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Young House Love » Crafting & Art » Grate Expectations (How To Make A Geometric Fabric Stencil)

| By Sherry Petersik | October 8, 2013 | 430 Comments

Grate Expectations (How To Make A Geometric Fabric Stencil)

This is a heartwarming story featuring Ethan Hawke and Gwyneth Paltrow about getting crafty with a pillowcase, some fabric paint, and a metal grate, hence that pun-tastic title.

Grate Art4

I don’t know about you, but I always seem to have one or two extra pillowcases around. We only have one set of sheets per bed, but I think since I buy two extra pillows for every bed (and therefore need extra pillowcases) I must see them on sale and grab them without making sure I really need them (hence the over-abundance). Really, it’s sort of a mystery to me since I’m the girl who won’t buy tomato sauce or toothpaste unless I’m sure I’m out, but maybe in another life I was short a pillowcase and it ruined my day so now I hoard them. Truly, it’s weird.

But anyway, I had this extra pillowcase so I thought it would be fun to use it as spare fabric and get a little crafty. And thus this project was born. First I taped it off in a rectangular shape using painter’s tape to hold the fabric taut. Oh and I slipped a piece of cardboard inside the pillowcase to keep it from bleeding or sticking together before taping it down.

Pillowcase1

Then I taped this cute metal grate over it that I picked up at Home Depot for $9, which I immediately looked at and my brain said “um – STENCIL!” At first I debated doing this on paper to make some frame-able art, so you can go that route too, but then I thought using fabric paint on a pillowcase and stitching that up to make an easy little bolster could be fun, so I veered that way at the fork in the road that is Craft Street.

Pillowcase2

I raided my supply drawer for some Martha Stewart craft paints (they say right on the label that they work on fabric – and they’re only a few bucks a pop so I grab them in colors that I like whenever I see them on sale). I also had these stencil brushes (the ones in the blue package) in my craft basket after using a coupon to get them almost free a little while back from Michaels, so I was happy to finally put them to good use. All told, the only thing I bought for this project was the $9 grate, but if you had to pick up the paint and the brushes and the grate it would probably be around $20 as long as you have some fabric on hand. The good thing is that the grate is reusable, so you could make a few pillows or even a table runner and matching napkins and then make some art/stationery/gift tags with it. Oh man, now I’m thinking about the holiday-gift potential…

Pillowcase3

Next it was stamping time. I tried not to load my brush up too much (I worried from the start that things could bleed under the grate – and thick paint applications can make fabric crunchy) so I dabbed it on a paper towel a few times to get rid of excess paint before tap-tap-tapping my way around the grate. I tried to do sections of colors in sort of an irregular wave shape, just so nothing looked like obvious stripes and dots, but had more of a sand-art feeling. Oh yeah, who remembers sand art?

Pillowcase5

Occasionally I blended stuff using a bunch of extra dabs. This is what the blue did on top of the yellow after some extra pats in that area (see how it mixed to create sort of a yellow to green to blue gradient there?).

Pillowcase6

In other places I went with less of a blended edge and more of a defined color-meets-another-color border. It was fun and loosey-goosey and the whole thing probably took me around twenty minutes.

Pillowcase7

I waited a little while to remove the grate (maybe an hour?) just because I worried I’d shift it slightly while ripping off the tape and smear the whole thing. When it dried and I finally removed it… welp, there was some bleeding in a few areas. At first I was sad, but the more I looked at it, the more I liked the varied/imperfect pattern. It almost reminded me of constellations.

Grate Art5

I think if you were going for a perfectly clean-lined look at home, using some stencil adhesive to stick the grate to the paper/fabric might result in a crisper edge, and using even less paint on your brush (and just dabbing it suuuper lightly) would probably cut down on the bleeding issue as well.

Grate Art4

But in the end, I’m calling those imperfections a happy accident. Sort of like how you pay the big bucks for those hand stamped block printed fabrics that are cool and irregular… but that’s the charm. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.

Grate Art6

Update: For those asking if this is washable, someone commented to say they had luck washing fabric that they painted with the same Martha Stewart product by following the directions on the container, so it looks like it can work! I’d just read the label first to find out what you’re dealing with if you plan to wash the item often (like cloth napkins for example) because other fabric paints might have simpler instructions.

Heck, I also think the grate is pretty great art itself. So you could always just paint the grate and not worry about any bleeding under it and then use a metal snip to cut it to fit a frame.

