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


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Comments

  1. Jamie says

    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. My Indulgences says

    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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