Woven bamboo plywood is typically used as a renewable resource for covering walls and ceilings, but it can also be used to create place mats bound with twill tape. The same technique works for making runners, coasters, or even a full-sized table covering for an old table that needs dressing up.

Material:

Tools:

Directions:

2. Measure perimeter of cut piece of bamboo plywood. Cut twill tape to a length about 1" longer than perimeter.

3. Run a bead of glue along half of one edge of cut bamboo plywood and spread it out evenly with finger. Starting in the middle of one side will make it easy to reconcile the ends of the tape when the work is completed. Starting with one end of twill tape, place tape along edge with about half of width of tape on bamboo mat and the rest hanging over the edge. Press into place, making sure glue runs close to outside edge of tape to ensure that it does not peel back from plywood. If you find it easier, glue can be applied to twill tape and then pressed onto bamboo panel.

4. When you reach the corner, make a 45-degree fold to create a mitered detail at the corners. Continue to add glue and wrap the tape around all 4 sides and corners until you get all the way around the plywood piece and the ends overlap. Trim tape to size, fold under at a 45-degree angle, and glue final edge into place.