Inspirations

Fourth of July DIY: An Easy-Breezy Blueberry-Inspired Tablecloth by David Stark

This week we’re combing through the Remodelista archives for some of our all-time favorite summer stories. Here’s one:

Here’s a DIY tablecloth for Fourth of July that’s so easy that truly anyone—from kindergarteners to the arts-and-crafts-averse—can make it. Perhaps best of all? It’s blessedly understated, which means it can have a life well after the fireworks are over.

You don’t need any tools (just a couple new pencils, a box, fabric, and some paint) to make this blueberries-inspired DIY tablecloth. Why blueberries? Aside from the apple, is there a more American fruit? Besides, “July is prime time for this seasonal fruit. Why not give it the 15 minutes of fame it deserves?” says David Stark, our go-to expert for event design and the mastermind behind this clever project.

Below, the three-step instructions for crafting this exceedingly easy DIY. Note: While David and his team opted to make a tablecloth, you can just as easily fashion placemats, a picnic blanket, or a butcher-paper runner using the same method.

Photography by Corrie Hogg and Susie Montagna for David Stark Design.

The Materials

martha stewart crafts has 41 shades of acrylic craft paints. 14
Above: Martha Stewart Crafts has 41 shades of Acrylic Craft Paints.

  • Acrylic paint, in brown and two shades of blue
  • Fabric or paper
  • Pencils with new erasers
  • Small paint brush
  • Small box or box lid

Step 1

use a small brush to trace the box or lid onto the fabric with brown paint. rep 15
Above: Use a small brush to trace the box or lid onto the fabric with brown paint. Repeat to create the scattered farmer’s market pattern as we have.

Step 2

fill your baskets with tiny blueberries in two shades of blue! simply dip the e 16
Above: Fill your baskets with tiny blueberries in two shades of blue! Simply dip the eraser into the paint and stamp it onto your fabric.