Mark with a pencil where the top edge of the straw falls and build this effortless idea

Few things that can make your table setting look more complete than a table runner. Runners are a fun way to embrace the season or show off your style. You can match one to your dishes or use a contrasting color to make them stand out. In a perfect world, there would be a unique table runner for each table setting. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a new, one-of-a-kind table runner whenever you want one. All you need is some fabric, straws and contact paper.

The beauty of this project is its simplicity. It's easy to do, so you may even find yourself feeling the stress melt away as you create your beautiful runner. Try different colors of coordinated wallpaper to make a funky pattern, or stick with one pattern for a cohesive look. Use a wider piece of fabric for a bigger table runner, or use the thinner version like we did for an unassuming yet chic table runner.

Materials
- Contact paper
- Plastic straws
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Non-wired fabric ribbon, linen or canvas — at least 4 inches wide
- Fabric scissors
- Hot glue

Instructions
1. Roll out a length of contact paper. Line up your straw with the edges, and mark with a pencil where the top edge of the straw falls.

2. Using scissors and the mark you made, cut out enough contact paper to wrap the straw. Peel off the back of the paper, and wrap the straw. Use the palms of your hands and fingers to smooth the contact paper as much as possible. Trim any excess paper from the ends of the straw.

3. Measure 4 inches on the newly wrapped straw and mark. Cut on the mark you made, so you have two sections of wrapped straw.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 until you have enough straws for the table runner.

5. Roll out the fabric ribbon, so you have a length of it to work with. Use a ruler to measure 3 1/2 inches from one side of the ribbon. Move a few inches up your length of fabric, and mark 3 1/2 inches again. Continue until you have several markings all the way up the length of fabric ribbon, then use the marking to create a line down the length of ribbon.

6. Using fabric scissors, cut along the line you just made. You should now have a length of ribbon that measures 3 1/2 inches wide.

7. Lay the strip of fabric horizontally. Apply a line of hot glue across the strip. Press one of the sections of wrapped straws into the glue, centering it so there's a little bit of straw overhanging on each side.

8. Secure another piece of straw next to the section of straw you just glued. Repeat this process along the entire length of fabric. Once you place your last straw, allow the glue to dry completely, and set your table with your beautiful new runner.