Painted cloth napkins

You guys, I have to tell you something – we had a picnic last week! It is officially picnic season and I couldn’t be more thrilled. It’s about this time of year that I start dreaming of bright, colorful outdoor adventures. These painted napkins with a colorful modern gingham are as awesome for an afternoon picnic, as they are for a summer party dinner table. Make a stash of them for serving, gifting, and welcoming in a new season of bright outdoor fun.

To make the painted cloth picnic napkins you will need white cotton fabric, paint, and tape. The steps to create these pretty napkins are so simple they make crafting 4 or 40 of them a breeze. If you choose to make a bunch – the napkins are a sweet gift idea for moms, teachers, and new brides this time of year. The mix of a colorfully functional home detail along with a thoughtful personal touch will win you all kinds of gifting praise!

Start by cutting 11 inch squares from white cotton fabric, one for each napkin — and lay them out on a drop cloth or surface that you don’t mind getting paint on.

Use masking tape or washi tape to mark off vertical stripes on each napkin, making sure the sides are taped down to the cloth to keep it steady. Using fabric paint, paint alternating stripes of material in one color, then paint the rest in a lighter or darker shade of the same color. Carefully peel the tape off and let the paint dry. Using a hairdryer will speed this part up.

Once the napkins are completely dry, mask off and paint the same stripes horizontally to make a checked pattern.

When the paint is dry follow the instructions on your paint tin to cure it, this will usually involve applying heat from an iron or a dryer machine. Don’t skip this step, as your paint will come off in the wash without curing. Once cured, wash the napkins before use to soften them and give them that awesome fresh spring feel.