Bounty paper towels
Food colouring
Shallow containers to hold dyes (glass or plastic, big enough to hold a 10 cm x 3 cm paper packet)
Letter-size, self-adhesive laminating pouches (no heat or laminating machine needed). You also can use clear Con-Tact® paper.
Scissors
Newspaper
Clips to hang up your paper towel to dry
Fold a single square sheet of Bounty paper towels in half. Then fold it into accordion pleats until it forms a single strip. Fold the single strip into accordion pleats. Bend the folded, pleated strip into squares, rectangles, or triangles. Experiment with different folds for interesting designs.
Mix the food colouring with water in the containers you’re using.
Choose any corner of the packet and dip it into one colour of the dye. The paper towel will absorb quickly, so don't leave paper in the dye long! When you're satisfied with that corner, blot the area with a paper towel. To squeeze out more excess water, place your packet in a clean paper towel, put it between newspaper pieces on the floor, and step on it gently.
Repeat this process with the next colour and with each colour you plan to use. You can allow new colours to seep into existing colours, or leave some white areas between them. Blot and press between each dip to remove excess water.
When your design is complete, unfold your bundle gently, and hang it up to dry. Handle your bundle carefully so it doesn’t tear!
When your paper towel is completely dry, position it in the centre of the clear side of the self-adhesive laminating pouch. Make sure there is about a 1.25 cm clear border between your paper towel and the edge of the laminating pouch (or Con-Tact paper, if you are using it). If not, trim your paper towel to allow for this border.
Peel off the liner strip from the top half of the laminating pouch, and then quickly press the adhesive side down over your place mat to seal.
