how-to table setting place mat.. freezer paper stenciling

I've been trying to get cyra more involved in meal-times.. so I freezer-paper stenciled place mats with images of silverware and plates.. to "help" her set the table..




I cut the freezer paper using my silhouette.. but you can also go the more traditional route of cutting out the stencil manually..
(I've shared all of my files at the bottom of this post.)
after cutting out your freezer paper.. arrange your stencils and iron them onto your place mat, shiny side down, no steam, med-high heat setting.. I found that the "plastic lined" freezer paper works best for stenciling..


then using a foam brush I painted the place mats with fabric paint with two even coats... allow your place mat to dry entirely before applying the second coat. Once completely dry.. slowly peel off the freezer paper.. and that's it!




here are my files, if you'd like to try this.. be sure to download the JPEGS if you are going to manually cut out your stencil..

Silhouette files (MAC):
Plate Silhouette file
Silverware Silhouette file

If you use a PC and have a Silhouette.. I'm not sure the above files will be compatable on your software, since I use a MAC. You can get around this by downloading the JPEGS, then import them into your Silhouette library and use the trace feature to set up your file. You can also refer to this Help section on the Silhouette site. Importing and cutting other images with the Silhouette

jpegs, if you are going to manualy cut your freezer paper stencil:
silverware JPEG
plate JPEG

here is our first time using them.. cyra thought it would be "silly" to use the painted plate as her plate for lunch... she is just too much.


hope you enjoy this project as much as we do!

Comments

[Gaby]

P.S. the files opened in Studio on my PC with no problem! Thank you!

[Gaby]

I love this! I am going to have to try it!

[Tifany D.]

These are awesome!

[Imene]

I so want to get a silhouette with all the things you have been sharing. Love it!!

[deena]

Thanks ladies! Kris. I'm pretty sure I used all the same the settings for vinyl. But I did have some trial and error before getting it right. Make sure to use the plastic coated freezer paper. Good luck!

[Kris]

I LOVE your idea - gonna have to try that with my 3 year old.

Would you mind sharing what settings you use to cut the freezer paper with your Silhouette? I've tried a couple times on mine, and it ends up ripping, or tearing at some of the edges, so it won't make a clean stencil.

Thanks!

[Laini Taylor]

These are so cute, I love them! And not just for little ones. They'd look great on any table :-)