MODERN FARMHOUSE RUNNER

Make your environment cozy as possible, I say. And your table is a great place to start. Lately we are spending so much time cooking, baking and eating, we are practically living at the dining table. Your table is a big blank canvas just waiting for you. A modern farmhouse runner could be what you need...a little project and an excuse to decorate. A runner ready to be painted, stained, personalized, stenciled, distressed any way you like. You can even repaint it a new color to celebrate the change of seasons or holidays. Or change it on a whim, if you like, because you can. The basic shape is there. You can make it any length to suit your table. Wipes up spills easily and you never have to iron it. Always perfect. Now you can elevate staying home in a comfy space.

 Lights are always nice...

This is what you will need-

4' x 12" x 1" Poplar Board

Pencil & Paper

Jig Saw

Power Sander

Power Drill

Sandpaper- Medium and Fine Grit

Paint

Paint Brush and Roller

Start with you board. Poplar wood is easy to cut and 12" is a nice width for a runner. The slight height of the 1" adds a nice element of elevation to the table.

Download template and print...Link here.

Cut out and trace template onto both ends of the wood board.

Clamp board to table.

Drill single hole in end.

Drill three holes as shown to start heart cutout.

With jig saw, cut out heart as shown.

Cut curve end as shown. Repeat curve and cutout directions for opposite end of the board.

With sander or by hand, use medium grit sandpaper and sand all edges.

Curl small pieces of sand paper to smooth inside and edges of the heart cutout.

Wipe down with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust.

When painting, place the board on two cans, easier to paint and to spot for drips.

Use a brush for sides, cutouts and a roller to paint the flat wide surfaces of the board. I used Farrow & Ball paint, Strong White color, in a semigloss finish. Paint stores have the "recipe" for most paint colors so you can have any color mixed for you. Pick any color you like, that's the beauty of design, make it yours. Let dry. Sand entire board lightly with fine grit sandpaper.

Wipe down and apply a second coat of paint. 

Cut two-30" lengths of string, ribbon, leather, twine, anything you like. I imagine I will switch the twine used here for some pretty ribbon later.

Double, loop through single hole. Tie a knot at the end.

A soft and quiet holiday, or an intimate evening...

Maybe just some soft lighting...

Add a garland...

Fabulous as a charcuterie tray...

Celebrate staying home, comfy and cozy...