Stencil a canvas cushion or pillow
I have been using Rust-Oleum spray paint on fabric for ages, since way back in 2005 when I first discovered that you can! I sprayed a chevron pattern on my cushions, made striped Roman blinds for the bathroom, and a tablecloth and serviettes. Using a stencil to create unique designs on canvas is a fun and affordable way to add your own personal touch to a room.
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Whether you buy a canvas drop cloth at your local Builders Warehouse, or buy canvas at your local fabric store, canvas is a strong fabric made from cotton, hemp or flax, that is very durable - making it perfect for cushions and fabric blinds.
Not only canvas, you can use a stencil to apply a design onto almost any fabric. These gorgeous Protea cushions [above] are stencilled onto cream and black fabric using a Royal Design Studio stencil.
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Use Rust-Oleum 2X satin spray paint for single colour or plain stencil designs, or use acrylic craft or fabric paint for more intricate designs. The trick to using normal craft paint on fabric is to use a warm iron on the back to seal the paint to the fabric. My chevron cushions have now been repeatedly washed in the machine and the colour hasn't faded at all.
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Alphabet stencils are an easy way to add messages onto your canvas cushions. Use masking tape to cover letters not being used and then use a stencil brush and acrylic craft paint - gently dabbing the paint onto the fabric.
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If you have the time, and patience, you can make your own stencil designs using a PC, printer and acetate or plastic sheets. Electronic cutters such as silhouette, cameo or cricut, are definitely a worthwhile investment if you plan to create stencil designs for your own projects, or for sale. These personal machines allow you to create your own designs and print out for use. Alternatively, if you can't find nice stencils locally, and you don't want to invest in an electronic cutter, there are plenty of online suppliers of pre-cut stencils that ship to South Africa.
Making your own canvas cushions or cushion covers allows you to express your creativity in pattern and colour. You can buy canvas drops cloths in various sizes and you will be able to make a selection of cushions, Roman blinds, or soft decor accessories for your home that match your existing decor - or give you home a splash of colour.
This canvas cushion was painted using a pre-printed acetate stencil and acrylic craft paint. After ironing the back of the fabric, use a sewing machine to make up your cushion covers. Whether you use Rust-Oleum 2X satin spray paint or acrylic craft paint, the ironing process permanently seals the fabric and paint together, which means you can wash and wash.
