Moss Table Runner

The other day one of the twins had her tooth pulled.

It was traumatic.

And I’m not talking about her.

I thought that they were going to have to give me anesthesia.

I crossed and uncrossed my arms about 500 times and fidgeted in my seat and clenched my teeth and involuntarily flinched at every move the doctor made.  All the while…..trying to appear calm and reassuring and completely in control whenever she happened to catch my eye.

Yep.

I’m a mom….remember?

Completely in control…..sitting calmly….

…..unknowingly eating an entire container of tictacs.

Detail of the moss runner with nest and eggs

And when it was over, I held her in my arms.

And brushed her hair off her face.

And wiped her tears away.

And promised her a million and one chocolate milkshakes.

 

Then she dried her eyes and proudly carried her tooth home.

A view of the table through windows

Later that night…..I overheard the bits and pieces of a whispered conversation.

“Do you think the tooth fairy will know to stop here and not the doctor’s?” one twin whispered to the other.

The conversation continued until I heard the age-old question that has been asked since the beginning of tooth fairy time.

“What does she even do with all those teeth?”

Her sister shrugged and said, “Someone told me that she makes furniture with them.”

“Furniture?  With teeth?  Really?” the tooth owner replied.

And then there was silence.

Nothing.

As if the thought of teeth and furniture was almost too much to comprehend.

And then the sounds of quiet giggling filled the air as they both drifted off to sleep.

 

But the story doesn’t end here.

A letter to the tooth fairy

For when the tooth fairy made her nightly furniture pick-up rounds she found this note:

Dear tooth fairy,

Are you a normal person?

Check yes or no.

PS  If you aren’t comfortable with that question…..don’t answer.

 

The tooth fairy read the note….smiled….checked yes….

…..and then promptly made the tooth into a “wing back” chair. 🙂

How to make the moss table runner

How to Make a Moss Table Runner

1.   Patiently listen to a tooth fairy-furniture story.

2.  Purchase moss ribbon at Wal-Mart

I know.

I said Wal-Mart.

And it was only $2.00/roll.

You will need six rolls for this project.

3.  Cut a piece of cardboard the desired length and width for your runner.

4.  Weave moss ribbon in a checkerboard pattern.

5.  Hot glue the woven ribbon to the cardboard.

6.  Trim off excess.

7.  Then follow along with my I Heart Moss Pinboard for a lot more moss inspiration.

 

PS  I think the runner would look amazing in the living room on the side table next to my new wing back chair. 🙂

Sharing this at Between Naps on a Porch.

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Comments

  1. Image for Robyn Robyn

    I always believed the tooth fairy made cobblestone paths with all the teeth but I see she has gone into the furniture business. Next we'll be seeing her at the fairy markets.

  2. Image for Tammy Killough Tammy Killough

    Hahaha....this story cracked me up! I guess I never questioned what she did with all those teeth...but it is a good question! I love this table runner....and I'm so sad, because our Wally world doesn't carry that moss ribbon....BOO....and it would be fun for so many things! Your runner is gorgeous! Thanks for the tale! ~Tammy

  3. Image for Lori H Lori H

    I love the furniture idea. My kids thought she planted them and grew flowers in her garden (I may have told them that). Ahem. The thought of all those teeth is kind of gross and doesn't bear too much thought! Your moss runner is so pretty! For some reason, fake moss makes me sneeze, but I will enjoy looking at your runner :)

  4. Image for Cynthia @ A Button Tufted Life... Cynthia @ A Button Tufted Life...

    As always you have found the perfect way of sharing a charming story and making us feel a part of it so completely... You have a beautiful way with words! Thank you for making me smile... and reminding me about that wingback chair I have in the basement...

