This year will be our first holiday season with an empty nest.  It’s kind of a happy/sad time for me.  Happy because we really are enjoying the peace, quiet and lower electric bills; sad because I miss all the crafty little things I used to do with my kids around this time.

Projects like these leaf painted napkins are great because you not only get the fun of spending time creating something special with your kids, but they get to experience the joy of making something for others to enjoy. (And then the guests exclaim, “Ooooo, did YOU make these?” and the kids beam. 🙂 )

The below directions ARE NOT MINE, I found them here and want to be sure kayte terry gets full credit for putting together these step by steps.  (Just wanted to save you the bother of clicking over to another site.)

I think these napkins would be especially elegant in dark shades of red or green, painted with gold, silver or pearl paints.  Save yourself some bother and buy the napkins already made up!

What you’ll need (makes four napkins):

  • A selection of leaves in different shapes (make sure they aren’t too brittle)
  • 1 yard solid cotton or linen
  • Waxed paper or newsprint
  • Sponge brush
  • Fabric paint 
  • Brayer
  • Iron
  • Rotary cutter and mat 
  • Sewing machine and thread

Printing the Leaves
1. Lay your fabric out on a large, flat surface. Make sure your surface is protected with waxed paper or newsprint.

Here we're using autumnal colors for the leaves, but shades of green would be pretty, too.

2. Lay out another small sheet of waxed paper, and lay one leaf front side down on it.

Daub, rather than brush, fabric paint on the leaves to coat. Don't forget to get a little paint on the stem.

3. Put a small amount of fabric paint on a sponge brush and daub the back of the leaf to coat.

Place the leaf on your fabric, then roll over the entire leaf with a brayer to print it. Don't roll too hard.

4. Flip the leaf over, and lay it on fabric as desired. Roll a brayer over the leaf to print it. If you have never done this before, you might want to practice on a few scraps of test fabric first.

(Sandy’s note:  If you make a mess, and get some splatters, just do some “creative splattering” all over once you’ve printed the leaves.  Of course you meant it to be that way!)

5. Continue with the design as desired. Let the paint dry, then iron on the wrong side of the fabric to set the paint.

Making the Napkins
1. With a rotary cutter and mat, cut fabric into four 17 x 17-inch pieces.

(Sandy’s note:  Personally, if I’d bought a yard of fabric, I’d cut the squares to 18″x18″, just to not waste anything.  Having an extra 2″ would drive me nuts.  I’d probably find a way to use the 4″ strip on the other end too, lol.)

2. On one side of one napkin, fold over the edge 1/4 inch, press, and fold over 1/2 inch. Press again. Repeat on the other side. Sew down both sides close to the seam. Backstitch at each end. 

(Sandy’s note: If you own a serger, here is an excellent time to be super speedy and use the rolled hem instead.)

This is what your hems should look like at the corners.

3. Repeat on the other two sides.

4. Repeat with the other napkins. Clip all threads.

Happy creating!

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3 thoughts on “How to Make Leaf Print Napkins for Your Thanksgiving Table

  1. Aww, crafts with the kids. If your boys come to eat Thanksgiving dinner with you, they’ll say, “Hey, I remember making leaf napkins.” And you’ll reminisce and cry and stuff.

    How many people have a brayer? Raise your hands.

  2. Pingback: Singer Sewing Machines | How to Make Leaf Print Napkins for Your Thanksgiving Table …

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