Thanks to Cristin Dunster who requested this 1995 TV show project.

Tip: Use wrapping paper or prints for a very different effect.

You'll need

Blank MDF place mats
Children's paintings or drawings
White acrylic paint
Sealer
PVA glue
Petroleum jelly
Envirotex or Aristocrat polymer resin
Acetone or general-purpose thinners
Wood putty
Tack cloth, clean sponge
Scissors, scalpel, old knife
Sponge brush, cheap brush
Roller (brayer)
Drinking straw
Glass measuring jug
Spirit level
Rags

Here's how

Step 1To prepare placemats, wipe clean with steel wool and a little liquid detergent. Sand lightly if necessary. Apply 2-3 coats of white paint.
Note: To keep the surface completely clear of lint and dust, keep your work covered while drying. A cardboard box laid on its side with a wet tea towel hung over the opening keeps dust away.

Step 2 Trace the shape of the placemat onto the drawing. Roughly cut to shape a few millimetres out from the pencil line.

Step 3 Apply two coats of sealer to both sides of the paper with a sponge brush, changing the direction of your strokes with each coat. Seal the top of the place mat with two coats of sealer.
Note: Sealing is important. Take care to cover all areas - uncovered parts will become transparent when the resin is poured over the mat. A third coat of sealer may be required just to be certain.

Step 4 When the drawing is sealed and dry, cut the paper to fit the placemat exactly.

Step 5 Dilute the PVA glue (two parts glue to one part water). Apply to the top of the place mat with a sponge brush. Use your fingertips to detect any gritty bits in the glue by smoothing over in a circular motion. Stroke the glue onto the wrong side of the paper.

Step 6 Position the paper onto the surface of the mat and working quickly with the roller, smooth it over. Check the edges are neat and apply more glue. Work over the paper as before, working from the centre towards the edges. Wipe over with a damp sponge.

Step 7 Finish with the roller to remove excess glue and bubbles rolling from the centre outwards. Hold up to the light to check if the surface is smooth. Wipe away excess glue on the surface or sides and allow to dry overnight.

Step 8 Wipe over with the tack cloth. Seal with one or two coats of sealer and when dry, wipe over again. Spread petroleum jelly around the undersides edges so the resin drips can be easily removed later. Work in a well ventilated area. Use a spirit level to find a surface for drying as the resin self-levels.

Step 9 Spread out newspaper and mix the resin according to directions. Place the mat on a small block or a brick, so the resin drips freely. Pour the resin over and carefully brush around the edges using the cheap brush.

Step 10 After about five minutes, bubbles will have appeared. Disperse the bubbles by blowing them with a straw. Use a needle to puncture larger bubbles or get them to the surface.

Step 11 As the resin levels and dries, remove the drips with an old knife or rag moistened with thinners.

Step 12 The resin finish will take 2-8 hours to dry, depending on the humidity. It will take another 2-3 days to cure. When cured, scrape away any hardened drips of resin from the underside.

Special notes
Sealer is required to waterproof the placemats and provide a good bonding surface and it also strengthens and proofs the paper.

Solvent-based glues, varnishes, thinners and paints should be used only in well-ventilated areas. Some are even toxic, can create allergic reaction or even asthma. Water-based paints and glues are a safe option. In case of an accident, contact the Poisons Information Centre from anywhere in Australia, 24 hours day, by phoning 13 11 26. Also visit the Safety Rules OK! website for more information about poisioning.