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DIY Stenciled Rooster Pillow

September 08, 2015

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something via one of my links, I may make a small commission.

Want a custom decor piece? Try this super easy DIY to paint a pillow.

Stenciling is back and it's a fun, craft with great results!

Here's the step by step DIY.

Hand Stenciled Rooster Or Chicken Pillows on a rocking chair

Way back in the late 1980's and early 90's, I was a very big stenciler.

I loved the craft and I went crazy stenciling borders in just about every room of my home and all sorts of decorative items.

Recently, I have fallen in love with stenciling again, both inside my home and out.

My latest project is a pair of stenciled pillows and I am totally in love.

They are a focal point in my fall living room!

I have to be honest, I was never a big fan of stenciling on fabric.

I could never seem to get very clean lines, the stencil always moved or the material would buckle.

So even though I was really fond of the look, I stayed away.

Then I received an email from Cutting Edge Stencils regarding their sister company, Paint-A-Pillow.

They offered me two pillows and all the accessories I would need to create some unique, custom decor pieces.

I was intrigued, so of course, I said yes.

There are well over 100 stenciled pillow patterns, all different styles, on their website.

I chose the Dominique Chicken stencils.   

I kind of have a chicken/ rooster obsession.

Each kit comes with a pillow cover in your choice of white or natural, a fluffy insert, a stencil, a stencil frame, a roller, one color paint, a paint tray and a stirring stick.

I ordered a few extra paint colors and some brushes for detail work.

There are also tassels and other embellishments for some extra bling.

I opened my box of treasure and everything was tucked neatly inside, including their very cool stenciling frame, which locks the stencil and pillow cover in place, so there is no moving or gathered fabric.

Painted Pillow Stencil Kit

The box also included an instruction sheet.

I have to say, I did not encounter any of those problems. At all.

It was ridiculously easy to do and I had so much fun.

Clips to lock stencil pattern on to frame

The cover and stencil came out of the box, already put together, and ready to use.

The clips held the stencil in place perfectly.

Rolling paint on to a stencil pattern

I opened my paint, stirred it up, loaded it on the roller and got to work.

Using a paint brush to add paint to a pillow stencil

As suggested, I used a small brush to finish the edges and do the detail work.

When rooster (ok, chicken) number one was complete, I just unclipped the stencil from the frame and lifted the pillow cover out.

Lifting stencil away from painted pillow

Then I grabbed the next pillow cover.

I laid it inside the stencil frame, locked it down and started painting again, this time in brown.

I recommend ordering an extra roller cover if you are going to use more than one color.

For less than a buck, it will save you the trouble of washing and waiting for it to dry. And to be honest, after this experience I never used anything but a roller to stencil.

Great control and great results.

Two hand stenciled chickens on fabric pillowcases

I let both covers sit for a bit before removing the cardboard. 

I didn't want to take the chance of smearing the paint.

Slipping a painted pillowcase off of the cardboard form

Lastly, I stuffed the covers with the included inserts and my fluffy buddies were born.

I have to say that I was super impressed with the kit. It was literally a foolproof way to make a designer pillow...or two!

I think I'm obsessed with stenciling all over again.

Cock-a-doodle-do! 

Or cluck, cluck, cluck... 😉

Fall living room with stone fireplace and beams on ceiling

Update! These pillows continue to be a mainstay in my home. They move around from room to room and they've held up so well.

The inserts are still super fluffy and the paint is still sharp. 

Hand Stenciled Rooster Or Chicken Pillows on a rocking chair

What do you think of my new friends?

Would you paint a pillow?

*Paint-A-Pillow generously supplied me with everything necessary to create these two lovely DIYs. Of course, all opinions are my very own.
Kim Signature


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  1. LorriSeptember 8, 2015 at 1:20 PM

    Very cute and it looks like a great way to stencil. Glad to see that as a craft stenciling appears to be making a comeback.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 1:35 PM

      It really is an ingenious way to lock that stencil down, Lorri. Plus, I had so much fun doing it, I am now considering making pillows for Christmas for everyone I know. ;)

      Delete
    2. Mom2347September 8, 2015 at 2:02 PM

      I want Pinecones, Snowflakes, Little Birdie, Birds in Trees! It is sad they have no fall stencils, like falling leaves or something!
      You did an awesome job!

