Run rings around summer dining

Hands-on time: Less than one hour for two placemats.
Total time: Add two to three minutes per placemat to heat set the colours.
Skill: Super easy and kid-friendly.
Cost estimate: $3.90 per fabric marker. Total cost will depend on how many different colours are used. (The markers are long lasting and can be used for several other fabric projects.)

Materials & tools

• Plain fabric placemats in solid colours (you can revive ones you already have or buy new ones)
• Painter's tape
• Setaskrib felt tip fabric markers by Pébéo, (I used the following colours: 09 green, 08 light green, 18 fluorescent green, 06 light blue, 07 blue, 17 fluorescent blue)
• A template of circles in assorted sizes
• Damp cloth or paper towels
• An iron and an ironing board

For a fresh approach to summertime dining, draw circles on your placemats. Setaskrib fabric markers are so easy to use with basic stencil shapes that it's almost child's play. The brush-tip felts are especially designed for drawing directly onto assorted fabrics from cotton to silks. The markers are quick drying and easy to set permanently with an iron.

Before starting, wash (don't use bleach or softeners), dry, and iron the placemats. Secure the placemats to a work area with tape.

Using various templates, draw circles in assorted sizes randomly all around the surface of the placemats. Start at the top of the placemats and work your way down, applying one colour at a time. For example, do all the dark green circles first, then the light green and so on. Wipe the template with a damp cloth or paper towel before using a new colour. (This will keep the marker tips clean). Repeat steps for each additional colour applied. Draw smaller circles inside larger ones, and vice versa. Draw some of the circles to intertwine and some bubble-like single ones in assorted sizes.

The marker designs will dry quickly. Heat set the markers with an iron, by pressing for two to three minutes on the reverse side of the placemats on the cotton setting. Once fixed, wait 48 hours before washing the newly decorated fabrics. The placemat creations will withstand machine washing and drying. You will be amazed at how bright the colours remain.

To make a real summer splash at your next fiesta, why not make a whole mix and match dinnerware ensemble? Make simple striped napkins to go with the set by using a ruler as a guide to make straight lines. Add a table cloth or a table runner combining the circles and stripes.

Variations

• Involve children by having them create and personalize their own placemat, pillowcase, beach towel or even T-shirts. Teens can express themselves with these markers by making their own fashion statements.
• Use Setaskrib fabric markers to draw designs or add fun details like swirls, dots, letters or numbers to decorate any fabric item. Add a touch of colour and style to numerous items around your home, like bed sheets, chair covers, assorted linens and even curtains. My 4-year-old son made his own placemat - even if it did only take him 10 minutes. He is very proud of it and he had much fun making it. Keep these markers out of the reach of younger children if you don't want to end up with a few truly original designs around your home. Just make sure that they are used under your supervision. The markers are available in fine or broad point tips, replacement tips are also available.
• Achieve a unique watercolour effect by going over the marker lines with a paintbrush and some water. They can also be used in combination with fabric paints.
• Quick entertaining summer idea: Make quick and easy wine-glass charms by intertwining two swirl type paper clips (Clipiola, available at art stores), ornament them with different bead colours and clip at the stem of each glass. They make great hostess gifts.