DIY Network

Plastic Fantastic Think plastic is simply utilitarian? Think again! From "Creative Juice" episode DCRJ-601

Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza have some fantastic ideas for plastic. They craft an original oilcloth table runner with matching napkin rings and utensil holders; make cheerful charms that are small in size but big on style and design flower hairpins that will really hold your attention.

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Oilcloth Table Runner, Napkin Rings and Silverware Caddy

Sturdy, waterproof oilcloth is the perfect material for tablecloths, napkin rings, and utensil holders that combine both form and function.

Materials (caddy):

large yogurt container
scissors
acetone-based nail polish remover
two colors of oilcloth (enough to wrap the container)
pinking shears
kraft paper
tacky glue
clothes pin

1. Thoroughly wash and dry container; if it has a lip around the top, remove the lip (figure A).

2. Use nail polish remover to remove any printed or gummy labels on the container.

3. Wrap a piece of kraft paper around the container and tape in place (figure B). Crease the paper where the ends meet to mark the place (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

4. Push the top end of the kraft paper into the container and crease the bottom end around the bottom of the container. Remove the paper and, using the crease lines as a guide, trim to make a template.

5. Cut a piece of oilcloth to match the template with 1/2" added for seam overlaps (figure D). Glue the oilcloth to the container (figure E).

6. Cut a thin strip from the second color of oilcloth with pinking shears, making sure it's long enough to wrap around the top edge of the container. Glue the strip to the top edge of the container and use a clothespin to secure the trim until it dries (figure F).

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Materials (napkin rings):

small scrap of oilcloth fabric
rickrack trim, 7" per ring
pinking shears
hand needles and sewing thread
tacky glue
ruler
pencil

1. Working on the back of the oilcloth, use a ruler and pencil to mark a 2"x7" rectangle (figure G). Use pinking sheers to create a zigzag edge.

2. Use tacky glue to attach the rickrack trim across the center of the runner, 1/4" from the runner edge (figure H). Keep it flat and let it dry.

3. Round the rectangle to form a ring, and hand-stitch the ring closed (figure I). Add a drop of tacky glue for extra security.

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I

Materials (table runner):

measuring tape
oilcloth fabric (the amount of fabric will depend on the size of the table)
rickrack trim (the amount of trim will depend on the size of the table)
pinking shears
tacky glue
yardstick
pencil
clothespins
painter's tape or masking tape

1. Measure the table to determine the size of the runner.

2. Working on the back of the oilcloth, use a yardstick and a pencil to mark the measurements of the runner. Using pinking sheers, cut out the runner (figure J).

3. Use tacky glue to attach the trim around the edge of the runner, 2" from the edge (figure K). You can either eyeball the measurement or place small pieces of painter's tape 2" from the edge at regular intervals to serve as a guide.

Figure J

Figure K

4. At a corner, fold the rickrack over at a 90-degree angle (rather than cutting it) to create a mitered corner; glue it in place. If needed, secure with a clothespin to keep it flat while the glue dries.

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