Painting on Sheets

You may wish to paint your sheets to change your decor or use a sheet as a canvas to paint on. Painting your bedsheets allows you to add your own touch to your room. Additionally, stretching out an old sheet and using it as a canvas allows you to make a unique form of art. You can purchase fabric paint that comes in a rainbow of colors. Use stencils to add unique designs or freehand with fabric spray paint. Get your family involved and paint on sheets as a craft project.

Wash your flat bedsheet as you normally would. After it dries, iron it to remove all the wrinkles. Pick a stencil from your local craft store or make your own out of a piece of cardboard. Use the stencil to draw the outlines of your design along the top edge of the flat sheet. For example, if you want a galaxy pattern on your sheet, draw stars and moons along the outer top edge. After your outlines are complete, paint your designs with fabric paint. Make the same design on your pillowcases and bed skirt to complete your set.

Stretch out an old clean sheet on a canvas stretcher. Use a photograph or picture from a magazine to help you sketch your artwork. Create a color scheme for the first layer of paint; for example, if you are painting a picture of your house, the color scheme in the background might be blue for the sky with white clouds. Part of your first layer may also be the outline of your house. Continue to shade areas around doors, near windows and underneath trees during the second layer of painting. For the final layer, you may wish to add small details, such as a bird in the sky or a door handle. Creating an oil painting on a bedsheet takes a fair amount of time: Set aside an area in your home or garage where you can work on this project.

Make a family memento out of a sheet. Purchase several colors of washable paint and pour them into disposable cake tins. Have all family members take off their shoes and socks and wear old clothing. Each person should have his own paint color to dip his hands and feet in. Allow everyone to take turns making paint hand- and footprints on the sheet. After everyone makes their marks on the sheet, have each person sign his name. You can frame this piece and hang it on the wall. As your children age, they can see how much they have grown by comparing hand and foot sizes.

Fabric paints come in a variety of forms, including spray paint. Hang your sheet out on a fence in your backyard. Sketch a drawing of your favorite scenery or draw your family from a photograph. Create a mural on the sheet with fabric spray paint. Be careful not to use spray paint when it is windy outside, as it may blow onto areas that you don't wish to be painted. You can use the sheet on your bed or keep it as a work of art.