Table runners can be quite costly. Even table runners sold at Wal-Mart and other discount stores can be a little pricey. I recently received a fall catalog from a high-end retail store that sells a wide variety of unique linens, and the prices of table runners were way beyond my budget. After examining these beautiful fall table runners, I decided I could make unique fall table runners for much less. Best of all, I could add embellishments that would make my beautiful fall table runners even more decorative than anything found in any retail store.
Table Runner Material
When searching for material make beautiful fall table runners, look for material that is machine washable and durable. Choose a combination of linen and cotton, yarn-dyed cotton, or kettle cloth. These materials are perfect for making a fall table runner, and they’ll last many seasons with proper care.
Table runners can be used to protect and embellish tables of any shape or size, and standard-size table runners are approximately 18 inches by 90 inches in length. This could be too large or too small, depending upon the table, but the benefit to making runners is the option to make them any size. Measure the length and width of the tables you plan to cover. The table runners should hang approximately twelve inches over each end and should cover a third of the width in the centers of the tables.
To prevent fraying, hem the edges, and miter the corners to make them stronger and neater in appearance. The fall table runners you make will last for many years to come, and they’ll retain their beauty and resiliency. The money you’ll save and the beauty of the finished products will make it well worth the time and effort.
Craft Paint and Stamps
If you plan to embellish the table runners you make, fabric paint is an excellent choice. It will stand up to many washings, but it really isn’t necessary. Standard latex craft paint adheres well to fabric, and it’s a cheaper alternative to fabric paint. Choose several colors to complete your project, and be sure to purchase black and white for graying and lightening colors. White is the absence of all color, and black is the presence of all color. Mixed colors look more realistic than colors used right from the bottle, so always mix the colors so you don’t cheapen the appearance of the finished items.
Fall Feathers
Natural feathers make fantastic stamps, and pheasant feathers are perfect for fall table runners. You can find pheasant feathers online or in most craft stores. Lightly coat a feather with a mixture of brown paint, and begin by practicing on scrap material. Once you perfect your stamping technique, randomly stamp the feathers onto table runners of your choice. Allow the paint to dry, and using a pheasant feather as an example, add the characteristic horizontal stripes with a fine-tip brush. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is to make feather stamped table runners, and the results will be outstanding.
Beautiful Fall Pumpkins
Pumpkins are iconic of fall, and what better way to decorate for fall than with table runners embellished with fall pumpkins. You can create a fall pumpkin stamp using an ordinary sponge. Purchase a variety bag of sponges, and using a sharp pair of pointed craft scissors, cut out several pumpkin shapes of various sizes. If necessary draw the shapes on the sponges with a fine-tip marker before cutting. Make separate stamp for the stems. Practice stamping pumpkins and stems with orange and green paint and scrap material before stamping the table runners. Allow the paint to dry, and create curved vertical stripes with a fine-tip paint brush and a slightly darker shade of orange paint to give the pumpkins shape. If desired, use black paint and a fine-tip brush to embellish the pumpkins with faces.
Unique Autumn Leaves
Crisp autumn leaves make fantastic stamps and beautiful fall table runners. Make a unique autumn table runner by lightly blotting leaves with various fall colors of latex craft paint. A slightly damp sponge works well. As always, practice on scrap material before stamping directly onto fall table runners. Finish the leaves by painting on the veins of the leaves with a fine-tip brush. Further embellish the fall leaves by sprinkling on a little iridescent glitter while the paint is still wet. The leaves you make will appear to be covered in frost, and you’ll love the finished look of your beautiful fall table runners.
