Monday, March 26, 2012

Wallpaper Placemats

It was a moment of clarity.  After really thinking about using my "Chelsea/Grandmother's China" collection in a tablescape, it came to me.  I had an unopened roll of Laura Ashley toile wallpaper in lavender.  It would be the perfect backdrop for antique dishes with lavender markings, right?

I carefully cut 4 large pieces from the roll and covered them (on both sides) with clear contact paper.  Then I sewed a simple lavender ribbon trim down both sides to give it strength (and incentive) not to curl.  It probably would curl a bit on a plain wood table, but placed on my while matelasse tablecloth, it clings perfectly.

So pretty! And I feel like a design genius for coming up with this idea.  It is interior design, recycling and DIY all rolled into one.  Magnifique!

Tomorrow, I'll show you how I painted the coordinating plates.

4 comments:

Jeanie said...

Hi, Anne,

Came to your blog via MSU's Alumni Newsletter -- I work at MSU (WKAR, public broadcasting) and also graduated and also blog AND I'm headed to Paris in less than three weeks for a return trip to the City of Light! I really am loving your blog (and the book looks terrific!) and so many of your posts! I love these placemats, the lemon tarts (Ina is the BEST!)your plate painting, pop up village and yes, I love the wires in the photo, too! So glad to have discovered your blog -- I will return, and often! Pop over to The Marmelade Gypsy if you get the chance! -- jeanie

Anne Reeves said...

Thanks, Jeanie! I'd love to talk to you. So glad to hear that we like so many of the same things! Be sure to click the city series "Paris" (should display in the right hand column)- it will give you ideas for your trip. Best, Anne

Elaine said...

It is a genius idea, Anne! It is so very lovely. It is so hard to find just the right placemats for dishes, but this is perfect.

Anne Reeves said...

Thanks, Elaine! I did pat myself on the back for this one. It looks so good!