About Cheryl @ Artzzle

I'm a former realtor turned professional stylist - stager, with a college major in art and design. I help people make their homes special places, no matter the size of their budgets or spaces. Arrangement and color, accessories and art, all play a very important part. I design with my clients' tastes in mind, not my own. It's your home and should look like you :) My website, Artzzle shares easy, economical decor and craft ideas, information and projects.

Last Minute Holiday Projects … in 15 minutes or less

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All.

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY IS … THE DAY. Anybody needing some last minute, quick little Holiday accents? C’mon, it’s OK to admit it. Everyone has had that dilemma at one time or another … you have most (or almost) everything you need … BUT it just hasn’t all come together yet.

MAKE IT EASY ON YOURSELF. Let me help with some easy AND economical projects, most of which can be done in 15 minutes or less. Just don’t wait until 15 minutes before your guests arrive, to do them … the night before would be better!

ALL YOU NEED IS … a roll or two of holiday wrapping paper, some ribbon, twine or pretty string, a few unbreakable ornaments and one or two minor items that you’ll probably have around the already. If not, a quick run to the closest Big Box Store will do the trick. So …

HERE WE GO.

Dress up a smaller window … YES, EVEN IN A BATHROOM!

Above is everything you need.
1. TENSION ROD
This is an adjustable little curtain rod. You set it’s length to just a bit wider than your window opening. A spring inside allows you to then push it into place in the window, and the tension holds it there.
2. ORNAMENTS
Using unbreakable ornaments is best. Use an odd number so you have a center piece for balance.
3. RIBBON, TWINE or STRING
I used narrow, paper ribbon in a copper color, to coordinate with the rest of the project and room.
4. ROLL OF WRAPPING PAPER
You won’t need the entire roll, but you have to use rolled paper as opposed to folded, flat sheets.

FIRST, adjust the rod to fit your chosen window. Then decide how far down from the top of the window, that you want your paper to show.
NEXT, cut your paper: Make the length the same as the length of your rod. Make the width double the amount you want showing.
NOW, fold over each end on the long sides, about two inches or so, folding the excess to the back side of your paper.
NEXT, lay out your ornaments on your work table. The center one is your main ornament, and should hang from your rod, either shorter than, or longer than your side ornaments. EXAMPLE: My center piece is longer, and in a different design than the others. Then, balance one on each side of your center one, then two more and so on. Once I had my arrangement, I then cut pieces of ribbon, accordingly, to how far they would hang down from the rod.
NEXT, tie one end of ribbon to the ornaments and the other to your rod, and hang rod in window.
FINALLY, just fold your wrapping paper over the rod until you have the right amount showing in front. Gently pinch a fold in the paper at the top of the rod, to better keep it in place.

#2 PAPER/RIBBON PROJECT
This one doesn’t even take 15 minutes, it’s SO EASY and QUICK.

Below is the credenza featured in the previous post. See how much more festive it looks with this easy addition.

All you need is
1. WRAPPING PAPER
2. RIBBON
3. DOUBLE SIDED TAPE or GLUE
Use tape OR glue with paper and cloth ribbon.
Use glue only with metallic and/or wired ribbon (the tape doesn’t adhere to the metallic ribbon)

Just, measure the length and width of paper you want for your table. Fold an inch or so on the long edges, to the back or underside of your paper. Then, adhere ribbon to the hanging edges and done!

TWO MORE !

EASY TABLESCAPE CENTERPIECES

I’m always advising to use what you already have. It also works at Christmas.

Here’s the green one featured in our last post. Just a big glass bowl, a plant, some ornaments and wrapping paper ( also a fabric remnant ). It’s so easy you don’t need instructions.

REMEMBER Christmas doesn’t always have to be red and green. I have lots of browns, coppers and other metallics in my home. So I put this together.

I began with a beautiful copper and gold wrapping paper (same as on the window treatment)

Then I added the runner from a Thanksgiving project.

In this last shot I tried a big, old rusty star with it. Haven’t decided if it stays or goes. Except for the ornaments in the vase, these are everyday items … just combined differently and dressed up for the holidays … that extra SPARKLE.

Now, as they say … ONE MORE FOR THE ROAD

If you’ve got BOOKS and WRAPPING PAPER … you’re set to go. And you can set the timer for 15 minutes!

I have several very pretty holiday books that I display as is. But to add color here and there, I cover others. This is a Christmas book, but Martha on Blue doesn’t fit my scheme this year.

First you need to correctly size your wrapping paper. Follow the instructions below.

