In between preparing your shopping list, baking your desserts and keeping your sanity, soothe your artistic appetite by creating a Thanksgiving tablescape. If you're anything like me, sitting down and submerging yourself into an arts and crafts project brings a bit of solitude to the chaos that envelopes the holidays.
This year, I took a walk around my neighborhood and collected leaves, pine cones, acorns and seed pods from Sycamore trees. I didn't have a clear image in mind as to how my final tablescape would look; I just knew I wanted to incorporate nature. The elements you use to create your own table setting need not match exactly; just use them as a springboard and make it your own.
Click through the photo slideshow above for step-by-step instructions.
There are two crafts I will walk you through in this article. Below you will find the essential elements and a few tips and tricks to help you along the way.
Project #1: The Perfect Place Cards
Essential Elements:
- small pumpkins, one for every diner
- metallic acrylic paint (I chose classic gold and copper)
- a sponge brush
- green card stock
- a wire hanger
- rub on letters or a black marker
- hot glue gun
- wire cutters
- a pencil
- pumpkin leaf template
- scissors
Tips & Tricks:
- Gather all of the essential elements in advance in an easily accessible location like a shoe box, basket or large Tupperware container. This way you will have everything you need at your fingertips.
- Line your workspace with paper for easy clean-up and to avoid damaging furniture or floors.
- Give yourself at least two hours to complete this project.
- Feel free to use floral wire in place of wire hangers.
- Have fun with paint colors. Mix it up so you have different metallic shades on your pumpkins.
- If your pumpkin is missing its stem, simply stick the wire directly into the top of the pumpkin.
- Make it fun. Consider using nicknames instead of formal names to bring a little whimsy into your project.
- Make sure pumpkins are clean and dry before painting.
Project #2: Waxed Leaves
Essential Elements:
- beeswax or old candles
- wax paper
- leaves
- a knife, if using old candles
- cutting board, if using old candles
- a medium sized saucepan
- water
- old glass jar or aluminum can
Tips & Tricks:
- Gather all of the essential elements in advance in an easily accessible location like a shoe box, basket or large Tupperware container. This way you will have everything you need at your fingertips.
- Line your workspace with paper for easy clean-up and to avoid damaging furniture or floors.
- Give yourself about one hour to complete this project. Melting the wax takes up the majority of this time.
- Use the waxed leaves as coasters for table glasses or as confetti for the table. They also make a great bed for the pumpkin place cards to rest on.
- Instead of purchasing new wax, use remnants of candles already around your home.
- Make sure to use dry leaves with stems attached. The stems act as your handle for dipping.
- When laying leaves down to dry, take advantage of the warm wax to shape them as you please.
- Add a few drops of cinnamon or vanilla essential oil to your wax.
- Use an old candle jar as the vessel in your double boiler. You'll have a perfect candle when you're done!
- Once your leaves are waxed, they are preserved. Pack them away to use again next year or string a garland out of them to bring the autumn indoors.
- Use a vessel that is disposable to you.
Final Touches
To complete the table, I incorporated natural foliage, produce and candles. Using different shaped glass containers filled with cranberries, pine cones, acorns and seed pods brings the outside in. I had some dried corn leftover from cornstalks that served as decorations for Halloween and filled an antique metal box with the golden cobs. A copper window scarf works perfectly to soften the edges and bring warmth the table. Finally I added some large pine cones, a couple of pumpkins and candles.
About this column: We are glad you clicked on Crafting Corner, a fun how-to column that will foster creativity, encourage artistry and spark your imagination. Be sure to check back regularly for unique holiday ideas that can either be crafted as a family or on your own.
