Holiday Table Setting Decor

Step 3:

2. Select 18 to 20 leaves similar in size. Lay the leaves with the topside facing up, around the circle with points facing outward. Arrange and overlap leaves to form a wreath shape, as shown. Note: This photo shows leaves after dye-painting.

Step 4:

3. Cut masking tape into very small strips, about 1/8” x ½”. Use the tape to discretely join neighboring leaves so the wreath remains a circle when picked up.

Step 5:

4. Apply a very light coating of spray adhesive to the undersideof the leaves. Let dry. This will help the leaves lie flat and discourage seepage. The wreath will be removable to use for multiple applications.

Step 6:

5. Cover work surface with plastic table cover. Wearing latex gloves, measure and mix 1 Tablespoon Scarlet, 1 Tablespoon Tangerine, 1 teaspoon Cocoa with 1 cup very hot water (140° F); stir well. This is custom recipe #143 from the Rit Color Formula Guide. The amount of dye has been increased proportionately. Note: If water is not hot enough, heat water in the microwave or in a tea kettle.

6. Designer Tip: Test resist dye-painting technique with a single leaf before doing entire wreath. Cut 19” square of printed fabric. Extra fabric allows for errors in centering; fabric can be trimmed to finished size after dye-painting. Place fabric on layers of newspaper. Center and press leaf wreath, adhesive side down, onto right side of fabric.

7. If necessary, reheat dye in the microwave to be sure it is very hot. Using a large stencil brush or sea sponge, apply dye around each leaf on wreath. Before applying dye to fabric, dab applicator on a paper towel. Note: Whatever applicator you select, it should be fairly dry to keep the dye from wicking under the wreath or from saturating the soft, fuzzy Dusty Miller leaves. Cover entire surface of fabric with dye. Let dry.

8. Reheat dye in the microwave and continue to apply more coats of dye until you are pleased with the color saturation. Let dry completely between coats.

9. Carefully remove Dusty Miller wreath with tweezers. Overlap sheets of plastic wrap so they’re slightly larger than fabric. Place dye-painted fabric on plastic wrap, being careful not to over lay dyed areas on white areas. Cover with plastic wrap; seal edges. To help dye fully penetrate the fabric, place wrapped fabric in microwave for 30 – 60 seconds. Let cool, remove plastic wrap.

Step 7:

10. Rinse in cold water until water runs clear. Hand wash in warm water with mild detergent; rinse. Dry fabric, iron and trim to 18” x 18”.

Step 8:

11. To finish mat: Cut 18” square of white lining fabric. Pin lining fabric to back of mat; machine baste edges together. For binding, cut 1 ½” x 76” strip of red and white printed fabric or use purchased seam binding. Machine stitch binding to mat using ¼” seam allowances. Begin stitching in center of one side. Fold binding to create a miter at each corner. Overlap and tuck under edge to finish. Turn binding to wrong side, folding under raw edges of fabric; hand sew to back of mat.

Step 10:

Dye-Stamping Napkins with Dusty Miller

1. Cover work surface with plastic table cover.

2. Cut napkins into 18” squares. Use red and white printed fabric or plain white fabric.

3. Cover work surface with plastic table cover. Wearing latex gloves, measure and mix 1 Tablespoon Scarlet, 1 Tablespoon Tangerine, 1 teaspoon Cocoa with 1 cup very hot water (140° F); stir well. This is a custom recipe #143 from the Rit Color Formula Guide. The amount of dye has been increased proportionately. Note: If water is not hot enough, heat water in the microwave or in a tea kettle.

4. Pour 1/3 cup of dye into disposable, non-absorbent plate. Place leaf face down into dye. Then remove to paper towel.

Step 11:

5. Test print on newspaper and then on scrap piece of fabric to judge required amount of dye needed. Dye may bleed through to underside of fabric, but this is unavoidable.

Step 12:

6. If satisfied, repeat by dipping leaf in dye. Print on newspaper to remove excess dye. Place fabric square on newspapers. Then carefully place dye-coated leaf on fabric in desired position. Press on leaf with gloved hands. Remove with tweezers or tongs.

Step 13:

10. Bind edges of napkins as described above in Step 11

11. Repeat process for the designed number of napkins needed, using fresh leaves, if necessary.