Thursday, April 21, 2011

$1.00 Place Mats Upgrade

I've had a hard time finding place mats to match my dining room so when I found these that were the right color, at $1.00 each, I grabbed them knowing I was going to give them an "upgrade"!


Using rubber stamps (clear stamps in this case) and a StazOn ink pad, I stamped the images on the mats.


StazOn is a permanent ink that I really use for almost any stamping in black (although it does come in a few other colors) because it IS permanent and gives nice, sharp images.

Once I finished all of the stamping, I decided to heat set the designs to just make them as permanent as possible.  I covered each image with a scrap of cotton fabric and with a hot, dry iron, went over them.
I decided to continue the "upgrade" by stitching on some black, glass beads.  I started at the back of the mat, bringing the needle to the top, threading on a bead and then returning to the back.  Once I was on the back again, I would "slide" the needle IN BETWEEN the layers of the mat to hide the thread and then come UP again where I wanted the next bead.  This way, there are no long, black threads on the back of the mat.
The final step was to give them all several coats of Scotchguard Fabric Protector because while I CAN wash these and lay flat to dry, I don't want to have to wash them everytime we use them.  This way, liquids bead up and they can be damp wiped after each use.  Note: Scotchguard is VERY potent -- I took these out to my garage and sprayed them and left them to dry before bringing inside.  Once dry, you will not be able to smell anything.
 Happy Easter everyone!
 

21 comments:

  1. Really cute project, just joined your blog...come visit mine.
    have a great day,
    Regina

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  2. Hi Lauren! Now aren't you just the smartest one! I love what you did to your placemats! The stamping and beads make them look wonderful.
    Have a blessed Easter,
    Shelia ;)

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  3. These turned out gorgeous! Love the idea of adding beads to them, too!

    Happy Easter!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  4. These are so pretty - I am really into this color right now! The embellishments make them special.

    Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

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  5. Great idea! I have quite a collection of placemats & napkins, but you are right, it isn't always easy to find the perfect ones. This is a clever way to make some a bit fancier. Like the scotch guard idea, too. That was a clever redo of your ceiling fan/light. I really hate those darn things, but here in AZ they are a must. So, might as well make them as pretty as you can. Thanks for following my blog & I'm following you, too!
    CAS

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  6. Lauren,
    That is a very cute idea. They turned out wonderful! Thanks for linking it up!
    Sherry

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  7. Clever lady....they look great! Great post. Diane

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  8. So sweet, love this ideaHappy Friday,Happy Good Friday, Happy Earth Day, Happy Jelly Bean Day ( yes it's actually jelly bean day)Hugs from Katherine. P.S have you entered my giveaway?.

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  9. THis is margo from One Life to Love. You asked me if my bathroom counter top was the same or bought and I wanted to answer but there is no email attached :(

    Anyways, it is the same one. I will post a tutorial soon so follow or come back soon.

    Also, I love your blog title!

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  10. I'm loving this idea! Today I just bought some $1.00 mats and I'm going to try this--hope mine turn out as beautiful as yours! Happy Easter. Patty

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  11. Great looking placemats! Love the idea of sewing the beads on for that extra touch. Would you mind telling me who made those stamps? Are both from the same set? Many thanks in advance!

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  12. Looks great! That is such a smart idea! I have some old placemats that have worn out - I need to get some dollar store ones and upgrade them like you did. Thanks for the tip about scotchguard. I've never used it and didn't know how toxic it is.

    I'm happy to say that I'm a new follower!

    Lauren :)

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  13. What a fantastic makeover! Those place mats look fantastic! I just love staz on ink too! I used it to make my own French label style fabric for my lamp shades and it was perfect! X

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  14. The stamp set I used is from Hampton Arts and I believe it's called "Flourish". It's a beautiful set of clear acrylic stamps that I used for my son's wedding invitations and I just can't stop using it!

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  15. Those look so cute! I would rather use something that I embellished, like your beautiful place mats, than spend big money on others any day!

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  16. Lauren,

    What a clever and creative way to get what you want/need! Your place mats are far prettier than any I've ever seen in stores.

    Deborah

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  17. What a great idea! They are such a great color and that detail you gave them is perfect. Thanks so much for sharing this last weekend at our Inspiration Friday party! :-)
    Vanessa

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  18. Amezing idea!
    Lovely blog :)

    Sanghamitra.
    http://rainbow-thecoloursofindia.blogspot.com

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  19. Just a dollar?! Wow! You did well :) Really appreciate you sharing this great post with us at the Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop.

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