Make a Paint Stick Table Runner

Add a splash of color to your tablescape with this DIY Paint Stir Stick Table Runner. With a little paint, some burlap (or fabric), and glue, this runner comes together in under 15 minutes! Scroll down to see how easy it is to make your own!

TIP: Click the image above to reveal the free building plans. Click the tabs below to see the tools, materials and cut list.

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Cost: FREE (if you ask nicely at the home center)
Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy. Coat stir sticks with paint, and then glue them to a piece of burlap or fabric to hold them in place.

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Scissors
Paintbrush

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Paint Sticks – Get about 48 to create a 4-foot runner
Craft Glue – Choose an all-purpose glue
Paint – Get at least two colors to create a pattern. You can probably get by with the mini samples from the home center.
Burlap or Fabric
Wax Paper

Burlap or Fabric – 1 @ 10″W x 48″L

Steps

1. Paint the Paint Sticks

Divide the paint sticks into two equal groups. Using a paintbrush or small roller, paint the paint sticks in each group in contrasting colors.

Paint Stick Table Runner by Build Basic - Step 1

2. Prep the Burlap

Using scissors, trim the burlap to a strip that runs 48-inches-long and 10-inches wide. Note you can also use fabric or another flexible underlayment for this step.

Paint Stick Table Runner by Build Basic - Step 2

3. Position the Burlap

Lay the burlap on a 4-foot-long piece of wax paper. This will prevent the glue that seeps through the burlap from sticking the assembled runner to the work surface.

Paint Stick Table Runner by Build Basic - Step 3

4. Apply the Glue

Apply glue to the backside of the first paint stick stopping within one inch of each end where the paint sticks will overhang the edges of the burlap.

Paint Stick Table Runner by Build Basic - Step 4

5. Attach the First Paint Stick

Place the first paint stick along the end of the burlap so that it completely covers the edge. Ensure the paint stick runs square to the strip of burlap.

Paint Stick Table Runner by Build Basic - Step 5

6. Attach the Second Paint Stick

Apply glue to the second paint stick. Position the paint stick so that the indentation on the “handle side” of the stick is placed in the opposite direction as the handle on the first paint stick. Press the paint stick into place snuggly beside the first stick so that the two are touching.

Paint Stick Table Runner by Build Basic - Step 6

7. Finish the Runner

Finish attaching the paint sticks in alternating directions and colors to create the pattern. Allow the glue to dry, and then remove the wax paper beneath the runner.