DIY Gift Idea

I received a catalog in the mail the other day. It is from a company called Serena & Lily, based out of California. The catalog introduces some really beautiful silk-screened table linens!

Serena & Lily holiday 2013 catalog

Aren't they nice? A set of four napkins, silk-screened in metallic paint, is $38.00. Not so bad, I don't think. However, not to toot my own horn (although I do have this blog!), one could get similar results for less using my Yardwork Craft Stencils and fabric. In fact, their "cut circle" design is very similar to one of mine, although their circle appears to be much smaller. So, napkins made with my stencils would have a much bolder look. Even more bold if you choose to use brighter or darker colors. But I do love the look of the metallic silver and gold! Great for the holidays! I have printed with metallic fabric paints and they do have a nice sheen which miraculously holds up after washing. Now, I don't know how many washings they will withstand, but that is true about any printed textile. 

My stencils have not been big sellers and I often wonder why. They are a great tool to use with my stamp sets. Perhaps it is because the shapes are so simple, but I think this is what is appealing about the Serena & Lily table linens. So sophisticated! Although that elaborate embroidered table runner design is fantastic!

Just to show you the endless possibilities, I have put together a few combinations, first using only the stencils and then using both stencils and stamps. (you can click on the images to enlarge)

stencils with stencils

stencils with stamps

See my fabric stenciling tutorial here!

I don't have the fabric handy to whip up some napkin sets of my own, but I encourage you to do so! A handmade gift is even more special when you've made it yourself. 

I did have one small square of hemp canvas that I had used my stencils and stamps on. I was developing some idea that got put on the back burner for some reason. Inspired by the Serena & Lily silk-screened items, I decided to make something out of it. That "something" became a zipper pouch, now available in my shop! 

I hope you like it!