• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

November 15, 2012

Ballard Holiday Table Runner Knock-Off

 

Well, I told you yesterday that I was saying Farewell to Fall and hello to Christmas, didn’t I?

I’m nothing if not a woman of my word, so I’m back again today with my first Christmas craft of the season!

I just love me some Ballard Designs. Don’t you?

But, their prices don’t love me back.

So, I have to resort to knocking them off. That always sounds so wrong doesn’t it?

Kinda has a Bonnie and Clyde ring to it. I’m just going to think of it as imitation being the sincerest form of  flattery!

This is my version of the Ballard Designs Hanging Ornament Table Runner.

Theirs ~$79.00

Mine ~ $15.00

 

Here’s what you will need to make this:

1. Drop cloth cut to size of runner you want (don’t wash the drop cloth first!) 

2. Fabric squares or remnants

3. Twine

4. Ribbon in coordinating color

5. Glitter Paint writer in color of your choice 

 

 

Step 1 ~ Using whatever you can find that works, cut out your desired ornament shapes. I was trying to do my best to imitate the Ballard version so I went with round…and used a glass ’cause I really stink at doing shapes freehand.

Be sure to use a really dull pencil over and over again before finally going in search of one that is sharpened! It adds to the whole “tortured crafter” thing.

 

 

Step 2 ~ Once you have your shapes cut out (ok, so I actually don’t totally stink at doing shapes freehand since I did that one on the far right! Not bad huh?) place them on the drop cloth runner and then use No-Sew/craft glue to attach.

 

 

Step 3 ~ Cut twine to desired length (they should all line up at the top) and put a knot at the bottom where it attaches to the fabric ornament. Glue twine in place.

 

 

Step 4 ~ Use the ribbon to cover up the top of the twine pieces and attach with the No-Sew glue or craft glue.

 

Step 5 ~ Finish off the edges of the ornaments with glitter paint

Step 6 ~ Stand back and admire your handiwork and then take it off the table before your children can cover it with crumbs. Oh wait…

 

I couldn’t resist snipping some Rosemary and bringing it inside. It makes the whole house smell so wonderful!

 

 

I gave this little white box some detail courtesy of the Graphics Fairy and it looks so festive filled with Christmas goodness, doesn’t it?

 

 

 

It’s official, my house is making the shift from Fall to Christmas.

Don’t believe my husband if he tells you that I’ve been listening to Christmas music since before Halloween.

It was only instrumental music so that doesn’t count right? But you better believe that Bing, Nat and Perry (Como not the  Platypus) are bellowing out their best Holiday tunes now!

How about you? Is your home starting to make the shift too?

Thanks so much for joining me as I knocked-off kindly imitated Ballard’s today at the Fence,

 

This post is partying here:

Feathered Nest Friday

Vintage Inspiration Friday

Home Sweet Home

Open House Party

Grace at Home

Fall Into Fall

Wow Us Wednesday

Tutorials, Tips and Tidbits

Tabletop Tuesday

Meet Me Monday

Treasure Hunt Thursday

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

 

49 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Crafts, Decorating, DIY, Good Ideas, Holidays Tagged With: Ballard Designs, Christmas craft, Christmas table runner, holiday, knock-off decor, table runner

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « Farewell to Fall in My Home
Next Post: Welcome to Inspiration Friday No. 90! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Courtenay says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    How cute is that??! Answer: So cute! And simple! And brilliant! I just love the little bit of pattern the fabrics that you chose add too. Well, done!

    Reply
  2. Amanda says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:06 AM

    Love this! I can’t believe their price, your version is wonderful, the brighter fabrics give it a festive pop!

    Reply
  3. Maureen says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:13 AM

    You did such a great job on this that I may have to knock off your knock off!

    Reply
  4. Judy Clark says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:25 AM

    Vanessa – That is really cute and I like the price so much better. Reminds me of the pillows last year from PB I think.

    Judy

    Reply
  5. Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:35 AM

    Your comment about Perry (not the platypus) made me almost choke on my coffee!!!

    Love your runner, it’s so pretty!!

    Reply
  6. Cindy says

    November 14, 2012 at 9:52 AM

    Adorable table runner, just love it!

    Reply
  7. Martina says

    November 14, 2012 at 10:21 AM

    Sooooo cute Vanessa, I love it!! I love the way you filled that pretty tray with greenery and berries too! Can’t wait to start decorating for Christmas!