Open your book and slide the tube (pretty side up) onto the cover.

Wrap around the front, spine and to the back edge.

Now you’re almost done. Slip the open tube onto the back cover.

Now you’re finished.

Don’t waste precious time trying to wrap every single book. Just do a few, in a few sizes and different papers. Then use them wherever you need color and Christmas!

Whew, a long post! It will probably be easier to print out at least the book cover section. There will be one more before Christmas … but don’t worry … just a short one!

Dearest Readers, as the holidays draw near, I wish for all happiness, joy and peace in this special season, no matter your beliefs or celebration reasons. Stay safe and warm.

As always, try not to stress, but just start.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Last Minute Holiday Projects … in 15 Minutes or Less” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

A Different Feel to Christmas

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi, All.

Yes, IT REALLY IS only two weeks till Christmas Day.

Sounds like ours will a quiet holiday, just the two of us, with a small family celebration between the 25th and New Years. It was that way last year too, and just fine.

The entire season seems somehow different this year. I’m not sure why. The cold and snow have been very severe quite early; Thanksgiving was later than usual; and a family member has been grouchy ever since. All of that may have contributed to this “off” feeling.

Even after pulling out the many tubs of Holiday decorations from the crawl space, neither of us wanted to tackle any big projects.

So … we didn’t.

We long ago discontinued the hours of conquering snowy fields for just the right tree to cut. It isn’t as fun without children along. The cold got colder as we got older, and the trees seemed to grow more heavy and difficult to transport each year..

Oh we still put a tree up this year. We have a very realistic and easy to assemble, artificial one now. There’s also a smaller, table tree in our family room that made the cut this year. Only because after last season, I wrapped it up in a big old plastic bag, ornaments and all, and found a spot for it on a garage shelf.

So … 1 – 2 – 3, it’s a done tree!

Most everything else is minimal. Some that know me are shocked that I left the hutch as-is. It’s fine with just a bit of sparkle added here and there. Although, I spruced up the top a bit, placing this old yule santa next to the plants there.

Isn’t he adorable? He was a gift from my daughter-in-law (to-be) last Christmas.

For the table, DB brought a big glass bowl up. I washed it, added a live poinsetia plant, and filled around it with more sparkle.

The table covering is simply a long piece of wrapping paper for festivity, a remnant of silky green fabric for a little depth and texture, and a red plastic charger plate Jessica also gave me last year.

The big tree takes center stage in the living room, so the credenza moves to the hall wall. All I did here was … you guessed it … add some sparkle to an existing arrangement. I just used pieces in the vignette that tied in to the colors of the painting above.

I took a different direction in my office/workroom. I worked with the colors already there. More sparkle was added to the window group.

Then after clearing my bulletin board, I prettied it up with similar colors.

Well, there ARE still two weeks to add a few more little things.

Next post, I’ll share some “Make-Do”, pretty ideas … all done on NO BUDGET and VERY LITTLE TIME.

Meanwhile, stay warm, stay safe … and don’t stress, just start!

Later – Cheryl

This original article “A Different Feel to Christmas” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Thanksgiving … for the Kids

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All,

The next few days are all about those finishing touches for Thanksgiving. On the day itself, with all the adults talking over the cooking and eating, sometimes kids find themselves needing something to do, too. I played a while on the computer today and designed some cute print-ables just for them.

Just print this file THANKSGIVING PRINTS

Cut them out and they become either …

finger-puppets or …

pins for the kids.

All you need … besides scissors and a little time … is

1. White cardstock
2. Scotch tape … or
3. Adhesive Velcro dots

Just print and cut out the images. TIP: For puppets just remember to cut side strips that can fold to the back and be taped in a loop. They’ll fit over one finger for older kids, or two for the little ones.

For pins, one velcro dot goes on the back of the piece, and the other goes on the front of the child’s shirt. Voila you have a cute little pin.

Until next time, don’t stress, just start something.

And have a wonderful, safe and … HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Later – Cheryl

I love your feedback. Email readers can reply below and online you can click on the little cloud at the top of the article, by the title 🙂

This original article “Thanksgiving … for the Kids” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Friday Features

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All.

Here’s ………….. FRIDAY.

Once again, time for Friday Features.

First, a quick update on what’s happening around Artzzle. There is a bit more work to be done on the TV tray project mentioned last week. You’ll see it soon. Artzzle is feeling tired and wants a make-over. So we’re on the search for ideas, with the goal to introduce a fresh face in January. No promises, but it would be great to launch the new year in with a new look. That’s the goal.

