Interlocking Foam Play MatHands up if you have a set of interlocking foam alphabet, number or animal play mats.  The twins haven't played with theirs for at least a year.  We are gearing up to move house so I have been tossing and donating left and right. 

Side note: I should also probably be banned from entering stores between now and our move date because I seem to bring home two bags for every one I get rid of.  

During a toss-out vs donate frenzy on Monday I found an entire box full of foam play mat pieces.  I studiously set to work piecing it back together so I could clean it and donate it.  Of course there were at least a dozen pieces missing.  I eventually gave in and tossed them in the trash.  But I felt guilty.  I hate throwing things away. I always try to find a way to re-use items.

Last night when everyone was in bed the light bulb finally went off.  And dumpster diving style I went into the trash bin and retrieved as many pieces as I could.   Thank goodness too because the trash truck arrived this morning.

I dug up some scraps of wood in my craft room and a bottle of Elmer's Craft Bond and set to work making stamps for the kids. 

Foam Stamps

Then I tested out a couple before the kids came home from school.  The verdict: these work great if you pour a little paint onto a re-usable plate, similar to what we did for the Spring Memory Book project.

Or you can hand paint them and create something like this:

Easter Egg Painted Stamp

These would make a lovely handmade Easter card for someone special. 

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5 comments

cat@juggling act April 8, 2011 - 6:11 am

OOh you are a clever girl!

Reply
Tonya Staab April 10, 2011 - 7:13 pm

Yay. So glad I could help April.

Reply
April Curry April 10, 2011 - 7:11 pm

Thanks for the idea Tonya! I have been waiting for an inspiration for our old foam mats.

Reply
Maureen April 26, 2011 - 7:32 pm

What an excellent idea – the families I work with will love it too. It is wonderful to be able to re-purpose items.
Thanks

Reply
Baby play mats November 12, 2011 - 7:51 pm

This is lovely. I love your creation, the idea is pretty cool and I think it will be enjoyable to perform that activity.

Reply

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