    Reply
  8. Heather says

    November 14, 2012 at 10:42 AM

    You did a fabulous job on this a Ballard KnockOff. I just shared it on my Facebook page. Can’t wait to see more holiday knockoffs and ideas in the near future. Heather
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Larissa-Hill-Designs/186766618057210?ref=hl

    Reply
    • Vanessa says

      November 15, 2012 at 7:50 AM

      Thank you so much Heather! 🙂
      Vanessa

      Reply
  9. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    November 14, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    Vanessa,
    Oh my goodness…this is SUPER DUPER CUTE!!! Just think how many ways you can do this for more upcoming holidays.

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  10. Cynthia says

    November 14, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    Great job! I love this project. I love the fabric pieces you chose.

    Cynthia

    Reply
  11. Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) says

    November 14, 2012 at 12:03 PM

    This is gorgeous!! Looks pretty simple and you can’t be the price – love everything about it! =)

    Reply
  12. Linda @ it all started with paint says

    November 14, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    So super cute — and I’m not just saying that because I’m crazy for drop cloths!

    🙂

    Linda

    Reply
  13. Kim says

    November 14, 2012 at 1:01 PM

    That is too cute!

    Reply
  14. Vanessa says

    November 14, 2012 at 1:56 PM

    Hi, Vanessa

    This is a lovely table runner, so glad you shared.

    Vanessa

    Reply
  15. Judy says

    November 14, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    That is the cutest table runner ever. I love it. I’m sure you kids must love it too. Great job as always.

    Reply
  16. Shelia says

    November 14, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    Hi Vanessa! Oh, this is so cute! You did a great job of copy catting and the little dangly ornies are just darling! You’re good, honey! 😉
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  17. Cindy says

    November 14, 2012 at 2:40 PM

    I love it! Such a cute Idea and I haven’t even seen the Ballard one but I’m sure yours is MUCH cuter!

    Reply
  18. Gina says

    November 14, 2012 at 3:08 PM

    I love the table runner! You did an excellent job!

    And yes, even though I haven’t pulled out the Christmas decorations, you can bet I’m listening to Christmas music…and have been for some time now!

    Reply
  19. Anne says

    November 14, 2012 at 5:07 PM

    Beautiful table runner! You did an amazing job re-creating it!
    xx
    Anne

    Reply
  20. Recreate and decorate says

    November 14, 2012 at 5:11 PM

    That is too cute! Yes slowly I am decking the halls! My husband as been deployed and will be home Dec 1 so I want the house to be ready for him! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  21. Nana Diana says

    November 14, 2012 at 6:29 PM

    Vanessa- You did a wonderful job! And you can’t beat the cost. I love all your prrojects- you are so talented. xo Diana

    Reply
  22. Carol says

    November 14, 2012 at 6:56 PM

    That is really cute, Vanessa!

    Reply
  23. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

    November 15, 2012 at 1:25 AM

    I LOVE this! I so love Ballard Designs as well – I have two of their catalogs sitting nearby and their pages are earmarked!
    I just posted a Target holiday pillow “knock-off” earlier this eve (I know – that sounds so mean!). 🙂

    Thanks as always for all of your great posts!
    – Claire

    Reply
  24. MariaElena says

    November 15, 2012 at 2:36 AM

    Love, love this runner!!! Vanessa, It is so pretty! I have a thing for runners so I may have to try my hand at making this. Just beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
  25. Angeliva says

    November 15, 2012 at 4:21 AM

    You did such a great job on this that I may have to knock off your knock off!
    I love your bLog!!!!!

    Reply
  26. Leslie Stewart says

    November 15, 2012 at 7:06 AM

    I love this runner! So cute and thanks for sharing the great tutorial! Have a great day and a Happy Thanksgiving!
    Leslie

    Reply
  27. Robin says

    November 15, 2012 at 7:19 AM

    Thrify lady you have produced yet another keeper! Your table runner is adorable and I just love the fabric you picked out for the ornaments.

    Reply
  28. Debra@CommonGround says

    November 15, 2012 at 10:26 AM

    OK, this is super cute and you did a great job with it. really fun for Christmas!!

    Reply
  29. Sherry says

    November 15, 2012 at 10:39 AM

    Hi Vanessa, The runner is sooo cute that I may have to copy you! Hope you don’t mind. The box filled with rosemary is also wonderful. Thanks for partying at the Open House party and I hope you have a great weekend.

    Reply
  30. Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage says

    November 15, 2012 at 12:39 PM

    You had me at no sew – and the cuteness factor too!!
    Pining for this and pinning it too!
    Kelly

    Reply
  31. Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says

    November 15, 2012 at 1:19 PM

    This is so gorgeous! I love it. Really nice job 🙂

    Reply
  32. Carlene@Organized Clutter says

    November 15, 2012 at 3:58 PM

    Great knock off runner. The white box and natural vignette is so nice.

