s tape or masking tape. Paint a wide border around grid using chalkboard paint. Let dry and remove tape. Varnish as indicated in general instructions. The kids can write with chalk in this area to keep score or draw pictures.

Placemats: Cut the canvas into placemat sized pieces. Paint and varnish as indicated above and create your own original design for the dinner table.

OTHER ACTIVITIES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Italian Stuffed Veggies
Italian Stuffed Veggies
Floor Mats
Cha Cha Cha Door Mat
Painted Canvas Mats
Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin