Most of us have little decor ensembles around the house…the cozy nooks, the layered sofas, the seasonal mantel arrangements. And, if you’re anything like us, there’s probably a throw pillow (or five 😉) tucked in there somewhere.

Throw pillow upcycles are one of our favorite ways to pop in some fun seasonal decor. 😍 It’s such a fun and easy (no sew) DIY project! In this tutorial, we’re sharing all our best tips for applying paint inlays to fabric. You’ll learn how to get a clean, crisp inlay application and how to heat seal your pillowcase so it lasts through the wash.

Grab your favorite IOD supplies from your local or online stockist and let’s make something beautiful together. 🥰

IOD Products Needed: 

• La Folie Paint Inlay

Other Supplies: 

• 20”x20” IKEA Vigdis pillow covers (you can use any natural fiber pillowcase)
• GAC 900

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: WASH & DRY YOUR PILLOWCASE

Before getting started, make sure to wash and completely dry your pillowcase. This step is super important! We used the IKEA Vigdis pillow covers. They aren’t available online, but you can still find them in stores. The weave has just the right amount of texture to add a bit of character.

If you can’t find these exact ones, no worries, just look for a natural fiber pillowcase. A smoother weave will give you a cleaner, more detailed transfer, so keep that in mind when choosing your fabric.

STEP TWO: APPLY THE FABRIC MEDIUM

Brush a generous amount of GAC 900 onto your fabric. We’re looking for wet rather than damp. No need to go to the edges of the bag, just where your image is going to adhere. Remember, the inlay will not adhere anywhere that’s dry, so be thorough! To stop the GAC 900 from seeping through to the back, you can place a thin mount (or anything similar) to keep the backside from getting wet. This also helps with dry time.

STEP THREE: APPLY YOUR PAINT INLAY

Next up, we’re adding a few lovely bits from the La Folie Paint Inlay. Go ahead and cut out the details you want to use. No need to mist this time! Simply place your chosen piece onto the wet GAC 900, and use your fingers or a brayer to press it down and ensure good contact.

You’ll notice the inlay begin to darken, and that’s how you know it’s settling in nicely. If it’s not darkening or doesn’t seem to be “grabbing” the surface, that usually means you need a little more medium. Add a touch more and try again!

STEP FOUR: PEEL, REVEAL, AND HEAT SET

Now for the hardest part…leave it be! 😉 Once it’s partly dry, go ahead and hang your pillowcase to finish drying completely. When you’re ready, grab a damp paper towel or a misting bottle and gently wet the inlay carrier sheet. You might feel a little resistance when you start to lift it—totally normal! Just keep your water handy to help it release more easily.

For heat setting, we used an iron on the highest temperature the fabric could handle. GAC 900 shares a few other options (like using a dryer) if you’d like to explore, but I personally stuck with the iron method. You can find those details [here].

With the iron on the cotton setting, about 30 seconds of contact did the trick for a full cure. Make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated space since the GAC 900 can give off a bit of an odor as it sets.

And that’s it, your new pillowcase is ready to show off! 💕 We’ve found that they hold up beautifully in the wash with cool water on a delicate cycle. Skip the dryer and hang it to dry for the best results.

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!