Cowboy Kimono Blog

Category: Fashion & Style

Styled looks, vintage finds, and handmade pieces that blur the line between wearable and art. Expect boho flair, bold prints, and plenty of attitude.

DIY Sunburst Chairs: Hand-Painted Upholstery with an Ethnic Chic Twist
Sometimes the perfect upholstery pattern just doesn’t exist on a fabric bolt—you have to make it yourself. That’s exactly what I did with these mid-century modern dining chairs. Inspired by the layered, global vibe of Ethnic Chic—a style that blends cultures, textures, and traditions into one “well-traveled” look—I decided to hand-paint my own bold sunburst motif. The result? A fresh, personal update that feels both modern and timeless, and a project anyone can tackle with a little creativity and patience.

Upholstered seat and seat back before and after hand painting sunburst pattern

How to Paint Your Own Upholstery Pattern

Supplies You’ll Need:
- Dining chairs (or any upholstered seat with removable cushions)
- Screwdriver (to remove seat + seat back)
- Wax paper + inkjet printer
- Computer design program (or a printed pattern you love)
- Fabric paint + small paintbrushes
- Damp cloth
Steps:
1. Prep your chair
  Unscrew the seat and seat back to make painting easier.
2. Create your pattern
  Design your motif on the computer (I went with a circular, sunburst-style pattern). Convert it to a bold outline in the color you’d like—reddish-brown worked beautifully on my cream fabric.
3. Transfer the design
  Print the pattern onto wax paper with your inkjet printer. Lay the print ink-side down on the fabric and rub the backside to transfer the design. Wax Paper Ink Jet Transfer Tutorial
4. Paint the pattern
  Use fabric paint and a stiff brush to carefully go over your transferred lines. Don’t rush—steady brushstrokes will make your design pop.
5. Clean it up
  Once the paint is completely dry, gently wipe away any leftover transfer marks with a damp cloth.
6. Reassemble your chair
  Screw the seat and seat back into place, and admire your one-of-a-kind creation!
August 26, 2025
New in the Shop: A 1970s Green Velvet Skirt with Serious Boho Mojo
You know when you find something so one-of-a-kind, it feels like the thrift gods smiled directly at you? Yeah. That’s this 1970s green velvet skirt.

A Handmade Boho Dream

Say hello to our latest vintage treasure: a true 1970s green velvet broomstick skirt that practically hums with boho vibes. She’s soft. She’s swishy. She’s got the kind of effortless drama that makes people stop and say, “Where did you get that?”

How to Style It
This isn’t the kind of skirt you tuck away for a special occasion. This is the skirt you wear to the farmer’s market, the backyard concert, the Tuesday you just felt cute.

Style Tips:
- Pair with classic tennis shoes (for chasing dreams or buses)
- Add a mandala tee and big, unapologetically pink earrings
- Toss on a hand-painted denim jacket and become walking art
The vibe? Cosmic flower child meets artsy downtown cool.

Vintage, Handmade, One-of-a-Kind

This green velvet skirt is handmade and vintage, which means there’s only one. When it’s gone, it’s gone. So if your heart’s doing a little flutter right now… that’s your sign.

Get the Look

Go ahead. Get the skirt. Throw on the jacket. Be the walking art gallery you were born to be.

Shop the 1970s Green Velvet Skirt Now
June 26, 2025
Introducing the Poodoodle Journal
Adios blank page anxiety! Hola creative encouragement!

Hey there, creative souls! Let me introduce you to something that’s been in the works for a while now—the Poodoodle Journal. It’s more than just a notebook; it’s a creative companion designed to help you unleash your ideas, without the pressure or perfectionism that often holds us back.

The Birth of the Poodoodle Journal

The idea for the Poodoodle Journal came from my own struggle with the dreaded blank page. You know, that empty stare-down where your mind goes blank and creativity feels miles away? Sound familiar? I’ve been there too many times to count, and I realized: we need something to help us embrace that initial mess, the not-so-perfect ideas, and the glorious “oops” moments.

That’s where the Poodoodle comes in.

