My son and I were hanging out browsing Etsy for gifts for friends and family for Christmas when we came across a car play mat. He was pretty excited about it and asked if I could make him one, and since the price tag on the Etsy one was pretty steep, I said, “sure!”.
I rememered that A Girl and a Glue Gun made all sorts of mats out of felt and hot glue… no sewing was a clincher for me! I stopped by Kim’s car mat post and then hit up Joann’s.
I purchased one yard of green, a half yard of black and a half yard of orangish-yellow. I also purchased several colors of the sheets of felt…. the total was under $10 since the felt by the yard was 40% off.
We headed home and got to work. Now I didn’t listen to Kim of AGAAGG‘s advice and start in the middle with the garage and I think I should have because I like her roads better than mine, but my son was totally involved and helped me with placement of everything as well as what buildings to include on the mat. Want to see the result?
OK! Just kidding! That’s just the folded version! Here is the actual mat:
One of my favorite parts:
I love the little campground that we included.
My son also requested that the buildings be able to flip up so he can “park” his cars. Who am I to say no to such an awesome request?
And here he is enjoying the fruits of our labor:
He attached the plastic canvas playset that I made him last year for even more “vrooming” fun. And then the dinosaurs came out and attacked the city… it was great watching his imagination run with this!
But I ain’t gonna lie… my back is killing me after hunching for hours creating this… and I got a few glue burns, but it is so much easier than sewing something like this together! And the glue is holding up fine. I did have to tell him he couldn’t park 5 cars in each of the garages… it’s a two car limit. But even if anything does come loose, it will be an easy fix!
Looking for other fun play mats? Check out some of my other ideas:
Kim is a Marketing Specialist with Inspiration Media Solutions by day and Creative Blogger by night. She's a wife, mom of three beautiful children and two fur-babies, a Goldendoodle and a rescued Pibble. For even more Inspiration Made Simple, like her on Facebook and Instagram+.
Ooooooohhhhh Fantastic and Wonderful! My DS had a road playmat when he was little, but it was no way as brilliant as this one – for starters, it wasn’t hand made by himself and his mum! A wonderful project. Your son must have learned sooo much from being involved in this – all about planning and design, and cutting and sticking (who doesn’t love cutting and sticking?), colours, shapes… AND most important of all, that his mom loves him so much that she’s prepared to risk burned fingers to make him a special toy all for himself – and to let him help! Well done to you both – it is awesome!
This looks like so much fun! I am almost 20 years old, and I would still totally play with that, aha. I never had a fun mat like this when I was younger, but I always lusted after the expensive ones I saw at the toy store. I’m definitely making this when I become a parent.
My name is Kim, founder of Inspiration Made Simple, and I'm really glad you have stopped by!
I'm a mom, wife, DIY and fitness enthusiast. I love sharing simple and affordable ideas that help make your busy life easier, including craft tutorials, printables, recipes, party ideas, and fun family activities. Learn more about Kim...
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LOVE your car mat! The camping site is a perfect addition!
Ooooooohhhhh Fantastic and Wonderful! My DS had a road playmat when he was little, but it was no way as brilliant as this one – for starters, it wasn’t hand made by himself and his mum!
A wonderful project. Your son must have learned sooo much from being involved in this – all about planning and design, and cutting and sticking (who doesn’t love cutting and sticking?), colours, shapes… AND most important of all, that his mom loves him so much that she’s prepared to risk burned fingers to make him a special toy all for himself – and to let him help!
Well done to you both – it is awesome!
This looks like so much fun! I am almost 20 years old, and I would still totally play with that, aha. I never had a fun mat like this when I was younger, but I always lusted after the expensive ones I saw at the toy store. I’m definitely making this when I become a parent.
Thanks for sharing!
-Alaina
You did an amazing job – I love your little campground too – so cute!
Saw this on Tip Junkie – what a creative and fun idea! I’ll keep it in mind for when my little one is a bit older – great job!
I love it!!
wow great job. that’s awesome. this would be perfect for my son. I’m sure he would love it. take care! I’m a new follower.
kathryn
http://www.thedragonsfairytail.blogspot.com
Wow, you are an awesome mom! This is amazing, my little man (2 y/o) loves cars too. This would make a great gift.