  5. Image for kirby carespodi kirby carespodi

    *whew* When I saw the title, I thought you used real moss. Which, once upon a time, I did. Thinking I was being all trendy and whatnot, I carefully harvested moss from beside a country road--moss is not easy to harvest!-- and laid it flat in one of those big underbed boxes. I brought it home and arranged it carefully in a circle in the middle of my little round tea table. I placed some birds nests and fresh flowers and more on top and it was beautiful and fresh and all nature-y. I loved it. And that night when my husband came home from work, I expected to hear how great it looked (even though he never really notices stuff like that) and all I heard from the living room was "What are all these bugs doing in here?" *sigh*

  6. Image for baileywife baileywife

    Ok, I was totally picturing you at the dentist fidgeting and worrying....your such a sweet mama! And looks like you got a better deal with that moss ribbon from Wal-Mart than the other ribbon? ~ Kim

  7. Image for Luci @ Bungalow At Home Luci @ Bungalow At Home

    I think sometimes those experiences are much much harder on us as parents... I love this moss runner! I'm pinning this! There's only 1 problem, I won't shop in a Wallmart for many reasons.. But I might just have to! Happy Easter and as usual great post!

  8. Image for AnnaM AnnaM

    I've seen the moss ribbon at our Wal-mart and thought it would be neat to use in spring projects. You actually did it. My projects often don't get past the thinking stage. Love that runnerl!! I was happy to hear of the girls whispering and giggling about the tooth fairy. I needed that after feeling your pain at the dentist . Our children's pain is the toughest pain to deal with, isn't it? You're a good Mama...

  9. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    Gotta love the tooth fairy! Wonder how Mother nature feels about being able to buy moss in a ribbon form at Wal mart? Enjoy your weekend...and may you have a wonderful Easter! ;)

  10. Image for Vickie @VickiesVintage Vickie @VickiesVintage

    What a great story! I remember those days, even at my age! I always wondered the same thing. Lol. Love the runner! I used to do so many things like this when I had my business. However, when mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I didn't have time to do those things anymore. But I love seeing the creativity in you and so many others! Beautiful! Thank you for sharing!

  11. Image for Jenna Jenna

    Cutest Mom story ever, to go along with a super cute table! I would have never thought to try moss with black & white, but in my book black & white looks fabulous anywhere anytime so why not! The pops of red really make the table too. Thanks for sharing the info on the moss ribbon, Wal-Mart, really! Who would have guessed!

  12. Image for Atta Girl Says Atta Girl Says

    You forgot a step: sweeping and vacuuming up all that moss. That stuff is messy to craft with. Beautiful, but messy. PS-please ask the tooth fairy if she has any tricks for fixing broken, first baby teeth. Someone was playing with his after it fell out, and it broke. So I'd be careful sitting in that wing chair. :)

  13. Image for Angela Angela

    Such a sweet story! The letter is too cute! Your twins are so precious but that's no surprise with a momma like you! Love the runner too! Hope your family has a wonderful Easter! ~~Angela

  14. Image for Joyce Joyce

    What a precious story and you have decorated your home with pure magic! Love the use of moss and your previous post on the living herb wreath. I think that just maybe - all sorts of fairies live in the beauty of your lives! Jemma

  15. Image for Trina @ afewmineradjustments.blogspot.com Trina @ afewmineradjustments.blogspot.com

    That is so ironic that you wrote about the tooth fairy this week! My kindergartners wrote about what the tooth fairy does with the teeth too! Some answers...She puts them in her tooth pile. She decorates the outside of her house with them. She puts them in the sky and they become stars. Out of the mouths of babes! Happy Easter!

