It All Started With Paint

Our Home. My Canvas.

numbered napkins to help you keep track of your holiday guests …

By 9 Comments

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It’s no secret that I’m nutty for numbers …

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They greet you when you arrive …


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… offer lumbar support …

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… follow you into the powder room …

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… and make a seasonal appearance on the screen porch …

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So it should be no surprise that I’ve invited them into my dining room (with future plans to sell on my ‘in-the-works’ etsy shop) …

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I also made them using my latest obsession:  painter’s drop cloth as fabric …

Here’s how I made mine:

1. Machine wash and dry drop cloth. I purchased mine from Menards. It cost just under $15.00 for a 4’ x 15’ drop cloth.

2. Create mirror image numbers and print on transfer paper (I have an ink jet printer but mistakenly used paper made for a laser printer. It was a mistake that worked in my favor because the images transfer to the fabric without that annoying film border. It comes out a bit grainy and aged – but honestly, I like that look …)

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3. I cut the drop cloth fabric into 22” x 22” squares, allowing for a 1” seam allowance around the border …

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Here’s a tip that guarantees a straight line: cut a small slit in the drop cloth and then tear …

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4. Double fold over a 1/2” inch and pin. The drop cloth frays easily so the double fold will make it much more durable for frequently washed fabric napkins.

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Here’s a quick ‘pic-tutorial’ on how I pinned the corners …

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5. Sew … and since I’m a glutton for punishment, I sewed a double seam to ensure greater durability …

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6. Now it’s time to transfer the mirror-image numbers … (check back tomorrow for my ‘screen cap’ tutorial on how to make mirror image text and numbers in a Microsoft Word document).

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… the transfer paper I used comes out a bit grainy, but I really like that aged look on the drop cloth canvas …

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… and the finished product …

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Oh, and I have more projects planned that use numbers (sorry honey, hope you’re not reading this) …

… and be sure to check back tomorrow when I offer a screen cap tutorial on how to make mirror image numbers/text/words using Microsoft Word …

Linking up:
Centsational Girl
Home Stories A 2 Z
DIY Home Sweet Home
The Shabby Creek Cottage
Addicted 2 Decorating
House of Hepworths
Sew Much Ado
Sew Can Do
Savvy Southern Style
The Prudent Pantry

Comments

  1. Love the numbers? What kind of material did you use. (sorry, I’m not familiar with painters canvas, is it cotton?) These are beautiful. I love your blog. I’m your newest follower. Would love you to stop by DIY Home Sweet Home
    Jamie
    http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/

    P.S. I have a linky every Monday would love you to stop by Monday and link up.

    Reply

  2. Great idea! I have some leftover drop cloth material from the window treatments I made for my living room…. it will make great everyday napkins.

    Can’t wait to look around your site, and if you’ve a mind to, feel free to visit me as well.

    Lora

    Reply

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