Burlap Table Runner

Dressing the Thanksgiving Table

Here we are just a day before Thanksgiving and I just finished up making a table runner for my 

Thanksgiving table.

All that counts is that it is done right?

I have yet to arrange the table but wanted to show the things I am using.

I made the burlap runner and the napkin rings plus I really wanted turkey salad plates

but could not afford any.

So I found a vintage turkey image online...photoshopped out the background and added a border 

then printed to photo paper and cut it out to set in the center of my white plates.

It gives the appearance of turkey plates...but of course you can't eat on them.

But it's no big deal to remove the paper before putting your salad on the plate.

Is that too much to ask?

The napkin rings are personalized to work as napkin rings and place cards.

As you can see this one is all ready to mark little Franklin's place at the table.

All the supplies I used for this project came from

All part of the Jo-Ann's Celebrate the Season campaign.

Want some great ideas for Christmas crafts?

Check out their current craft catalog.

Jo-Ann Craft Catalog

Just click on the image above to go there now.

But be sure to come back here to follow my instructions on how to make your own 

burlap runner and napkin rings.

The burlap runner is good all year round.

I thought about stenciling something on it but didn't because I want to use it for other holidays as well.

These are the supplies I used for the napkin rings and table runner.

I was inspired to make the napkin rings when I found these little wood frames.

I painted them with white craft paint and sanded the edges to shabby them a little.

Then I set up each of my guests names on the computer to fit within the frame.

I printed them out on cream colored card stock (actually a manilla envelope cut to fit into my printer)

I cut a paper towel roll into 2 inch lengths and covered with burlap.

I just hot glued the burlap by laying around and tucking it into the inside top and bottom of the roll.

I then glued a little brown velvet ribbon around the ring on top of the burlap.

I glued the cardstock name to the backside of the frame and attached the frame 

to the ring by poking those little fasteners through the holes in the frames 

and through the ribbon and burlap and finally cardboard ring.

I did make holes using a nail first on the napkin ring so that they went through easily. 

To be honest...this craft was kind of a lot of trouble.

I doubt anyone will really do these.

After I finished I kind of wished I'd put the word Thankful on all of them instead of personalized names.

Now the burlap runner. 

You'll want to do this.

I bought 3 yards of burlap at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.

Three yards was more than enough. 

But I wanted some left over to use on anything else that I might think of in the middle of the night.

It's good to have burlap always on hand.

I have been wanting a burlap table runner for quite awhile.

I was glad that I signed up for this challenge because it made me get busy and make one.

Here is how to make your own....

I was very happy with the results.

I have to say burlap is both easy and hard to work with.

Easy in that the sewing machine just glides along because of the large weave.

Hard because it's cumbersome and sheds.

Just be sure to stabilize your edges by sewing a running stitch along the edges before you work 

and you won't have any problems.

Also using a spray bottle of water to dampen the fabric makes it more pliable and you can finger press

as you go. I love that. Not needing to get up an do at the ironing board all the time.

But making the ruffle is a little difficult because of the open weave and the stiffness of the fabric.

Basting everything by hand ensured that it all stayed in place and sewed up perfect.

I'm a big fan of hand basting. 

It always makes my sewing projects turn out their best.

Let me know if you make one of these.

Use this coupon to get a great deal on your crafting supplies 

at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.

If this date gets by you be sure to download the Jo-Ann App on your smart phone

and you'll have access to great coupons all the time. 

Happy Crafting!

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Thanksgiving Past

Back to work today.

The weather here has been cold and icy.

Not stopping people from shopping.

I have to work again today because the store is swamped.

I made Thanksgiving napkin rings last night for this year's Thanksgiving table.

I bought new napkins for the table and made a runner.

Have not put it together yet.

While you and I wait for the reveal...I thought I'd repost what I did last year.

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Thanksgiving Banner

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More than a slight delay on this week's Mod Mix Monday.

I did myself in yesterday.

I painted from 10 - 2:30 and then had to be at work from 4 - 10.

I couldn't go any more.

Twelve hours on my feet...I learned...I have a very hard time with.

I dropped when I got home.

So Mod Mix Monday is not up yet...and I have to be at work soon today.

It will be up later tonight.

