DIY Mustache Pillow

Decorate plain pillows with a quirky mustache motif.

As of the time of publication, mustaches are everywhere. No longer particular to cunning villains laying damsels across train tracks, handlebar mustaches grace everything from lollipops and coffee cups to cufflinks and pillows. Mustache pillows are especially trendy, with many styles of pillow circulating through high-end decorating stores. Quirky mustachios are centerpieces on throws and sham sets bear two halves of a mustache to make a whole. If you love this trend, but your wallet doesn’t, take matters into your own hands and give your pillows a touch of dignified facial hair.

Things You'll Need

• Grid paper
• Lightweight graphite pencil
• Scissors
• Plain pillow shams
• Fabric paint (black or brown)
• Sponge brush

Instructions

1. Fold a piece of grid paper in half widthwise. Starting at the fold, draw half of an elaborate, curling handlebar mustache. It should be big and round near the fold and taper down to an elegant curl at the tip.

2. Keep the paper folded and cut out the mustache, starting at the fold. Set the paper mustache inset aside and unfold the grid paper. You should have a mustache stencil.

3. Place the stencil on a plain pillow sham. Dip a sponge brush in fabric paint and dab the paint in thin, short strokes over the stencil and fabric until the mustache is completely filled in.

4. Allow the paint to dry overnight. Gently remove the mustache stencil from the pillow sham and admire your new sham’s quirky elegance.

Tips & Warnings

• Create half a mustache for a matching pillow set by keeping the stencil folded while painting. Line the fold up with one of the edges of the sham.

• Place the mustache inset on the pillow and paint around it rather than painting inside the stencil. The white mustache will make your sham look dignified.

References

• Cut Out and Keep: Mustache Bookmark
• Real Simple: Makeover Your Throw Pillows with Paint
• Shelter Pop: Trend Watch: Mustache Decor