  16. Image for Susan Susan

    I heard she made jewelry...Kind of creeps me out! The moss runner is perfect for the Seattle area; we grow it profusely:-D My only problem is there's no Walmart around, but I'll look at the Ben Franklin and see if they have something. Happy Easter and I think you need a couple of milk shakes also for surviving the ordeal as a mom, XOXO

  17. Image for Cynthia Cynthia

    I love this story and I would have been a figet too when your child is getting that done. Love the toothfairy note....adorable. This is just priceless! Happy Easter. Cynthia

  18. Image for Tausha Tausha

    KariAnne- You did it again! I love this idea! I have a great distaste for the W store, but I think that I will venture in today to get me some moss ribbon! So simple, yet amazing for an Easter Table Centerpiece! You are such a crafty smartie! PS-sharing on My Craft Channel's FB page (because everyone needs to see this) and I am really loving your blog makeover. Did you do it or did you hire out? You probably did a post about this, and I missed it. If yes, just say duh Tausha! OK, I will shut up now! Have a wonderful Easter my friend!

  19. Image for Bliss Bliss

    We had a whole 'nother conversation here when the youngest swallowed his tooth and that letter to the tooth fairy was creative to say the least. Easter Blessings, Bliss

  20. Image for Regina Regina

    Ooooooo . . . . . I like this. And it's not just EASTER-Y, it's SPRINGY! I like things I can leave up longer, which is why I don't decorate for St. Patrick's Day . . . ;) Although had I known about the moss runner . . . I'm glad your girlie did well with her tooth-pulling. I loved the tooth-fairy quiz. A case of "like mother, like daughter?" Happy, happy Easter!!

  21. Image for Pinky Pinky

    You are such a good Mama!!! We all feel their pain, don't we? I won't tell you about when the first biy breaks their hearts.................OMG! I love the runner and am going to walmart to see if ours has the ribbon. We had ALOT of real moss at the old house but after reading the other comment....no way:) Have a beautiful and blessed Easter with your family. XO, Pinky

  22. Image for Gee Gee

    Sigh... memories. They no longer loose teeth, and they go to the Dentist/Dr. alone now. ohmygosh!! When did this happen. Cute story :-) Luv the moss runner. WalMart, who knew! Happy Easter. Luv Gee

  23. Image for Barb @ The Everyday Home Barb @ The Everyday Home

    My FAVE part (well. aside from the woven moss ribbon runner) is "If you aren't comfortable with that question, don't answer." I smiled. A lot. :) In fact, I might have outwardly giggled a bit. Because while I do not know your precious twins, and have only seen pics of them - I can imagine them being exactly like their mama. Vibrant and spontaneous and full of life. And manners. Cause while they dearly wanted to know the answer, the Tooth Fairy's feelings were ever so more important. I LOVE that. As to the wing back chair... that one gave me the heebie jeebies a bit. No thanks. :) Happy Easter, my friend. xxoo

  24. Image for Kimberly ~Serendipity Refined Kimberly ~Serendipity Refined

    I'm so thankful that the tooth fairy knew to come to your house and not the dentist's office. After all, If she had gone there, she'd have missed the tooth, and the note, and your cool moss table runner. Honestly girl, you find he best stuff at Walmart. And really...tooth fairy furniture....who knew? I'll bet that it takes a really long time to complete a sofa. Happy Easter! xo

  25. Image for Lizz Lizz

    ROFL... kids are amazing aren't they. I so miss those "kid" moments since mine are all grown up now. Thanks for sharing the moss project I was wondering what to do with that stuff!

  26. Image for Cheryl Cheryl

    We had a very similar situation when my daughters had to have a tooth pulled and the tooth fairy left her a very special note on official tooth fairy letterhead, telling her how very brave she was and what a special tooth it would be now. She was delighted. I love your story as well and what a delight it must be for one to have the other to chat with every night before bed time. Twins are great! Happy Easter!

