Material: Any Natural or Synthetic Fabric
Right now it’s just a plain-Jane pillow from Anystore USA, but after a little work with some fabric acrylic paint and a stencil, it’s transformed into a unique, personalized accessory. To save time and a step, use a paint that doesn’t require setting with a hot iron. The confidently creative can skip the stencil and use painter’s tape to map out an original design.
Step 1: Whether it’s new or not, machine wash the pillow or its removable cover as the care label requires. Iron the fabric when dry.
Step 2: Carefully position the stencil over the cooled fabric and tape it into place with painter’s tape. If you’re working with a removable cover, place a piece of cardboard inside to keep the front from sticking to the back when it is painted.
Step 3: Squeeze a small amount of fabric paint from the tube onto a paint tray. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently apply a coat to the fabric, using up-and-down strokes (avoid side-to-side painting, which can result in paint sneaking under the stencil). Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours, then remove the stencil.

Shopping List

One one-ounce tube SoSoft Fabric Acrylics (shown in Tangelo Orange), $1.50, www.decoart.com for store locations.

One one-inch-wide roll Scotch Safe-Release Painter’s Masking Tape for Very Delicate Surfaces, about $6 at hardware stores.

Stencils, various prices and packages, at craft stores.

Soft-bristle brushes, various prices and sizes, at hardware stores.

Small paint tray, about $1 at craft stores.