      Delete
    3. Kim September 8, 2015 at 2:10 PM

      Nancy, maybe you could use the Spring Songbirds pillow or the Virginia Creeper and paint the leaves in rustic fall colors. That might give you the look you're going for!

      Delete
    4. Mom2347September 10, 2015 at 11:01 AM

      I didn't see the Virginia Creeper! Let me go look again!

      Delete
  2. HomeroadSeptember 8, 2015 at 1:50 PM

    Oh my goodness I love these Kim! I like roosters too and these are beautiful! I want to win one :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 4:17 PM

      I love these too, Susan! I am totally hooked. You have to come back on Thursday and enter. You need some farmyard friends for fall!! ;-)

      Delete
  3. Celestina MarieSeptember 8, 2015 at 2:03 PM

    Hi Kim, Love your painted/stenciled pillows. These are incredible and so country farmhouse perfect. I have painted on fabric for years and stenciled too. So glad you enjoyed the process on fabric too. This looks like a great system and generous giveaway. I love your pillows and I will continue to paint on pillows. Thanks for sharing.
    Have a great week. Hugs, cm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 4:15 PM

      I haven’t stenciled on fabric in years, I am now rethinking that. I just love my new farmhouse friends, too. The wheels are turning…Thanks for the visit, Celestina Marie. I hope you come back for the giveaway. I bet your pillows would be amazing! :)

      Delete
  4. karenSeptember 8, 2015 at 2:24 PM

    Cute cute cute. Very Fresh!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ali @ GlutenfreehomebakerySeptember 8, 2015 at 2:53 PM

    Finally a project I can actually do! I love this and will be making it soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 4:16 PM

      I am all about easy projects, Ali...I don't do difficult! This was so easy and totally foolproof. I am sure your pillows will be beautiful.

      Delete
  6. My thrift store addictionSeptember 8, 2015 at 2:54 PM

    Kim, I went through the same stenciling stage --all of my walls and furniture! I love how your pillows came out--too cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 4:09 PM

      It’s funny how what goes around, comes around, isn’t it? 70’s and 80’s fashion…um…not so happy to do that again, but stenciling, yes! Bring it on! ;-)

      Delete
  7. Debbie from MountainMamaOnlineSeptember 8, 2015 at 3:26 PM

    I NEED THESE PILLOWS IN MY LIFE!!

    I also have a rooster obsession....along with chickens and cows. And I'm ok with that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 4:10 PM

      I know, Debbie! I am totally hooked. I am already planning to use my stencils and make placemats or a runner for the kitchen table. Cows and pigs are favorites of mine, too. I would have an entire pillow barnyard if I could! ;)

      Delete
  8. UnknownSeptember 8, 2015 at 4:24 PM

    Beautiful!! I want one!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 4:45 PM

      Thanks so much, Janet! Come back Thursday and enter! Good luck! :)

      Delete
  9. Jane@Bluebird1959September 8, 2015 at 4:47 PM

    Oh gosh, this is such a great idea! Love that rooster stencil. I was a big stencil fan back in the day as well! Jane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 6:03 PM

      Thanks Jane! Roosters and stencils together…my dream decor craft!! :)

      Delete
  10. Brenda PruittSeptember 8, 2015 at 5:06 PM

    Your pillows are adorable! I've been afraid to stencil on fabric for the very same reason.
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 5:58 PM

      Thanks Brenda! I love these pillows and it was so easy…no smudging at all!! :)

      Delete
  11. JunkchiccottageSeptember 8, 2015 at 5:28 PM

    Kim,
    These are so cute. Great job. I use to do stencils back awhile ago. Glad to see they are coming back around.
    Your pillows look fabulous.
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 5:55 PM

      Thanks Kris! I forgot how much I liked this kind of craft. I think I am going to be doing a lot more of it! :)

      Delete
  12. Carla from The RiverSeptember 8, 2015 at 5:49 PM

    Hi,
    Yes, I love the pillows and I would love to win a kit. :-)
    My dad loves roosters. We have him a burlap bag that had a stenciled rooster on it and the bag had white lights in it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 5:54 PM

      I love, love, love roosters, Carla. My kids tell me I have a problem! I think I should’ve been born on a farm. Your dad’s bad sounds neat! :)

      Delete
  13. AnonymousSeptember 8, 2015 at 5:59 PM

    I love them! But they look like hens to me...which I like better than roosters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 6:05 PM

      That's funny! Me too. I kept calling them my chicken pillows and my kids kept saying, "Roosters mom!"

