TeresaDownUnder posted a great idea for making a take-along placemat. She gives complete instructions for making it from scratch, but I don't see why you couldn't mod a ready-made placemat that you get from the dollar store. Just use a bit of scrap fabric to create the pockets and ties (or use ribbon for the ties to make your life even easier!). Take your placemat along to the office, or to school with you, or make one for everyone in the family and keep them in the car for impromptu picnics! [via whipup]

So, tell the truth... how many dollar store placemats do you have in your stash now??

Project Estimate:

• Placemat, $1
• Ribbon, on hand or $1
• Scrap fabric, on hand

Total cost: $1 and up