DIY: Thanksgiving Photo Napkin Rings

These colorful and individualized napkin holders will really capture the flavor of your Thanksgiving holiday and will make a fun project for kids a day or two before the big day.

Gather some digital photographs or scan some old photos. Guests can contribute some old photos too (if you don't have any). Print each photo and trim it into a small square. Glue the cut-out photo to colored or homemade paper and then trim the paper to leave a 1/4-inch border around all sides of the photo.

Now cut some colored paper or a fabric strip about 1.75" by 8.5". Roll it to make a squared-off ring. Insert a rolled napkin and tape the ring ends together. Use tape or a dab of glue to attach the mounted photograph to the ring. As a variation, find or print some festive photos of pumpkins, colored fall leaves, fruit, Indian corn or other Thanksgiving theme images. Cut these into strips and use them instead of using the plain colored paper! Use both fabric and paper, then double them up for an even more decorative look.

These personalized napkin rings can inspire an entertaining jaunt down memory lane or simply serve as place markers for your Thanksgiving meal. Be creative and at dinnertime these napkin holders are sure to generate some conversation and maybe a few laughs too! Keep life beautiful and enjoy a little homemade art during the holiday.

The Ankeny Art Center strives to be an innovative visual arts organization committed to providing superior art experiences that inspire, educate, and challenge all members of the community. To obtain more information about upcoming art classes or exhibitions, visit the Ankeny Art Center at 1520 SW Ordnance Rd, Ankeny or visit the AAC website at www.AnkenyArtCenter.com Gallery hours are: T-F 9am-1pm, Th 4pm-7pm, Sat 9am-noon.