I absolutely love new linen in our home, and get (much too) excited by the prospect of new colours and textures being introduced to brighten and cosy up our little house. However, I sometimes struggle to find exactly what I’m looking for. And so I decided to make my own! It’s probably taken me too long to realise I could do this, but now that I’ve got a few paint tubes and endless ideas, we’ll likely have new linens much more regularly!
The best part about discovering this project is knowing I can make these items for friends as gifts! I can stamp cushion covers, write text on pillowcases, or free hand any plain covering and come up with a colourful or themed gift that is as original as you can get. These would make gorgeous wedding gifts, or would be perfect for a kitchen tea present. Your imagination is the limit, just grab some linens and get painting!
What you’ll need:
- Plain white (or light coloured) pillow cases or cushion covers – cotton is best
- Fabric paint (I got mine at Spotlight)
- Paint brushes (or stamps of choice)
- Paper to protect surfaces and pillowcase
What to do:
Step 1. Wash your pillowcase (and skip the softener) to get rid of chemicals which may dull paint colours or shrink the fabric slightly. Once dry, iron the fabric to smooth out wrinkles, and to make it much easier to paint on. Place a sheet of paper (baking is best, as the smooth surface will stick less to the wet paint) inside the pillowcase to stop the paint staining the other side.
Step 2. Choose your paint colours and brush, and start working on your design. You can use stamps (or make your own with a potato!), or you can write text. The options are endless! Be careful not to overload your brush with paint, and try to avoid big clumps which will dry much more slowly.
Step 3. Continue your pattern until you’re happy with the surface covered and the overall look.
Step 4. Leave pillowcase to dry overnight (24 hours is best), and then follow instructions on the packaging on how to treat your fabric paint. I used my iron to heat set the paint before washing in cold water (always a little nerve-wracking!)
Once dry, iron again (inside out is best) and pop over a plump pillow or wrap as a gift.
The colour combinations and pattern options are endless, and can allow you to make a gorgeous, personalised gift for those you love!
Ms Chinoiserie Says: Such a gorgeous idea; I’m going to try my hand at “Mr” and “Mrs” pillowcaseS – or “I love you” – so sweet!
About Nicola Goring – I’m Nicola, the florist and crafter behind rubyandjoy. I’m a gardening, fabric loving, mint tea drinking, brownie baking, book obsessed maker! I love a good adventure having just moved back from five years in Scotland (with my lovely Scottish husband).
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