Friday Features are never difficult. The only hard part is deciding which three sites to use out of the many possibilities! You may be a bit surprised at my choices this week.

Photo Courtesy of GFPH blog.

GLUTEN-FREE POODLE HOME is first.
Yes, you read that right. The home is gluten-free, though not the poodles. I know that because the poodles are one of Gloria’s ceramic collections. She blogs about collecting and decorating, but could never try any great online recipes as she has CELIAC DISEASE. As a registered dietitian, she knows the scoop, so she added a section that gives some great gluten-free recipes (also great for diabetics … like me)! I also like most of them because they are EASY and you all know how I hate to cook! 🙂

C’mon now, who can resist poodles, collections and tasty food that’s easy to make?
Check her out and be sure to tell her Cheryl at Artzzle says hi! Here’s GFPH.

Next is LEAF and TWIG
Short and sweet, the title and the blog, but absolutely beautiful. My love of photography and poetry drew me to this site. At the time of publication, I had not received permission to exhibit a photo from their site, so have featured one of mine.

They introduce their page as “Where observation and imagination meet nature in poetry”. Each post greets you with a colorful nature photograph accompanied by short, elegant lines of HAIKU. My mornings begin with this post as first open. Discover LEAF and TWIG.

Photo courtesy of TSH blog

Third one is a charm … and THE SEASONED HOMEMAKER is that and more.

Leslie is a mom and grandma, who loves her home and shares many homemaking talents on the blog. Truly a woman for “all” seasons, she sews, cooks, decorates and gardens. With sewing expertise she has opened a successful Etsy shop, selling patterns for her custom designs. Always busy, Leslie is presently sharing a journey through down-sizing in a newly built home. Lots to like here. Take a look at TSH

I’ll send at least one more post before next week’s holiday.

Until next time, as always, don’t stress too much, just start something.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Friday Features” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Fun Finds Projects

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All.

Lots of fun finds are stacking up in my workroom lately, so today I experimented with two quick projects. I had a clear glass serving piece bought for $3.99 at DISCOVERY THRIFT in Milaca, MN and a $0.25 metal TV tray from Hand-To-Hand Thrift in Pease, MN.

The glass piece is divided into three sections and I knew I wanted to use it for a candy dish. I’ve had an idea for the tray for quite some time. It will be a chalk and magnetic message board.

Below is the finished candy dish.

Here are the project details.

SUPPLIES
Glass piece
Clear or white contact paper
Spray Paint
Craft gloves (Optional but preferred)
Paper mask (Optional but preferred)
Exacto Knife
Scissors
Newspapers
Well ventilated, prepared and protected area for spray painting

1. I cut seperate pieces of contact paper, measured to cover the areas I will paint.

2. On the paper backing of my contact paper, I drew out shapes and designs that I wanted to show on the glass piece. My container has 3 individual sides; I drew stars, assorted triangle shapes and rectangles with roughly rounded corners.

3. Still working from the paper side, I then used an exacto to cut and remove the individual shapes.

4. Next, I carefully removed the backing paper from the contact front, and slowly adhered it to the outside of my bowl.

5. Go slowly and smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles in your contact paper, as best you can. It’s important to have all edges around your open shapes, as tight and smooth to the glass as possible.

6. Prepare your spraying area. I worked in the garage, with a window open and a ceiling fan on. The garage is heated so warm enough for painting. I secured a roomy box to a saw horse, then pulled it out into the room, where nothing would be hit by overspray. Here, you can see an outline of the TV tray I also worked on today, against the back of the box.

Shake your spray can vigorously for a minute or so, and begin.
Wearing your mask and gloves, hold the piece in one hand and begin to spray the sides.

TIP:
When spray painting, do light, quick sprays from side to side.
Spray … go just beyond your target, then release. Again, side to side, spray quickly and release. Don’t hold down the nozzle for a long time and continue to spray, you’ll start getting clumps and drips in your paint.

The paint I’m using today is Rustoleum Hammered Copper. If you notice what may seem to be bumps in the paint on my finished project, it is just part of this paint’s effect, to resemble the hammering. Ideally, I probably should have used just a regular color or metallic, but this is what I had available and in the color I wanted.

