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How to make a kids’ play mat

By Bunnings magazine/ Summer 2023

Kids playmat set up outside with cushion and game accessories.

Overview

Now this is one crafty idea to keep the kids busy over the holidays: create a games mat for them to roll out and play with! With just a few D.I.Y. supplies, it’s easy to turn a 150cm x 100cm jute rug into a multi-game board. Choose four to six board games such as draughts, noughts and crosses, backgammon, mancala and reversi, then follow these simple steps on how to make a custom playmat. It’s perfect for playing with outside in the garden or on your next family camping trip.

Steps

1Divide the jute rug into sections

Measure the jute rug and divide it into sections using 24mm painter’s tape, depending on how many games you want on your kids’ games mat.

2Draw the games boards

It’s a good idea to sketch out the whole design of your play mat to scale on paper first until you’re happy with how it looks. Mark the games boards on to the jute rug and mask off the areas to be left unpainted.

3Begin the rug painting

Use sample paint pots and artist’s craft brushes to paint the games boards, applying two to three coats and leaving to dry after each coat. Remove tape when the paint is completely dry.
Hand painting green squares and white circles onto brown hessian.

4Assemble a kit of counters and game accessories

Now you just need some counters to use on your homemade playmat. For hours of easy entertainment, just add non-rolling flat pebbles or marbles to use with your games. For safety, just ensure you keep them out of the reach of toddlers.

5Ready to plan your summer activity schedule?

Explore more kids craft, game and toy ideas for hours of holiday fun.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

 

Photo Credit: Reuben Looi

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.