DIY Painted Placemats with a Fork Motif
I got the idea to use a fork to create DIY painted placemats from a magazine article. It showed how to make a table runner using a fork and paint. I love the unique, imperfect look the fork creates!
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This month, I’m joining my talented blogger friends for another Creative Craft Blog Hop, graciously hosted by Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate and Andrea from Design Morsels. If you are coming over from from Bluesky at Home, welcome!
I first made DIY painted placemats on a Facebook LIVE video over the summer. I used four colors of paint, and it has somewhat of a modern vibe. You may recognize the plate from last year’s Thanksgiving Tablescape and my recent Fall Patio Decor post.
This time, I wanted something more neutral, so I decided to use just one shade of brown paint against an oatmeal background. I sewed the placemats out of leftover drop cloth, but plain ready made ones can be found on Amazon or at home stores.
I used regular chalk paint, but if you want something more permanent I suggest using fabric paint. You can still wash these placemats, but the design will fade after a few washings. I, however, like the worn faded look!
How to Make DIY Painted Placemats
Supplies:
- plain placemats (cotton or linen works best)
- paint (I used Dixie Belle in Chocolate)
- plastic fork
- paper plate and paper towels
- small detail paintbrush
Step 1.
Pour some paint onto a paper plate and dip the back of the fork into the paint. Off load some of the paint onto a paper towel.
Step 2.
Place the fork on the side of the placemat and press the tines onto the fabric.
Step 3.
Lift the fork and fill in any bare areas with a small paintbrush. It won’t be perfect, but that just adds to the charm!
Step 4.
The next fork print goes inside the perimeter of the placemat. I like how they look going in the same direction, but feel free to try a different pattern.
Step 5.
Continue to add fork stencils around the entire perimeter of the placemat.
I couldn’t wait to style the placemat with my vintage Country Garden plate!
I hot glued an acorn to my napkin ring to give it a fall look. I definitely like the one color, neutral placemat better. What do you think?
If you’re looking for a spring or summer DIY placemat, check out this one I made out of faux leaves!
Thanks for stopping by today! The hop continues with my friend Lynne of My Family Thyme. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out all of the inspiring crafts my friends have created! The links to each blog are below.
Have a great day! 🙂
Rebecca
Celebrate & Decorate – Minnie Mouse Halloween Swag
Birdz of a Feather – Milk Can Decor
At Home Withe Jemma – Fresh Handmade Holiday Magnolia Wreath
Debbees Buzz – Thanksgiving Bread Cornucopia
B4 And Afters – White Pumpkin Centerpiece
The Painted Apron – Fall Signs and Spoon Faces
My Hubbard Home – Dollar Store Glitter Candles
Chas’ Crazy Creations – What To Do with Plastic Pumpkins
Purple Hues and Me – Shrinky Dinks Decor
Design Morsels – DIY Felt Ornaments
Home Is Where The Boat Is – DIY Thanksgiving Cone-ucopias
Decorate and More with Tip – Bohemian Tassel Christmas Tree Plaque
BlueSky At Home – Fun Thanksgiving DIY Wood Block Decoration
Zucchini Sisters – DIY Painted Placemats with a Fork Motif
Rebecca, How did you ever think about using a fork to paint like that?! That is amazing, and looks so good, like custom…well, they are custom!!
Rebecca, I’ve never seen this idea before. It is darling and so easy!! I love that by changing colors, it could be used for so many different seasons. Thanks for sharing. Pinned for future!!
Rebecca, those are cute! They look great with the brown transferware, a favorite.
Oh goodness gracious such a fun way to create darling placemats! Love this project paint project so much.
So fun to hop with you!
Jemma
Thanks Jemma! I love just about any project that involves paint!
Rebecca, I love this simple, but clever project to embellish a plain placemat. The fork design is something I can see appealing to my two adult sons — regardless of the season.
Thanks Debbee! They do have a masculine feel. My husband liked them too!
Adorable! I’m in love with your transferware plate too!
Thanks Mary! I knew you’d love the plates…they’re one of my favorites. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to locate enough for a tablescape 😐
This is an amazing idea Rebecca! This is so very cute friend, love it! Thanks for sharing and wonderful hopping with you.
Thanks Chas! I had fun making them!
What a fun and cute Fall craft, these mats are perfect for Thanksgiving!! Thanks Rebecca, they are adorable!
Thanks Jenna! They may be making a reappearance at the Thanksgiving Tablescape Blog Hop 😉
when I first saw the placemats I thought to myself…I love the design. How neat you used a fork!!! Creative girl! Love it!
Thanks Terrie! I love that the design can look either modern or farmhouse depending on the color choices and styling.
Oh my! What a fun way to make placemats! Great project for adults and kids alike!
Thanks Gail! Yes, this is easy enough for the kiddos to help out!
Super cute! I love it when you get inspired by a photo and then yours turns out even better. Success. Thanks for joining.
Thanks Andrea! I was pretty happy with how these turned out. Thanks for hosting this fun hop!
Pinned! Using the fork for your template was genius , Rebecca. I think this would work on drop cloth placemats and even napkins!
Thanks Rachelle! I actually did use drop cloth placemats that I made myself. It doesn’t get more thrifty than that! And I agree, the fork stencils would look cute on napkins, too 🙂
Wow Rebecca – I love how this looks. So easy, but big impact! And you’re right, the imperfection is charming too.
Thanks Sara! This was a fun craft!
Very creative! I have pinned it! My kids have made fireworks paintings using forks, and one has also use a fork to draw out the leaves of a palm tree. Forks are very useful!
Yes! Forks have multiple uses 😉 Thanks for pinning, Liberty!