Pretty Pretty Placemats

The lovely woman who sits at the front desk of our office building divulged to me her husbands DIRE love of the UNC Tarheels. Born and raised a Maryland Terrapin fan, I just don't get it :). Nonetheless, she saw a set a place mats that I made, and asked if I would make her some for her husbands birthday. Place mats for a guy on his birthday? I'm telling you, the man LOVES Carolina.

I documented the process for you. I'm not going to lie, this is a pretty time consuming task and I did it over a few days time. Because honestly, after working a full time job, an hour commute to and from work, making dinner, and watching American Idol (haha), I just don't have the time to finish big projects in a day!

Stuff you'll need to get started (minus a few things I forgot to photograph-oops)


A yard of any color burlap
fabric remnants
craft paint
foam brush
stencil (I did mine on my Cricut. Not needed if you have painting skills)
**E6000
**anything you want to use as the flower center, I used little gems
**spray adhesive
**lighter

You will be able to get 4, 9x13in place mats from a yard of fabric.
First, just cut out all 4 rectangles. This is probably the most time consuming part. Burlap is kinda hard to cut straight if you aren't being really meticulous.


If you want to make a fringe on the burlap, just start pulling the little strands on the end out on all sides and it will make a nice border.

Take the scrap fabric and cut 6-8 circles starting with one about 5 inches in diameter. I used 2 colors here, but of course you could use whatever you like. Any thin, liner type fabric will do. Then take the lighter and just slightly singe the edges. I couldn't photograph this part for obvious reasons, but here is what they should look like.

stack them all together and you get this:


Then just take a needle and thread and sew the flower to the burlap.


Take your little flower center and the E6000, and glue it to the flower.



Next, take your spray adhesive and spray the back of the stencil. Lay it into place, and using the foam brush, start just dabbing paint.


Peel off while still wet, and your done!




I love them, she loves them and I have my fingers crossed her husband loves them! Anyone else out there ventured into place mat making territory? Would love to hear thoughts on the experience!

I've been pretty anti-social for a while, headed to party at the shabby chic cottage and remodelaholic, BNOTP, craftaholics anonymous and ASPTL!