Make Napkins – with and for the kids

I love homemade napkins, especially ones that are full of character and personality (i.e. the kinds that don’t show stains).   Thankfully, I also have kiddos who love art and painting, the bigger the better.   With a couple of yards of linen fabric, some elmer’s markers and acrylic paint we were set to decorate. . . We used an old appliance box to protect our floors.   Thanks Lowes – every time we shop we head over to the appliance section and check if they have any boxes they are willing to donate to our projects! . It was big.   It was crazy.   It was messy.   It was creative – the kids went and got spoons after realizing the paint brushes weren’t as effective as they would prefer.   It was expansive – especially when they started painting on the box, after they were finished with the fabric – just because.   It was crazy and fun. .. After they finished spooning and spattering paint on the linen sheet, we let the “artwork” dry completely for a couple of days.   Then sent it through the dryer for good measure and to use heat to help set the paint.   We then washed the fabric on hot with vinegar.   The vinegar and heat helped “set” the color in – we’re still going to wash these with the colored or dark laundry – just to be safe. . . I think I like our tabletop valentines!