I was provided product by DecoArt and compensated to write about this project, but all thoughts, opinions, and ideas are my own :)
I'm bringing it back to my roots with this project, and it feels so good! It's so easy to hop onto Amazon, buy something, and have it delivered two days later (sometimes that same day!). But, you know what feels even better? Making it on your own! I have had these pillows (not just from Amazon but varying sources) on my wish list for awhile now. I had them sitting in my cart, waiting to buy them, knowing full well I could make them for soooo much cheaper. Well, I finally did it, and I'm so happy with the results! The best part? They were made using upcycled button down shirts! This project would be close to free if you already have some in your closet. I don't know about you, but that's always the best! Plus, making them with shirts cuts out like 75% of the steps on how you would normally make a cover!
Before you start, make sure that the shirts are washed, not using any softeners. Once they are dried, iron them. I used two different styles of button down shirts, long sleeve and short sleeve. They both work. My only recommendation when picking out the shirt is to make sure they are a men's XL or XXL. That will give you the max amount of fabric to work with without having to cut into the armpits :)
Cut out a piece of cardboard at 19"x 19". This will be for a 18"x18" pillow cover. If you want bigger, then add your needed inches. I usually put a 20"x20" insert into a 18" pillow cover so it fills it out nice and plump! Turn the shirt inside out and lay on a flat surface, button side up. Place the cardboard directly in the middle of the shirt, trying to line up the buttons in the middle of the cardboard. Trace with a pen or fabric marker.
Remove the cardboard and carefully pin in place, making sure to keep all wrinkles out of both top and bottom layers.
Next, sew the square! Make sure the hem is about 1/2" in around the entire piece.
When you are done, turn it inside out! Now you have the closure on the back with the buttons. Genius, right?! Easiest pillow cover ever!
Now it's time to add some paint! To protect the backside of the pillow, place a 18"x18" piece of cardboard into the pillow cover.
Now for the three paint tutorials:
Decorative Lined Pillow Cover Tutorial
For the first pillow, I lined up another piece of cardboard along the front, making sure it was equidistant from the bottom edge. I went with a hand drawn look on this one. Using the SoSoft Lamp Black and a small tipped paint brush, I painted a line down the middle of the cover. I used the cardboard as a guide to keep it straight.
On this first line, I just added little leaves along it.
I then added more lines about 2.5" apart, adding different decorative lines.
When I got to the 2nd to the last line on one side, I switched colors to the SoSoft Antique Gold and added the little circle leaves in the opposite direction. I like doing this just to shake things up a little bit :)
And there it is!
Faux Leather Pillow Cover Tutorial
Now for the second design. This was the easiest out of the three. I measured up 10.5" on both sides of the front of the cover and placed some painters tape to make a line.
I then painted the bottom portion of the pillow cover SoSoft Brown. When this was fully dried, I pulled it off of the cardboard, and then added another coat of the SoSoft Brown. The paint will want to stick to the cardboard, so that's why I did this. You can also use some foil over the cardboard to prevent this :)
Once the second coat is dry, take out the cardboard and feel the amazing results! Serious. It's a pretty good looking faux leather. I was so pleased! I'll be making more of these for sure!
Arrow Pillow Cover Tutorial
Now for the last design. This one requires a little more measuring, but I tried to make it easy for you :) Measure 4" in from each side and place a piece of painters tape along those marks.
Grab an 18" piece of cardboard and mark every 1.5". Line this up 2" in on your cover. Using a small tipped paint brush and the SoSoft Lamp Black, paint about 1" diagonal lines.
Remove the cardboard and paint the opposite diagonal lines. Do this on both left and right sides of the cover.
Now place a piece of tape right down the middle. This will give you two more areas to work with, doing the same thing.
Here's what it will look like.
I just love how all of these came together. But, seriously you guys, that brown one blew my mind. I could not believe how this wasn't hard at all. It has the best texture and is so soft (no pun intended).
The best thing about this, no heat-set is required and it's washable! Just turn it inside out and put it on the gentle cycle, and dry on low heat.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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