All the materials used in the above table setting were handmade, from the Dollar Store, and Walmart. The teacup and napkin are hand-me-downs.
These little easels as I call them - can not only hold a sign or a place-card, but:
a favorite photo
or
miniature art that you can cut out from the preview pictures on the back of yearly calenders
or
in this case I am using them as place-card holders
I checked to see if this type of hook was still available and I found a package of 10 at WalMart. They are called Wrights Wall Pleater Hooks.
To make the Little Easels
Gather:
4-Prong Drapery Wall Pleater hook
Pliers
Wire Cutters
1 Flat Sided Bead
1 Round Bead
Hot Glue & Gun
1. Using pliers bend the center hooked section of pleater hook to straighten. Bend backwards to create the back leg for easel.
2. Pull the two left prongs to the left slightly.
3. Pull the two right prongs to the right slightly.
4. Using pliers angle the two inner prongs 1/2″ from end into a 90 degree angle to create the shelf.
5. Glue flat sided bead over metal tip on top. Once dry, glue the round bead on top of that flat one.
For my place-card above, I cut a piece of card-stock and added a border and name with magic marker. You can also use a slide-mount as a frame for your place-card.
Camera stores sell them or you may have some around your house. If the camera store’s name is printed on it you can easily erase it with an artists eraser.
Carefully open back and remove film. Add decorative paper and close. I used a brown paper bag, but was trying to find a scrap of scrap-booking paper to use.
It was getting dark, I had to use the flash, but you can get the general idea from this photo.
I also made a simple napkin ring for the table setting:
Ribbon and two buttons.
Drill a center hole in the button with a Dremel drill. Thread ribbon ends through the hole. Place a napkin in loop and tighten. Tie ribbon in knot on top. Cut off excess.
I am linking this post to:
Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch
Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Chic Cottage
Show & Tell at Blue Cricket Design
100 Ideas Under $100 at Beyond the Picket Fence
Frugalicious Friday at Finding Fabulous
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s such a clever use of those drapery hooks! And your table setting is really cute!
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This is so adorable! I LOVE your place setting, and the colors are so cute! Thanks for the great tutorial!
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Hats off to both you and your Mom, thats a great idea!
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My mom was a very crafty mom. She was always coming up with great ideas. My siblings and I always had the best school projects and won anything we entered that she inspired us to do. I think I got my creative genes from her.
Thanks for commenting, I love hearing from you and look forward to paying everyone a visit.
My best- Diane
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Love the little easels and happy to have found your site! We featured tables today and are in love with innovative tablescaping ideas!
~kristin
oh, and I look forward to meeting you at Bloggy Bootcamp!
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Thanks so much for linking up–I absolutely love these little easels!
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Very charming. I love polka dots and lime green! Drapery hook easels, what a clever idea. Love it.
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Thanks for the tips, Smarty girls!
Happy w/end.
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I forgot all about using those hooks. Thanks for a walk down memory lane.
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I love the hand-me-downs.
I’m visiting from Tip Junkie!
-Liz
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Love the napkin ring idea. Very pretty!
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How clever! they really look wonderful!
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This is the best website i’ve ever seen, bookmarked
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