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Monday, August 20, 2012

Chalkboard Table Runner

***UPDATE*** Before continuing with this post,  I wanted to tell you that I have a new blog home.  I'd love for you to visit (all my old posts are there, along with brand new ones), and subscribe over there, since I can't transfer my subscribers over for some reason.  If you decide to follow, leave me a comment so I can thank you...and follow back if you have a blog!  Also, I'm trying to convince the hubs that this IS a real job, so I need all the followers I can get! Thanks so much...
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Today, I’m sharing yet another thing I saw on Pinterest, but was too thrifty to buy…a chalkboard table runner for a buffet.  How ingenious is that, I ask you?  I like to have placecards in front of each item on a buffet, so guests aren’t wondering what they’re taking, but this is so fun for a barbeque or any casual party.  And at my house, they’re pretty much all casual.

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And who knew you can buy chalkboard cloth?  Well, apparently it’s been around for years, according to the cutting table lady at Joann’s.  It’s pretty inexpensive, too…around $5 a yard. I made two of these for less than $10 (I used a 40% off coupon for the chalkboard material).

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1-3/4 yards chalkboard fabric
  • 2 bandanas, or 1 yard of material for binding
  • Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler
  • Paper plate and Sharpie
  • Sewing Machine
  • Iron and Ironing Surface
  • Thread

1. Cut the chalkboard fabric in half lengthwise.  You can actually make two from the 1-3/4 yards, but it needs to be that long so you don’t have a seam in the middle.
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2. Use a paper plate to trace rounded corners, then cut those off.

3. Make the binding:  ***If you don't want to make binding, you can buy it already made in the notions section...you'll need about 4-1/2 yards. ***
Cut 3” wide strips from your bandanas or binding material ON THE DIAGONAL.
Sew the together, right sides together, to form one long binding strip. 
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Press those seams open.
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Fold in half and press.
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Fold each edge to the middle and press again.
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This is what it will look like.  I made two of these, one with bandanas and one with blue calico.
DSC_00224. Sew the binding around the edge of your chalkboard material.  Tuck the end in and sew.

5. Invite your friends over and let them marvel at your creativity!

6 comments:

  1. Ahhhh...sheer and simple awesomeness!!! I'm thinking a great Christmas gift for a couple of friends in Kansas. Since I've been a tiny child, I've always loved chalkboards. We had a small one on the wall in the living room and us kids loved it. So anytime I see anything chalkboard related, my antenna stand at attention.

    My gosh, woman, is there anything you can't find........or can't find to do?!?!?! I love ya! I'm really glad you have your blog in such good order so I can just go down the line when I'm ready to try one of your great ideas.

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    1. Thanks! I'm going to attempt to switch my blog over to ChaosServedDaily.com tomorrow...wish me luck! In theory, subscribers should see no difference in their notifications, but pray for success, anyway!

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  2. P.S. Are those your dishses? I've been eyeing some like that for some years now when I go to a certain craft fair in town here.

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    1. They are...they're Polish pottery, a favorite among Army wives, whether we've actually been stationed in Germany or not! I occasionally find pieces at TJ Maxx or Marshalls, but it's been a 15 year process of acquiring them!

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  3. Chalkboard cloth? Really? Who knew?

    What a fabulous idea, Ms. M. I can hardly wait to see your wonderful creations put into action (insert big cheesy grin here). I second Stephanie--is there anything you can't do?

    Did you use regular chalk to write your menu? Looks brighter than the regular stuff. Love your handwriting, too. One a scale of 1-10, I'd give this little project a 25!

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    1. No, I used chalk markers. It worked ok with regular chalk, but was much brighter with the marker. And my college drafting profs would be appalled that I write like that, but I can't help it!

      By the way, there's lots I can't do...like decide what i want to do when i grow up!

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