    Reply
  33. Paula@SweetPea says

    November 15, 2012 at 4:40 PM

    So cute! I love the fabrics that you used to created the ornaments. Your centerpiece is pretty, too!

    I’ve been busy crafting a pillow that’s similar to your runner. I’m hoping to have it ready to start enjoying just after Thanksgiving.

    Reply
  34. Debbie says

    November 16, 2012 at 6:07 AM

    Hi Vanessa, what a great knockoff! You did such a good job on that, and it’ll be fun to get that out each year, won’t it? And I really love the little white box on top. You’re so talented! Have a great day!

    Debbie

    Reply
  35. Suzan says

    November 16, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    Oh Vanessa this is just gorgeous – what a beautiful job!!!

    Reply
  36. Carol says

    November 19, 2012 at 8:10 PM

    This is so cute, Vanessa! Great job!

    Reply
  37. Sherry says

    November 21, 2012 at 8:42 AM

    That is very cute! Love the fabrics you used! Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for joining me at HSH!
    Sherry

    Reply
  38. Felicia says

    December 2, 2012 at 4:59 AM

    Are you hems around the edges of the drop cloth once you cut to size? If no… once you wash(?) does it fray?
    Thanks!!

    Reply
  39. Felicia says

    December 2, 2012 at 5:00 AM

    … sewing hems…

    Reply
  40. Pamela says

    December 4, 2012 at 9:31 PM

    Vanessa I love this! It turned out great!

    Reply
  41. Liz @ Quirky Vistas says

    December 5, 2012 at 5:21 AM

    I’m loving this! It would go so well with the felt Whoville tree I have on my table! Thanks for the tutorial. I’m going to try and find a way to fit making one of these in along with everything else. It’s so adorable!
    Liz

    Reply
  42. Shannon @Fox Hollow Cottage says

    December 5, 2012 at 2:39 PM

    Vanessa this is super sweet!! I had not seen the original so as far as I’m concerned.. you invented it 🙂

    Reply
  43. Krista @thehappyhousie says

    November 15, 2013 at 11:35 AM

    This is stunning! I love it – thanks for the tutorial. Pinning and I want to make my own!!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Boycotting Black Friday? Have a DIY Christmas Instead says:
    November 23, 2012 at 1:03 AM

    […] 7. Holiday Ornament Table Runner […]

    Reply
  2. Homemade Christmas Decorations {our reindeer + more} - Four Generations One Roof says:
    November 12, 2013 at 3:31 AM

    […] Tabler runner tutorial […]

    Reply
  3. A Handmade Christmas: 10 DIY Christmas gifts you can make from scratch - Unskinny Boppy says:
    November 26, 2013 at 7:44 AM

    […] 7. Holiday Ornament Table Runner […]

    Reply
  4. 13 Cool DIY Christmas Placemats says:
    December 13, 2013 at 11:35 PM

    […] ornaments table runner (via atthepicketfence) […]

    Reply
  5. DIY: Runners for the festive table | For Women says:
    December 17, 2013 at 2:33 PM

    […] DIY and photo credit to: https://www.atthepicketfence.com […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Shannon @Fox Hollow Cottage Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • A New Look for the Family Room

    A New Look for the Family Room
  • Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

    Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze
  • The Slow Exit

    The Slow Exit
  • Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

    Honed Quartzite Kitchen Counters Reveal

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Decorating a Sofa Table May 31, 2023
  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023
  • Console Table Refresh March 24, 2023
  • Laundry Room Makeover February 23, 2023
  • Winter Decorating Ideas January 27, 2023

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
General Douglas MacArthur

Grateful today and every day for those who were vigilant to the point of death in the preservation of our freedom and the principles upon which our country was founded. May we honor their sacrifice by being vigilant too. #memorialday
I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables t I’ve been on the lookout for small side tables to pit next to our outdoor couch and when I spotted these plant stands at @walmart from their @betterhomesandgardens line I knew they would be perfect…and they are!! 👏🏻 This is not a sponsored post. I’m just happily sharing this great find and why we should always be open to thinking outside of the box when it comes finding solutions for our decorating dilemmas.

Now we’re ready to head into this beautiful weekend! ☀️
What do you do when you want to use a bunch of boo What do you do when you want to use a bunch of books in your decorating but it can cost $50 or more for just ONE brand new book? Head to the secondhand bookstore of course! I’m so excited about this new look in my family room and this easy, inexpensive decorating tip I’m bringing to you for this #tiptuesday
Today feels like one of those days that is worthy Today feels like one of those days that is worthy of a chef’s kiss. Blue sky with nary a cloud in sight, perfect mid-70’s temps, a gentle breeze blowing through my hair as I walk around my yard to see the status of my flowering plants.

