After yesterday’s stimulating pictures of zebra print, let’s get down to do some dirty work today. Once I realized, it wasn’t going to be easy to get zebra stripes-printed cushion covers in Bangalore, I set down to painting one of my recycled cushion covers inspired by this throw pillow.
Things you’ll need:
- Pencil/chalk
- Brush
- A small cup/palette if you have one
- Plain Cushion cover in any color, preferably old
- Water
- Some old clothes if this is your first painting project
A few tips before we start the project:
- It’s better to use recycled cushion cover for this project because you wouldn’t want to paint odd looking stripes on a Rs.300 cushion piece and fret over it, would you ? I used one of the recycled covers from this project.
- A plain cover of any color will be ideal for this project so that you will have a good background to draw the stripes on. Use contrasting colors for the stripe that gels with your decor. For instance, if your cover is white or ivory then use the natural black or orange or yellow.
- Fabric paint can be washed with water. Ensure to read the instructions on the bottle and clean the brush using water after use. In order to preserve the colors for future use, close the cap tightly before putting it away.
- If the paint is very dilute, then the results will be blotchy. More often than not, you will see patches on the back of the cover as excess paint from the top layer gets absorbed beneath. Get the correct ratio of paint+water by experimenting on a waste piece of cloth. As a precautionary measure, place a cutting board or something hard inside the cover. This will protect its rear side.
Steps to paint zebra stripes on cushion covers:
Where you can use such covers:
- Furniture in the sit out or balcony in an apartment is one of the most neglected ones. Using such colorful covers will instantly bring life to the place. Add a few potted plants to the area and you have a perfect setting for having the morning cuppa.
- You can also use it as a throw pillow in different colors for lower seating arrangements. Best to avoid in formal settings, if the finish is not perfect.
Cost of the project: Under Rs. 50
Image Courtesy:
1. Zebra Pillow – west elm
5 Comments
Really kewl, I think you should think about the boutique idea….or may be what about a affordable DIY kind of thing for people.. something like what Ikea does outside…I don’t think, there exists anything like that right now in India…seriously give it a thought
That’s one more person who agrees with me on the boutique idea!!! :)
Sure, I’d love to work with you on it when I come to Bangalore… But don’t don’t wait … :)
And is this the cream coloured pillow from the previous post on which you painted the zebra stripes? Amazing what a few strokes of a bright colour can do! Awesome! :)
Tell you what – when I set out to buy my house and design it, I’ll rope you in! :) And give you a totally free rein. I’m sure you’d get the classiest stuff at the least expensive prices! :)
Yep, it’s the same cream-colored one. The strokes can get a little uneven on those typical ready-made curtains we get here. Smoother the surface, better the finish.
So I have my first client already? Wow!
Very creative. And simple too.
I am bookmarking this site, so that I can contact you when I do up my home next year. One of my friends in Bangalore needs some help – I’ve fwded this link to him.