Think Crafts Blog - Craft Ideas and Projects - CreateForLess

By Kid’s Craft Contributor, Gillian from the blog “Dried Figs and Wooden Spools”.

Now that winter is just around the corner, the fall leaves are pretty much a thing of the past in my town. But with Thanksgiving still waiting in the wings, fall decorations, especially those that can do double duty as Turkey Day decor, are still a welcome distraction from the cold outside. So here’s an easy (if a little time consuming) project that can keep you AND the kids busy one rainy afternoon, and bonus! It’ll be a great addition to your Thanksgiving table. The secret to creating a beautiful tablecloth that even your toddlers can help out with is Freezer paper. 

Freezer paper is coated on one side with plastic, which can be ironed onto almost any fabric. Unlike wax paper, it does not leave a residue when pulled away, making it an ideal material for stenciling.

Since I waited until the leaves were gone before I got busy, I had to gather images online of the leaves I wanted. If you are lucky enough to live in a climate where the leaves are still at their best, you can simply gather a few likely specimens for this project. 

Trace the leaves onto pieces of freezer paper, leaving ample space around each. 

Carefully cut out each leaf, being sure to pay attention to the details on the leaf, the more accurate the cut, the more realistic the finished project will be. Older kids can help out with simpler shaped leaves.

Using either a store bought tablecloth, runner or fabric, cut and hem to the desired length (heavy fabrics such as twill and denim work best, but nothing with a texture), lay out the stencils until you like the look of the pattern. Then using a hot, dry iron, press each piece of freezer paper onto the fabric, double check points and sharp turns to make sure the paper adheres completely to the fabric. 

Now, let your kids get to work with the paint, choosing bold, fall colors. If you are planning on using the tablecloth over a number of weeks, choose a heat set fabric paint and set according to the directions, craft paint can be used for a more short-lived decoration.

Once the paint dries, carefully pull the paper away and enjoy your work!

Matching napkins would be a snap using the same technique. And once the freezer paper stencil bug bites you, you’ll be amazed at how many projects spring to mind!