After making this painted Polka Dot Tablecloth last week, I’ve been inspired to test the process with different patterns and colors. We made this tablecloth based on some vintage fabric I had in my fabric stash. We had Paul mix up a few colors and I’m so pleased with the way it turned out! The process took only a few hours because the pattern is so abstract and imperfect. I can’t wait to use it at my next party!
Click through for instructions.
Materials: Fabric Paint, Cotton Tablecloth, Large Plastic Drop Cloth, Large Paint Brushes, Paper Plates
Step 1: Lay out the drop cloth and place the tablecloth on top.
Step 2: Mix your paint colors, one on each plate (colors and mixes below.)
Step 3: Begin painting. Start with the flowers, being sure to space the different colors evenly. Paint loosely and with confident strokes. The less you think about making them look perfect the better they will turn out!
Step 4: When you have enough flowers, start adding in the green leaves. Again, be sure to add the different shades evenly through the painting.
Step 5: Let it dry completely.
Photography by Aubrey Trinnaman for Oh Happy Day
Art Direction by Jordan Ferney
Produced by Stacy Wichelhaus
Crafting by Jessica Heywood
Mandy DeTurk
May 15, 2013
I love it!
Laia
May 15, 2013
Increible!!! Hauries de posar un video sobre com ho has fet perquè em moro de ganes de fer-ho!!!
Gràcies
Lindsay
May 15, 2013
Can you explain step 3? Are they just swirls? Is the shading the tablecloth showing through or white paint? You don’t really address the actual process of painting it. Thanks!
Hi Lindsay! We loosely painted circles and then filled them in with simple swirls and brush strokes. We tried to make sure they weren’t too perfect. The white in the pattern isn’t paint, its the fabric showing through. I hope this helps!
Phoebe
May 15, 2013
I love this! Does the paint make the cloth crunchy? Or does washing it afterward alleviate that?
Since the paint is made for fabric, it doesn’t get crunchy. But it does make the fabric a little stiffer than a normal.
Toni-Louise
May 15, 2013
Gorgeous table cloth! Looks so lovely, adore the colours. 🙂 x
Lemon-freckles.blogspot.co.uk
Miggy
May 15, 2013
OK, this is fantastic. Very vintage-y DIY with high end results.
Love it.
Amanda
May 15, 2013
I love any DIY where the advice is “the less you think about making them look perfect the better they will turn out” Such a great idea.
Jordana @WhiteCabana
May 15, 2013
Never mind a table cloth…I think this design would look beautiful as a full circle skirt (as long as the fabric feels good). Very nice!
Jordana
Ashley
May 15, 2013
It’s DIYs like this that keep me constantly coming back for more, Jordan. What a beautiful project that looks anything but do-it-yourself.
Anastasia
May 15, 2013
As always Jordan, just lovely. I will be making these for my mother’s birthday.
Michelle @ Michelle's tiny kitchen
May 15, 2013
I wouldn’t have believed in a million years that this was DIY. So gorgeous, I can’t wait to try it!
deana
May 15, 2013
perfect for the season!
-Deana, from Birds&Oxfords
Peonies and Pancakes
May 15, 2013
Perfect! I’ve never tried my hand at any DIY’s but this looks too beautiful too resist. Thanks!
adrienne
May 16, 2013
this is beautiful. and LOVE the advice about not thinking too much about it!
Rachel Fackender
May 16, 2013
Love this post! I have been making my own plans to make a fun picnic tablecloth. I was going to go with the typical checkered tablecloth in a fun color, but the flowers are a nice, fresh addition!
Meg
May 16, 2013
This is truely a work of art!
So pretty!
http://happinessiscreating.com/
Jolleen
May 16, 2013
The table cloth is so beautiful! It reminds me of Lily Pulitzer. Can’t wait to try this for my next event!
xoxo
Jolleen
http://simplyjolleen.com/
Elena @ Randomly Happy
May 16, 2013
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again – you’re head must be one great place!
Great DIY!
x Elena @ Randomly Happy
Julie Kuberski
May 16, 2013
Seriously, such a beautiful tablecloth! I love how painterly it is. Great job.
Morgan
May 16, 2013
I love this! SO pretty!
sue
May 16, 2013
Gorgeous. And you’re so good at painting flowers!
Renae
May 17, 2013
This looks great! The colors and patterns remind me of some tea towels I made recently using a celery for a stamp! Will have to try a tablecloth next! Thanks for the inspiration!
Jaimie
May 18, 2013
Whoa this is so beautiful! I might have to make one! I love how you could customize this! 🙂
Sarah W
May 18, 2013
I am loving this so much! It is amazing!
eva scott
May 18, 2013
Wow, this is just so beautiful!!!
Lisette Wolter-McKinley
May 20, 2013
I am a sucker for anything floral. I ought to try this out, it looks fantastic!
Blair
May 24, 2013
Can you wash the table cloth, or will it ruin it?
Anne
May 25, 2013
Your DIYs are really amazing. I was planning to make a bag and was looking for a really good design. This’ll be helpful… 🙂
http://annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com/