When moving into a new place I like to get settled as quickly as possible so I can fast forward to inviting friends and family over to celebrate the new space. It's not as if I go completely out of my way to spruce up the place but it's nice to create a casual table(scape) to make it seem extra special.
Luckily, in this case, what appears to be above and beyond is actually relatively easy and inexpensive. Jute webbing is a staple in gardening - you can pick up a roll for about $10 and you'll have plenty to make a table runner and place mats!
Tara Dennis created detailed instructions on how to make your very own jute table runner and I think it's the perfect addition to any table while the summer months are still going strong. All you need is jute webbing, a hot glue gun and a sewing machine. The entire project is so simple and will take less than an afternoon to complete!
Check out the detailed (and easy!) instructions at Tara Dennis.
Images: Tara Dennis
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very cool! you could probably also achieve the same effect using paper grocery bags (I'm currently brainstorming re-uses for those, since my roommate always brings them home)
This is a great idea but please edit your advice sending people to gardening stores to buy landscape grade jute. What is shown in the pictures is NOT landscaping fabric, that has a much looser weave that you can see through and it sheds fiber like you wouldn't believe.
What is shown is jute fabric, they sell it in Joann Fabric for $3 a yard, it is nice and thick and has a pretty drape.
jute fabric...also known as burlap fabric.
sorry for the double post, can we get an edit button??
Or maybe using satin ribbon...
@Dani - I like that idea of the satin ribbon. hmmmm next craft project!
In her directions, she says to "sew a hem all the way around." Is that truly a hem (with the edges folded under to finish it off and prevent fraying) or merely a line of red stitching??? It looks to me like it's just a line of stitching. The jute webbing I've worked with fraaaaaaayys like crazy, so I would think it would have to be hemmed. But it's also really thick -- probably too heavy-duty for my $99 Singer special to handle once it's folded over onto itself for a hem...