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In My Own Style

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Fall Table Setting Idea: Burlap and Polka Dot Table Runner

October 15, 2013 · By Diane Henkler · 3 Comments

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Fall Table Setting Idea DIY-Polka-Dot-Burlap-Table-Runner

I am planning ahead… for Thanksgiving. It is only about 5 weeks away and since it is my favorite holiday, I always want to make it extra-special and get a head start on the preparations including coming  up with a new fall table setting idea to make my dining room look holiday festive.

It is also the only time of year that I love to decorate with the color brown.

I have always been smitten with polka dots, especially when they are white on a brown background. Do you remember the the brown and white polka dot dress Julia Roberts wore in the movie, Pretty Woman?

Pretty Woman Brown and White Polka Dot Dress

A classic – one that will be ingrained in my mind forever. It made an impact.

Fall-table-setting-ideas DIY Burlap and Polka Dot Table runner

Instead of making the dress, I used it as my inspiration to make a stylishly festive table runner for my Thanksgiving table.

Polka-Dot-and-Burlap-Table-Runner-made-using-a-Silhouette-Cutting-Machine

Using burlap makes it a no-sew project.

Brown-Burlap-bought-at-Michaels-crafts-store

I found the brown burlap at Michaels in the fabric aisle.

Silhouette-Printable-Cotton-Canvas

To make and cut the white fabric dots perfectly round and the same size– I used my Silhouette machine and a new product – Printable Cotton Canvas that has an adhesive back.

If you don’t know what a Silhouette machine is, it is a digital cutting machine that works in tandem with your computer. You create your design on the Silhouette software on your computer or purchase a design at their online store, download it, and then print and cut it out using the machine.  It uses a fine blade to cut paper, cardstock, fabric, magnet paper, tattoo paper, vinyl, iron-on heat transfer, chipboard and more.

My circle design is simple, but you can create very complex and detailed designs  – the machine will cut it all out with exacting precision.  There are 2 sizes of machines – Cameo and a Portrait. I have a Cameo which is the larger of the two.

The reason I like to use the machine – it makes the ideas that I create in my mind – come to life – simply.  I am a designer, I may not ever get the chance to design a line of products for Target, but having a Silhouette lets me design anything I imagine in mass or one of a kind.  Being able to cut fabric with it – truly amazes me.  It completes my DIY arsenal of tools.

Now that I have one, I don’t know how I lived without it and I have only used fabric and vinyl to make monograms with it so far. For the holidays, I am making cards, labels, tags, and more using it.   I do not have to settle on mass merchandised items that may not be what I truly desire anymore.  That makes me one very happy DIY designer.

If you are interested in finding out more about Silhouette and their products I have more information at the end of the post.  They are running a special that includes a ton of goodies and a discount.

supplies needed:

  • Burlap  – I cut two yards in half lengthwise  to make a 16” x 110” table runner to fit the extension board I place on my dining room table to enlarge it for more seating
  • Silhouette Electronic Cutting Machine
  • 1 package of Printable Cotton Canvas
  • Large Circle pattern #2701 found at the Silhouette Online Store – I didn’t print anything on the circles before cutting, I simply had the machine cut out the circles
  • Silhouette Printable Cotton Canvas –  I used 6 sheets
  • Scissors
  • Optional:  Fabric glue or sewing machine if piecing  2 short lengths of burlap together to create a one long runner

Sihouette Online Store

Instead of taking the time to make perfect circles myself, I went to the Silhouette Online Store to purchase a circle pattern. It is like downloading on iTunes, except instead of music, you download designs for 99 cents.

sihouette Online Store Large circle pattern 2701

I bought and downloaded the Large Circle Pattern #2701 to my computer.

silhouette cotton canvas interface

I then opened it up in the Silhouette Designer Edition software installed on my computer.

How-to-use-a-Silhouette-Machine-with-a-computer

I then hooked up my computer to my Silhouette Cameo and placed a canvas sheet on the cutting mat and pressed upload – then cut.

How-to-make-a-polka-dot-burlap-table-runner

The software tells you exactly what to do to print and cut.  I did change the cutting blade setting to 10 to cut the thick canvas. Since I was not putting a design on the circles, I did not have to print an image on the canvas fabric first. I simply loaded the sheets right out of the package into the Silhouette and pressed “Cut”.  For the length of my runner, I needed 6 sheets of canvas.

How-to-use-a-Silhouette-Cameo

Once the circles were cut out, I used the Silhouette hook to remove the excess fabric around the circles and then each circle from the cutting mat.

Decorating-Ideas-with-a-Silhouette-cutting-Machine

To cut burlap straight and create fringed edges, see the post I wrote on how to do it over at Momtastic.com

Once you have the runner cut to size and fringed, align the circles on a diagonal on the burlap making sure the design is centered evenly between the fringed edges.

Burlap-Decorating-Ideas-using-a-Silhouette-Cutting-Machine

To ensure the adhesive sticks, I pressed both sides of the burlap using the highest heat setting on my iron.  Let cool.

Burlap-and-White-Polka-Dot-Table-Runner

It is ready to use.

Burlap-Decorating-Ideas

If food or drink get spilled, I will spot clean it or use a home dryer cleaning bag kit to clean it.

Thanksgiving-table-setting-ideas

Silhouette runs promotions every month.  To take advantage of discounts on the go to Silhouette America and use the code “OWN STYLE” if making a purchase to get the discount.

 

I am an affiliate with Silhouette, so by using my code, I earn a portion of sales.

 

Polka-Dot-Table-Runner-to-DIY

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Filed Under: Entertaining, Fall Decorating Ideas, No-Sew Decorating Projects, Table Settings

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Comments

  1. Sheryll & Critters. says

    12/05/2013 at 1:20 am

    I love what you have done with your wonderful Silhouette. Seems everyone crafty has one…… guess I am not crafty…. boo hoo. And I have always loved that dress. I had a Navy with white dots dress years back and I really miss it.

    Reply
  2. Krista @thehappyhousie says

    10/16/2013 at 5:50 pm

    It is stunning Diane! I LOVE the polka dots- and that dress is such a classic. I really need one of those machines. Amazing tutorial, thanks. Pinning:)

    Reply
    • Diane Henkler says

      10/17/2013 at 8:50 am

      Hi Krista – I sometimes refer to polka dots as “happy circles” since they always make me smile when I see them. It took me awhile to finally get a Silhouette. I used to use a super large commercial one to make vinyl lettering for signs when I worked in retail display. I missed not being able to make cool things when I stopped working in display. I have done pretty simple projects with mine so far, but am looking forward to using it to make more complex designs.

      Reply
Diane Henkler Blogger In My Own Style
I love all things creative, colorful, and DIY. It is just the way my brain is wired. I can't add 2+2 to save my life, but I can help you decorate your home in a style that you will love...YOURS! LEARN MORE
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