      Delete
  14. Judy at GoldCountryCottageSeptember 8, 2015 at 6:03 PM

    Kim, you did such a great job on the pillows and it does sound easy. I have stencilled many years and I love it. As I have mentioned many times I can't draw a stitch so stencilling is the choice for me. The colors are so crisp and beautiful and they can be used for any season. I will be back Thursday to try my luck of the draw. Happy Tuesday..Judy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 6:17 PM

      Judy, thanks for the kind words. I really had fun with this DIY. It was the kind of project where I was sad it was done. I just wanted to keep playing! Definitely come back on Thursday!! Good luck!

      Delete
  15. Cheryl @ Artzzle.comSeptember 8, 2015 at 6:19 PM

    Hey, this old Iowa gal says ... chickens, but whichever, they're very cute. I'll be back on Thursday, but meantime I'm headed over to check out their website. I have lots of talented readers who will like these!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 6:21 PM

      Well, I can't argue with an Iowa gal when it comes to chickens, that's for sure Cheryl! ;-) You're going to love the website, lots of inspiration and pretty over there!!

      Delete
  16. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowSeptember 8, 2015 at 6:44 PM

    Oh-mi-gosh this brought back the memories! I stenciled like crazy years ago on walls and such....love these!

    ( I painted and stenciled etc. so much as a young marrried it is not even funny. That's probably why I DO NOT do it anymore, ha ha ! But on fabric? Well, you know I am a fabric and sewing nut so that would be a new thing and fun, yes :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 10:15 PM

      I could see you stenciling a few blocks, Deb. Now that would be very neat! :)

      Delete
  17. Blondie's JournalSeptember 8, 2015 at 6:47 PM

    You made me smile when you wrote about your previous love of stenciling...I think back in the 90's every room in my house had something stenciled on the walls!! Ha! Your pillows turned out fantastic---this is such a great idea, the whole kit thing. I think they would make great gifts for creative friends who don't have a lot of craft supplies on hand. I'll definitely check out the website! :)

    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 10:19 PM

      You know Jane, I had so much fun stenciling and creating myself, that I never thought of giving a kit away as a gift...but wow, what a fantastic idea!! :) Fabulous!!

      Delete
  18. AnonymousSeptember 8, 2015 at 7:08 PM

    So cute! Never would've thought about painting fabric but then again I'm not crafty lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 10:16 PM

      I am sure you could make one of these, Alicia and it would look fabulous. If you can roll paint, you're good to go! :)

      Delete
  19. for the love of AndySeptember 8, 2015 at 7:34 PM

    What a great idea, the pillows are beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 10:12 PM

      Thanks so much! Come back on Thursday and enter to win your own!

      Delete
  20. 20 North OraSeptember 8, 2015 at 7:41 PM

    Love the pillows. You did an awesome job on them.

    Judy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 10:12 PM

      Thanks Judy! I really had fun with this one! :) I'm ready to get my fall on now!

      Delete
  21. crazy4jimSeptember 8, 2015 at 8:51 PM

    I love these pillows and you did a fantastic job. I'm going to check out their website for sure. These are definitely hens though, not roosters, but they are awesome and adorable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 10:18 PM

      Thank you so much!! I really like the way they dress up my room and they were so easy to make...but clearly, I am not a farm girl, but truth be told, I wish I were! ;-)

      Delete
  22. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaSeptember 8, 2015 at 9:17 PM

    I love this idea! That rooster pattern is just so cute and yours came out great. I'll be back Thursday for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 8, 2015 at 9:33 PM

      Thanks AnnMarie! I think they’re pretty cute, too…and fun to make! :)

      Delete
  23. Kim September 8, 2015 at 10:14 PM

    Thanks for coming by to take a peek at my new barnyard friends, Teri! :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Cari DunnSeptember 8, 2015 at 10:35 PM

    This is ADORABLE! I pinned it to make it for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  25. JillSeptember 8, 2015 at 11:35 PM

    Love these roosters! Instantly thought of my mom when I saw them. I think I will make her these for a Christmas gift. Thanks for introducing me to Paint-a-Pillow :) P.S. Love your blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 9, 2015 at 8:46 AM

      Thanks Jill!! I am so glad that you found some inspiration here...and thanks for the lovely comment about my blog! :)

      Delete
  26. Chatfield CourtSeptember 9, 2015 at 2:12 AM

    So cute Kim and it looks like it would be a fun project to do! I'll be back to enter for sure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 9, 2015 at 8:34 AM

      Thanks Kristi! It was very fun and very easy to do and look like a pro.

