placemat tutorial from guest Vanessa of Punkin Patterns

Well, it's about time I had my friend Vanessa of Punkin Patterns over for a visit!  She's one of only a handful of bloggers that I've actually met in person, and more than that, I've known her for quite a bit longer!  You see, my brother and her husband are childhood friends.  I even got to attend her beautiful wedding way back when.  So anyway, she's here today to show you how to make a really fun project!  And while you stop by and visit her blog be sure to check out all her cool tutorials and tell her I said hi! 


Thanks Anna for having me. I'm very excited to be here. Hi! I'm Vanessa and my blog is called Punkin Patterns. It's my little space to share my creative side.

I have two little "punkins" ages five and three which inspire me. This project I'm sharing with you today was inspired by my son. He always wants to help with dinner, and I try to let him help wherever he can with the prep work, but while I'm doing the cooking, he likes to help by setting the table. This placemat was designed to help little kids do just that, showing them where to put the plate, knife, fork and spoon. So I give you the . . .

These Table Setting Placemats are fun and functional. They bring together some of my favorite techniques: painting, sewing and quilting. The knife, fork and spoon are painted on using freezer paper and fabric paint.

And the top of the placemat is pieced together to allow a fun fabric in the middle. They can be bright and fun like mine or made to coordinate with your kitchen colors or patterns. It has very simple quilting to make it a quick project.

Your kids will have fun setting the table.  My three-year-old got in on the fun and set the table too. (I love those tiny fingers!) Then, of course, you must sit down for a little "snack" and some fun too.

So head on over to Punkin Patterns and find out how to make one!

Thanks for sharing today Vanessa, these would certainly spiff up any table!