Grate Art

And now that I’ve mentioned the potential for reusing the grate, I’m kind of excited at the idea of a homemade runner or a matching set of napkins. Anyone else planning to try their hand at some grate creations? Will Ethan Hawke be invited? Will Gwyneth Paltrow bring the crudités?

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Filed Under: Crafting & Art, Favorites, Our Third House, Painting

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Comments

  1. Avatar for Manda WolfManda Wolf says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:05 am

    Very pretty! I really like how the colors flow together.

    Reply
  2. Avatar for Kim HallKim Hall says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:05 am

    That is so nifty!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for MelanieMelanie says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:06 am

    Absolutely love this! More posts like this!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:08 am

      Thanks Melanie! My new goal is a small/crafty project like this each week (last Tuesday was wreath day) so here’s hoping I can stick to it!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for AndreaAndrea says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:47 am

      Ooh yes please! It looks so pretty <3

    • Avatar for EstrellaEstrella says

      October 8, 2013 at 12:12 pm

      Yay! I’m excited with the small projects weekly prospect :D

  4. Avatar for Anele @ Success Along the WeighAnele @ Success Along the Weigh says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:07 am

    I did something similar with a different patterned grate with a table runner but my colors weren’t as bright and cheery as yours. Yours is super cute and I love the bleed sections. It makes it unique!

    Reply
  5. Avatar for jilljill says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:07 am

    beautiful! you’re going to have about 100k people doing the same thing now! or some variation. You are so creative!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for AbbeyAbbey says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:07 am

    You forgot to show us the full shot of the new pillowcase on the bed!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:09 am

      I took a few wide shots but the guest room has those white-on-cream stripes on the wall above the bed from spraying the doors so it desperately needs a paint job. Soon I hope!

      xo
      s

  7. Avatar for KimKim says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:08 am

    I actually had been thinking of making a runner as I am desperately trying to add a bit of comfort/color/something to my dining room – I had been thinking of a linen runner with an apple print for fall but I like this grate idea.
    What fabric where you thinking of for the runner?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:10 am

      Ooh linen or burlap would be really fun and textured – although I wonder if some sort of smooth cotton would work more with a stencil and then use the nubby burlap or linen just for something simple (maybe with a raw fring-y edge?).

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Sandra TSandra T says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:27 am

      Hey, I love this! And I think it’s pretty where it bleeds a little (ok, that sounds weird!). And I love the runner idea! Yay for simple art!

  8. Avatar for JillJill says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:08 am

    Love this! Perfectly imperfect!

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Rene @thedomesticladyRene @thedomesticlady says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:09 am

    That is so cute! I have been wanting to paint monograms on some pillows.

    http://thedomesticlady.com/2013/10/04/getting-the-most-use-out-of-your-outdoor-decorations-and-happy-fall/

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:11 am

      That sounds fun!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Crystal @ 29 Rue HouseCrystal @ 29 Rue House says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:13 am

      That would be a neat idea with the grate too! Tape out a letter and use the grate to fill it in!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:15 am

      I love that!

      xo
      s

  10. Avatar for HollyHolly says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:09 am

    I love this, and I think the bleed through actually adds to the charm of the project and makes the pattern more interesting and more organic.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:10 am

      Aw thanks Holly!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Lisa ELisa E says

      October 8, 2013 at 11:23 am

      I totally agree. In fact, until I read the post, after a quick look at the photo, wondered how you achieved that look! Happy accident indeed.

    • Avatar for LexieLexie says

      October 8, 2013 at 4:34 pm

      Haha me too, I was worrying how tricky it would be to get the unevenness as it’s so pretty!

  11. Avatar for Crystal @ 29 Rue HouseCrystal @ 29 Rue House says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:10 am

    So cute! I love it and the imperfections of it make it cooler!!

    Keep ’em coming!!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for NadineNadine says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:10 am

    Super cute!!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for kate C.kate C. says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:11 am

    When I first saw this my immediate reaction was, “that’s really cool how she made it look less rigid and perfect! Wonder how she did that?” So yeah, definitely happy accident – looks awesome! :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:11 am

      Wahoo! Thanks Kate, that makes me irrationally happy.

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for CoriCori says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:21 am

      I had that exact same thought at first! It does look kind of constellation-y, which I think is awesomesauce. Really, really super cute.

    • Avatar for jess hoguejess hogue says

      October 9, 2013 at 9:51 am

      am agreeing with the majority of commenters here. the ‘bleed through’ takes the pillow from fab to FAB.U.LOUS! very cool indeed.

  14. Avatar for AllisonAllison says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:11 am

    Pretty pretty!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for Angie @ Bug Meets WorldAngie @ Bug Meets World says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:11 am

    I love the colors and when I first saw it I totally thought the bleeding was done on purpose. Grate idea! (See what I did there.)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:13 am

      Haha, I see what you did there, and I like it.

      xo
      s

  16. Avatar for MaraMara says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:11 am

    I think the painted grate kinda looks like a heat map index.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:13 am

      Oh my gosh it does!

      xo
      s

  17. Avatar for Leigh AnneLeigh Anne says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:12 am

    Cool and crafty – I love it! I definitely hope to have time for smaller-scale projects like this soon! When I first saw it, I thought the yellow paint looked a little like an elongated version of the state of Virginia. A happy accident indeed! Am I the only one? Anyone?? Bueller?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:12 am

      Haha! Hidden state pride!

      xo
      s

  18. Avatar for ErinErin says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:12 am

    Wow! Happy accident is right. I LOVE how the bleed parts look with the whole design. So cool, Sherry!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for Henna @ HENNA BLOSSOMHenna @ HENNA BLOSSOM says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Wow, that’s so fun! I love your creative eye. Home Depot is YHL craft, eh. ;)

    It’s so funny that you mention having extra pillow cases. I was organizing our linen closet this weekend and a little befuddled as to why we have so many extra pillow cases! :) Still a mystery! But now I have a project, ha. :) Thanks guys!

    xo

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:14 am

      Seriously, DO THEY MULTIPLY?! Are pillowcases the new rabbit?

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for TracyTracy says

      October 8, 2013 at 11:43 am

      We’re moving, so I just realized how many we have. I reasoned it out though – when I get new sheets for one of the beds, the old ones go to stuff like protecting the truck bed when hauling some furniture, or covering my peppers for a surprise frost, etc. The pillowcases aren’t as worn generally…and just stay in the closet!

      Sadly, I rarely get white pillowcases, they’re always some kind of pattern, but it does get me thinking of what else I could do with them.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 11:48 am

      It’s so funny how they hide in there, quietly planning to take over the world…

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for DaynaDayna says

      October 8, 2013 at 4:58 pm

      Make pillowcase dresses! They are very easy to make, just do a search on pinterest. and if you don’t have a little girl or know one, you can donate them to orphanages!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 5:25 pm

      So sweet! I love that!

      xo
      s

  20. Avatar for AnnAnn says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:13 am

    This is a great idea… when I first saw the picture I thought it was going to be a professional line of fabrics lol. It looks good!

    But….after seeing that instagram picture of all the wallpaper on the kitchen floor, I can’t wait to see that post!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:13 am

      Oh man, I only did half of the room so I’m trying to get the energy to finish it so I can post about the whole shebang being done!

      xo
      s

  21. Avatar for SashaSasha says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Just about ran out of the house to pick up supplies to do this, but remembered I haven’t got the money this month. Definitely on my to do list for next month :) can’t wait, absolutely gorgeous :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:15 am

      Aw thanks Sasha!

      xo
      s

  22. Avatar for HilaryHilary says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Did you trim the original pillow case before you inserted a cushion? Or Sew around the cushion? The seams aren’t visible so I wondered how you went about trimming the original pillow case.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:16 am

      I just stuffed the cushion in and only sewed the bottom up by hand (so the top seam and side seams are the original hidden pillowcase seams). So easy!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for EmilyEmily says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:24 am

      I make all the pillows for my house, and swear by envelope style pillow covers. No hand sewing, easy to change out when you get bored with them, and I often use the overlapping portions as a decorative accent (with a contrasting border or something).
      http://www.marthastewart.com/270503/three-ways-to-make-a-pillow-cover

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:35 am

      Love that!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for BethanyBethany says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:47 am

      Thanks for the link Emily! I always make envelope pillow cases too but I’ve never done it with just one piece of fabric, I always use 3 (1 for the front, 2 for the envelope part on the back). This way seems a million times easier!

  23. Avatar for betty (the sweaty betty)betty (the sweaty betty) says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:13 am

    not sure how far this is from you, but the AC Moore on Hull St (near Home Depot and Walmart) is having a liquidating sale right now, everything is 40% or more off! I got tons of Halloween stuff and saved over 60%!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:15 am

      Thanks for the tip Betty!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for betty (the sweaty betty)betty (the sweaty betty) says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:15 am

      I forgot to mention THAT I LOVE THIS! I used to LOVE sand art, I think I still have some in my room at my parents house. I love those metal grates, I might have to get in on this and do something for my guest bedroom!

  24. Avatar for RivaRiva says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Where in Home Depot did you find the grate? I’ve been looking for ones that are flat and all I can ever find is in the venting/ducting section … and the grates are always attached to those boxy things to be set into the floor as part of the all the ductwork.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:15 am

      Ours were in that center aisle sort of in the back of the store right near the edge. Kind of close to the mailboxes and mailbox letters and for sale signs?

      xo
      s

  25. Avatar for Janelle @ Two Cups of HappyJanelle @ Two Cups of Happy says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:14 am

    Even though I’m a perfectionist, I like the bleedthrough. I agree – more crafty posts! I miss crafting :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:14 am

      Thanks Janelle!

      xo
      s

  26. Avatar for BethanyBethany says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:14 am

    Sand art!! Oh, how I miss you. Remember how there would be Sand Art booths at craft fairs? With like a million different colors of sand and super awesome looking glass jars. The coolest jars were always something insane like $50, so I never got to make one of those. Maybe one day.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:22 am

      Yes, those were the best!! And you’re right, they were crazy expensive!

      xo
      s

  27. Avatar for AnaAna says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:14 am

    AMAZING! Im loving the craft projects too, keep ’em coming!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for Lesley LLesley L says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:14 am

    Fall finally arrived on the Gulf Coast, so I painted my front door yesterday. ( White) and ORB’ed our doorknobs! My husband was hesitant at first, but loved the final outcome! Thanks for all you do!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:21 am

      Sounds so pretty Lesley!

      xo
      s

  29. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:14 am

    Love this!! You have such a great eye for appealing shapes and colors. I love the imperfections and totally saw the constellations too! So purdy :)

    Reply
  30. Avatar for KellyKelly says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:15 am

    Oh, I like the irregularities! I think it turned out perfect!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for LizLiz says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:15 am

    Sherry, this was a grate (ha!) post. I actually think the imperfections are what makes it look really cool!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Sarah W.Sarah W. says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:15 am

    So cool! I see in the comments that it’s for the guest room, but it would probably go great in Clara’s room too. Good versatility!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for Amanda T.Amanda T. says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:15 am

    It looks like a delicious rainbow sno cone! I totally want to frame the grate. It’s fabulous!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Sarah O.Sarah O. says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:15 am

    I LOVE THIS. Also, I think it’s Gwyneth, not Gweneth?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:18 am

      Thanks Sarah! You’re right!

      xo
      s

  35. Avatar for Lindsey SLindsey S says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:15 am

    I LOVE the imperfections. I was with you, my first thought was it looked like constellations!

    Reply
  36. Avatar for ReginaRegina says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:16 am

    Sherry, you are genius! This is super pretty.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:16 am

      Aw thanks Regina!

      xo
      s

  37. Avatar for Wendy @ New Moms TalkWendy @ New Moms Talk says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:17 am

    Awesomely simple!

    I have some high hopes for edible garland that I’m looking to test out making this week. (Here’s to crossing the fingers and doing a little pumpkin dance that all goes well.)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:17 am

      Mmm, sounds awesome!

      xo
      s

  38. Avatar for Shellie L.Shellie L. says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:18 am

    I love this! I do have a question though, I’ve used that type of paint before but would the pillowcase be washable? Now I’m thinking I need to make some pillow cases and curtains (stencil the bottoms) for my little girls room.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:20 am

      I’m actually not sure that it’s washable, but you could grab fabric paint that clearly says washable on the label if you want to make something like cloth napkins. In our house pillowcases that are sewn around cushions don’t really get popped into the wash anyway, so I just went with the all-purpose/fabric paint I had. Anyone know if the Martha stuff is washable?

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for Stephanie B.Stephanie B. says

      October 8, 2013 at 12:54 pm

      There’s this cool stuff called Textile Medium that you can add to acrylic paints to make them washable. I had never heard of it until I read in this post (http://www.ourfifthhouse.com/2011/03/stenciled-drapes.html) from Our Fifth House! You just add a little (2 to 1, I think, but the post says more) to your acrylic craft paint and it makes it washable! I got a small bottle (a few ounces maybe?) for $3 at Hobby Lobby! I haven’t tried it yet, so I don’t know for sure, but she raves about it in the post!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 1:46 pm

      Oh yes, we used that to make striped curtains in our book! We really liked it! It makes the paint softer too and is really cheap!

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for KolitiKoliti says

      October 8, 2013 at 4:12 pm

      Did it say in teeny tiny print on the bottle? Like if you need to heat set it? Or just let it set for a certain amount of time? Or wash it just in cold? Maybe they have more info on Ms Martha’s website.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 4:14 pm

      Someone said the bottle had info, so that’s awesome news! She actually said she followed the directions and it was washable and she had great success, so that was great to hear!

      xo
      s

  39. Avatar for mpsoderbmpsoderb says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:19 am

    This.is.amazing.

    How do you even think of these things?!?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:21 am

      I think I just stare at things and see stencils a lot, so I was like “just do it Petersik!” – haha!

      xo
      s

  40. Avatar for Gabriella @ OLinAGabriella @ OLinA says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:19 am

    So cute! I don’t know why but I find this so intimidating. I think I’ll take the leap and try it because it is way to cute not to.

    Reply
  41. Avatar for ElainaElaina says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:19 am

    I just bought this exact same grate with plans to make an earring holder out of it. I have some extra molding around my basement and I am going to make a frame and hang all my earrings in the holes!

    Now you have me thinking I want to paint it first… Thanks! haha

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:22 am

      Such a fun idea!

      xo
      s

  42. Avatar for AlisonAlison says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:20 am

    Where the heck do you come up with this stuff??!!! I currently have to decorate all the rooms of my house and have no idea where to start. You should make your way down Dallas and help me figure this all out.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:20 am

      Haha! Be right over!

      xo
      s

  43. Avatar for Ginny @ Goofy MonkeysGinny @ Goofy Monkeys says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:20 am

    I LOVE THIS!

    I’m seriously inspired now to paint curtains for my daughter’s bedroom!!!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for Ana SilvaAna Silva says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:20 am

    Wow! When I first saw it I just knew you bought it or it was some sort of fabric you found and loved. I am in love and want to copy you now and make one exactly the same; which I know it’s impossible. Great art project! Pinning now.

    Reply
  45. Avatar for StaceyStacey says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:20 am

    I think my washing machine transforms socks into pillowcases!

    Love the pretty colours, love the bleed, love this post! Nice one, Sherry!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:26 am

      Haha, it’s true! Where are my socks and why do I have ten extra pillowcases?

      xo
      s

  46. Avatar for BrendaBrenda says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:20 am

    I’m usually such a perfectionist, but I actually LOVE the way the colors bled together in parts. It’s such a nice, soft feeling. I have no idea why, but I think the “imperfections” make it look fancier.

    Reply
  47. Avatar for JessicaJessica says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Did you have any issues with the paint drying stiff? or “hardening” the fabric at all? I looked at these paints in the store, but wasn’t sure how the end result would be on fabric.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:23 am

      The key is thin application I think! Anything globbed on will be really crunchy, but I try to just dab it on lightly and it seems to be ok. It sort of has a linen/slightly nubby feel (not smooth like the original pillowcase anymore, but nothing you’d scratch yourself on like jute). Hope it helps!

      xo
      s

  48. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Sorry if this is a silly question, but I read through the post and didn’t see whether you sewed the pillow into the painted pillowcase case or just pinned the rest of the pillowcase down on the other side? Just wondering how it got from painted pillowcase to what it looks like with the pillow in it. Looks really nice — fun and unique!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:38 am

      I just stuffed a bolster cushion in the pillowcase and only cut/sewed the bottom up by hand (so the top seam and side seams are the original hidden pillowcase seams). So easy!

      xo
      s

  49. Avatar for BethBeth says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:22 am

    missed posts like this! i am inspired to try something holiday related too — thanks to you! perhaps a navy, neutral or red tea towel stenciled with gold and silver, and wrapped around a wine bottle for a hostess gift? thanks sherry! xo

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:25 am

      OH MY GOSH I LOVE THAT!

      xo
      s

  50. Avatar for Laughing AbiLaughing Abi says

    October 8, 2013 at 10:23 am

    I love the pillow you made but also NEED to know about the amazing patterned pillows in the background. Where are they from?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      October 8, 2013 at 10:26 am

      Aw thanks! HomeGoods! I have a geometric pillow problem…

      xo
      s

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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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