7. When finished painting, carefully place your vase on newspapers, and allow it to dry thoroughly.

8. When it is dry, carefully peal off the contact paper and reveal your design.

TIP: It is nearly impossible to avoid overspray in the other areas of your piece. This has a bit on the bottom of the bowl, and some inside. I’m not too concerned about the overspray. My bowl is primarily for decoration and will hold wrapped candies. But I will probably attempt to use a touch of acetone on a cloth and wipe it out later. That should do it. And make sure if you are serving food in your bowl, that all the excess paint is removed from the inside, to avoid any contamination. Then carefully hand wash your bowl with sudsy water, before using.
TIP: ALWAYS HANDWASH your painted piece. Try not to use excess water on the painted surfaces; just a dampened cloth.

I’ll post the TV tray project tomorrow.

As always, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Fun Finds Project” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Reader’s Wreath

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All.

Here’s a short post today to share a shot of a reader’s project. This was made from our Wreath for All Seasons post tutorial.

This was made by some special Iowa readers; my step-daughter Cindra and granddaughter Brianna. They found their fabric at Walmart. It was one of those little scrap bundles for quilting. The bundle had several different patterns in colors they liked, so strips were cut, and they developed a design going around the wreath.

Their wreath was done on a 9 inch frame. This was their first attempt and it was made to hang in Bri’s bedroom. The gals worked together and the project took just a couple of hours. It was so easy and fun, they’re going to do another one for the holidays! Send more pictures ladies.

Also coming up this week, Thanksgiving printables and some “fun find” projects.

As always, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Reader’s Wreath” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Friday Features

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

It’s Friday. Yep, it rolls around every week about now.

Friday is (usually) my “go to town” day. I’m trying to become a “scheduler” type. You know … organize my time, supposedly to control it and maximize use.

This is the day I schedule for away trips … get groceries, run errands, and do a little side shopping when the budget permits. Aby over at SIMPLIFY 101 has lots of sensible tips for organizing. Her info has concise, to-the-point suggestions that can be read quickly and applied easily to your home routines. Best of all, she allows for flexibility with schedules and rules. Aby knows, as do we all, that everyday, things just happen that weren’t on the schedule, and we have to adapt … go with the flow.

Today’s Friday for me, is flowing more towards staying home. It’s a gorgeous, sunny day and I’m in the mood for … well, I’m not exactly sure what I’m in the mood for, but it isn’t going to town and dealing with “places packed with people”.

My Newfie/Lab mix Fozzie is keeping me company this morning. Our Gracie is very much a “girly girl”. She’s sleeping in.

I started my Friday morning out at my computer, in my “new-to-me” desk chair. Isn’t it bootyful? And it fits my booty so comfortably.

Mr. Chair and Miss Mirror were found at a favorite area store, DISCOVERY THRIFT My local readers love Discovery, but it’s also proof positive for everyone else, that you should investigate any/all thrift stores in your own area because there are big deals that don’t need big budgets. Okay, so I have to share what I paid (and make everyone jealous). The mirror was … wait for it … $15 … YES, just fifteen dollars! It is heavy glass with solid wood framing. If you’ve ever searched for mirrors of this quality, used or otherwise, you know what a bargain this is.

And the super comfortable, clean and adjustable desk chair (in excellent repair) … are you ready? My chair was only $35 and worth every penny. I’m at my desk, enjoying it right now.

I’m thinking of putting my mirror on top of this piece. Will probably do some sort of paint treatment on both to bring them together.

Everyone is budget concious now days, even bloggers and DIYers. That’s why I wanted to share another online find today, for you artistic types. Karen, THE GRAPHICS FAIRY is one of my featured favorites today. We seem to have quite a bit in common; blended families, graphics design; dog lovers. and Karen shares ~~oodles~~ well ~~tons~~, let’s just say LOTS of wonderful graphics images for just about any project a person can think of … and they’re FREE. Plus there are DIY projects, tutorials and all kinds of fun stuff.

Do you notice how most blogs are about more than just one thing? They are a wonderful way for us to share, care and learn about many interests. That’s why I began Artzzle, because I’ve always truly felt that Life is a “Giant Puzzle of Art and Design”.

Hope I’ve added a few pieces to your puzzle today! Visit these features and let me know what you think. And tell them Cheryl at Artzzle sent you over. Be sure to share your favorite posts with friends so they can join us too!

As always, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl

This original article in “Friday Features” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Small Changes ….

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

… can make a Big Difference.

Anyone feeling anxious or rushed yet? You know … those holiday hurries and worries that usually start about now? Before the big boys come out; those crates and boxes of lights and lovelies, try to keep calm. There are still “easy little” things you can do to spruce up a bit for Thanksgiving.

1. Add FLOWERS or a COLORFUL PLANT

Our piano is always the “elephant in the room”, but I love it, and it’s actually very easy to decorate with.

