I have been working on more activity mats to donate to my local retirement facility. My first blog article showed how I like to construct the mats using dish drying mats purchased from the Dollar Store. You can revisit that post here.
These projects are great because they fulfill two purposes. The first and best one in my opinion is connecting with your community. When you create something selflessly with someone else in mind; you are giving a gift that is very valuable. YOUR TIME. The second purpose in making these projects is they help me get centered when I am not feeling very creative. You know how you sometimes lose your way and feel a little disconnected from doing artistic work. These are small enough to be completed in short bursts of activity. Also, end pieces, scraps of trims and endless choices make them relaxing as well as inexpensive.
I did four different themes this time making sure to have designs for men and women. My thoughts also were on things or events that were common hobbies or pastimes of older people in my life.
In each mat, I incorporated very simple textiles that resonated with that theme. It might be a button, ribbon, elastic, ink stamp or embroidery. The back of the mats have an extra special embroidery done also so the mat is attractive from both sides. Also, working on one mat at a time instead of trying to do them all together made it more fun. Once I had one done to my satisfaction, I put it aside and when all four were complete, I delivered them to the facility. The smiles and thanks were like a breath of fresh air to me. I also brought several small tissue covers wrapped neatly in plastic baggies. They hold Bingo each week and said they would use them for the prizes. There are four slideshows below so you can see all of the pretties. I hope you have enjoyed this post and get inspired by it; share what you learn and are generous with what you create. Someone will appreciate your hard work!
