Make It: Bleach Pen Pillowcases

How about a little laundry style drawing fun for today?  Pillowcases + bleach pen = fun new pillows!  Yes, that simple.  Want to see some more details?  Well, keep reading!

You'll need a pillowcase (or other fabric), a bleach pen and some chalk (optional).  I used the Clorox Bleach Pen and some plain black cotton pillowcases I found at my local dollar store.  I know, score right?! 

Put a layer of wax paper, plastic or foil inside the pillowcase or under your fabric, to keep the bleach from bleeding through.  You may want to tape down your fabric as well so it doesn't shift around.  Draw out your design in chalk.  Be as simple or detailed as you want.  I decided to do a pair of picture frames.  I like the imperfectly drawn look of it.

Trace over your design with the bleach pen.  You don't need to glob on the bleach.  In fact, I found that the more you put on, the more it would bleed.  So go light!  You can always add more.  Once you've finished applying the bleach, let it set until you are happy with how much it has lightened.  Also, just because you're bleaching the fabric, doesn't mean it's necessarily going to turn white.  The colour your bleached area becomes will all depend on the original colour and tone of the fabric you are working with.  

Next, rinse off the excess bleach in your wash tub and toss it into the washing machine on a cold cycle with some detergent.  Let it wash... dry.... then there is only one thing left to do....

Admire!  I really love how they turned out and that they are totally unique.  These ones are staying on my bed, but they would make a sweet handmade gift for someone in your life too.  How about doing a Mr. & Mrs. set for some newlyweds?  Some counting sheep for a child?  Or even just some Zzzzzz's?

I did a single flannel pillowcase as well to give to my niece.  The flannel seemed to be more prone to bleeding, so keep that in mind if that's what you choose to use.  However, it did bleach very well and I'm quite happy with it.  I hope my niece is too!

*PS, I used about half of the contents of the bleach pen for all three pillow cases shown here.

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