  27. Image for Traci Traci

    I loved not only the tooth fairy story but the moss table runner. I got a giggle out of the note to the tooth fairy. That is just like something my daughter (now 24) would have done. And obviously the tooth fair has excellent taste since she turned the tooth into a wing back chair. Loved this post, your posts are always so well written. Traci

  28. Image for Sarah Sarah

    Oh, if there were a Blog Fairy, I'd be writing to thank her for sending me to Thistlewood Farm that first time. I love stopping by here for a visit. You always make me smile and chuckle with delight, Kari Anne. Love the Tooth Fairy quiz, and am happy to know that the Tooth Fairy does indeed make furniture. Best wishes for an Easter weekend filled with joy! ~ Sarah

  29. Image for Pat Pat

    Such a delightful story! I love the quiz ~ only from kids can we get absolute "real" I think. You're a wonderful Mom! Love the moss runner too. My favorite combo is black and white and I always love red! Your table looks so festive ~ Happy Easter! Pat

  30. Image for sue sue

    Save that note! I have 4 grown children and I kept all their teeth separately witty the notes they wrote. Hilarious!

  31. Image for Jill Flory Jill Flory

    Lovely moss runner and fun story about the tooth :) I've been wanting to do stuff with moss but it's all so expensive at Joann's. I'll have to check walmart :)

  32. Image for Beverly Beverly

    You're a good mommy. I know the tooth fairy took the trauma into consideration. I Have always wanted to do one of these, KariAnne. Was it very messy? Sometimes just thinking about messy stops me in my tracks.

  33. Image for bethanie bethanie

    Well you know, I spend my days with 22 six year olds...I should have started writing down the hilarious things they say years ago. This year has been particularly entertaining, they crack me up everyday. They were having a discussion (ok argument) about the tooth fairy the other day, they always come to me to settle said disputes. So this time it was, "Mrs. Henry, isn't it true that if you wake up while the tooth fairy is in your room, she sprinkles fairy dust over you so you don't remember seeing her, and you still get the money?!" In all my wisdom, I was like, "uh, yeah, sure...." I mean seriously, how do they think this stuff up!? You should have heard the one the same day when one of them said he knew how Jesus died...then proceeded to tell the other children, "he got ran over." He then got a SERMON from the little missionary in the class who in no uncertain terms told him that Jesus most certainly DID NOT get ran over...he died on the cross for our sins...He SUFFERED!!!!! Hand on her hip, finger waving-whole 9 yards!!

  34. Image for Zolane Zolane

    Poor little sweetheart...don't you just hate to see them cry...breaks a mom's heart. Love the whispered conversations between little ones and so happy she could giggle after having her tooth out. Your girls sound as creative as you :) Moss ribbon into table runner...you're amazing! Have a blessed Easter, KariAnne.

  35. Image for Audrey Zumwalt Audrey Zumwalt

    Beautiful story and sweet girls. Love the table runner. Every time I do something with moss, I make such a mess. Maybe the ribbon is not so messy. Will have to give it a try. Blessings and Happy Easter. Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures

  36. Image for Marsha Marsha

    I have a book from my oh, so long ago childhood, about the Tooth Fairy. It explaines what she does with the teeth and how she sorts them, etc.... At the end of the book the question is asked why does the Tooth Fairy like teeth so much? And, according to the book, it's because she doesn't have any of her own! :)

  37. Image for Patty O Patty O

    Karianne: I love, love, LOVE this post! You are so creative and witty (yes I said witty - even though I know that sounds like a little old woman word - I'm really not THAT old). I'm so glad you and your daughter survived the procedure...and I'm absolutely amazed at the thought of tooth furniture (yikes!) Where do children come up with this stuff? Have a blessed Easter! Patty O

  38. Image for Donna Donna

    Love the idea of a moss table runner. Looks so springy! I will have to go and get some. I can relate to the tooth story. I have twin grandsons who are almost four. I can't even imagine Hope you have a wonderful Easter. Loving your blog.

  39. Image for shirley@housepitalitydesigns shirley@housepitalitydesigns

    This could be one of my favorite stories of your kids....and I know that you have carefully tucked that note away along with the other wonderful treasures of your children...I still have my "folder of special notes" of my son's ... he has no idea...waiting for the right moment to give it to him...and I think that moss runner would look great next to that "pearly white" winged back chair!

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