Watermelon Tablecloth from Apple Stamps

A long-time warm-weather classic, nothing screams SUMMER like a big cold slice of watermelon on a hot day. Watermelon motifs are becoming especially popular this year, popping up on everything from shoes to hair accessories to fingernails. This summer will be all watermelon all the time.

Let’s hop on this trend with Tulip fabric paint and a helpful hand from another fruity friend from the kitchen – an apple!

This project is kid-friendly, inexpensive, and can easily be accomplished in under an hour (plus drying time). Let’s get started!

Materials

• Tulip fabric paint (I chose red and black because those colors look great with my peachy background, but hot pink and green are always a winning combo!)
• One apple (or a potato – or jicama for extra large prints)
• Pre-washed fabric (I’m using an old bed sheet cut down to size)
• Paint brush
• Disposable or paint-friendly plate

 

Step 1: Slice the apple in half across the middle, then slice down the middle again to create large wedges.

Step 2: Spread a thin layer of Tulip paint on your plate. Dip the apple flat side down a couple of times, moving it around to achieve an even coat, then stamp it directly onto your fabric. Press down firmly for 3 seconds and release. Tada! Continue stamping until the fabric is filled, or until you see fit.

Step 3: Follow along the edges with a rim of black or dark green paint (you may find it easier to avoid paint mixing by letting the red paint dry first). Use your brush to stomp seeds shapes across the cloth, peppering them over the surface at random.

Here, one corner of the tablecloth was left exclusively for seeds. This creates contrast and is one of those fun touches you’ll never find on store-bought goods. Imperfections and inconsistencies in the pattern only add to the charm. 

After you lay it out and set the table, the pattern takes on a life of it's own.

 Have fun!