DIY: Burlap Table Runner

In my last post I promised I would share my burlap table runner. I found the idea of creating the table runner as I was browsing Pinterest and thought I would try it. This is an easy project but it does take some time to complete.

First I started by measuring how long and wide I wanted my table runner to determine how much burlap I needed – I used 2 ½ yards.

As we all know burlap loves to unravel when it is cut so I decided to take an extra step to prevent this. I measured my table runner without the additional 2 inches so I could create a “seam”. So for example the actual width of my table runner is 24 inches wide but I measured it as 20 inches (to take off the two inches I allowed for fringe on both sides). Using embroidery thread that matches the burlap I weaved it into the burlap so my fringe would stop at 2 inches and followed these steps for both the sides and ends.

Once I had finished my “seam” I then measured my two inches and began cutting my table runner. Make sure when you are sewing your seam that you do not sew it to the carpet – I don’t know who would every do that – but a certain someone wondered why she was having difficulty picking it up from the floor in a few places – again not naming any names here. J

Now comes the messy part – start on one side and begin removing one string at a time from the edge of the burlap until you reach your seam and continue doing this on all sides to make your fringe.

At this point you can admire your work and add it to your table or you might want to add something festive. My first idea was to embroider leaves on the ends but with the spacing and give of the burlap I was not getting the clean lines I wanted. I then decided to find two different leaf patterns to use as a pattern to cut fabric leaves.

I then used matching embroidery thread to stitch them to my table runner and now I have a festive table runner that compliments the centerpiece I shared in my last post.

If you would like additional inspiration for your burlap table runner head on over to Emmaline Bride.

Happy Crafting!

Tracey

Pumpkin Flower Arrangement

Hello everyone I hope you are having a great week and enjoying some fall festivals in your area! We went to Oktoberfest this past weekend and had a great time.

Today I wanted to show you another fall project I completed. Last year Michele at the Scrap Shoppe shared her pumpkin vase and you have to check out her recent post of all her festive decorations – love them! I wanted to create a pumpkin vase using faux flowers for my centerpiece in the dining room and add a smaller arrangement for our living room.

 
I started with two different size styrofoam pumpkins I picked up at Michaels when they were on sale.

I then tied twine to the top so I could hang them from the tree to spray paint them brown.



 

After giving them time to dry I wanted to add a little sparkle to my pumpkins so I used Krylon Glitter Blast in Bronze Blaze.

 

Then it was time to remove the top of the pumpkins and arrange my flowers. I would offer one piece of advice, cut the tops off before you paint so you do not have the white styrofoam showing around the edge or you can go back and paint around the top.

Here is the finished product.

 

I will share my burlap table runner with you next time.

Happy Crafting!

Tracey

Weekend Fun & Glitter Pumpkins

All I can say is WOW what a week it has been – there was a lot going on around our house this weekend. I thought I would share some of our excitement with you. On Friday, my oldest son married his fiancé in a sweet intimate ceremony. They are both so happy together and I wish them many years of blessings ahead – here is the cute couple!

 

Saturday was my birthday so my husband started the day by making me breakfast. Then we took our grandson Ty to the pumpkin patch for a little Fall fun. If you are in the Middle Tennessee area Walden Farms is a great place to go! Here are a few pics from our trip

 

 

With the newlyweds out of town the grandparents alternated keeping Brooklyn (we had to share the love) – she is such a sweet baby but it had been a while since I had two kids so I was a little tired by the end of the day. Look at this precious baby!

 

Okay, so that was my exciting weekend and I am so blessed! So would you like to hear about the glitter pumpkins now? Last year Michele over at the Scrap Shoppe made really cute glitter pumpkins out of glass jars and I knew I wanted to create them for my fall décor this year. I found these two smaller pumpkin jars at Hobby Lobby.



I used the same materials I used when making my glitter ornaments but with Martha Stewart fire opal fine glitter.

After taking the jars apart and discarding the metal pieces I coated the inside of the jars with the liquid Pledge, drained the remaining liquid, filled the jars with glitter, and then rolled the glitter around until the inside of the jar was nicely coated.

After giving the glitter some time to dry, I used Beacon 3 in 1 glue to glue the top to the jar. I knew I wanted to use burlap but you could see the glass through the top so I cut a circle of brown fabric and glued it to the top of the jar. I then cut a circle from the burlap to place over the brown fabric. For the neck of the jar I cut a piece of burlap that would wrap around while allowing enough fabric to overlap. I also cut this piece wide enough so I could fold it three times to add a little bulk while also ensuring you could not see the glass. I then tied a piece of jute around this layer of burlap to help hold it in place. To finish it off I wrapped several pieces of Raffia and added a fall leaf.

This was a fun quick project and I love how they look sitting with some of my other Fall décor.

Happy Crafting!

Tracey

Stamp Organizer

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! You might remember I shared how I have my clear stamps organized. While perusing the shelves at Goodwill to find something I could repurpose I found this CD organizer for $2.99 that needed a little care (sorry forgot to take a before picture). I brought it home, took it apart, and painted it to match my craft room.

Unfortunately it does not hold all of my stamps so I added the stamps I use the most so I do not have to go to the cubby under my desk.    

Happy Crafting!
 
Tracey

Refurbished Bookcase

 

Welcome to October everyone – the leaves are slowly starting to change, pumpkins and mums are all around, and it is almost time for the pumpkin patch! I cannot wait for it to look like this around here – this was taken a couple of years ago.

Last week I shared that I had spent most of my time outside sanding so this week I want to share one of my finished projects. Check out this poor wood bookcase that I purchased at Goodwill for only $6.99. It was in bad shape when I found it but I knew I could bring it to life again.

 

I started by removing the contact paper that was on the shelves, removed the shelves and cardboard backing. Then it was time to sand, sand some more, and finish by sanding again.

I went to Lowes to have paint mixed to match the color of my room and painted two coats of turquoise paint. I then covered that with two coats of white paint.

I knew I needed to replace the back of the bookcase so I decided to purchase a sheet of beadboard. I tried only painting the indentions but didn’t like it and that would have taken a while to paint. I then decided to paint two coats of my turquoise paint on the entire board.  

After letting the paint dry for a week it was time to start the distressing process. For the bookcase I sanded the white paint to expose the turquoise and some of the wood and the beadboard was sanded to expose the original white of the board. The indentions in the beadboard created nice white lines across the board.

After getting everything sanded and dusted it was time to nail on the back, insert the new pegs my dad made from a small dowel rod, and add the shelves. So with the cost of the bookcase and beadboard I was able to add this lovely addition to my craft room for a grand total of $16 – what do you think?

 

 



Happy Crafting!

Tracey

I link to these parties!