Sorry about that...

I came across that wonderful Thanksgiving Banner on 

Man! Her site is full of great stuff.

Check it out and I'll be back later in the day with my Linky Party.

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Let's Think Thanksgiving!

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Now that Halloween is out of the way...I'm really in a fall mood.

But now everyone else seems to be clamoring for Christmas.

This gives me a tight feeling in my throat.

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I want to savor fall and Thanksgiving stuff.

I love Thanksgiving and the calm decor that goes along with it.

I know I could enjoy it all during October...but in October...I'm all about the fun of Halloween

and it's too hot here in September to think really about anything fall.

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Isn't that the sweetest image?

By the way...I repainted my chalkboard that I'd bought and couldn't write on with chalk.

I painted it with chalkboard paint and now it's good to go.

It will be making an appearance here soon.

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I'm sure I've shown that image above before but I love that cornucopia.

I wonder where they got it? I've never seen one like it.

I'd really love to have one.

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This is where I'd like to have my Thanksgiving dinner...

a little cottage in the woods.

Isn't it precious?

STOP THE MADNESS

Talking about Thanksgiving. I signed this petition this morning asking Target to not open their 

doors on Thanksgiving evening so their employees can enjoy the day with their families.

As you know...if you've read my blog for long...I worked Thanksgiving night 

at Target a couple of years ago.

I had to leave my Thanksgiving dinner early while everyone was still having fun.

I actually thought it would be a merry experience but no...customers were rude, hateful and in a hurry.

They were mostly people buying electronics to resell.

The nice shoppers came at like 7 am.

The ones at midnight were horrid.

The store was super busy for two hours and then totally dead till the real shoppers came the next morning.

The public thinks that people working that day are those that choose to because they have nothing else to do.

This is not true. Everyone is required to work.

I just think this needs to stop.

I will never ever shop Target on that day but then actually...I don't shop that day or that whole weekend.

I don't want to fight crowds that are blood thirsty for the best deals.

There is nothing I need or want that badly.

So...I'm thinking there are probably a lot of like minded readers out there so may 

I suggest signing the petition below written by a Target employee.

Much of her family works there and they can't even have a Thanksgiving because of the big 

Thanksgiving sales.

She'd just like to have the same holiday as the rest of the country.

Can you help her get her message out there?

STOP THE MADNESS

https://www.change.org/petitions/target-save-thanksgiving-2?utm_source=action_alert&utm_medium=email&utm_acampaign=39394&alert_id=LkwUPmmvfc_FunHLKKOSh

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Fall Garden

I had a fun day on Thursday. My friend Jill and I headed out to shop a little in the afternoon.

First stop was Wilshire Garden Market.

This little garden store always has special things for each season.

We were greeted at the front door by all those wonderful faux pumpkins.

That's a very pretty fall pillow. I can just imagine it in my bench on the front porch.

I especially liked this display of small mercury glass votives on a silver tray.

Oh...I'll be copying this idea in my house for sure!

I love the lamps they carry at the market. These stone baluster lamps are indoor/outdoor. 

The pumpkin pillows would add fall to a garden room.

Here we are with a larger version of the indoor/outdoor lamps.

I really like their chunky shape.

Notice the lamps above in this display?

Sweet little urns create the bases.

These would really look nice on a kitchen counter.

Fun birdcage outdoor pillow.

I found these little gnome house fronts delightful.

Just prop one in front of your favorite tree and it's an instant gnome home. 

Gnome home planter. 

There are lots of fountain pots at the store.

This is a new one.

Love the color combination. That turquoise on top was really vibrant. 

Outside the bougainvillea is doing well. I asked how they wintered it and was told they 

bring it inside into the back storage room near a window.

Outside there were real pumpkins scattered among the pots.

Pretty little fairy house nestled in a pot.

Isn't the plumbago pretty planted in the blue pots?

I adore plumbago! I have two large ones in the corners of my deck.

Anyone have a suggestion as to how I over winter it?

Well, I could have hung out all day at this store but after we did this.

It was on to The Feathered Nest. 

If you live in the Oklahoma City area be sure to run by Wilshire Garden Market. 

See their website - here.

You'll be glad you did. 

Personally, I could hang out on their patio all day.

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