Today we want to show you an easy fall craft project with raffia that would be an elegant idea for your autumn tablescape: DIY napkin rings.
 
 
 

There are some things to remember when you use the glue to hold the raffia together. First, you need a surface that will serve as the mold for your material. But you also need to ensure that the fibrous material and mold will separate once the glue is dry. When you are working with a small object like a napkin ring, how do you find a cylindrical object that will allow you to easily release the rings once everything is dry? We figured out that a long balloon works perfectly! Especially the kind that you can use to make balloon animals. The diameter is perfect for a napkin ring!
 
Let us show you how we made these simple fall napkin rings.
 
Supplies needed:
· Raffia
· Glue
· Long Balloon
· Rhinestone leaf gems
· Hot glue gun
· Scissors
· Foam brush
· Pin

 
 
 
Step One: Inflate your party balloon with the pump provided and tie the end shut.
 
 
 

Step Two:  This is where we get a little messy! Brush a thick coat of glue around a section of the balloon. Take one end of the raffia and wrap it around that area. Keep in mind that you are decoupaging the raffia onto itself . . . not to the balloon. The cylinder is just there to support your shape. Liberally apply more glue as you continue to wrap the fiber around the balloon.
 
If you need more raffia, you can add it. But one strand of raffia gave us a decent width for a napkin ring. Secure the end down with more glue. (You may need to tuck the end into fibers to get it to stay put, too.)

Step Three: Repeat step two and work your way down the balloon. Wrap more pieces of raffia with the glue to make your desired quantity of napkin rings. Hang the balloon to dry overnight.
 

 
Step Four: Now comes the fun part! Use a sharp pin or scissors and pop your balloon to release your pretty napkin rings. Pop! The balloon will peel right away from the decoupage and raffia.
 

Step Five: Use scissors to clean up some of loose or hanging raffia and dried decoupage from the edges of each ring.

 
Step Six: Attach a jeweled leaf to each circle with your hot glue gun. If you can’t find a pretty jewel, try a button or an acorn top. Personalize it for your table!

 
Enjoy your new napkins rings at your next dinner party this season! See how easy it is to use decoupage to turn the raffia into a shape? Why not make a set of these napkin rings for your Thanksgiving table?