I’ve teamed up with some of my favorite blogger friends for another round of #5waystoDIY! Today we’re each sharing a way to customize a solid throw pillow cover. Because we all agree that you can never have too many throw pillows, no matter what your significant other may think! One of my favorite things about this project, much like Meet + Make, is to see how everyone creates unique things starting with the same basic materials.
I just loved creating the gold foil table runner so much that I decided to use the same foil on my pillow. Rather than paint large brush strokes, I created a pentagon stencil and applied the adhesive within it to create a bold geometric print.
We’ve also partnered with All Modern and we’re giving away a $250 gift card to their shop! Head to the end of the post for details on how you can enter to win.
Supplies: pillow cover / stencil material / cutting machine or craft knife / foam brush / gold foil / foil adhesive / iron / parchment paper / scissors
Time: 1 hour
Step 1: Create a stencil. I cut a 3.5″ wide pentagon shape using my Silhouette but you can also cut one by hand using a craft knife. Just be sure to place the stencil material on a cutting mat so you don’t damage your table.
Step 2: Find the center of your pillow cover and place the stencil in the center. Paint the foil adhesive inside the stencil using the foam brush. If you paint towards the center of the stencil (rather than towards the edge of the stencil), you will get cleaner lines when you apply the foil. Then remove the stencil and set aside.
Step 3: Allow the adhesive to dry for 30 seconds then place the foil, gold side up, directly on top of the area you just painted. Press down on the foil so it sticks and then cover with parchment paper. Press with an iron on medium heat (no steam) for 30 seconds. Lift up your iron and allow it to cool for a minute or two. Then carefully remove the foil.
Repeat steps 2-3 for each shape until you’ve created the design you want! My pillow is 18″ x 18″ and I used almost one entire package of gold foil. If you want the pattern to fill the entire front side, I recommend getting 2 packages of gold foil.
I also found that the firmer your press down on the iron, the more the gold foil sticks. Since the adhesive is painted with a brush and the fabric has a little texture, each geometric shape will be different than the next. I personally love the imperfect shapes. It makes the foil appear to have been block printed or stamped.
See how everyone made a simple pillow cover their own!
A Bubble Life
Delineate Your Dwelling
Oleander + Palm
Pars Caeli
This post is sponsored by AllModern. Thanks so much for supporting the brands that keep Sarah Hearts going!
What a fun craft idea! I’m working on selecting a design scheme for my writing room/hideaway and with a daybed in dire need of new pillow cases! Thanks for the idea, Sarah!
As for new ideas, coasters or place mats would be my suggestion. There isn’t enough room in the garage for any big further refinishing projects at the moment!
I love this so much Sarah!!! I need to get my hands on some good foil, and soon!
Love the gold and teal together! I have so many glass vases hanging around, I’d love to see #5WaysToDIY them :)
This is a really neat idea. It never occurred to me to create my own print directly on the pillow – saves some $$$ thanks for the tips!
I’d also love some suggestions on ways to spruce up doormats. I feel like I see the same Target ones everywhere.
Love the gold, Sarah!! Beautiful!
I love to cook so am always looking for interesting recipes.
What a cool idea, so cute!
I love gold foil! Your pillow is totally awesome!
Okay, so this is amazing!! I stocked up on deco foil when it was on sale at Michaels, but haven’t used it yet. Looks like I know what I’ll be trying out first!
I am blown away by this pillow! My favorite.
I love it!! I’ve wanted to try foil on fabric. It looks so great. As for suggestions for the next challenge… How about picture frames?
Great giveaway! I love doing paper crafts and thinking of new, cute ways to organize the stuff in my tiny apt ?
LOVE!!! Can these be put in the wash? Or would the gold leaf come off?
According the the label on the foil and adhesive, it is washing machine safe though I have not personally tried it. To be safe, I would recommend hand washing the fabric after applying the foil.
What a neat idea, using gold foil paper. Got my mind working on how I can do something different with what I have. Thanks for sharing.