Play mats can be made easily from laminated cardboard.
Train track play mats are decorated with scenery depicting roads and railways, and are designed to allow children to play with their toy trains and cars safely and imaginatively. Such play mats can be easily constructed at home in an afternoon, and children can even participate in customizing the play mat, making for a fun and stimulating creative activity for them.
Instructions
Laminate Play Mat
1. Begin with a large piece of Bristol board, either square or rectangular. The exact size does not matter. Using crayons, felt pens or colored paper, create designs on the Bristol board depicting railroads, hills, lakes, rivers, bridges, stoplights and intersections. Draw in a small town or station and add any other details you think are appropriate.
2. Apply laminate tape to the face of the Bristol board using a pair of scissors or a paper cutter to trim it to size. Apply a single layer of laminate using single strips that overlap slightly.
3. Turn the Bristol board over and apply the laminate to the other side. Ensure that the laminate tape is folded over the edge of the board to create a soft edge.
4. Store the play mat behind a bookshelf or upright wall unit. Clean it or dust it as necessary with a slightly damp cloth.