      Delete
  27. StaceySeptember 9, 2015 at 8:18 AM

    How cute!! Looks very professional. :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Maria ElenaSeptember 9, 2015 at 8:34 AM

    I love stencils and I just love, love your pillows! Looks like so much fun. Great post, Kim!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 9, 2015 at 8:48 AM

      Thank you Maria Elena! These were a lot of fun to make and I adore the final product! :)

      Delete
  29. An Oasis in the DesertSeptember 9, 2015 at 9:57 AM

    Those pillows are so super-cute, Kim! I've never done much stenciling of any kind, but I am intrigued. How fun that the company contacted you.....they certainly chose the right person!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 9, 2015 at 10:01 AM

      Thanks Carol! I am absolutely thrilled with my new pillows...and it was a great crafty DIY. The results are elegant and totally custom. Can't do better than that!

      Delete
  30. Julie's LifestyleSeptember 9, 2015 at 11:48 AM

    Hi Kim, wow I love your cute stencils you made on the pillows. The chickens are really adorable and you did a great job!
    Enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 9, 2015 at 12:50 PM

      Thanks Julie! They are making me think of fall...even if it is 100 degrees outside! ;)

      Delete
  31. April AllenSeptember 9, 2015 at 11:58 AM

    SO adorable!!! Would LOVE to win!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 9, 2015 at 12:49 PM

      Awesome April! Come back tomorrow to enter! :)

      Delete
  32. AnnieSeptember 9, 2015 at 12:45 PM

    Cute pillows! I am thinking this would be a fun project to do with my kid!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 9, 2015 at 12:49 PM

      And easy enough for sure, Annie! Just load the paint so it’s not gloppy and go! :)

      Delete
  33. RueSeptember 9, 2015 at 1:48 PM

    Those pillows seriously turned out cute, Kim. I'm even willing to give it a try ;)

    I wonder if they wash well?

    xo,
    rue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 9, 2015 at 3:01 PM

      Thanks Rue! The company suggests setting the paint with a heated iron if you are going to wash them. I did not do that, but they say it works!

      Delete
  34. BenitaSeptember 9, 2015 at 7:25 PM

    I love these! And I need to win this pillow project so we can all have a good laugh at the mess I will make!! These are just wonderful! You gots skillz gurl! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 10, 2015 at 9:21 AM

      Enter! I want to see you master a project. You can do this one...I promise!!

      Delete
  35. Muchmore CreativeSeptember 9, 2015 at 8:40 PM

    Your project turned out great!

    ReplyDelete
  36. KimberleySeptember 9, 2015 at 10:32 PM

    Hi Kim! :)
    I love stenciling...I don't think I have ever stopped...well maybe I don't stencil the walls anymore...but furniture and signs still get a go over with the stencils! :)
    I love this pillow idea though, I am so checking out their other patterns!
    Love the ones you did, and in the two colors they look amazing together!
    Kimberley

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 10, 2015 at 9:20 AM

      I am sorry I stopped Kimberley. I really forgot how much fun it is. I am going to be stenciling everything now...thanks for the sweet comment. I really do like my new pillows.

      Delete
  37. quakerhillfarmSeptember 9, 2015 at 11:23 PM

    This is really a cute project! Thanks for sharing it. Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  38. SusieSeptember 10, 2015 at 5:22 AM

    Your new pillows turned out great! I'm an avid textile stenciler, and am thrilled to have found a new resource! I love to do two layers of fabric (top layer stenciled), hand-quilt them together, and then cut out / remove some of the top fabric. Basically a reverse or negative reverse appliqué. It's a slow but rewarding process! Thanks for introducing this site! Lovely work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 10, 2015 at 9:17 AM

      It’s sounds like a beautiful process, Susie. You are a master crafter! I really appreciate your sweet comment and your visit. I hope you enter the giveaway. I bet you could make something fabulous from their kit.

