Materials
& tools:
- Plain fabric
placemats in solid colours (you can revive ones you already have or buy new ones)
- Painter's tape
- Setaskrib felt
tip fabric markers by Pebeo, available at Omer DeSerres (I used the following
colours: 09 green, 08 light green, 18 fluorescent green, 06 light blue, 07 blue,
17 fluorescent blue)
- A template of
circles in assorted sizes*
- Damp cloth or
paper towels
- An iron *(available
at art and craft supply stores)
For
a fresh approach to summertime dining, draw circles on your placemats. Setaskrib
fabric markers are so easy to use with basic stencil shapes that it's almost child's
play. The brush-tip felts are especially designed for drawing directly onto assorted
fabrics from cotton to silks. The markers are quick drying and easy to set permanently
with an iron.
Before
starting, wash (don't use bleach or softeners), dry and iron the placemats. Secure
the placemats to a work area with tape.
Using
various templates, draw circles in assorted sizes randomly all around the surface
of the placemats. Start at the top of the placemats and work your way down, applying
one colour at a time. For example, do all the dark green circles first, then the
light green and so on. Wipe the template with a damp cloth or paper towel before
using a new colour. (This will keep the marker tips clean). Repeat steps for each
additional colour applied. Draw smaller circles inside larger ones, and vice versa.
Draw some of the circles to intertwine and some bubble-like single ones in assorted
sizes.
The marker designs will dry quickly. Heat set the markers with an iron, by pressing
for two to three minutes on the reverse side of the placemats on the cotton setting.
Once fixed, wait 48 hours before washing the newly decorated fabrics. The placemat
creations will withstand machine washing and drying. You will be amazed at how
bright the colours remain.
To
make a real summer splash at your next fiesta, why not make a whole mix and match
dinnerware ensemble? Make simple striped napkins to go with the set by using a
ruler as a guide to make straight lines. Add a table cloth or a table runner combining
the circles and stripes.
Variations:
Keep children creative by having them make and personalize their own placemat,
pillowcase, beach towel or even T-shirts. Teens can get very creative with these
markers to make their own fashion statements.
Use
Setaskrib fabric markers to draw designs or add fun details like swirls, dots,
letters or numbers to decorate any fabric item. Add a touch of colour and style
to numerous items around your home, like bed sheets, chair covers, assorted linens
and even curtains.
My 4-year-old son made his own placemat - even if it did only take him 10 minutes.
He is very proud of it and he had much fun making it.
Keep these markers out of the reach of younger children if you don't want to end
up with a few truly original designs around your home. Just make sure that they
are used under your supervision.
The
markers are available in fine or broad point tips, replacement tips are also available.
Achieve a unique watercolour effect by going over the marker lines with a paintbrush
and some water. They can also be used in combination with fabric paints.
Quick
entertaining summer idea: Make quick and easy wine-glass charms by intertwining
two swirl type paper clips (Clipiola, available at art stores), ornament them
with different bead colours and clip at the stem of each glass. They also make
great hostess gifts.
Copyright
MaddyLane Designs/Miy Decorations © 2008
No portion of this article is to be copied or published without permission.
