Think Table Linens

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This article will give you the information you need in order to create unique painted linens.

Materials List The following items are needed in order to create your painted linens: Table lines tablecloths, napkins, placements, etc. Tracing paper Transfer paper Ballpoint pen or stylus Fine point permanent marker Acrylic paints or linen dyes Extender Small paintbrush

There are some advantages to using linen dyes as opposed to acrylic paints. These include the fact that they are washable, produce a nice soft color, dry quickly, and are permanent. Almost any fabric, including linen, cotton, and canvas, is appropriate to use with linen dyes. Most craft stores carry a nice selection of two once bottles of dye.

The best colors to use for creating flowers and patterns, such as grapes, are blues, reds, and greens. Red with gold highlights and green are the best colors to use when creating poinsettias.

Project Instructions Your first step will be to trace your pattern. You may need to reduce or enlarge the size of your pattern to create a design that is proportional to the space you are using.

The next step is use graphite paper to transfer the design to the linens. You transfer the pattern by tracing over the lines with either a stylus or a ball point pen. Carbon paper can smudge, so it is best to avoid using it. Graphite paper will sometimes leave residue, but it can be cleaned off easily.

Trace over your transferred lines with the fine point permanent marker. This is the time to add in more detail with the pen it you would like.

To prevent the paint or dye from seeping though to the table place a piece of wax paper, aluminum foil, or cardboard behind your pattern. If using wax paper make sure the wax side is facing your linen.

Dampen parts of your design with an extender. This step will make it easier for the dyes or paints to stick to the linens surface.

Now is the time to begin to color your pattern. Do this step carefully, filling in a small area at a time. To create a water color effect you can use a clean brush to pull the dye into the areas without color.

Apply more extender if the material becomes either stiff or dry. Using your pattern as your guide, continue to add in additional colors and effects until it is finished.