      Delete
  39. Bargain Decorating with LaurieSeptember 11, 2015 at 10:44 AM

    I also went through a big stenciling phase. Several rooms in our home still have stenciled borders. I love these pillows. They turned out beautifully. Thanks for adding this to the Bloggertunities share thread. I'm sharing this post on this week's Friday Faves.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 11, 2015 at 3:45 PM

      Thank you for featuring them Laurie! I am so excited to be included among so many creative fall ideas!

      Delete
  40. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonSeptember 11, 2015 at 11:48 PM

    Kim, they are darling! I have always loved stenciling and I too had stenciled borders in my home. :) I have stenciled on fabric quite a bit, but this kit is really quite fabulous. The roosters are so sweet! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 14, 2015 at 2:01 PM

      Thanks Jann! I have fallen in love with stenciling all over again! :)

      Delete
  41. PoppySeptember 12, 2015 at 9:14 PM

    They are adorable, Kim! You did a fantastic job, as usual! This is probably one craft I wouldn't be too intimidated to do. Thanks for sharing and have a lovely Sunday!

    Poppy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 14, 2015 at 2:04 PM

      Thank you, Poppy! It was a really fun craft to do! :)

      Delete
  42. Ann Marie @ Iris AbbeySeptember 12, 2015 at 10:07 PM

    This is a great idea. I love your chicken pillows, and the thought of simply rolling on the paint amazes me. I saw your link at Courtney's Feathered Nest Friday Link Party.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 14, 2015 at 2:05 PM

      It really was simply rolling the paint in Ann Marie! SO easy. I hope you entered the giveaway!

      Delete
  43. A Joyful CottageSeptember 13, 2015 at 10:58 AM

    I really like these, Kim. They turned out wonderful. I think stenciling is charming, but I have to admit I've never tried it for all the negative reasons you mentioned. This could change my mind. :) Thanks for sharing. xo ~ Nancy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 14, 2015 at 2:10 PM

      It really changed my mind, Nancy. The frame made it so easy to do…now I’m hooked!! :) We may get overtaken by pillows!

      Delete
  44. First Time Mom and Losing ItSeptember 13, 2015 at 11:21 PM

    That is such a great stencil! I love the detail of the chicken feathers.

    Michelle F.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 14, 2015 at 2:11 PM

      Thanks Michelle! It was so easy to do, just roll the paint on and the details magically appear! I hope you enter the giveaway!

      Delete
  45. The Kitchen WifeSeptember 14, 2015 at 11:06 AM

    OMG!!! How absolutely adorable are these!!! And with Christmas on the horizon,they would make great gifts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 14, 2015 at 2:13 PM

      I agree, Mandee! Although, they're so sweet, they may be hard to part with! ;)

      Delete
  46. Marilyn @ MountainTopSpiceSeptember 14, 2015 at 4:04 PM

    Wow, what a handy fun way to make some fun pillows! I have many stencils, and have never gotten brave enough to use them on fabric either, for the reasons you mentioned. Hmm... maybe I need to give them a re-run, lol! The rooster design you chose is awesome too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 15, 2015 at 2:23 AM

      Thanks so much! I never gave away my stencil collection and now I am very happy about the chance to use them again! :) Thanks for the visit!

      Delete
  47. Doreen@foxdenrdSeptember 14, 2015 at 11:25 PM

    Back in the 80's and into the 90's I stenciled like a maniac too. I wrote a post 'my ugly 80's decor'. The pretty much sums it up. Lol

    The pillows are adorable, and it looks like a great way to avoid the issues painting on fabric can cause. (Like you, I never really liked paining on fabric for all the same reasons you stated.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim September 15, 2015 at 2:22 AM

      ’ll have to go read that post, Doreen! It’s so funny how styles change…and then come right back around again, isn’t it? Thanks for your sweet comment and I hope you come back and enter the giveaway! :)

      Delete
  48. Vel CristeSeptember 22, 2015 at 5:24 PM

    So, so pretty and looks oh-so easy!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage BlogSeptember 7, 2016 at 4:50 PM

    Oh my goodness! I LOVE these! We have hens and roosters at our cottage and I love them! I'm going to check out this stencil right now!

    ReplyDelete

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