I was provided product by DecoArt and compensated to write about this project, but all thoughts, opinions, and ideas are my own :)

I'm bringing it back to my roots with this project, and it feels so good! It's so easy to hop onto Amazon, buy something, and have it delivered two days later (sometimes that same day!). But, you know what feels even better? Making it on your own! I have had these pillows (not just from Amazon but varying sources) on my wish list for awhile now. I had them sitting in my cart, waiting to buy them, knowing full well I could make them for soooo much cheaper. Well, I finally did it, and I'm so happy with the results! The best part? They were made using upcycled button down shirts! This project would be close to free if you already have some in your closet. I don't know about you, but that's always the best! Plus, making them with shirts cuts out like 75% of the steps on how you would normally make a cover! 

Of course, once you make the covers, you need to decorate them! I used DecoArt's SoSoft Frabric Acrylics in Lamp Black, Antique Gold, and Brown. 

Before you start, make sure that the shirts are washed, not using any softeners. Once they are dried, iron them. I used two different styles of button down shirts, long sleeve and short sleeve. They both work. My only recommendation when picking out the shirt is to make sure they are a men's XL or XXL. That will give you the max amount of fabric to work with without having to cut into the armpits :) 

Cut out a piece of cardboard at 19"x 19". This will be for a 18"x18" pillow cover. If you want bigger, then add your needed inches. I usually put a 20"x20" insert into a 18" pillow cover so it fills it out nice and plump! Turn the shirt inside out and lay on a flat surface, button side up. Place the cardboard directly in the middle of the shirt, trying to line up the buttons in the middle of the cardboard. Trace with a pen or fabric marker.

 Remove the cardboard and carefully pin in place, making sure to keep all wrinkles out of both top and bottom layers. 

 Next, sew the square! Make sure the hem is about 1/2" in around the entire piece. 

 When you are done, turn it inside out! Now you have the closure on the back with the buttons. Genius, right?! Easiest pillow cover ever! 

 Now it's time to add some paint! To protect the backside of the pillow, place a 18"x18" piece of cardboard into the pillow cover. 

Now for the three paint tutorials: 

Decorative Lined Pillow Cover Tutorial

For the first pillow, I lined up another piece of cardboard along the front, making sure it was equidistant from the bottom edge. I went with a hand drawn look on this one. Using the SoSoft Lamp Black and a small tipped paint brush, I painted a line down the middle of the cover. I used the cardboard as a guide to keep it straight. 

 On this first line, I just added little leaves along it. 

 I then added more lines about 2.5" apart, adding different decorative lines. 

 When I got to the 2nd to the last line on one side, I switched colors to the SoSoft Antique Gold and added the little circle leaves in the opposite direction. I like doing this just to shake things up a little bit :)

 And there it is! 

Faux Leather Pillow Cover Tutorial

 Now for the second design. This was the easiest out of the three. I measured up 10.5" on both sides of the front of the cover and placed some painters tape to make a line. 

 I then painted the bottom portion of the pillow cover SoSoft Brown. When this was fully dried, I pulled it off of the cardboard, and then added another coat of the SoSoft Brown. The paint will want to stick to the cardboard, so that's why I did this. You can also use some foil over the cardboard to prevent this :) 

Once the second coat is dry, take out the cardboard and feel the amazing results! Serious. It's a pretty good looking faux leather. I was so pleased! I'll be making more of these for sure!

Arrow Pillow Cover Tutorial

 Now for the last design. This one requires a little more measuring, but I tried to make it easy for you :) Measure 4" in from each side and place a piece of painters tape along those marks.

 Grab an 18" piece of cardboard and mark every 1.5". Line this up 2" in on your cover. Using a small tipped paint brush and the SoSoft Lamp Black, paint about 1" diagonal lines. 

 Remove the cardboard and paint the opposite diagonal lines. Do this on both left and right sides of the cover.

 Now place a piece of tape right down the middle. This will give you two more areas to work with, doing the same thing.

 Here's what it will look like.

I just love how all of these came together. But, seriously you guys, that brown one blew my mind. I could not believe how this wasn't hard at all. It has the best texture and is so soft (no pun intended).

The best thing about this, no heat-set is required and it's washable! Just turn it inside out and put it on the gentle cycle, and dry on low heat. 

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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You all know how much I love pillows, farmhouse style, and well...Amazon :) They luckily go together really well! I'm a crazy pillow hoarder, seriously. Ask my husband. So, to curb my addiction and help save space in my house, I try to buy covers only and not pillows themselves. Sometimes this works, and sometimes it doesn't. When you see a pillow you really love that comes with an insert, how can you resist? :) Well, I'm sure I could, but usually don't want to. I figure I can just try to stuff more of my other pillows into my already bulging closet.

Anyway, I'm on a kick again and wanted to share with you some of my favorite pillow covers I've found on Amazon lately. I have a few of these, which I'll note. And the ones I have, I love! I tried to do only Prime items, but a few of these aren't so watch for that. Also, be sure to do your own due diligence before buying...making sure you're okay with the reviews, pricing, etc. I can't account for the quality of many of these since I haven't bought them yet. But, when I do, I'll be sure to update this!

I have these shams and they are so cute! They have three buttons on the back. I can't decide where I want them in my house right now, I may order another one so I can enough to fit my bed. The quality so far is great! Love them :)
Ticking Striped Euro Sham


Eyelet Ruffle Euro Sham


Striped Pillow Cover 18x18 


It's A Good Day To Have A Goood Day Pillow Cover

"Love" Pillow Cover


"Farm Sweet Farm" Pillow Cover

Home Sweet Home Pillow Cover


Farm Sweet Farm Pillow Cover


Ticking Striped Pillow Cover

Dove Gray Ticking Stripe Pillow Cover

I have these in the set of blue and cream. They are a great addition to any room and the quality is decent! I haven't had to wash them yet, so can't account for how they will hold up :)
Set of 2 Striped Pillow Covers


I have two of these in my living room right now and just love the soft pattern. Quality is great, although still haven't had a need to wash them yet :)
Plaid/Buffalo Check Pillow Cover -Comes in other colors


Set of 2 Scottish Tartan Plaid Pillow Covers



Now with all of these covers, you need inserts. Or unless you are like me, you just found one in your hoard. I do like to buy by inserts from Ikea. I get the 20x20 down filled ones. But, here are some other ones available on Amazon with rave reviews. You usually can't go wrong with best sellers on Amazon :)

Set of 2 20x20 Hypoallergenic Pillow Inserts



Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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