This is one of those DIY happy accidents, if I’m being honest. I had this beaded placemat folded in half after using it as a fake clutch prop in another shoot and then stashed a bunch of yarn next to it. After walking past it three times, I realized all I needed to do was stitch some yarn to the bottom of it and I’d have a beautiful wall hanging that sort of resembled a reverse rainbow! This one packs all of the charm of a more complicated fiber piece and can be made in an afternoon.
Supplies:
–one wooden, beaded circle placemat
-7 skeins of yarn (50 grams each or more) in your favorite colors
-embroidery needle
-white thread
-scissors
Place your colors in the order you’d like them and then start with your center color. Take a bundle of 20-25 strands of yarn that measure about 38″ long each. Take one of the strands and tie a knot in the center of your yarn bundle.
Thread one side of that strand you just knotted and thread your needle. Stitch through the placemat so that you’ve gone through the base and not just around the strings that hold the beads together. After stitching it through, bring the needle under the arch created by your yarn bundle and then tie that strand to the other strand. You want your yarn bundle to be pulled taut up against your placemat. You shouldn’t be able to see any space between them.
Repeat the process with two more bundles of that same color and then 2-3 bundles of the next color, and so on. And so on. And so on.
Use a blanket stitch to stitch the placemat together like a taco using thread. Then create a knotted loop with yarn and stitch it through the back side so you can hang it easily.
These colors feel like summertime to me, but this would be really great in neutrals or in boy/girl colors for a kids’ room. The wooden beads lend a warm, bohemian touch but you could also use a glass bead placemat for something a little flashier. This one was such an easy project, so it’s beginner-friendly. Hope you enjoy! – Rachel
23 Comments
Oh wow, this is so simple but so pretty. Why hadn’t I ever thought of it? You guys show the best ideas! I’d love to make one with a monochrome colour palette. Thank you so much, one of my favourites!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Beautiful colors!!
This looks so cool, like a rainbow! And amazing how easy it is!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
It is really cool. I love it !!
Hi Rachel!
A beautiful way to make a personal artwork for the own walls. I like the colors and the texture that it gets because of the yarn. I think every time I would go by it, I would have to touch it … but maybe that#s just me ;D
Rachel, you must tell me where you got that gorgeous velvet pillow. Did you make it? Where did you find the fabric? I’ve been on the hunt for a pillow exactly like that but have had trouble finding that color or that color of fabric.
Thanks!!!
Jessica,
I’m afraid it’s vintage. So sorry to not be more helpful! I used to have a pink one, too, but it got ruined and now I’m so sad! -Rachel
I’ve been so into the macrame art but would love to add this op of color! It’s so lovely having different options for wall hangings outside of pictures and paintings, love this one!
Love!
This is so pretty! You did an awesome job!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
This is so cute! Will have to try this out <3
https://www.myblackcloset.com/
beaded place mat how fun is that!!! looks great with the different color yarn and much easier than weaving but still a pretty statement piece
my latest post on inspiration and digital painting
https://floatingthrufields.blogspot.com/
Love that rainbow effect for a kids room!
I love this! I’d love to give it a go with a more neutral colour palette (I love the rainbow but it definitely wouldn’t work in my space). The wooden beads give it such a nice added texture too. Thanks for sharing and yay for happy accidents!
what are boy/girl colors?
I LOVE this project but those wooden bead placemats are so expensive being in Australia. A wooden bead DIY would be great!
I love happy accidents like this!! It looks great!!
I have got a few old table runners that i could do something similar with.
You have given some inspiration!!
Thank you!!!
Speaking as a (the opposite of) a crafty person, I love this DIY hack….I actually think I can re-create it
Wish me luck
Where is that chair from? Very pretty.
I love this idea! I think it would look even better if the strings were uneven or layered (like hair!)- it would give the strings a little extra oomph. Thank you so much for sharing!
I like the colors and the texture that it gets because of the yarn. I think every time I would go by it, I would have to touch it … 🙂
I love this! I just recently picked up several of these beaded place mats in a local thrift.
Cute! Thinking about using a small circle jute mat to make a super sized version