Ever wonder what to do with all of those greeting cards that you have saved up through the years? You know the ones in the garage collecting dust. Here is a fun rainy day activity to do with your children. It is fun for the kids and gives them quality time with you, the bonding bonuses are priceless.

Here's what you need: old greeting cards, a roll or two of clear contact paper and a roll or two of contact paper of your choice, scissors, glue,  a picture of your child, love and patience.  Dig out those old cards from the Rubbermaid or Avon box in the garage. Lay them out on the table. Let your kids pick out 10 or 15 with pictures that they like. If they are old enough to use safety scissors, have them cut out the pictures on the cards, otherwise mom, you cut for them. Any shape works, but circles and squares are probably easier to work with than a parallelogram. After they are done choosing their pictures, have them arrange the pictures in an overlapping fashion in to a square shape or round almost like a flower, leaving the center open. Glue the picture of your son or daughter in the center. Using the clear contact paper, cover the top of the placemat. Be careful not to leave any air bubbles as it will be difficult to take it off and go back. Then flip it over, and using the contact paper with designs on it, do the same thing on the back when you are all done, cut off the excess paper around the edges Now your child has designed his or her own personal placemat, which gives them a sense of pride and achievement, which they are able to use or to give to Grandma or Grandpa. And every Grandparent loves handmade gifts.