I wanted to create a space where anything goes. A place to doodle, brainstorm, make lists, scribble down half-baked ideas, and write without judgment. The Poodoodle Journal is here to remind you that creativity doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. Whether your ideas are fresh, funky, or even a little funky-looking, it’s all good. The journal’s name alone is a playful nod to this—because sometimes a little fun (and a little nonsense) is exactly what we need to spark our best ideas.

Poodoodle Journal Features
- 140 dotted pages: The dots give you just enough structure for sketches, bullet points, and creative layouts, but they don’t box you in. It’s all about flexibility.
- 5.5″ × 8.5″: A compact size that’s perfect for tossing in your bag, yet spacious enough to let your ideas stretch out.
- Wire-bound for easy use: No awkward flipping or bending. It’s ready to go, wherever you are.
And here’s a little bonus inspiration on the back cover:

That’s right. Not every idea has to be a stroke of genius. Sometimes, you’ve got to start with the so-so ones and let them evolve. The Poodoodle Journal is here to encourage that messy, beautiful process.

A Thoughtful Purchase

One of the things I’m most proud of with the Poodoodle Journal is how it’s made. Each journal is crafted just for you when you place your order. No mass production, no piles of unsold stock. This on-demand model helps reduce overproduction and waste, so every purchase is a more sustainable choice. How cool is that?

Let’s Doodle, Let’s Create

I truly believe that creativity flourishes when we take the pressure off and just let the ideas flow—no matter how imperfect they may seem. So, if you’ve been staring at a blank page, hoping for inspiration to strike, it’s time to stop waiting. Pick up the Poodoodle Journal, and let the creative chaos begin.

Remember, it’s not about the end result; it’s about the process. So let’s make room for a little mess, a little doodle, and a whole lot of inspiration.

Ready to kickstart your creative journey? Grab your Poodoodle Journal here!

Poodoodles away! ✨

I hope this inspires you to dive into your next creative adventure. Whether you’re sketching your dreams, planning your goals, or just letting your thoughts run wild, the Poodoodle Journal is here to help you do it all—no stress, no pressure, just pure creative freedom.

Pin It

Connect with us:

Instagram •
Facebook •
Pinterest •
Etsy Shop •
January 23, 2025
Do These Stripes and Polka Dots Make My Tail Look Big? (T-Rex’s Fashion Crisis) 🦖🎨👗

The Dino Denim Jacket has officially made its mark—and what a roar-some statement it was! Auctioned at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science’s 2023 fundraiser, Cretaceous Couture, this unique hand-painted jacket left buyers and guests in awe, capturing the perfect blend of creativity, fun, and fashion.

A Dino-Mite Twist on Denim

The jacket was more than just a piece of clothing—it was a canvas waiting for creativity to come alive. The sleeves were adorned with whimsical, white dinosaur shapes—perfectly poised for little artists to add their personal flair. Buyers had the chance to transform their prehistoric pals, whether it was a T-Rex with colorful rainbow spots, a Triceratops in neon stripes, or perhaps a Stegosaurus in cozy pajamas!

What made this jacket so special was the interactive aspect. It wasn’t just about wearing a jacket—it was about creating one. The dino designs offered endless possibilities for imagination to take flight.

The Paint-Your-Own Jacket Kit

Each Dino Denim Jacket came with a special kit that included 3D fabric paints in a range of vibrant colors, turning the jacket into an exciting craft project. The paint was easy to apply, dried quickly, and—most importantly—lasted through wear and tear, making it the ideal material for young, enthusiastic artists.

Painted sleeves with frolicking dinosaurs.

A Jacket with a Purpose

Beyond the fun of designing and wearing a personalized jacket, the Dino Denim Jacket was also created with a heart full of purpose. The jacket was a featured in the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science’s fundraiser, with proceeds supporting important programs in science education and museum outreach.

Not only did the lucky winner walk away with an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind piece of art, but they also contributed to a cause that inspires future generations of explorers, scientists, and artists. It was a win-win situation for both fashion and philanthropy!

Final Thoughts

The Dino Denim Jacket proved to be more than just a fashion statement—it was a full-on creative experience! The jacket provided the perfect outlet for self-expression, while also supporting a cause that nurtures curiosity and love for science. Whether it was the chance to personalize a favorite jacket or the thrill of owning a unique, one-of-a-kind piece, this product certainly left a lasting impression.

