DIY Painted Grid Pleather Placemats

If you’ve been following my blog for awhile, you know I’m a big fan of pretty table decor, good simple food and delicious drinks. Today’s DIY includes all three to create a project that’s equally perfect for entertaining as it is for everyday. Because I believe champagne isn’t just for special occasions and gold flatware should be used as much as possible (even if you’re just eating cereal).

One of my favorite go to fancy but oh-so-simple meals is a charcuterie plate paired with some bubbly, like Andre Champagne. I mean, is there really anything better than fresh crusty bread, fruit, good cheese and a refreshing libation? It’s my favorite thing to serve when friends are stopping by unannounced and I’m suddenly in an entertaining pinch. I just search the pantry and fridge for some small bites (because I’ll admit I usually keep many of these things on hand—it is one of my all time favorite meals!) or I run to the store and grab some delicious additions and plate them. Whether it’s Andre Brut, Blush or something sweet like Peach Moscato, I keep our wine bar stocked with Andre Champagne and sparkling California wines. It’s an easy way to turn a simple get together into an epic party!

And because I love entertaining pieces that are both practical and stylish, I’ve created these pleather grid placemats. They look lovely when used as a backdrop for your spread and can be wiped down.

Supplies: white pleather (cut to 12″ x 16″ sheets) / thin washi tape / painter’s tape / black craft paint / flat paint brush / ruler
Time: 30 minutes + drying time

Step 1: Cut the pleather into 12″ x 16″ sheets (a cutting mat and rotary cutter makes this super easy to do). I used vinyl tablecloth pleather because it was way more affordable than using real leather and it can be wiped down after each use. Then apply small pieces of the thin washi tape every 2″ across the long side of the placemat. If you want a smaller grid, use the tape to mark every 1″.

Step 2: Align the painter’s tape with the thin washi tape marks to create a striped pattern across the entire placemat. Then remove the washi tape and use your nail to smooth out the tape and make sure it’s firmly adhered.

Step 3: Paint inside the thin lines. I recommend painting one side at a time, away from the tape, to get the cleanest lines.

Step 4: Let the paint dry for a minute then carefully remove the tape. It’s important to remove the tape before the paint is fully dry to get clean lines.

Step 5: Remove all the tape and allow the paint to completely dry. Then repeat the same steps to mark off and tape the lines in the opposite direction.

Step 6: Continue painting away from the edge of the tape and removing the tape as you go. When you’re done, remove all the tape and allow it to dry completely. Then repeat with the other placemats and they’re ready to be used!

How would you use Andre to turn an impromptu get together into a stylish (and epic) party? Share your #EpicWithAndre ideas below!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Andre Champagne for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. Thanks so much for supporting the brands that keep Sarah Hearts going!