DIY: Hand Painted Pillows

Summer is here and today I want to show you what I made this past week for my pallet chairs, while cooling off inside to beat the heat; we created hand painted pillows.  I wanted to change out the old pillows for new ones, and you know me, "save money". So, I made my own.  I'm not an expert nor a craft guru. It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.

Items needed to make these pillows are:

• Craft paint
• Fabric Medium
• Paint brush
• Frog tape
• Scissors
• Small bowl
• Fabric (4) 20 x 20 squares
• Sewing machine or hand sew
• Thread/ needle for hand sewing if no machine is available
• or use fabric glue--heat bond for no sew project
• Card board about 18 x 18 to fit in the pillow case
• Pillow stuffing

I had ivory fabric stored in my craft closet, but you can use any fabric that you like.  I cut four squares 20 x 20 inches each.

Take two squares and sew three sides closed leaving one side open.  Do the same for the other two squares.

Turn pillow case inside out so that the seam in on the inside.

Place a cardboard 18 x 18 inside the opening, this will help prevent paint from seeping through the fabric.


You may tape down your pillow case to hold it firmly in place with painter's tape while you paint. (optional)  I did not have painter's tape so I used packing tape-- (painters' tape is better).

Use the painter's tape to form your design.  I made a chevron design.

Take your favorite color of craft paint and one bottle of fabric medium which is available in craft stores or online and mix according to the direction on the fabric medium bottle.

Mix the paint in the small bowl and begin to paint your design on the pillow case. You can even have your little one's help.


Once it is all painted, let it dry.  After it is dry, remove the tape and stuff your pillows, then sew them closed or heat glue them closed.

You should then have your decorative pillow(s) to enjoy!  I love how ours turned out and I'm happy with the results.  Now I'm thinking about making more for our sofa.

Note: You may want to protect your fabric from moisture, spills and other things, if they are for outdoor use. There are products available for sealing your outdoor fabrics, which you may find in your local hardware stores, these are basically called fabric sealers. ( I do not vouch for this particular product, since I have not used it before, but I will give it a try.)

Give your outdoor furniture a new look with this little project. I had a great time making these and my son loves the painting process. Your kids will enjoy it too this summer. Happy Crafting!

Instagram and Interior Design with Lori Andrews

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Today I want to share with you my awesome Blurb find.  As you know, I’m a big fan of Blurb, I love their products due to their wonderful quality and just everything they offer.  Blurb is my to go place when it comes to creating any kind of book.  And I love to hear the stories behind the amazing people that make their books with Blurb. 

Recently I came across this video profile of interior designer and Instagram star Lori Andrews. She draws her inspiration from colors, patterns, and Wonder Woman (yes, the comic book hero!). In fact she even has a Wonder Woman costume of her own.  She is a great inspiration when it comes to being creative.

Check out her video below and if you’re as inspired as I am, you can make your own Instagram Photo Book book with your Instagram photos on Blurb. 

Now through June 30th, Blurb is offering 20% off purchases with no minimum! This offer doesn't last long so hurry to get 20% Off at Blurb.  The code to use at check out is CELEBRATIONS.

Impressions of Keyhani - Blurb

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I have thought about placing my creative work in a book.  I have already created a memory book and think that a book featuring handmade items will be a fun thing to do. It is an excellent way to gain more exposure to the blog and handmade shop.  I have also considered recording the progress of updates in our home; although it is a very, very slow process, it is nice to have a book with all the before and afters. 

This is something that can be wonderful for a blog, online shop, crafters, painters, artists, home makeovers, or just family photos and all creative minds.  I love this idea because you are the artist, the illustrator, writer, photographer even. Blurb has had the opportunity to help create this artist's work in his own book.

Let me share a little inspiration with you and see if you get any great ideas for your own book.

Mostafa Keyhani is an extraordinary painter. Drawing from the Impressionist tradition, his work is alive with color and texture as he uses thin washes, areas of bare canvas, and thick impasto to impart an expression of organic life. While his paintings fetch high prices in galleries across the United States and Canada, his self-published books give each of his fans a chance to own his art. Keyhani is a Canadian resident born in Iran, and has had a journey as fantastic as his art. In this video, Blurb captures a glimpse at Keyhani's remarkable creative process. Perhaps it will inspire you to make your own book with Blurb.  View the video for your next inspiration and tell me what would be something you would want to put in a book.