DIY: Color Block Pillow

I have some throw pillows on my sofa that I absolutely loved...when I first bought them. Now however... well I'm not quite as in love as I was before. Something about the colors together with the rest of my living room just isn't quite doing it for me. 

So, what to do becomes the question. I didn't want to invest in new pillow covers because the not-so-great ones aren't really that old and are still in great condition. Plus, it isn't that I dislike them, I just don't absolutely LOVE them. You know what I mean? I kind of sort of liked them. 

BEFORE

Then I had this brilliant idea! Lets add a fabulous block of contrasting color directly onto the original pillow cover. It is easy peasy and a quick fix to a little issue. How exciting right? and I love the little change it makes to my pillows. I think they might have moved up into the favorite pillow position again (Sorry fabulous orange pillow from Prince Edward Island... you've been booted out!)

How did I manage this sweet little pillow makeover you ask? Oh I know you're dying to get in no this fabulousness...

Supplies:

Not-So-Loved Pillow Cover

Craft Paint (I used acrylic from the craft store.)

Sponge (or brush)

Painters Tape (or masking tape)

Cardboard

Instructions:

To start, take the pillow cover off your pillow and put your cardboard in the pillow cover so the paint doesn't seep through to the other side. You don't want any leakage.

I wanted my block of color to cover a third of the pillow so that the color wasn't directly in the center. Plus the rule of thirds is a great guideline for design (just ask the Greeks!) When in doubt, split into thirds! So, following this rule, measure the entire pillow cover so you can split it into thirds. Measure down one third and mark. Measure the bottom of the section and mark as well.

Now it is time to pull out your handy painters tape. (Seriously, the stuff is absolutely amazing, brilliant stuff!!) Tape off your section using the marks you made on the cover.

I didn't want a completely straight edge simply because all the other lines on my pillow weren't straight. To achieve that organic feeling with out stressing out trying to free hand it, tare the tape horizontally so that instead of a straight taped edge, you have a torn taped edge.

Time to paint!! (The best part... right??) Using the sponge, apply the paint between the two taped sections. Remember that the sponge is going to give you a nice texture and you can play around with how heavy the paint is applied in different places. I used a sponge so that I could add a little texture to the color block. You could very easily use a brush though to get a solid bold color block.

When all the paint has been applied, let it dry nice and good! You don't want to risk smudging that paint up and killing the killer lines you worked so hard to get.

As soon as it is dry, peel that tape up and marvel at your gorgeous lines!

Stuff your pillow back in that now fabulous cover and enjoy!

I'm loving the spice it brings to the pillows on my sofa and chairs. I needed that extra oomph you know? What do you think?