DIY Network

Miniblind Placemats and More B. Original's host weaves playful placemats and accessories from metal miniblinds. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-103

Don't toss out those old, metal miniblinds—Michele Beschen will show you how to B. Original and transform them into fun placemats suitable for indoors or out. You can use this same easy weaving technique to make purses, seating, lamps and more, all from castoff blinds!

Turn old miniblinds...

into great placemats!

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Materials:

20" metal blinds
tape
spray paint
spray sealer/ spray polyurethane

Note: Michele says metal blinds work best for this projects. She designed the placemats to use the entire length of the blinds to avoid working with sharp, cut edges.

• Take apart your metal blinds. The best way to do this is to cut the strings and slip the blind strips off (figure A).

• Clean off your blind strips and let dry.

• Lay out 14 blind strips side by side. Make sure you alternate the curves of the strips (figure B). Otherwise, your weave won't lie flat. Use the holes that are already in the strips to keep them lined up.

• Even up your blind strips and tape down one end to hold them in place.

• Weave other blind strips over and under the ones you've taped down. Remember to alternate the curves of your strips (figure C). Leave 2½" unwoven all the way around the project for finishing.

• Fold each 2½" loose end over the project and tuck it under the weave, alternating whether you fold to the front or the back (figure D).

• Spray paint your finished placemats. Once they're dry, apply a 1-2 coats of spray polyurethane to protect the finish.

Cover a wooden box to make a fun & funky purse...

or weave and paint a stylish seat.