Cowboy Kimono Blog

Tag: fabric paint

Paint used on clothing or textiles for DIY and creative projects. Adds color and personality to handmade fashion.

  • DIY Sunburst Chairs: Hand-Painted Upholstery with an Ethnic Chic Twist

    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.
    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!
    Dining chairs with hand painted sunburst pattern
  • Do These Stripes and Polka Dots Make My Tail Look Big? (T-Rex’s Fashion Crisis) 🦖🎨👗

    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! 🦕🎨

     

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  • The Creative Process Behind Each Painted Jacket

    The Creative Process Behind Each Painted Jacket

    Ever wonder how I make Cowboy Kimonos? This quickie tour shows how a doodle morphs into a hand painted denim jacket. Got questions (like how much money did my parents waste on acting lessons) or ideas for a custom Cowboy Kimono? Connect by clicking the button below.

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  • Vines! Sacred Hearts! Itty Bitty Jean Jacket

    Vines! Sacred Hearts! Itty Bitty Jean Jacket

    Child Sized Jacket (Painted Sleeves and Front Panels)

    A new addition to Cowboy Kimono’s Etsy store, this recycled jean jacket has bright green and turquoise vines climbing up each sleeve and shoulders capped with a sacred heart. The “Martian” leaf motif continues on the front panels beneath the pockets, contrasting with the deep indigo blue of the denim. Dimensional paint creates faux embroidery accents. It’s good to know that this child size jacket is washable, durable and one-of-a-kind!

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  • Confessions of a Fashion Maverick

    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.

  • Fabric Paint Saves Stained Pants

    Fabric Paint Saves Stained Pants

    I almost lost one of my favorite pair of pants to a defiant paint stain. Before giving them the heave-ho, I devised a rescue plan using fabric paint. Gambling on the pants looking like a chintzy couch from 1983 or looking like a boho oldster, I chose a watercolor flower pattern in indigo. Now, I’m wearing them and a smile. Here are the directions for this fabric paint rescue:

    Supplies

    • Acrylic Paint (I used Craft Smart, Premium Satin, Midnight Blue)
    • Delta Ceramcoat Textile Medium
    • Small Spray Bottle filled with water (to create watercolor effects)
    • Scrap Cardboard – cut into the shape of pant leg to prevent paint from bleeding through to the opposite side of pants. Stuff inside leg of pant while painting.
    • Paint Brushes
    • Paper Towels
    • Paper Plate Palette
    • Optional: Print Outs of watercolor flower patterns for reference

    Instructions

    1. Place cardboard inside pant legs to tighten fabric (which improves the painting surface), and prevent paint bleed-through to the other side.
    2. Prepare your painting supplies:
      • On a paper plate, mix a blob of acrylic paint with textile medium.
      • Have a cup of water available for brush washing and dipping.
      • Fill the spray bottle with water.
      • Keep paper towels near for dabbing your brush, sopping up spilled paint, or blotting paint application that is too heavy.
    3. Paint using watercolor flower reference or your imagination.
      • To achieve a wet-on-wet effect, spray the fabric first and paint with diluted, watery paint.
      • To achieve a dry brush effect, dip your brush in undiluted acrylic paint and lightly blot it with paper towel. Test a couple of brush strokes on a piece of scrap paper. Then stroke paint onto a dry area of the pants.
    4. Remove cardboard and allow painted pants to dry 24 hours.
    5. Turn pants inside-out and iron painted areas, without steam, on medium heat.
    6. Done! Now it’s time to go forth and show off your mad pant painting skills. * Download the painted denim laundry instructions for care.

     


    Laundry Instructions

  • Painted Denim Mash-up

    Painted Denim Mash-up

    My Fashion Relationship: It’s Complicated

    One single style doesn’t usually do it for me. I dig mashing-up fashions like Funky + Fabulous, Mariachi + Tres Chic, Astro + Artsy. Creating Cowboy Kimonos allows me to marry unlikely fashion trends that shout, “I’m an original!” Got a dream mash-up? Create your own using the Mash-up Generator.

    Painted denim custom mash-ups

    Mash-up Generator

    Mix & Match the styles below to make a Mash-up. Don’t know the style? Click the links! (From Sew Guide, Fashion Styles: 40 Types)

    Ready to Make Your Mash-up into a Custom Painted Denim Jacket?

    1. SHARE your style mash-up with me and I’ll create a sketch.
    2. LIST your likes and dislikes, then I’ll tweak the sketch until we agree on a final design
    3. TALK COIN. Price is determined by what parts of the jacket are painted, how detailed the design is, and high or low paint coverage. I’ll prepare a quote and begin painting once we agree on price and payment.
    4. PAINT happens. Once complete, the jacket will dry for 24 hours before it ships.
    5. SHIP and SHARE. Once you get your custom Cowboy Kimono, show it off, take a pic and I’ll post it!
    Make A Mash-up!
  • Painted Portrait Jacket

    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!

  • Rocker, Raver, or Funky Cowgirl?

    Rocker, Raver, or Funky Cowgirl?

    A hand painted Cowboy Kimono + faux fur collar + thrift store scarf = THREE-IN-ONE Fashion. Perfect if you like to dress for your current mood.

    I’ve been finding used denim jackets and converting them into Cowboy Kimonos for years. This year I wanted to collaborate with my oldest son who sews faux fur vests and hoodies. Together we made this neon turquoise faux fur collar.

    Fur Collar with Scarf

    Check-out the underside…there are loops to hold a scarf in place!

    The three elements can be combined for different looks.

    Both sleeves of the Cowboy Kimono are hand-painted with dimensional fabric paint.

    Sleeve detail

    This original, three-in-one outfit is now available for purchase.

    Click to Purchase