I can’t get enough of the tropical foliage trend lately. Here in sunny California, Spring has definitely arrived and Summer is just around the corner. I’m ready to host some backyard BBQs and warm weather brunches. I decided a new tablecloth was a must for this season. This DIY Tropical Leaf Tablecloth is so easy to make and the results are bold and beautiful.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- a large tropical leaf (real or artificial)
- a white tablecloth or 2-3 yards of 60″ wide heavy-duty fabric
- green spray paint (I like Design Master Colortool in Hunter Green)
Start with a crisp white tablecloth of a few yards of white fabric. Since I have a really long dining table, I chose to simply hem 3 yards of polyester blend, 60″ wide fabric. You could use 100% cotton, but I find something with a little polyester is less likely to wrinkle. It’s important to iron the tablecloth well before painting. Any creases and bumps in the fabric will be emphasized by the spray paint.
The foliage options are pretty limitless, but I love the look of this oversized tropical leaf with the cutouts (a split leaf philodendron) . I bought this large artificial one at Hobby Lobby, but your local florist would probably sell you a single live leaf for sure. And if you don’t want to go all over town hunting tropical leaves, Etsy has quite a few. Lay the tablecloth out as flat as possible outside or in a very well ventilated area. Be sure to use a drop cloth or newspaper for the edges. Using a dark green spray paint, paint around the outside of the leaf first (about 1″ wide) and then fill in the center.
Move the leaf to another part of the tablecloth and repeat. Be sure to rotate the leaf in different directions to create a random look. Also place the leaf halfway on and halfway off of the edges of the tablecloth.
Now how easy was that? I was so impressed with how crisp the leaves came out and I love the faded effect the sprayed edges give. I know I’m going to get a lot of use out this leafy tablecloth.
Love this! Perfect for summer!
Looks easy enough to make. I like the bold pattern!
Gorgeous!
the perfect idea for when you want an affordable, but custom table cloth! love, love this idea! i can’t wait to try it out!
Love this, i can see it in yellow, red, pink, turquoise, purple, black. Just about any color would work. Thanks.
Love this, Jeran! Such a statement, but so easy. Great great!
How timely, gotta cut back my giant leaves AND have a ripped sheet which, tho not white, could become a table cloth. Since it’s a dark color I’ll use lighter colored spray paint(s). Thanks for the inspiration!