The first Texas Tech home
football game is this Saturday, so I thought we would focus on a
favorite pre-game activity - Tailgating! If you're a fan of the
ultimate pastime of pre-gaming, then this easy DIY is right up your
alley. It's the perfect accessory for any tailgate - an adorable turf
runner.
Photo credit: Linda McMillan Photography
For this project, you will need:
6x8 astroturf rug (I purchased mine at Home Depot - they have pre-cut ones in the outdoor department)
gloss white spray paint
packaged stencil set
a manila folder
scissors
1.
Measure your tailgate (or table that you plan to use the runner on).
Cut the rug to the desired dimensions. I folded mine over to use the
clean edge as my "straight edge" and I just cut along the fold.
2.
Cut out a thin rectangle in the manila folder, approximately 1 inch x 6
inches. I used the fold of the folder as a guide so that at least one
of my sides would be straight. 
3.
Starting in the middle of the turf, position the manila folder at the
bottom edge of the rug. (You may also want to protect the surface the
rug is on with a plastic tarp or paper - I used some leftover wrapping
paper.) Spray the paint to create a stripe.
4.
Repeat step 3 on either side of the first stripe, about 1 foot apart. I
only painted the stripes on one side of my runner, but if you're making
it for a table or want the stripes and numbers on both sides, you'll
want to do all of the stripes at this stage.
5.
Once you're done creating the stripes, cut the manila folder in half.
At this point we're just recycling, so you always have the option of
using another folder or piece of cardstock instead. Position the number
stencil at the bottom edge of the folder and trace the outline. Remove
the stencil and cut slightly INSIDE the outline.
6.
Place the protecting folder and stencil next to your painted stripes -
the 5, 4 or 3 on the left side and the 0 always on the right side - and
spray the numbers. (If you need help, google search what a football
field looks like so you can mimic it.)
7. Once the paint is dry, you have a festive addition to your Game Day Tailgate (or Table).
If
you're a Red Raider fan, you might want to check out the Calligraphy
Etc. Tailgating Essentials Guide to get other great ideas for your Game
Day parties!
