You’ll find placemats made from raffia, jute and seagrass everywhere. They’re wonderfully durable, but over time they can start to look a little tired and grubby. Rather than throwing them away, why not transform them into striking pieces of wall art?

This idea was inspired by New Zealand artist Jeanie Simpson, an Annie Sloan Painter in Residence in 2018 @jeanius_reloved, who shared beautifully painted coasters arranged as artwork in her hallway. Jeanie loved the idea that, with a little imagination, everyday objects could be given a new life instead of ending up in landfill – something we wholeheartedly agree with.

For this project, you can use anything circular: raffia placemats, coasters, trays or even old bowls. The key is to paint several pieces, ideally in a mix of sizes, so they work together as a collection. We chose a simple target-style design using bold contrasting colours and a carefully curated palette.

Repeating a few colours across the different pieces will help create a cohesive look once they’re displayed together. Instead of targets, you could experiment with geometric patterns, stars, florals or African-inspired motifs. The most important thing is choosing colours that complement each other beautifully, so take some time to refine your palette before you begin.

TOP TIP

Placemats come in a wide variety of finishes and weaves. Some are natural and highly absorbent, while others have a protective coating that resists paint and water. You’ll also notice differences in texture, from tightly woven flat surfaces to looser, more open weaves. Experiment with the amount of water you use to find the effect you like best. Rather than working against the material, embrace its natural texture and allow the paint to flow organically across the surface.

This is one of the upcycling projects that features in Annie’s book Colour Living.