Punched-up Pillows

Remember these? (these linen pillows are on clearance at The Company Store if you're interested)

In case you don't remember, I bought two, the aqua blue and the linen beige color for my family room. Yes, every once in awhile I buy something new.

The pillows were plain, though, and I like PATTERN. I decided to try my hand at fabric painting. Now, usually I just dive in to my projects with abandon, but this time I was nervous. These pillows were on sale, but they weren't the $1.99 price I usually pay for Goodwill stuff.

I ACTUALLY GOT OUT THE TAPE MEASURE. AND I WAS CAREFUL.

But that's not all. You want directions? You got 'em.

1. First, I washed the pillow covers on the gentle cycle and let them air dry.



2. Then I put a piece of cardboard inside for a more stable surface and so the paint wouldn't bleed through.



3. I used stencils and fabric paint, following the directions on the paint bottle. You're right, DIRECTIONS aren't usually my style either.

Here are the finished pillows:

The aqua blue one. Here it is on the sofa.

And here's the linen colored one. Kind of my version of a grain sack look. This one's still drying, so the pillow form isn't in there yet. (See the tape measure? I TOLD you I used it.)

This project was surprisingly easy. The fabric took the paint very well. After they're completely dry, I have to heat set them with my iron (IF I can find it), then they'll be good to wash after 72 hours. Give this a try and let me know how it goes!

If you'd like another idea for the "vintage grain sack" look, check out this post at Joys of Home.

Don't forget, tomorrow is Trash to Treasure Tuesday!!