Tricks with tape

I love it when I find new uses for a product I already use consistently. Loyal readers will know I am a big fan of Scotch Blue tape, especially the new Edge Lock formula, which chemically bonds with the surface to create a leak-proof seam. Perfect for people like me – who could not paint a straight line if my life depended on it. I recently used it to tape windowpanes on French doors I painted  (pics coming up the Toronto Star soon!). But I’ve found it’s a great help when painting designs on fabric, and also makes a great material for DIY stencils.

I used it on both pillows below. For the first one, I simply placed tape in several stripes along the fabric and painted with Martha Stewart fabric paint. Just remember to wipe excess paint and brush it lightly on the fabric (better here to do a couple of light coats than one thick one.) Make sure you always start by putting the brush on the tape and brushing away from the tape, as opposed to into it — it will help avoid pushing paint up under the tape.

For the second pillow made my own stencil by hanging a length of tape from a doorway and, using hole-punchers with two different sizes of holes, randomly punching a pattern. You can also get special edger punches with various designs from specialty craft stores. In both cases, the same technique works on a glass vase, easily found on sites like Kijiji . For a subtle effect, Krylon’s frosted glass spray

Using tape to create a pillow that works well with the chandelier I found on Kijiji and painted out in a cheery yellow