Simple Stripes Table Cloth

Happy Friday! I’m really ready for the weekend this week- my Dad is taking the kids for the night tomorrow so Shane and I can have a much needed date. We realized, when we finally looked up from working on the basement suite, that we haven’t been out on a date since our Anniversary! That’s MAY! Every night we’ve been busy working downstairs and now that it’s finally done- we’re hitting the town. But before I sign off for the weekend- I’m sharing my new favourite table cloth (well tied, actually- with my denim one).

I made this table cloth for the babies’ first ‘beeday’. If you remember my inspiration post- I love the look of bold stripes on tables- but the backdrop I created for the party was pretty bold, so I decided to tone down the stripes and just give the table a couple. I really like how it’s not just a plain white table cloth- the stripes make it special, but it’s simple enough to use every day. I can’t wait to share their BeeDay Party with you guys! I’m taking so long to post it because I didn’t feel like I had captured the details good enough- so I’ve been recreating a couple things before sharing with you. Does that sound crazy? It does, I know. I’m crazy- I’m sorry. Hopefully you’re crazy just like me and we can just not talk about it. 

I was originally looking for a fabric to sew into a table cloth when I saw this table cloth and napkins pack on sale for $4.50. Obviously I picked that up and ran out the door without question. I added the stripes by taping it off with painters tape (lesson learned though- don’t use delicate surface tape on cloth… it’s too delicate). I used a measuring tape and a ruler and marked the line with dots the whole way along before taping- just to make sure I got it straight. Then I pulled out my favourite fabric paint (which I used to make those ridiculously cute onesies) Tulip Soft and filled them in. Just remember to pull the paintbrush into the middle, not out towards the tape. This will help keep the paint from bleeding.

Once your paint dries (the hardest part with littles running around grabbing at whatever is on the table), set your iron to steam, and steam the paint to set it. I like the handpainted look- it’s not perfectly black. If you wanted the stripes to be perfectly black, I’d do a second coat before you steam it. I didn’t have time mostly… because I like to procrastinate. But now that the party is over I like it better this way for every day use.

I know I say ‘everyday’ use, but we don’t use a table cloth every day. Just when we want to feel fancy. Or when we have people over. Do you use a table cloth every day? Would you consider painting one for yourself?