How to make a placemat and runner for Christmas

1. Potato stamp

-    Choose waxy potatoes for durability and cut them lengthwise into halves

-    Pat the cut sides of the potatoes with a paper towel to remove excess moisture

-    Use a watercolour pencil to draw a holly leaf design on one half and berry shapes on the other

-    Carefully carve along the outlines with a hobby knife

-    Make horizontal cuts to meet the carved outline and so your shapes protrude

-    Bevel the edges of the potato to prevent accidental paint smudges when stamping

-    Repeat this process for both the holly leaf and berry designs

2. Turn acrylic paint into fabric paint

-    Combine equal parts Sap Green acrylic colour paint and fabric medium

-    Blend thoroughly with a palette knife until the mixture is consistent

-    Repeat this process with Brilliant Red for the berries

3. Stamping fabric with acrylic paint

-    Dip the holly leaf potato stamp into the green paint mixture

-    Press the stamp gently onto the fabric, then lift it straight off to avoid smudging

-    Using the red paint mixture, stamp the berry shape close to the leaf  

-    Add another holly leaf on the opposite side of the berries to complete the motif

-    Continue stamping until you’re happy with the overall design

-    Leave the printed table runner and placemats to dry for 24 hours

4. How to heat set fabric paint

-    Set your iron to the cotton setting or place on a medium-high heat

-    Place wax paper or brown paper between the printed fabric and the iron

-    Press each section of the fabric for a few seconds to set the paint

5. Wash and care instructions

-    Wash the table runner and placemats on a cotton wash and cold water setting

-    Avoid harsh detergents to preserve the design

Your holly-printed table runner and placemats are ready to brighten up your Christmas décor!