While this particular jacket is now a collectible, we can’t help but hope that it inspires other dino-mite creations in the future! Keep your eyes peeled—you never know when the next interactive art-meets-fashion sensation might pop up! 🦕🎨

Connect with us:

Instagram • Facebook • Pinterest • Etsy Shop •

January 20, 2025
Fashion inspiration from my travels on the world wide web.

http://She Knows

http://Crazy Together

http://Sofiaz Choice

http://Bedazelive

http://Who What Wear

http://Outfit_Fashion

http://Outfit Fashion

http://Fashion For Living

To find your one-of-a-kind, hand painted, recycled denim jacket, just click the button below.

Shop Cowboy Kimono

September 9, 2021
Confessions of a Fashion Maverick

The Back Story of the First Cowboy Kimono

Francesca Blueher easily identifies as an independent-minded person. She is my older sister, leader of our clan of six children, and a self- described “hero from zero to now.” She is also the first owner of a Cowboy Kimono. As her birthday approached in 1996, I found myself fund-challenged and needing to come up with a zero dollar present—stat! I took a denim jacket from the closet, dusted off my fabric paints, and spawned the first Cowboy Kimono.

It is not unusual for Francesca to act on her own initiative and her Cowboy Kimono (featured above) is a reflection of that. Curious about what appears to be an undying devotion to the garment and an insistence on wearing it well beyond its life expectancy, I asked her to share about her Cowboy Kimono crush.

Do you still have the jacket or has it crossed the rainbow bridge?

FRANCESCA: “I still have it and I will never get rid of it. It is 25 years old, a quarter of a century! Perhaps I will include it in my will – maybe going to my (yet-to-be-born) granddaughter.”

You wear/wore the jacket to tennis matches – what’s the story behind that wardrobe strategy?

FRANCESCA: “I’m not playing competitive tennis anymore, but I wore it as a form of sunscreen until I hit the court and put it back on as I walked off the court. The wardrobe strategy? To be used as a protective garment.”

What’s the oddest / funniest / best / most inspiring encounter you’ve experienced while wearing the jacket?

FRANCESCA: “My daughter said, ‘My gawd, every time you wore that you would get a compliment on it!’ I started putting Cowboy Kimono business cards in the pocket and giving them away when people asked me about it. I’ve worn it to New York, Paris, and Japan. In New York, it gets a lot of compliments.”

Why did you continue to wear it when the denim began to “evaporate?”

FRANCESCA: “OMG it just got better and better as the denim evaporated. It didn’t get older, it just got better – just like me!”

What do you want people to know about it?

FRANCESCA: “I wear it to gala or formal fundraising events – much to my husband’s chagrin. I wear it because that beautiful design on the back is meant to go with anything and is such a celebratory design. The jean jacket is the fancy. “

Do you have any special connection to the jacket’s subject matter?

FRANCESCA: “It fits me like a glove. The design is stunning. Absolutely love how perfect the colors are. I’ve never had a piece of clothing that I love as much as this Cowboy Kimono.

If you have a favorite garment that only gets better with time, please share a photo and your story in the comments. #FashionCrush.

May 20, 2021
Denim Day

Wear denim April 28, 2021 and help raise awareness of rape and sexual assault. #DenimDay. The history behind Denim Day-

Read More

April 28, 2021
The Evolution of Denim

Did you know? Bing Crosby was refused a room at a hotel in Vancouver because he was wearing jeans? Levi Strauss & Co. was the first to attach a label to the OUTSIDE of a garment? The evolution of denim from conception to adaptation to perfection – all in one infographic! An interesting, quick read for denim fashionistas.

December 26, 2019
Painted Portrait Jacket

Just delivered this freshly painted, Cowboy Kimono, to a dear friend and creative supporter. She commissioned the project as a present to herself and wanted something as vibrant as her personality. The few simple asks included maintaining the glory of her silver hair (she earned every strand and it’s a source of pride). Her response to the preliminary sketch was an enthusiastic, “Go for it.” (Love that form of creative cheerleading)

Interested in a custom Cowboy Kimono? Let’s talk!

May 14, 2019