A Patuxent Indian named Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to grow bright red, yellow and blue corn to grind into meal for puddings, breads and soups. Reserve an ear from your cook pot and your kids can use it to print a colorful set of these holiday place mats.

MATERIALS
Ear of corn
Kitchen knife
Plastic corn cob holders
Fabric paints
Paper plates
Cloth place mats

Break an uncooked ear of corn into 2 1/2-inch lengths, coaxing the breaks with a kitchen knife, if necessary (adults only). Firmly attach plastic corn cob holders to the ends.

Next, pour a few shades of fabric paint onto paper plates. Roll the corn in the paint and then across a cloth place mat (you may want to practice on newspaper or fabric scraps first). Repeat, overlapping patterns and hues. Then, heat-set the painted place mats according to the manufacturer's directions.