Here this nice, big plant adds brightness and draws the eye to the colors and themes in the photography wall grouping. This was a quick buy at the local Big Box store, for under $10.

TIP: BE SURE to have something under your plants to protect your fine furniture from any moisture or spillage. Mine is both in a plastic lined basket AND I have a clear plastic plate beneath the basket.

WIth the piano, a dramatic change comes with simply opening the lid (and I get a lot more “oohs and ahs” with the lid up)!

2. Swap out Wall Art

Refresh your main rooms quickly by swapping your wall art with something from a different room.

In the above photo, note that the wall display photographs have been changed. Below, both the wall art and plant are new. A larger watercolor (mine) is now paired with one of my silk floral arrangements.

3. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Don’t sweat it but don’t forget it either! Switch out your accessories from room to room.

Yes, Thanksgiving is still Fall, but if you’re tired of pumpkins and Halloween colors, try trading the orange lamp in the living room for the lighter one in the den. Put the pumpkins out on the front steps and bring different Autumn colors into your rooms, with glass, metals and books.

Earlier Autumn version of living room.

Quick change shot.

Credenza before …

… and after

Coffee Table before …

… Two different vignettes for Coffee Table. These are nice examples of how colorful scarves make easy accessories for decor and fashion. Nice double-duty items there, and very affordable at your favorite thrift stores. I never pay more than $2 per scarf.

A few new, colorful kitchen towels and pot holders are always an inexpensive and quick refresher. Likewise, a new bath towel set or two.

Items above were all purchased new at Wal-Mart and my area Discovery Thrift store for between $1 and $1.50 each. I began buying one or two a trip, a few weeks before the holiday season, so no big financial bite all at once.

Replace throw or accent rugs if they’re showing wear. Especially around holiday seasons, many of the major department and big box stores have fantastic sales on household items.

The end of year holiday seasons are also the “colds” season. It’s a good idea to have tissue available for guests. Buy a few pretty boxes while you’re at it. Just another simple way to add color, so why not?

Final TIP: Books are always wonderful decorating accessories. Yes, use them for their colors, but I like to display several picture books as well. People seem to enjoy having something fun to do during those “slow periods” before and after the holiday meal.

That’s it for this time. Remember my articles aren’t absolute must-dos … just suggestions and ideas to get your imagination going. I hope you’re sharing your favorite posts with friends. I’d love to have them join us too!

As always, don’t stress, just start.

Later – Cheryl
This original article “Small Changes can Make a Big Difference” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Debunking Awful Decor Myths

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Regulars at Artzzle know my feelings about rules in decorating. I think of rules as stair steps. You have to take some steps to get to the top, but it’s just fine to skip a few along the way. It’s been proven that some of the design “rules” that once were law, have long since been repealed (or should have been).

Ah … HOUZZ, you all know I love that website. A designer featured there recently, confirms everything I support, suggest and see through in my projects. Perhaps it’s the common age or the fact that we’ve both been doing this … well … forever, but I had to share her article with you. You’ll read “no matchy, matchy”; “yes, dark colors can be used in a small space”; “yes, it is just fine to mix woods and metals … and big shock … even pieces with different styles”. Sound familiar, readers? Exactly!

So everyone, meet Becky Dietrich. Click the photo, absorb and enjoy!

Feel Free to Break Some Decorating Rules

Artzzle Updates: Projects in progess with tutorials coming soon. Wait till you see what I found for $15.00 this week. You’ll love it!

REMEMBER to REMEMBER: Veteran’s Day is coming up this week. Thank your vets for their service to us all.

As always, don’t stress, just start.
Later – Cheryl

This original article “Debunking Awful Decor Myths” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

Featured article reblogged with permission from HOUZZ.com.
Many thanks to HOUZZ and to Becky Dietrich

Thanksgiving Thinking

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Cheryl @ Artzzle

Hi All,

Thanks for the wonderful comments and emails on the Halloween posts. So glad you enjoyed them. Karianne at THISTLEWOOD FARMS has inspired me to come up with some cutout printables for Thanksgiving as well, so expect a project soon. Checkout Kari’s site over there. She is a Hoot! 🙂

With that said, I know I’m not the only one who’s glad that Halloween is done. The pumpkins are pooping out and any color other than orange, is much welcomed at this point. Still, it’s a bit odd that the BIG BOX stores are already decked out in red and green. What about that holiday in between? You know, the big Gobble-Gobble with the green bean casserole and pumpkin pie.

