Friday, September 19, 2014

Fall Table Runner


I tend to lean on the side of contemporary--rather than country--in most of my decor, except when I am decorating for fall. Then, I pull out the burlap, the wood, the leaves, and the twine.  I love the cool air and earthy smells of fall. I LOVE the warm colors. And I LOVE this table runner.

It is fun and easy (though not quick--I'm not gonna lie).  I had it in my mind as a concept, so I wasn't entirely sure how it would work. It will be considerably faster for someone following my tutorial, than it was for me figuring it out as I went!

This is a highly customize-able craft. Once you see how it is done, you can create your own design and make it fit your aesthetic desires. 

You will need:

  • 1 plain burlap table runner. I made mine by hemming the sides of a strip of burlap to fit my table. 
  • 1/4 -1/2 yard of burlap in 2-3 complimentary tones (one can match runner)
  • Tacky Glue
  • Jute Twine
  • 1/2-1 yard Heat-n-Bond iron-on adhesive or similar product



I stuck with earthen tones for my burlap. I tried Elmer's Glue-All also, but I don't recommend it. It was too runny for the purpose. Tacky Glue is just that--tacky. 

This worked well enough, but I wouldn't hesitate to by the not "lite" version since this is burlap. Any bonding that was less-than-secure after ironing this on was taken care of by the gluing step. 

1. Find or create some pumpkin and leaf stencils/patterns out of paper. I traced some leaf decorations I already had and free-handed the pumpkins. Many templates are available online. 

2. Pin your leaf and pumpkin patterns to some of the coordinating burlap and cut them out. I didn't end up liking the way the maple leaf design looked on my runner, but I plan to use it on a pillow!


3. To make the coordinating parts on the pumpkin: Cut a pumpkin shape out of two different colors of burlap. Here the white burlap is on the bottom, the brown on top. Trace lines as shown to divide the pumpkin into 7 curved strips. Cut the strips out. Repeat this for each pumpkin you are making.

4. Lay out your design. I played around with mine a lot. I originally planned to do this "applique" over the entire runner, but because I have a fairly large center piece I use in the fall, I decided to just put it on each end. 


5. Read the directions on the Heat-n-Bond. I will walk you through it as well, but reading it will help. Beginning with the top layer of the applique (here, the pumpkin strips) bond the Heat-n-Bond to the back (paper will still be attached). 
**Place a piece of disposable fabric or paper over your ironing board when you are working with the iron-on adhesive. The glue will get on everything below when you turn it over to iron. (I should have shown this so you weren't looking at my old, stained ironing board cover!) 

6. Cut out the pieces with the paper backing still on. 

7. Remove the paper, leaving the clear bonded film on each piece. 
8. Attach the pieces to the pumpkins by ironing in place per the Heat-n-Bond directions. 
9.  Repeat the process for the leaves and the pumpkins--so each piece is cut out with the film exposed. 10. Place each piece where you want it on the table runner and iron in place. 

11. Using the Tacky Glue, attach the jute twine along all the seams of the applique. I added a line of twine up the middle of the leaves to add some dimension.I also made a few curly-cue vines with the twine at the top of the pumpkins. 
This glue will take about 6-8 hours to dry clear. I pressed down the twine and re-positioned it a few times as it was drying. 

And you are done! Isn't it fun?!


Smart Party Planning


Partying at: 


36 comments:

  1. Good Morning Kelly, I am popping over to visit you from Say G'Day as I was interested to see how you made your burlap runner.... and I have to tell you it is fabulous. It is so unusual.... I have never seen a runner like it.... but I think once bloggers take a peek at how you have made yours, this runner will become very, very popular.
    Best Wishes to you.
    Daphne

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    1. Thank you, Daphne. Your comment is so kind. I hope it does become popular. :)

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  2. You could easily sell these table runners. I love it. I have a farm table and it would look great on it.

    Thanks so much for sharing!
    Diane Roark

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    1. Thanks, Diane. I'll have to consider that! I appreciate your kind words.

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  3. What an adorable table runner. So creative. And thanks for the DIY. It is actually Fabulous and perfect for the Fabulous Fall linky party. Come and check it out and link up!

    http://myjourneyback-thejourneyback.blogspot.com/2014/09/fabulous-fall-linky-party-party-on.html

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    1. Thanks so much! I will link up next Tuesday for sure! I regret missing the party this week!

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  4. You put a lot of work into your runner and it turned out great. Hope you can come and link up on Sunday to the Merry Monday Link Party.

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  5. Super cute and creative. How did you ever come up with this? It almost looks like crewel (sp?) work -- embroidery.

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    1. Thank you Patti! I enjoy embroidery, but I don't think I'd have the patience for a job like this. :) I truly appreciate your kind words.

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  6. I love this, and your tutorial was fantastic! Thanks for sharing your pretty table runner at Snickerdoodle! :)

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    1. Thank you, Dee. It was a great link up! I will look forward to more in the future!

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  7. Great tute, lovely fall table runner! I need one of these for myself :) Thanks for sharing with us!

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    1. Congrats :) Your Fall Table Runner is the most viewed link for Snickerdoodle #47!! Your runner will be highlighted at our next party!!

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  8. Cute! I love this! Great job! =)

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  9. Thanks for sharing your post at the Say G’Day Saturday Linky Party. I’ve just tweeted about it and will be featuring you at my Friday Favorites post!

    Best wishes and hope to see you again this weekend.
    Natasha in Oz

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    1. Wow, thank you! I will share your post all around!

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  10. So cute! Thanks for posting at Share it Sunday- we plan to feature your post in the next SIS party that goes live Sat. night!

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    1. Thank you so much! I will share the party all around. Looking forward to it!

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  11. this is so cute!! I love the twine outlining the design!! Thanks for sharing at the Create Link Inspire party. You are being featured at Nap-Time Creations this weekend and I've spread your project around my social media... Hop on over and check it out. Happy Weekend! Emily

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    1. Huge thanks, Emily. I am thrilled to be featured at Nap-Time Creations! I will share your post all around as well.

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  12. WOW this is really clever! I would never think of using the two tones of burlap AND the twine! LOL - gorgeous! I'll try this - I have a plain burlap runner that needs a little TLC (mostly because it's stained ~ shhh) :) Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday Link Party! Julia

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    1. Thank you, Julia! Good luck! It wasn't the fastest project, but I was very pleased with the results!

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  13. You did a great job on this ;)

    Thanks so much for linking up at Teach Me Tuesday last week. You are very much appreciated. Hope to see you again this week. Starts tonight at 8PM CST.

    Have a great week!!

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    1. Thanks, Bobbi! Thanks for hosting a great link-up each week!

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  14. Love your burlap table runner, Kelly! I'm planning to feature it as one of my Bright Ideas at this week's Think and Make Thursday party - so glad you shared it! Please join us again at 6 AM ET on Thursday!

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    1. Thank you, Carrie. I am thrilled to be featured as a Bright Idea! I will look forward to the party on Thursday!

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  15. This is a cute DIY!! I always wanted to make something like this! Thanks for linking up to my DIY Crush Craft Party!

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  16. Love this idea. I am going to do one with nautical patterns as we are a beach side home. Nice for our summer table. Can you please tell me what the 'So much to make' font is. Love too.

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  17. This is a very creative and unique idea! Turned out quite lovely! I love using Fabri-Tac fabric glue for projects like this. It's a quick grab and dries in minutes.

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  18. Wow! THAT is absolutely gorgeous! Love the colours you chose and love your technique! So many project, so little time, but ohhh, I'd love to try this!! Thank you!

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