This is such a no-talent-needed project, I am almost embarrassed to show you how to create these incredibly easy hand painted towels. But, just in case you never thought of this, here goes….
The secret? Pre-printed towels like these from Target.
You’ll need:
+ Cotton towels or fabric with pre-printed line art.
+ Craft acrylic paints in the colors of your choice. I chose blue, purple, and green. I mixed in white to lighten the colors.
+ Paper plate
+ Water
+ Flat paint brush. I used 1/2 inch brush.
+ Old towel placed underneath the project fabric.
Before getting started on the fun part, prewash to remove any sizing from the fabric. Iron if needed.
Dip the paint brush into the water then into the paint, swirling around on the paper plate until the paint is thinned down considerably. It will be like working with water colors. Very lightly sweep the brush across the area you are coloring. Start at the center of your design in order to see how much the paint will bleed into the surrounding area, then work your way toward the edges of the design. No need to be perfect- in fact, you want that hand painted look, so don’t try overly hard to make the color uniform.
Notice how the green paint has seeped outside the lines? That’s because I didn’t have the old towel underneath that area to absorb the excess water. No worries, we’ll just call it artistic license. 
If you’ll notice in the previous picture, even the preprinted design doesn’t stay inside the lines.
After the paint has dried, iron the fabric to set the paint. If you’re concerned about mucking up your iron, use a pressing cloth.
Remember the vase in our dining room which incorporates all the colors I use in my décor? I used it for inspiration in this little hand painted project.
Additional Thoughts:
Try not to add too much paint- your fabric will become stiff. Washing the towel after setting the paint with the iron softened up the painted areas. I really couldn’t tell any difference between the painted and unpainted areas. However, I don’t think it would soften up enough if you use a heavy coat of paint.
I opted to paint only a few areas so that the towel was still absorbent enough for drying dishes.
I didn’t notice any fading of the color after washing, but that may happen after multiple washings. We’ll see.
The colors I use in decorating our home are not the most common, so it is often impossible to find fabric in the right colors. That’s why you’ll see lots of stencils and paint in my projects.
These incredibly easy hand painted towels are so quick and so fun, I hope you’ll give it a try. This would be a great customized hostess gift!
Doodles,
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Wow, this is so cool what you did with towels. I will now never look at pre-printed anything anymore, plus it looks so easy to do. I used to paint prayer cards with water colors when I worked at a center years ago, so I can relate to this project.
I love these what a great idea! And not beyond my artistic ability. A win – win! Woo Hoo! 🙂
Yay, glad you like them, Deb. I hope you’ll give it a try. 🙂
So pretty, Sheila! Great tip, beautiful gift idea and love the colors you chose!
Thank you, Roeshel. 🙂
Oh my gosh that is so cute Sheila. I like these kinds of projects. Easy peasy and super cute!
Thanks, Debbie. Easy projects are therapeutic, aren’t they?!
So cute! Love the colors you chose- perfect with you vase!