Table runners definitely add class to any kitchen or dining room table but did you know they can also be used to make many other decorative things for your home? Its true. From a simple table runner you can make a closet organizer, a pocketbook, a pillow and even a pocketbook! Make a useful closet organizer by starting with a table runner and some cardboard boxes. Set one box on a flat surface, place a bowl on top, then stack the next box. The open side of the box should be facing outward, towards yourself. The bowl is used as a spacer between the boxes. You can use another object, instead of the bowl, to create a small space between each box.
Stack the boxes as high as you want; they can hang from the dowel rod to the floor if you wish. Keep in mind that the table runner should reach from the bottom of the first box, up the sides of all the boxes, across the top, then back down the opposite sides of the boxes. You should only stack enough boxes so that the table runner will cover all of them.
Position the center of the table runner with the center of the top box. Poke two holes in the top of the top box as well as the table runner itself. Thread a pipe cleaner, or another wire, through the holes, from the underside. Twist the ends onto a coat hanger so you can hang the organizer. Now use glue to attach the runner down one side of the stack of boxes, then down the other side. The organizer is perfect for holding sweaters, towels, shirts, shoes and more. Make something totally different by starting with a table runner and a small brass ring. Fold the table runner in half, positioning the two ends together, and mark the center of the fold. Use a needle and thread to stitch on a small brass ring. This will help you hang your creation. Now you can make various things from the folded, hanging cloth. Use cloth letters and numbers to spell out the family name on the cloth. Stitch the letters onto it and hang anywhere. If you dont sew you can also use fabric glue to affix the lettering to the table runner. Instead of the family name you can make this banner as a Christmas greeting, your physical address, or just a cheery "Hello" to your visitors. Hang it on the front door or elsewhere inside the house. Instead of spelling out a greeting you can create any number of scenes. Purchase cloth and cut out the images to attach to the table runner wall hanger. The images can be of lighthouses, pets, houses, or any other image. Place a little batting behind the image then stitch into place on the table runner. The batting will make the images stand out more. You can create any theme you want using this technique. Hang the finished design in a babys room with baby images, a living room with an outdoor theme, or even in the kitchen with images of veggies or cookware. Fold the table runner like an accordion, starting with the end of the runner facing downward on a table. Fold up, then down, then up, then down until both ends of the table runner are facing downward. This design will form several sections which can quickly become a pocketbook. Stitch the runner together at the side, then do the same to the opposite side. Use needle and thread to attach snaps between the sections to secure your items inside. Purchase a handle for the purse or make your own from scrap fabric or ribbon. The purse is easy yet unusual. Make a body pillow by splitting the stitches on one side of the runner. This only works for table runners that have a separate piece of fabric for the front and back. Add the pillow stuffing then stitch the sides shut again. This body pillow can be a decorative touch for any bed and is very simple to make. Its nice to get new things but that doesnt always mean you have to get rid of the old. Use your imagination to create all sorts of things for your home when you recycle. Now, lets talk about those old place mats...
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