DIY Project: Give old Pillowcases new life with a Stenciled Design

If you have some old pillowcases lying around, why not give them a new life with a stenciled design!  

Follow the step-by-step instructions below. And remember to share your stenciled creation with me on Instagram by tagging me at @DivineNY.

1. Wash and iron the pillowcases.

2. Make sure to place cardstock or poster board between the pillowcase in order to prevent the paint seeping through to the other side.

3. Tape the stencil in place with washi tape or scotch tape.  With a pencil, make a light tick mark to identify where the stencil ends so you know where to move the stencil pattern next (to create a repeat pattern).

4. Use textile paint such as Jacquard Textile Paint. For this project I chose #114 Turquoise.

5. Using a plastic spoon or eyedropper, scoop out some dye from the paint bottle and add it to your paint tray.

6. Submerge the stencil sponge in the paint. Use a paintbrush to spread the paint evenly if it appears clumpy on one side. 

Remember:  Less is truly more in stenciling - too much paint can run beneath the stencil and muddy the design.

7. Apply the paint.  I like to use a stencil sponge but you can also use a roller brush or a stencil brush.

8. Wait a few seconds, then carefully remove the stencil.  

9. You’ll want to wait a few minutes before going on with the next. Be careful not to smudge the paint.

10. Match the stencil with the pencil mark you made and repeat the steps until the pillowcase is decorated with your stencil design.