Summer may have unofficially ended yesterday, and while I welcome crisp fall air and seasonal flavors, I’m a little sad to see warm-weather days go. One thing that easily carries into autumn is picnicking. Before we furnished our deck (we finally got an outdoor daybed!), I hosted a small rooftop picnic for Jeff and me. I also needed a picnic blanket for Blognic (LA bloggers — are you coming?), so it was the perfect moment for a DIY project.
A painter’s drop cloth with a plastic backing makes a great base because it’s durable and water-resistant. I took inspiration from a beautiful painted canvas and tried stenciling in my new favorite fall palette: cobalt, poppy orange and copper. The result was a bold, geometric picnic blanket that’s easy to make and looks great on a blanket-less rooftop or at the park.
Supply list:
- Painter’s drop canvas with plastic backing (waterproof)
- Square paper punch and cardstock, or a premade square stencil
- Paint brush or foam brush
- Fabric paint in your chosen colors
- Scissors if you’re cutting your own stencil
How to make it:
1. Prepare your stencils. Use a square punch on several sheets of cardstock, leaving space between squares so each stencil is sturdy. I made multiple stencils for each color so I could work quickly without waiting for paint to dry on a single template.
2. Lay a stencil on the canvas and brush paint over it. I worked around the edges first, placing squares in a random pattern for an organic, modern look. Move stencils and vary the spacing to avoid a rigid grid.
3. Repeat the process with your second color, filling in more squares and balancing the composition. You can overlap slightly for a layered effect, or keep each square crisp and distinct.
4. Add your third color and any additional accents. Work until the design feels balanced — there’s no need to fill every inch. The irregular placement gives the blanket personality and makes it visually interesting.
5. Let the paint dry completely according to the fabric paint instructions. Once dry, your blanket is ready for use — it’s water-resistant thanks to the canvas backing, and the painted design is durable for occasional outdoor use.
Picnic time! Spread out your new geometric blanket, pack your favorite snacks and enjoy an easy outdoor meal that transitions nicely from summer into cooler weather.
All photos by Studio DIY
Want more creative projects? Explore other DIY ideas in the full project gallery.