DIY Network

Table Talk Compilation Show The Material Girls share a variety of tablecloth, table runner and table top ideas. From "Material Girls" episode DMTG-211

Whether used for eating, working, playing games or decorating, tables play an important role in our everyday lives. The Material Girls share some of their best projects and tips for creating table "magic."

Rooms designed by Kelly Keener and Cat Wei.

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April shows how to make an elegant tablecloth out of a luxurious silk. Cat shares a few tips on how to select the right fabrics for your decorating projects. Kelly shows how to update an old desk with a new top made of plywood, faux leather and staples with brass nail heads as a decorative element around the edges.

Table Topper

Table Topper
From Episode: DMTG-202

Materials:

fabric (Peachtree Fabrics 57473 Hadley Sand)
liner
scissors
sewing machine
measuring tape
5"x5" piece of cardboard
fabric chalk
iron
needle and thread
tassels

1. Start by measuring the table, adding 5" to each side so that it will hang over the table nicely. Cut the fabric and liner accordingly

2. Lay the 5"x5" piece of cardboard on the corner of the fabric and trace around the edges with fabric chalk; repeat on all four corners and cut accordingly. Repeat the process with the lining.

3. Lay the right side of the fabric face down and place the liner on top. Making sure the edges are lined up, pin the two fabrics together. Be sure to leave a few inches open so that you can turn it right side out. When sewing around the corners, clip the edges of the material to keep it from gathering.

4. Turn the table topper right side out, hand-stitch the opening shut and press.

5. For a finishing touch, hand-stitch tassels to each corner.

After

Leather Desk Topper
From Episode: DMTG-113

Materials:

3/4" plywood (have precut at home store to size of desk)
faux leather fabric (Peachtree Fabrics 57202-11 Trailblazer Saddle)
scissors
upholstery staple gun/staples
brass nail studs (optional)
hammer

1. Measure the fabric to the size of the plywood piece, adding a few extra inches to each side. Cut accordingly.

2. Place the fabric over the plywood, making sure it's smooth, with no bubbles or ripples.

3. Attach the fabric to the plywood with an upholstery staple gun. Staple along the long sides first: start in the center and pull the fabric to fit smoothly around the edge up the plywood, but try not to stretch it out of shape. Continue stapling each side, but stop a few inches before the corners.

4. Miter the corners and staple in place. Trim the excess fabric.

5. If you want to give the desk topper a more finished look, add brass nail studs around the edges. They come in strips with a hole every few inches. Cut the nail strip so that you begin with one of the nail holes. Position the nail strip on the edge of the covered plywood and tap in a nail stud with a regular hammer. Continue around making sure that the strip stays level. At the corner gently bend the strip and continue stapling. If the desk topper will be against a wall, add nail strips only to the front and sides.

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