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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.
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.
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.
Press those seams open.
Fold in half and press.
Fold each edge to the middle and press again.
This is what it will look like. I made two of these, one with bandanas and one with blue calico.
4. 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!
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.
ReplyDeleteMy 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.
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!
DeleteP.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.
ReplyDeleteThey 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!
DeleteChalkboard cloth? Really? Who knew?
ReplyDeleteWhat 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!
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!
DeleteBy the way, there's lots I can't do...like decide what i want to do when i grow up!