After my latest budget “fun finds”, I’m into some fun Thanksgiving designs. I found several great fabric pieces in the remnant bin at Wal-Mart. Two are for more easy make table runners, like the one I’ve already finished, pictured. The tutorial is at the end of this post.

The others are for another RAG WREATH . If you missed that post, check it out. I’m tickled to tell you that the Wreath for All Seasons was one of my most popular posts yet! A friend wants help making hers so thought I would do another along with her as a demo.

The wonderful works of world renowned artist MARIE THURMAN have inspired me to get creative with some decorative glass and ceramic ware. You’ll love this easy, inexpensive project. Found the perfect glass and plates to use, at my local Discovery Thrift Store. Article coming soon. Also coming up, a twenty-five cent TV tray will get a remarkable re-do and new use.

My continued search for cool, new blogger buddies means another “FEATURED FAVORITES” spot in the very near future as well.

But today, look how easy and inexpensive this table runner is to make. And it only takes about an hour.

I’m using two compatible fabrics and some decorative wired ribbon to make three runners that will criss-cross over the table top.

First, I cut the polka-dot fabric lengthwise, to create two equal pieces. Then I trimmed off the end edges.

Next I pressed the fabric with my iron on a low-steam setting. It had some heavy wrinkles, so I placed a lightly dampened wash-cloth over those areas and did another light press over. Just don’t have the wash-cloth too wet or the steam setting too hot.

Now, I cut four pieces of my metallic, wired ribbon; two that are two inches longer than the length sides, and two that are two inches longer than the width. You want your ribbon to have an extra inch on each end, so that you can miter/match your corners a bit later.

While my low temp glue gun was heating, I covered the top of my ironing board with wax paper. This will catch any glue goofs and protect the pad. Place your fabric FACE SIDE UP on the ironing board. Beginning on a length side of the fabric, I lined up my ribbon (with one inch hanging beyond the end) then pinned down the ribbon and pinned down a few areas of the fabric. TIP: be sure to allow a one inch overhang of ribbon, beyond the end of the fabric. AND start your glue line down an inch or so from the end of your fabric. You’ll have one inch of ribbon unglued to the fabric and one inch over hang.

Now begin to glue. I ran a very thin line of glue about a quarter inch in from the edge of the fabric, going as far as one glue pull would take me. Now begin placing the ribbon on top of the glue line, gently because it is hot.

Go back and pat down the ribbon onto the glue. Continue until you are an inch from the opposite end.

When your first edge is done, go back to the beginning and glue your inside edge, following the same procedure, placing glue about a quarter inch above the inside edge of your ribbon.

If you go crooked and off line with your glue, DON’T WORRY, just leave it alone for now. Correct your line and continue gluing.

When your ribbon is attached, and glue is dry, you simply go back to the extra glue on your fabric, rub back and forth a couple times and gently pull it up and snip it off.

Complete both glue lines of one length edge and then do your width edge next. BEFORE YOU BEGIN to glue this second ribbon piece, overlap your loose end pieces. Then cut a miter cut through both pieces. Pull away the excess ribbon and you’ll have a mitered corner. Now begin gluing this edge, following the same steps as before.

Do each remaining side in the same manner.

Here’s the final project.

SUPPLY LIST
FABRIC, cut to preferred width and length; this project was 13.25″ width by 43″ length.
GLUE GUN, low temp and 2 GLUE STICKS were used for this project
SCISSORS
STRAIGHT PINS
WIRED RIBBON; I used a 1 1/2 inch width ribbon.
WAX PAPER
IRON and IRONING BOARD

I’m going to make an identical runner, and then two long runners in the striped fabric. Not sure if I’ll use the same ribbon on those. One will be used in the table group, and the other in the next room on the piano, to keep the look going.

This is a quick and easy, economical project that can add a little perk to any table. I’m using mine for Thanksgiving! Let me know what you do with yours.

Later – Cheryl

This original article “Thanksgiving Thinking” appeared first on Artzzle.com.

No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission from said originators.

ARTZZLE

Helping with the Pieces in Life's Puzzle of Art and Design

Author Archives: Cheryl @ Artzzle

About Cheryl @ Artzzle

Last Minute Holiday Projects … in 15 minutes or less

A Different Feel to Christmas

Thanksgiving … for the Kids

Friday Features

Fun Finds Projects

Reader’s Wreath

Friday Features

Small Changes ….

Debunking Awful Decor Myths

Thanksgiving Thinking

About Cheryl @ Artzzle

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