Faux Oilcloth-Covered Kitchen Table

No Ten on Tuesday today.  Instead, I want to share a quick project I worked on this weekend.  

There's a saga behind this project, but I won't bore you with the details.  Instead, let's look at some pretty pictures:

 (Please follow the source link before pinning these - they aren't my projects, and I shouldn't get credit.  Thanks!)

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Gorgeous oilcloth-covered tables!  And they used several different methods for covering: staple gun, sewing elastic around the edge, sewing a seem to fit, even hot glue!  

I wanted to replicate the look on the cheap and easy.  I wasn't sure how it would work in my kitchen, so I didn't want to commit without trying it out (which meant staples, nails, and glue guns were out).  And I didn't want to sew, which meant the other methods shown were out as well.  

So first I started with a vinyl tablecloth from Target. WAY cheaper than oilcloth, and I wouldn't be nearly as upset about cutting it up (or throwing it away if I didn't like it).  I put it on top of the table and cut around the perimeter about 6" away from the edge of the table.  Next, I cut little slits all along the edge of the tablecloth about an inch from the edge. I used a safety pin to weave string through the slits.  Pulled it snug, tied it off, and called it good. 

 Seriously cheap AND easy.  

I LOVE how it looks.   I love that it doesn't cut off my line of sight like a tablecloth does.  My husband and I both love that we can wipe it off with a washcloth.  I love that when I get tired of it, I can buy another one without freaking out about how expensive it was and how much time and effort I poured into it.  

I'll be linking this to the parties on the left!