DIY: Hand Painted Linen Towels

This wonderful idea comes from Jenny Steffens Hobick at Everyday Occasions! I am a huge fan of the little things when it comes to a home. These hand painted linen towels are perfect for not only my home, but could be great as a gift as well. Huge plus - they are easy to do to boot! Jenny says it best by saying, “Best of all, this project can be done by the more ungifted artist.” Find out more about this DIY and see all these pictures here.

Hand Painted Linen Towels

From here  

Need:

•     fabric paint
•     brushes
•     painter’s tape
•     water
•     drop cloth or craft paper
•     linen fabric
•     sewing machine
•     thread
•     pair of scissors    

Directions : 

1. Begin by cutting the linen into the size of the item you’d like to make.  For a napkin, a 20-inch square is a standard size, and 24 by 30-inches works great for kitchen towels.  Allow 1-inch extra around the perimeter for the seam.  Place a piece of craft paper on your surface before beginning.  Place the linen down and use painter’s tape to create stripes.  For a ‘plaid’ effect you’ll need to do the perpendicular stripes in separate phases.

More about the DIY after the jump

2. To make the paint, mix the color you’d like to use, then dilute it with 2 parts water.  Dip your paint brush in the paint, then dab off until almost all of the liquid is off of the brush, leaving only a small amount coating the bristles.  This is called a dry brush method.  Lightly begin to brush the liquid on with even strokes.  Continue until all of the stripes are a homogeneous color and intensity.

3. To make the paint, mix the color you’d like to use, then dilute it with 2 parts water.  Dip your paint brush in the paint, then dab off until almost all of the liquid is off of the brush, leaving only a small amount coating the bristles.  This is called a dry brush method.  Lightly begin to brush the liquid on with even strokes.  Continue until all of the stripes are a homogeneous color and intensity.

4. Remove the tape and repeat to complete your selected pattern.  

5. Let the paint dry for several hours.  

6. Hem the edges of the linens with a 1/2 seam.  Wash in cool water and press.

7. I put an “H” monogram on our napkins with embroidery floss using a simple running stitch.   

Have FUN!
xoxo,

Sunset & Vine