This morning I was running errands and the weight of hard things that are happening in the world, the culture, my own community and even in our circle of friends just felt so heavy.

But, as I was exiting a store, I passed a couple who were in their late 60’s/early 70’s and holding hands as they walked through the parking lot. I happened to glance over just as the husband lifted his wife’s hand up and planted a kiss right on it. It was a moment that reflected such love and tenderness and it was made sweeter by the fact that they weren’t spring chickens. I felt honored that I had been the one to observe and appreciate that moment.

What an incredible thing it is that as humans we are able to hold so many emotions in our souls all at once. To feel sorrow for the pain a friend is enduring, grieve the decline of a culture drifting further from the Lord, ponder how to navigate a challenging school situation, marvel at and enjoy the beauty of creation right outside my door and feel joy at getting to see a tangible example of lasting love while walking through a parking lot.

I truly believe that as we mature in our lives and in our faith, we learn to embrace the tension that comes with the collision of different emotions and recognize that they can all coexist at the same time without one taking something away from another. Simple joys make the hard stuff a bit easier and hard stuff makes us appreciate those simple joys even more.

What’s a simple joy that you are thankful for today?
Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here Oh what an absolutely lovely weekend we had!! Here are some highlights…

*Friday night I joined some wonderful ladies at church for a time of fellowship and yummy desserts. I made a strawberry lemon coffee cake and it was amazing if I do say so myself. ☺️ We are new-ish to this church and have just felt so warmly welcomed and folded in which has been very healing.

*Saturday was filled with getting our outdoor spaces spiffed up and my guys got our new table put together!

*Sitting outside for lunch with a yummy salad and iced tea felt like a little slice of heaven.

*Sunday we went to the iris gardens with my in-laws and then came home for naps and the most mouth watering ribs that my sweet husband had on the smoker all day.

*This glorious weekend ended with some ferocious rounds of UNO-corn (a hilarious version of UNO) and brownies my sweet daughter made for our dessert.

How was your weekend sweet friends? 🌸
I am absolutely and completely a better version of I am absolutely and completely a better version of myself when the sun is shining! Raise your hand if this is true for you too.

And, not only do I feel myself seeming to physically rise up from a slumbered state to greet the sunshine we've been longing for, I find that it seems like my house is rising up too. Every room, every nook and cranny (even though I now see dust bunnies that I missed during my cleaning on the dreary days), every leaf and flower outside...it's all coming to life and breathing fresh hope into my spirit. What a gift it is to be able to enjoy this home in all of the seasons of the year and of our lives. Now, I'm going to head outside and clean our deck and maybe there will be some time leftover for those dust bunnies!
I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispenser I’m slightly obsessed with these glass dispensers! They come with pre-made labels for SO many different options and would make a great Mother’s Day gift! I love how they add a bit of pizzazz to my kitchen. And they go perfectly with some of my antique accessories like the little dish my mother in law gave me for salt and pepper and the tiny toothpick holder which belonged to my great grandmother. 

If you’d like the link to order them, just leave a comment with the word ‘bottles’ and I’ll send it your way. They’re even on sale right now! 🙌🏻
The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This The lilacs are coming! The lilacs are coming! This is what I’m thinking (and sometimes saying out loud) every time I pass my dining room window and see my lilac tree bursting forth. I should probably just go full Paul Revere and ring a bell while I shout the news for all to hear. I’m sure my family would love that!

Lilac season is so bittersweet because it’s over way too soon but, fortunately, I’ve figured out how to capture the deliciousness of the fragrance by making my own lilac scented room spray. It’s SO simple!

Directions: Fill spray bottle with 50/50 ratio of water to vodka.

Add 12 drops of lilac oil. Give it a shake, spray and if the scent isn’t strong enough, simply add a few more drops of lilac oil.

This sweet little project was first featured in my book Life in Season and is definitely one of my favorites.

Have the lilacs started blooming where you live?
The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard ar The cherry blossoms on the tree in our backyard are at their peak and I’m here for it!
It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the gr It’s time for another #tiptuesday! One of the greatest joys of this stage in my parenting journey is getting to see the results of the years spent pouring into my children. The worry, the sleepless nights, praying, questioning our decisions and learning to trust in the Lord Who loves them even more than we do. We definitely didn’t do everything right, but what an an amazing experience it is to watch them become these incredible teens/young adults. My tip this week might seem simple, but I believe it can make a major difference in the lives of our children, in our homes and maybe, just maybe, in the culture too. 🌸
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence