From Boring Pillow Into Instant Cozy By Layering Two Stencils!

by Donna at Funky Junk Interiors

3 Materials

$75

1 Hour

Easy

While I was busy revamping my son's bedroom, I desired to incorporate blue into the bedding.

Well drat. My linen closet let me down. And since my sewing machine was upside down underneath my stairs with a missing pedal cord... (priorities) I decided to make something myself!

Pulling out a plain pillow case, paint and a stencil, I had an idea...

Rather than leaving the design plain, I decided to ramp things up and add a pattern effect.

I was instantly smitten. This was so easy to do and looked so cozy, I felt like taking a nap on this thing right away!

If that doesn't spell cozy, I don't know what does...

Here's how to cozy up any plain stencil design:

how to make a boring pillow cozy with layered stencils

For my project, I started with a plain white cotton pillow case.

Two stencils were used to create this unique layered effect...

Stencil sources:

Buffalo Check is by Funky Junk's Old Sign Stencils HERE

Canadian flag is by Mudderitaville Studio HERE

1. Slip something inside the pillow case so the paint doesn't bleed through. I used a board.

2. Position the stencil with masking tape, then begin to stencil the design using a very dry to the touch paint-loaded brush to achieve super crisp edges.

Paint: I used Fusion Mineral Paint's Homestead Blue.

3. Leave original stencil in place. Allow to dry.

4. Position the Buffalo Check stencil over top of the existing design.

5. Stencil 2nd colour in.

I used Fusion Mineral Paint's Coal Black.

6. Be amazed. So very amazed. Because while this look appears so technical, it was so easy to achieve!

And talk about instant cozy...

(The painted texture feels a little like canvas cloth. I have not washed it yet, however I have heard many times over that washing makes the painted image softer to the touch.)

And here's the pillow on my son's bed. Now we have a touch of blue while also showing our patriotism in a unique way!

Oh Canada, you're lookin' mighty spiffy these days...

Can you imagine how many other ways you could Buffalo Check other stencil designs? How about a deer head or cabin / lake themed saying? The possibilities are endless!

Now I want to try it with traditional red and black colours! I'll add the photos to this post as soon as I do.

What would you cozy up with this technique?