Don’t you just love using stuff you already have to create something new? A few weeks ago, I bought two pieces of hardboard for the back of the bookcases I built. The off-cuts were staring me in the face as I worked in the garage, and I decided to put them to good use. I cut them into smaller pieces with the table saw to create DIY placemats, decorating them with paint and transfers – my favorite!
I’ve been working on my home office makeover for several weeks and felt like I could do with a break. I needed a quick and easy project, something fun that would not take longer than a day or two to complete. These placemats were the perfect project!
Products Needed for the DIY Placemats
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- Hardboard off-cuts
- Belles & Whistles Bohemian Wedding Transfer
- Dixie Belle Silk Mineral Paint – Oyster
- Dixie Belle Silk Mineral Paint – Quiet Cove
- Dixie Belle Clear Coat – Flat
- Paint Brushes – round and flat
- Fine Mist Spray Bottle
- 220-grit Sanding Sponge
The hardboard off-cuts were big enough to cut six placemats of 11 x 15 inches each and one 11 x 36 inch piece that I thought could be useful as a centerpiece for hot dishes, etc.
The transfer design includes four sheets, of which two form one big image, the perfect size for a centerpiece.

As a basecoat, I painted all the boards with an off-white color named Oyster.

Once that was dry, I used a beautiful blue named Quiet Cove to roughly paint a border of about an inch, blended with more of the Oyster in the middle.

I used a big round brush to blend the two colors to flow seamlessly into one another. It ended up looking like clouds in a blue sky.
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Two of the sheets consist of smaller images that can be separated. I picked the images I liked best and divided them between the six placemats.

Two of the placemats each have an image in the bottom corner, two with images in the top corner and two with images centered at the bottom.

The remaining two sheets each have half of one big design, which looks absolutely gorgeous on the long center mat.

It looks even better than I imagined! I am so glad I used two blended colors for the background instead of one solid color.

Here you can see all the pieces together. I feared the blue might be too dark under some parts of the transfer images, but it turned out beautifully. These two colors together are the perfect backdrop for this design, don’t you think?
Tablescape Inspiration
This table setting shows how the placemats and center mat can be used. The red accents in the design led me to a red and blue scheme.

If you are looking for something red and blue that isn’t all flags, this could work for a 4th of July table.

Using less blue and more white could even work for Canada Day! The possibilities are endless.
I would love to hear what you think of these DIY placemats!
Until next time, happy crafting and happy celebrating!
Barb
September 17, 2023Not at all surprised that these turned out so beautifully! You are such a talented lady. But once again I am asking for information. As you are here in AB maybe you could tell me of a retailer who carries DB products. Ordering from the US is cost prohibitive. Thank you.
Marieza
September 29, 2023Hi Barb! I emailed you a few names. Hope that helps.
Nubile
August 11, 2023How can they be cleaned??
Marieza
August 28, 2023Since it has a coat of sealer, it can be wiped off with a damp cloth like most placemats.
Debi
August 11, 2023Stunning
Marieza
August 11, 2023Thank you so much!
Anna
July 2, 2023I love the idea of using hardboard for placemats! These turned out beautiful! Thanks for the step by step instructions and for sharing this post on the Home Imagined Link Party.
Tamara
July 2, 2023This is absolutely gorgeous and your photos are amazing! I just love this idea.
Marieza
July 20, 2023Thank you so much, Tamara! Thanks for stopping by.
Leslie Watkins
June 29, 2023Beautiful!! What a great idea!
Marieza
July 20, 2023Thanks Leslie!
Carol Karl
June 29, 2023Hi Marieza this is such a great idea. I have some old placements which I was going to replace but I think now I should just paint them like you did. All the placemats you find these days are so small, so I will definitely be using this method in the future. Thank you for sharing.
Marieza
July 20, 2023I’m so glad they inspire you, Carol!
Penny
June 29, 2023These are so beautiful, I love them!
Marieza
June 29, 2023I am so glad to hear that, Penny! Thanks
MrsSW
June 28, 2023So pretty – what a great idea!
Sheila
Marieza
June 29, 2023Thanks, Sheila, that’s so kind of you!
Heather Taylor
June 28, 2023Absolutely gorgeous!
Marieza
June 29, 2023Thank you, Heather!
Barbara at Mantel and Table
June 28, 2023Oh my gosh Marieza, they’re absolutely gorgeous!! What a brilliant idea to paint two colors for the background, and your transfers are beautiful – and beautifully placed! The runner is beyond!! Wow – you never cease to amaze me! And good luck with those bookcases!
Marieza
June 29, 2023Aw, thank you, Barbara! I thought of you while setting this table as this is your field of expertise. No pressure at all, lol!
Joey Venter
June 28, 2023Baie, baie mooi. Dit lyk pragtig. Groete en liefde daar.
Marieza
June 29, 2023Dankie tannie!
Suzie
June 28, 2023These turned out beautifully. Like that you didn’t make them all the same.
Marieza
June 28, 2023Thanks, Suzie! I’m so glad you like them.
Rachel-The Antiqued Journey
June 27, 2023OH my gosh this is SO COOL!!! What an amazing way to use up some wood pieces!! This is fantastic for the Patriotic holidays without using flags and such. Those napkins you chose are just lovely.
I would love it if you shared this post at the Home Imagined link party on my blog!! I really enjoyed this!
Marieza
June 28, 2023Thank you so much, Rachel, that is so kind of you! I would love to share, thank you!