How to Print Paper Place Mats

Printing paper place mats

Printing paper place mats can be a decorative way to bring cheer to any table. This printing can be done by hand or created on the computer and printed out. Using the holidays as a guide can be helpful when choosing colors or textures. Kids also enjoy using various shaped stamps or drawing, scanning and printing pictures.

Things You'll Need

• Rectangular construction paper
• Various stamps
• Colorful inks
• Computer
• Printer

Instructions

1. 

   Place construction paper on a flat surface. Choose the ink colors and stamps you wish to try. Think of what you wish to achieve. Plan before you start stamping. Start on one edge and proceed around the entire sheet.

2. 

   Using the computer to print out place mats

   Place construction paper inside your printer tray. Go into the Windows program that does graphics such as cards. Choose from the many options that will come up. Press "Preview," then print it once you're satisfied with the look. Enlarge or decrease the size of the pattern to fit the size paper that is being used.

3. 

   Using a scanner is another way to create decorative place mats. Create whatever pattern you wish (see above). Scanning this into the computer will allow you to print out however many you need.

Tips & Warnings

• You can personalize the place mats by adding names before printing. Or names can be hand stamped in gold or silver gilt or in brightly colored ink.

• Try not to combine the hand stamping of gold gilt and the addition of any glitter if you're scanning --- it could get messy when you close the scanner.

References

• personal experience
• was art teacher in elementary school