Hi! Ready for another simple and money saving installment of the Grandkid’s Room Makeover I’ve been working on over at my parent’s house? You may remember awhile ago the painted curtains that I did in this room that were inspired by an expensive fabric. Well, when it came time to find some large pillow covers on a VERY tight budget, I decided to whip out the paint again.
Painting my own pillows not only saved money, but it was easy to get the exact colors I wanted.
I picked up some white fabric from Wal-mart for about 5 dollars per yard. It is thick, like canvas and can be found in the section with the upholstery and linings.
I made 3 envelope pillow covers with the fabric and was ready to paint.
My favorite paint to work with on fabric is Martha Stewart multi-surface craft paint.** I like it because it is a good consistency for painting on fabric and you don’t have to worry about mixing in a fabric medium. I also recently discovered these Pouncers** that made getting perfect circles really easy.
Before you get started, put something like a paper bag inside each pillow cover to keep the paint from soaking through both layers.
Now go to town with your pouncers. I found that getting enough paint on my pouncer was key. Then I pressed down, held for a second and gave it a little wiggle.
I did large polka-dots in Navy, medium ones in turquoise, and small ones in lime green.
After they dried, I had to go back and do a little bit of touch up with a brush. I found that as the paint dried there were little specs of white fabric that showed through, but they were easily touched up.
That’s it! Super simple and high impact!
The big reveal will be in the next couple of weeks.
And just in case you missed them, here are some other budget friendly projects from this room.
{Jumbo Polka-dot Painted Curtains}
See the Grandkid Room Reveal here!
Jessica R says
great idea! Have you had any problems washing them ?
Jessica R says
Hi, this is such a cute idea! Question, is it safe for kids to put it on their face and also have you had any trouble washing them ?
tinysidekick says
Hi Jessica. Great questions. I haven’t washed these, but I have washed other fabric that I’ve painted with the same brand of paint and they do ok. I wouldn’t do this on something that needs to be washed constantly. The paint is non-toxic so it should be fine. These ones are pretty much decorative with the exception of the kids using them as reading pillows. They are too gigantic to sleep on anyway. Let me know if you have any more questions and thanks so much for stopping by.
Lisa @ Practically Perfect Home says
I have the same addiction! I actually did a full set of drapes! Pretty awesome stuff…you get a custom design for much less money. Gotta love that! ~Lisa
tinysidekick says
Absolutely! I did drapes too. That is what started the addiction 🙂 Thanks for coming by. Hope you have a great week!
Prototype Mama says
Oh what a cool and easy craft! This would be something that I can do on the weekend– I’m always looking for ways to spruce up little M’s room
Camila says
These are TOO much cuteness!!!! Love it! Pinning!
XOXO
tinysidekick says
Thanks so much Camila!
Krista @ the happy housie says
These are adorable Corey! I love them – am thinking of trying to integrate some painted polka dots into my boys’ bedroom somewhere – you have inspired me! Pinning and sharing on FB:)
tinysidekick says
Thanks Krista! When you do your dots you have to get those pouncers. They are awesome! Have a fantastic weekend!
Krista @ the happy housie says
Corey- I love these so much that I’m featuring you tomorrow morning at Work it Wednesday – hop by to grab your button if you have the chance! Thanks for sharing it with us:)
~Krista
Jenn says
Those pillowcases are adorable! They seem pretty easy to make too. Make a DIY in my future. I’d like to invite you to join us at our link party at http://550westmount.blogspot.ca/2014/01/share-your-stuff-tuesdays-no-32-with.html
We are 5 different blogs so you get more exposure! See you there!
Jenn @ five-fifty westmount
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says
Corey! These are so cute! How clever to use paint! Thanks for sharing!
~Abby =)
Chelsea says
These are way too cute, Corey!! Love how easy they are to make. I kind of want to put polka dots on everything now! Thanks for the inspiration!
Nicole says
Nice color combination for the dots.
Julie says
I love anything polka dot, so I think these are just lovely. I appreciate all the great tips that you’ve picked up and then shared, it’s nice to learn from someone else’s mistakes!
Al says
I love this pillow. I made some artwork for my living room a few months ago using the same colours (plus a few more). One was subway tile and the other was polkadots. This pillow would match perfectly!
tinysidekick says
The greens and blues are definitely my favorite bold colors. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Toni says
Those pillows turned out so cute Corey! I can’t wait to see the whole room pulled together!
tinysidekick says
Thanks Toni! Looking forward to our V-day post!!!
Jacqui Madsen says
Those look great Corey, I have never painted on fabric, its a great way to add colour inexpensively! Will try this out sometime! Jacqui http://www.brookeeva.com
Sonnet @ SohoSonnet Creative Living says
I love these pillows so much! Thank you for all of the great tips as well, I did not know about the polk a dot sponges or the awesome multisurface paints from Martha Stewart. Always great to find new tools for crafting. Thanks so much Corey, I can’t wait to see the big reveal, eeeee fun!
tinysidekick says
Thanks Sonnet! Those pouncers are my new favorite (and my little girl loves them too!) She was painting with them and told me she was going to “put it on her blog.” Hahaha…I’m creating a monster!
Glenna Anderson says
Love your pillows! What a great idea.
Selene Galindo says
Love this pattern and colors! So fun!
Lusine says
I am making these immediately!! What a brilliant idea! I use those same pouncers to make polka dots all the time, it never occurred to me to use them on pillows. Thank you for sharing, Corey!
Lisa @ Practically Perfect Home says
Very cute! I love DIY pillows. Pinning now!