Creative Juice

« make it: Delightful Doggie Bags | Main | shake it: Pumpkin Pietini »

November 14, 2008

make it: Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Making your own Thanksgiving centerpiece is not as hard as one might think. Here are a few simple ideas that can be made with everything from dried beans to texture paint. For more Thanksgiving tips and tricks visit my Thanksgiving page at www.cathieandsteve.com.

Paint 3 papier-mâché pumpkins with orange Folkart texture paint. (The pumpkins and paint can be purchased at any craft store) Add depth to the pumpkin by painting the creases with dark brown paint. For extra bling, coat the pumpkins with a layer of gold glitter Mod Podge.

On the table runner the simple and modern shapes were created with low tack painter’s tape and FolkArt fabric paint. By combining the metallic bronze and chocolate brown this project is perfect for fall holidays.

Table Runner Materials
FolkArt Fabric Paint – 4429 Metallic Solid Bronze
Store bought cotton or linen table runner
Scotch painter’s tape corners – 2 rolls
Ruler
Foam paintbrush
Wax paper
Iron and board

Steps:
1. Iron the table runner to remove any wrinkles. Choose a work surface where the runner can sit for the duration of the project. Place the runner with a sheet of wax paper under it on the work surface.

2. Adhere the corner tape pieces to the runner in your desired position. (We made this design in blocks of 4 corners.) Press down on each piece of tape to ensure the edges are firmly against the fabric. If needed, use a ruler to help you center the pieces.

3. Pour a small amount of paint onto a plastic plate or palette, dab the brush into the paint and tap off the excess. You will want a semi-dry brush for this project. For best results, paint in an “up and down” fashion rather then side to side. Paint the entire runner.

4. All the paint to dry and allow to air dry for 24 hours. Heat set with a dry iron and a pressing cloth. Handwash only after 72 hours.

Use hot glue to attach dried beans to the sides of Styrofoam balls. For candleholders, slice off a section of the ball to form a base and carve a well for the candle to sit. Cluster the balls and candles together in the center of the table.

Create a runner by cutting a strip of brown felt slightly longer than the length of your table and 15” wide. Hot glue velvet leaves allover the runner in a random pattern. Jazz up candleholders by tying bundles of faux pumpkins and flowers around the center of the candleholder. Look for velvet leavers and mini pumpkins at your local craft store.

Posted by cathieandsteve at November 14, 2008 10:24 AM