Colorful Wood Place Mat

Want an easy way to spice up mealtime? Make this DIY place mat that mimics the look of slatted wood window blinds.

Step 1: Using a handsaw, cut three 8'-long pieces of pine moulding into 15 slats 18" long. 

Step 2: Paint the slats in colors of your choice. Let dry. 

Step 3: Arrange the slats as you like with the flat side up, leaving about 1/16" between each piece. Place two strips of painter’s tape across all 15 slats, 3-1/2" in from each end; place a third strip of tape between them. 

Step 4: Working along the outer edge of the left piece of tape, wrap and tie a knot of twine around the end slat. Use a match or lighter to melt the end of the knot to prevent unraveling. 

Step 5: Hang the mat off the edge of your work surface, and then weave the twine between the slats until you have six to eight rows. When finished, tie another knot and melt the end. 

Step 6: Repeat Steps 4 and 5, working along the outer edge of the right piece of tape. Remove all tape when finished.