From Basic to Bangin': Colorful Painted Curtains

Painting on fabric is surprisingly fun and easy! I was intimidated by fabric for some reason, but this was fun and I would do it again for sure. I'm sure there are many ways to paint fabric, but this is how I did it:

Step 1

Start with some inexpensive white fabric. I used 2 curtain panels that cost about $8 each. They were actually polyester, but I believe almost any fabric will work.

Step 2

I wanted to keep this project inexpensive by using as many materials as possible from home. (Remember that budget post from a couple weeks ago?) I have a ton of cheap acrylic paints stocked up in my art supplies so that was my solution. For the base colors I used a condiment squirt bottle filled about 3/4 with warm water (about a cup) mixed with the acrylic paint of my choice. I just squirted some paint in with the water, shook it up, and then squirted the paint mixture ono my curtains. I used between one and two tablespoons of the paint and that seemed to be a good mix. You want a consistancy that will soak into the fabric but not go straight through. If it seems too watery just add more paint, and if it seems to thick just add some more water.   I used 3-4 colors on the panels, and I really loved the way they turned out. At this step, the colors will blend into one another, so this is not the time to add detail. Just squirt the paint water on and have fun with this step!

Step 3

Let it Dry. I hung each curtain with a couple of clippy coat hangers outside to dry. Or, If you have a clothesline, you could use that. My curtains didn't drip very much, but they did drip a little, so if you're concerned about drips on your porch or patio, put something underneath. I didn't bother with that and my drips cleaned up quickly with a damp sponge, thankfully.

Step 4

No, seriously. Let it dry. And don't try to put it in the dryer when it's allllmost dry... Not that I would ever have painted the inside of my dryer...

Step 5

As the panels dry they will become a little less vivid, but they will still be colorful and awesome, so if you are going for a tie-dyed look you're already done! I wanted mine to have more of a detailed and layered look, so lastly, I added flowers and leaves to the top using both acrylic and dimensional paint and different sizes of paintbrushes and sponges. I used only black and white for my top layer and the curtains ended up with a colorful zentangle vibe that's just my style. Feel free to use the colors and designs that reflect your style and personality and will work in the room you're putting them in. Most importantly, have fun with this! It's a minimal investment, especially if you use curtains or fabric you already have at home, so just go for it! If you end up giving it a try let me know how it turns out for you!

Bonus Tip: Create your own stamp by drawing a shape in puff paint on a piece of paper or cardboard, and stamp it onto your fabric. Re-trace with puff paint and stamp as many times as you like!