Create Your Own Designer Pillows (Paint-a-Pillow GIVEAWAY)

Pillows are the best way to dress up or change up a space!

If you are like me, I can never find exactly what I want...

but now I can make my own DIY Designer Pillows (and you can too)!

I recently had the opportunity to try the NEW Paint-a-Pillow kit,

and had so much fun making some new pillows for my home!

So...I decided to make outdoor pillows. Yes, I know the temperatures are creeping down, the rain or snow is falling and most people are dreaming of cozy fireplaces...but dang it, I have been waiting months for my pool and deck to be done and I am going to enjoy it (with the help of a heater and a fire) and decorate it when it is done. We already have some furniture...and I just could not resist making some pretty pillows.

Making designer pillows is a breeze with Paint-A-Pillow. This sister company of Cutting Edge Stencils, makes it easy for ANYONE to create unique pillows using their pillow kit.

You will now believe how SIMPLE Paint-A-Pillow has made this process!

First I went online to Paint-A-Pillow and selected my stencil. I chose the Tribe Design. There are so MANY amazing stencil designs to choose from - modern, natural, floral...there is something for everyone!

The kits come with all the supplies you need to make one pillow: a stenciling frame (which is so awesome!), 17 x 17 zippered canvas cover (in natural or white), pillow form, stencil, mini roller and stencil brush, and fabric paint of your choice. One color comes with your kit, but I selected a few more.

You can also add  items on such as additional paint colors or studs, rhinestones, or tassels...or even more pillows!

Tips before you start:

• There is a great Paint-A-Pillow video with step by step instructions. I highly recommend that your watch it before beginning.
• If you use one color of paint, using the foam roller is a great option for your stencil. I decided to use three colors, so I used the stencil brushes.
• Begin with your lightest color and work into your darkest.
• You may need to use the fingers on your other hand to hold the stencil down firmly for some of the smaller details. And for the edges.

I truly think the stencil frame is what makes painting this pillow so flawless.

 
The pillow fits into the frame perfectly (there is even a special slot that shows you where the zipper goes), and the stencil lays right on top, just line up the holes on the stencil with the tabs on the frame, and "lock it" into place. (And the whole set up actually arrives ready to go!)

Mix your paint up well and place some on a tray. Work the paint into your brush, but make sure you do not have too much paint. When your kit arrives, there is a small stencil and fabric scrap in it - use this to get the hang of the painting.

I began with my lightest color, the grey.

Then added my other 2 colors.

Once I painted my entire pillow...

I removed it the stencil...Then the pillow from the stencil frame and let it dry completely.

I washed my stencil and prepped my second pillow. I used the same technique and same colors, I just mixed the colors around. Let dry.

Once the pillows are dry, remove the cardboard inserts and heat set your design by placing a clean cloth over the pillow and ironing the entire design.

Once the design was heat set I added some heat set rhinestones. I placed them (section by section), covered them with a cloth and set the stones by placing a hot iron on the rhinestones for 30 seconds+. Just as I changed up the colors on each pillow, I changed up the rhinestone design as well.

Now all that is left is to insert your pillow form and decorate! 

If you want to come to Texas, you will find me sitting on my deck with my beautiful pillows! Most of my house is neutral with a pop or two of color...but for my outdoor area, I really wanted bright, happy colors and patterns.

Here is your opportunity to win one of these amazing kits!

Open from 11/19/2014 through 11/26/2014 at midnight central time Open to U.S. Only

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre disclosure: A pillow kit and/or other compensation was provided for this post.