Monday, November 8, 2010

A Simple Way to Dress Up Paper Napkins

The holidays are fast approaching and it is always fun to come up with new, quick ways to dress up your holiday party supplies.

Today's project uses embossing folders to dress up plain paper napkins. I am entering this project into the Papertrey Pal's embossing challenge that I am hosting. The details are here. Anyone can play along so feel free to join in! I'm also entering this into the Cuttlebug Spot's challenge to decorate items for the dinner table. Join in with that one also if you get a chance!


I thought of this when I was trying to come up with ways to dress up some party favors for my mom's pirate party. I made a stack of these embossed napkins to coordinate with her wine charms for the party.

And then I realized these could be used for other occasions too. So I tried out many different Cuttlebug and Quickutz embossing folders. It's cool how this simple touch can add a lot, and it's fun experimenting with the different folders to see how they look on the napkins!


You can also cut the napkins to whatever size you need too so long as you don't cut on the folds. Then just place the top of the napkin, where the fold is, into the embossing folder and run it through your diecutting machine. You may need to adjust the sandwich so that the embossing is not too deep.

Here are a few examples.

Christmas script napkins...


Elegant brocade napkins (using a 5x7 Cuttlebug embossing folder. The extra length is nice for the longer napkins.)


A closeup...


You can also make 4th of July napkins...


And birthday napkins too.


Now with a stack of plain napkins, you can be set for any occasion.

Just a few tips: these work best with plain dinner napkins. I found some at Big Lots, 20 per pack for $1. They might have them at the dollar store too. I would also suggest rinsing the Cuttlebug folder with soap and water first. For a softer and more subtle impression in the napkin it works well to use the following sandwich: A plate, then embossing folder with napkin, then an extra napkin outside the folder as cushion, and then the C plate. Have fun!

Thanks for taking a look today. Hope you have a sunny day! :)

34 comments:

Nadine said...

What a neat idea Monica! Thank you for sharing, Im definitely gonna keep that in mind next time I have a get together!

Suzanne said...

What a fantastic way to dress up a table without spending a fortune. I'm definitely going to try this during the holidays. Thanks for sharing!!

Cathy Weber said...

This is an unbelievable idea Monica. I will be shocked if you don't win with this great idea!

Rhonda said...

What a fabulous idea!! Creative Winner!

Becky said...

Wow, what an amazing idea! I can't wait to start doing this...

Diane Jaquay said...

OMG Monica, this is so CREATIVE! I never would have thought of running napkins through my embossing machine; I just love this idea! TFS

Keva said...

Oh gosh, these are AWESOME! I really love this idea. They look really nice all fanciful and such! Really cool.

Sue Lelli said...

That is the most CREATIVE idea I have EVER SEEN! You will put the designer napkins companies out of business!

Kim O'Connell said...

WOW! How smart are you?! Brilliant idea!

Stephanie said...

How clever are you??? This is just wonderful!!! I'll be trying this for my Thanksgiving table! TY for sharing such a fantastic idea!

Karen C. said...

What a great idea! It's always good to find new ways to use all the tools we collect LOL!!

Stephanie Washburn said...

That is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

Banu said...

This is such a neat idea. Thanks for sharing.

Eva said...

What a FABULOUS idea!! Too Cool!!

Danielle said...

Awesome idea! Can't wait to try it.

B said...

Fun idea!

BethieJ said...

Monica I LOVE this idea!!! I so need to try this! :)
hope your having a GREAT Day!

GiuliaG. said...

What a super clever idea....I hope you don't mind if I lift this from you.

Rose said...

LOVE this thrifty idea ! Gotta try it out.........

Jen Carter said...

That is so cool!! I never would have thought to try that! TOO fun!

Aimes said...

OK these are AWESOME! What an amazing idea! I'm off to find some napkins....
Hugs,
Aimes
x

Carol's Ink Spot said...

You should win a Grand Prize for this idea! What a great way to dress up the table just a tad more. Your examples are fabulous!

IamDerby said...

Monica you are too clever! You should submit this idea to papercrafts.

Sue Ann said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

Gayatri said...

Clever idea! Love it, Monica!

Rebecca said...

This is such a FANTASTIC idea! Very clever!!

Courtney K said...

what a clever idea!

Donna said...

What a wonderful, easy idea! And a great way to make your table fun! Thanks for playing along at The Cuttlebug Spot!

Unknown said...

I can't tell you how creative this is...they are so adorable they would be like guest towels to me...you can't use them...but you can look at them...:)

Teresa said...

This is such an amazing idea!!LOVE them!

Alyssa S said...

So stinkin' clever! Love it! Thanks for the inspiration :o)

Ayana Posadas said...

Wow! You're a genius! This is such an awesome idea for napkins! I love it!!!

Joan V said...

Wow, this is such a great idea to dress up a plain napkin.

Huguenot Girl said...

What a clever idea! Thanks for sharing!

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