Painted Piping

Vintage red-rimmed enamelware inspired this old-fashioned country ensemble, which begins by painting "piping" along the chair's braided edge. Dishtowels sold prestitched with rickrack create the no-sew cushion cover and easy-sew back pillow.

• Plastic plate
• 1/2-inch stencil shading brush available at crafts stores
• Plaid Paint for Plastic in Crimson ($2 at crafts stores)
• Painter's tape, if desired
• Rubbing alcohol
• Rag or cotton balls for applying the alcohol

 

1. Wipe down the braided detail of the chair with rubbing alcohol.
2. For a cleaner edge, apply painter's tape on either side of the braid of your chair.
3. Squeeze a quarter-size amount of paint into dish.
4. Dip brush into the paint and blot off a small amount by dragging the brush away from the paint.
5. Starting at the top center of the seat back, begin brushing the paint along the outside edge of the chair. Work downward, one side at a time, ending at the bottom front end as shown in the photo.
6. Reload brush as needed. You can add more or less paint on the braid, as desired, just aim for consistency.
7. Allow at least 1/2 hour to dry.