The Mercy House Chitenge Stamp is so beautifully detailed, we couldn’t wait to use it for a quick decor pillow refresh. You know, here at IOD, we’re busy folks, so we love projects that are beautiful but don’t take all afternoon!

Once you’ve gathered your supplies and have a design in mind, this one takes about 30 minutes, tops. It’s quick and perfect for heartfelt handmade gifts, which is something we have on our minds as the holidays creep closer! This would make the most thoughtful present for a neighbor or a sweet keepsake for your little one's teacher.

Grab your IOD goodies from your local stockist and follow along in the tutorial below! If you’re not sure where to find one, click here to use our store locator. 

IOD Products Needed: 

• IOD Black Decor Ink
• IOD Ink Pad
• Thin Mount
• Mercy House Chitenge Stamp  

Other Supplies: 

• Linen pillow cover

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: WASH THE PILLOW CASE 

As always, when working with fabric, wash it first! And here’s a friendly reminder to skip the fabric softener. You want a clean surface, without any added conditioners hanging around in the fibers. Give your pillow cover a nice press, because we all know how linen washes!

STEP TWO: STAMP YOUR PILLOWCASE 

Now, to start stamping, we’re going to give our ink pad a little refresh. You want the stamp to be nice and juicy before it touches the fabric. Remember, you’re dyeing fibers! Go nice and slow, pressing firmly as you go, really letting the ink get in good contact with the fabric before revealing.

STEP THREE: DESIGN INSPIRATION 

We went with an all-over, symmetrical design, almost like a mandala pattern. Start in the center and work your way outward, using your thin mount to help keep each element straight and evenly spaced. Keep building outward, paying extra attention to the corners as you finish up your layout. 

STEP FOUR: DRY AND IRON YOUR PILLOWCASE 

Let it dry for at least 24 hours, then give it a good press with your iron on the highest heat your fabric can handle. Once that’s done, it’ll be all set and ready for washing!

This pillowcase is a beautiful reminder that even the simplest projects can carry so much heart. ❤️ We hope this inspires you to carve out a little time to create something meaningful, and as always, we can’t wait to see what you make. 🥰

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!