DIY Upholstered Ottoman: How to Make Floral Fabric with IOD Stamps

Wondering how to give an old ottoman new life? We’ve got you covered (in DIY stamped fabric that is)! Read on to learn how to make your own DIY upholstered ottoman with the new IOD Peonies Stamp.

No time now? Pin this project for later.

Lynne, the IOD retailer behind ellen j. goods in Medina, NY created her own upholstery fabric using the new IOD Peonies Stamp. You can watch the video below for the full tutorial- it’s just a little over 9 minutes! Or keep scrolling to read through the instructions for this DIY home decor project.

Here is what you need for this easy upholstery project.

All IOD products can be purchased from an approved stockist. To find your local retailer, click here.

(This post contains affiliate links.)

• Peonies Stamp by IOD
• IOD Decor Ink in Black (for stamping the fabric)
• Blank Ink Pad by IOD
• Heavyweight linen fabric cut to size (you could even use a good quality drop cloth)
• Ottoman you want to reupholster
• High-quality decor paint in soft black (optional for painting the wooden base and legs of your ottoman – your IOD Stockist can recommend a good brand)
• Staple gun
• Orbital sander
• Upholstery batting and cover batting
• Single edge razor
• Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
• Pretty trim that complements your decor

How to make your own DIY Upholstered Ottoman

Start by prepping your IOD Peonies Stamp

When you open the package, remove the plastic layer that covers the stamps. Condition the textured side of your stamp using a worn, fine grit sand paper to give your stamp some “tooth” for the ink to stick to. This step needs to be done just once, the first time you use the stamp. Is your first time using IOD Stamps and Decor Ink? Check out Stamping Basics.

Lynne keeps her stamps on the backing sheet but cuts them apart to make each stamp image easier to place.

For this project, Lynne chose black permanent IOD Decor Ink. Double-check your bottle to make sure you are not using the IOD Chalk Ink! While that works for so (SO!) many great projects, it won’t work for this one. Give your ink bottle a good shake to make sure the pigment is well-mixed. Then squeeze the ink on the surface of the pad. Using the tip of the bottle or a craft stick, work in the ink as it absorbs into the pad. (Tip: Store your filled ink pads lid-side down to keep the ink on the surface of the pad.)

Lay your stamp down on a flat surface texture side up, then bring your ink pad to the stamp and pat the ink on.

Once your stamp is loaded with ink, you’re ready to apply it to the fabric. Commit, don’t shift! Hold the stamp firmly with one hand while you press down with the other. Make sure every part of the stamp comes in contact with the fabric.

You get to customize your design! Remember, it’s all about the reps. We encourage you to practice on a scrap piece of linen fabric to get comfortable with your technique before you start stamping on the finished fabric.

What is a reusable mask and how do I use it?

Decor stamping masks are thin flexible plastic shields cut precisely in the shape of each of stamp in the package. All IOD Stamps come with masks.

Stamp the image you want to appear in front, first. Find the mask that goes with it and cover the stamped image.

Then apply the stamp you want to appear in the background over the fabric and the mask.

The result is a little leaf peaking out from behind the peonies! If you want more on stamping and masking, check this out.

After the ink has dried for at least 24 hours, heat set it with a dry hot iron.

Now it’s time to DIY upholster that ottoman…

Remove all the old tacks, staples, padding, and old fabric.

If you’d like, add a coat of paint to the base of your piece and sand it down with an orbital sander for an antiqued look.

Bulk up the cushioning, then staple the cover batting into place with a staple gun.

Next, take your finished custom upholstery fabric and decide how you want to position it on top of your piece. PRO TIP: Mark off a straight edge with chalk and a ruler to use as a guide when stapling down the fabric.

Staple one side, then go to the opposite side. Keep the fabric taught and smooth it out with your hand as you go.

Finish the corners with a nice mitered fold and then staple it in place.

Use a single edge razor to cut away excess fabric along the staple line.

Get out the hot glue gun and glue trim into place along the bottom edge.

Sit down, put your feet up on your “new” ottoman, and pat yourself on the back…

Marvel at all the wonderful things you can create, with just a little help from your IOD Creative Tribe. (And don’t forget to share them with us! We’d love to see. ❤️)

Have you made DIY upholstery fabric? We’d love it see it! Email or post a pic on social media. Or tell us about it in the comments below.

Check out these blog posts for more inspiration.