by Sally J Shim

When hosting a small party or dinner it is nice to set up the seating arrangement so guests can meet new friends. In lieu of traditional place cards, try making these fun pop up flag place cards. You can make them in any color to coordinate with your favorite color palette. Your guests will love the handmade touch and it will be sweet reminder of your time together.

Click through for instructions…

Materials: Air-dry clay, toothpicks, acrylic/craft paint, paintbrush, parchment paper, color text-weight paper, pen or printer, X-acto knife, cutting mat, ruler, glue stick

Step 1: Roll the clay into a ball.
Step 2: Use your thumb to press on the top of the clay to create a flat surface. Test to make sure the bottom is flat by setting it on a flat surface.
Step 3: Use a toothpick to poke a hole ¾ deep through the top of the clay ball. Let the clay ball dry for 24 hours.
Step 4: Place a toothpick in the hole and use acrylic/craft paint to paint the clay ball. Place the painted clay ball on parchment paper and let the paint dry for 24 hours.
Step 5: Use acrylic/craft paint to paint toothpicks. Place the painted toothpicks on parchment paper and let dry for 2 hours.
Step 6: Cut strips of text-weight paper (approximately ¾” x 4 ½”).
Step 7: Write names on text-weight paper. If you are using a printer, first print names onto text-weight paper and then cut in to strips.
Step 8: Place glue on the entire back of the paper strip.
Step 9: Wrap paper strip around toothpick and press down to secure in place.