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Final Holiday Project

Today I am working on another fabulous table runner to help spark some creativity for you to create a “show-stopper” holiday centerpiece for your next party. Now, I will have two different options to choose from for all the holiday parties this season!

This table runner is a little different than the last one I created. This time I am going to be using multiple techniques on this table runner, including stenciling and painting.

Stenciling is such a fun and simple way to express your creativity. If you have never stenciled before, head to this BLOG or you can purchase my Stipples & Swirls Instructional Stenciling Video for only $5 to get more extensive training on the art of stenciling.

Alrighty, let’s get started with this DIY Project!

Step 1 – Prepping Your Table Runner!

First, you will want to get out your iron. This will help the linen table runner lay a little bit flatter and make it easier to paint and stencil. Next, you will want to spray a thin piece of cardboard with some Stick It Stencil Spray. This adhesive is repositionable, which makes it perfect for this project. Stick It will help to keep the table runner flat and keep it from moving around while you are painting and stenciling. You will need to respray your cardboard after 1 or 2 uses to keep it sticking properly. I would highly recommend spraying it outside to eliminate the fumes and toxins indoors. (You don’t want to be breathing this stuff in!)

Once you have the cardboard sprayed and your table runner smoothly laid out, you are ready to get started painting!

Step 2 – Let’s Get Painting!

Next, you will start by painting the outer edge of the table runner. I am going to be using my favorite “chalk type” paint DIY Paint in the color Apothecary. You can grab some DIY Paint HERE. To get the “washed” look I was going for, you will start by watering down the paint. Make sure you grab enough paint to finish the entire project so that your “wash” is the same throughout the entire table runner. Grab a paper towel to see how diluted your color is. If it is not diluted enough, then you can add a little more water to dilute it more. This mixture is about 70% water and 30% DIY Paint. You will want to use a stiff bristled brush, this way you can scrub it into the fabric. You can grab a Filbert Brush HERE. This type of brush also allows you to create a straight line along the stitching. Since we are using very watered down paint, it will take about 24 hours to dry. Allow this to dry overnight before you move on to the next step.

Step 3 – Now You Are Ready To Stencil!

You will want to continue to use your cardboard sprayed with Stick It, but you will also want to tape down your stencil as you move along your table runner.

Start creating a “background” using your checkboard stencil in the middle of the table runner. I wanted to use a lighter color since I am keeping this stencil more in the background, so I went with the colors Bleached Sand and Light Buttermilk by Americana. (You can use any colors you prefer!)

I also mixed in a little bit of Fabric Medium to allow the paint from getting too stiff and it also allows your fabric to wash better if you plan on washing your table runner. (I highly recommend dry cleaning your table runner.) You will want to “offload” some of the paint onto a paper towel so that you are working with a mostly dry brush. Fabric can be a little more forgiving than a regular project, but you definitely don’t want to be working with too much paint on your brush. Allow drying completely before moving onto your next step.

Step 4 – Adding All The Extras!

I decided I wanted to add a little something extra, so I am using my Holly Vine stencil. This is a super cute two layer stencil design. You can purchase it HERE. The easiest way to figure out where you want to place the design without using the registration marks is to layer them up and place it where you think it looks good. Then you will tape it down.

Now to the stenciling! I am using Americana Paints in Napa Red, Plantation Pine, and Burnt Umber. I am also using some Fabric Paint Medium mixed in once again. Once you load your brush, you will then want to “offload” most of that paint onto a paper towel creating a Dry Brush technique. To create some shading, you will want to go over the whole leaf section and then build a little more color along the edges. This creates some dimension in the stencil. Reload your brush as you run out and then make sure you “offload” again as well. I prefer to stencil layer 1 and then layer 2, and so on. I think it makes it much easier to line up, rather than doing all layer 1s around the border and then layer 2s. Nothing has to be perfect and you should line up the stencil how you see fit!

Final Thoughts

I absolutely loved creating this beautiful table runner for my upcoming holiday gatherings! I hope this has inspired you to get creative and make your own table runner this season. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out! Lastly, if you do end up making a table runner, please share! I would love to see what y’all create!

Are you more of a visual learner?? Check out the full video tutorial below!