Painted denim continues to be one of the hottest trends in DIY fashion. It offers a fun and unique way to express your personality and creativity.
Recently I was asked to paint a themed denim dress for my granddaughters birthday and it was an absolute hit! I painted cowgirl boots, cowgirl hats, bows, disco balls, cotton candy and stars to fit the theme of Disco Cowgirl with a side of Cotton Candy! And this cowboy hat is custom painted as well. Check it out HERE!
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How to draw custom artwork... without natural drawing ability!
I know many of you want to try this art form but are hesitant because you say you cannot draw! Well I've got you covered...
Here's the trick:
Find an image you love online. For example, I searched for cowgirl hat clip art and it delivered me so many options. Simply hold the paper up to the screen and trace the design.
Now you have your very own image to get you started! Cut out the designs and you will be able to transfer the designs to your denim.
But FIRST...the before
A basic denim dress ready for painted party flare!
Supplies Used: Painted Denim Party Dress
Sharpie Marker
Glitter Paint
Rhinestone Picker
Rhinestone Glue
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Painted Denim Party Dress Design
To start with the dress, lay down the clip art patterns to trace around....just like a sewing pattern!
Now this is where it gets really fun!
Once you've got your design outlined on the denim, the next step is to fill in each traced image with watered down white paint.
PRO TIP: This base coat of paint acts as a primer, helping your colors to pop and stand out on the denim's dark surface. It also give you a smoother canvas to work on, making the painting process easier.
Just mix a little water into your chalk mineral paint and fill in your traced out image. Let it dry and you'll have the perfect base for your colorful layers to follow.
Adding Color to the Designs
My granddaughter chose the color for each image.
I painted them to her specifications.
I added lighter colors for highlights and deeper colors for depth, especially on the disco ball.
That was my favorite image to paint!
Take Things to the Next Level
Then, to take things to the next level, I used glitter paint, rhinestones, and pearls as well!
This not only makes the dress look more intricate but it adds a tactile element that she loves!
I used a rhinestone picker (yes....its really called that) and a needle tip rhinestone glue to apply the stones and pearls.
This took quite a bit of time but the end result is so fabulous that I know it was worth it!
I gave a final outline with my Sharpie Paint Marker in black which really makes each design pop!
A look that will LAST!
I usually heat set my designs and also toss them into the drier for a heat cycle. But with all the added glitter and stone I didn't do that this time. I am recommending this dress be gently hand wash and hung to dry.
I should have heat set my painted designs before I embellished with glitter and stones....lesson learned!
The Finished Look: Painted Denim Party Dress
So THIS is the final look and I love it so much!!!
What's most important is that Harlow loves it too! Doesn't she look adorable? I custom painted this felt cowboy hat as well. Learn how HERE.
I'm now thinking I may need a themed pair of overalls! Would a few ghosts with pearls be fun?
More Inspiration: Painted Denim (...and Canvas)
I have been painting on denim for years! ALL the denim...and canvas...that I can get my hands on. Here are more of my unique styles for your inspiration:
Men's Faux Leather Jacket - a personalized gift for my music artist son-in-law
Collegiate Custom Jacket - Baylor Bears themed jacket. Sic'em!
Volleyball Sports Jacket - another jacket to support your favorite athlete
Patriotic Denim Jacket - step-by-step guide to creating wearable art
Floral Pants Blue Jeans - wear them and wash them and wear them again!
Canvas CHEER Shoes - completing the cheer outfit from head to toe
Canvas makeup bags - quick and easy personalized gift ideas
Denim Jacket Art - Abstract Floral Lady
And be sure to check out the matching custom painted felt cowboy hat!
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
How can I help with YOUR Custom Denim project?
Paint Your Own Project
If you would like to paint your own denim/canvas project but would like more (video) instruction, I have a very detailed (and affordable) course, Denim Painting 101, that guides you through all the steps to create your own canvas/denim. This 1.5+ hour course gives you all the tricks and tips to make it look great and just as importantly make it LAST through the wash!
Allow ME to paint it for YOU!
I offer a variety of painted canvas & denim projects that I custom create for you! You provide the vision, we collaborate on the final look, and I create a beautiful lasting piece just for you! See all my painted denim/canvas offerings HERE...or just shoot me an email with your custom design ideas.
JOIN ME FOR MORE...with Curiously Creative
If you enjoyed this and want more of a deep dive into home decor and DIY processes, I would love it if you joined my exclusive online creative group, Curiously Creative. I show up LIVE to guide you through every step of updating, upcycling, crafting, and creating on-trend home decor and gift-giving ideas!
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