Parisian Placemat

Hi Everyone,

I thought I would share what I've been doing tonight.  I am decorating a table at my children's school for the Daddy/Daughter dance tomorrow.  The theme--PARIS!  The table is 6 feet long by 2.5 feet wide--NOT big.  You know, one of those cafeteria tables.  If I learned anything last year, it was to scale down the size of my decor.  I still wanted "places" delineated to show where each person will be sitting, so I decided to make some hot pink Parisian inspired placemats.  I should tell you that when I started this project I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to make the picture in my head happen.  After fiddling around with my Cricut, I figured out a way.  Here's how I did it:

Step 1:  I used a regular file folder to create my pattern.  I've been doing this a lot lately.  I foresee file folders becoming a staple in my craft room.  I used Cricut Cartridge Fancy Frames.  I cut out Frame 8 at 6.5 inches with pressure max and speed high.  I am in desperate need of a new 12 x 24 mat, so after one failed attempt, I taped down the second file folder to ensure it didn't move.  Then I removed the cutout.

The "cutout" is the piece on the top.  The "negative space" is the portion on the bottom left behind on the file folder.

Step 2:  I cut around the outside of the negative space to create a placemat template.

Step 3:  Trace around the template on a piece of fun foam, in my case, hot pink.

Step 4:  Cut out the image with regular scissors.

Step 5: Tape the cutout to a light box.  While I don't use my light box often, it is truly an invaluable tool to have in your craft room.  Sometimes, like tonight, it is the exact thing you need to make a project much easier.  If you don't have one, I highly suggest you get one!

Step 6:  Put your placemat on top of the cutout, lining it up to your satisfaction.

Step 7:  Use Dimensional Fabric Paint to trace the lines you see shining up from the cutout on to your placemat.  I used Tulip Brand, Slick finish in black.

Step 8:  Remove the placemat and let it dry MANY hours, overnight is best.  For blog purposes I went ahead and "pretended" this was dry.  Tip:  I smudge one and was VERY annoyed.  I could see having to cut out another placemat and start ALL over.  Then, my husband suggested using the Magic Eraser.  I thought it was worth a shot.  And guess what?  The Magic Eraser took the smudged dimensional paint right off!  My husband rocks!!!

Step 9:  Print out some place cards using Avery blank business cards and a fun font.  This font is called "Shelter Me".  I downloaded it from http://www.dafont.com/.  LOVE that website!  Fabulous fonts!  I bought the little purse place card holders a few years ago.  And TA-DA!  It's complete (or it will be when it dries)!

A note about the dimensional paint.  It is not for the faint of heart.  I have to admit it was a bit nerve racking. It's a lot like piping icing on a cake.  Don't do this if you've had a pot of coffee!  I can't wait to put the rest of the table together tomorrow and share it with you!