Exploring the Martha Stewart Paint Line
I was so very very blessed to receive a big box containing the Martha Stewart Crafts Decorative Paint Line by Plaid. Head over to your local craft store, where this line is being sold exclusively…you may find the shelves stocked by now! I knew the paints, stencils, and tools would come in handy for what I love to do lately, which is repurpose thrift store finds.
One of the standout features of this paint collection is the incredible variety of finishes. Beyond the standard satin and gloss, the line includes pearl, metallic, and even glitter options. These multi-surface acrylic paints are formulated to provide excellent coverage on everything from wood and glass to fabric and metal, making them suitable for both interior and exterior projects. The brand has really captured a versatile palette that can inspire any crafter.
The Vintage Find
A few weeks ago, I found this 70s fabulous yarn basket for $6.
I don’t knit very much, but I loved the detail of the handles. The fabric…not so much, so I planned to change that out. I bought it anyways, not sure what I would do with it.
Then my mom came over one day, and while I was giving the girls a bath, she noticed their dirty clothes on the floor. I was already proud of them for putting them in the same spot on the floor every time (then I scoop them up and put them in the laundry room downstairs), but my mom has higher standards!
She said “You’re training them to throw clothes on the floor! Find them a basket or something to put them in!” Oh all right, I said reluctantly. Then I remembered my yarn basket, which I have now repurposed into a hamper for my girls, made pretty by Martha Stewart!
Choosing Your Paint Colors
When selecting a paint color, I love that Martha’s new paint options often include shades inspired by nature, such as the famous Araucana colors (based on eggshells) or a soft neutral hue. For this project, the print on the vintage fabric inspired my choice. I wanted colors that felt fresh and fun for a kids’ room.
If you are looking to match a specific color from a previous Martha Stewart Living paint line or perhaps a shade from Fine Paints of Europe, the catalog offers a wide range of pigments and dyes that likely fit the bill. The swatches available make it easy to coordinate the interior paint with your existing decor.
Repurpose a Vintage Yarn Basket: Materials and Steps
- Martha Stewart Satin Paint (colors below)
- Martha Stewart Spray Paint Kit
- Martha Stewart Stencil Brushes, Pouncers, Paint Roller and Stripe Brushes
- Martha Stewart Medium Stencil (Eyelet Lace Design)
- Masking Tape or Painters Tape
- White primer
- Plain cotton fabric
- Fusible webbing (I used Heat ‘n’ Bond Light)
First I removed the original fabric and started painting the frame. I could not wait to try the Martha Stewart Spray Paint Kit!!!
Buying a whole can of spray paint in one color can get quite expensive as well as take up a lot of space! For small jobs like this, the Martha Stewart Spray Paint Kit is perfect. You just need equal parts of satin paint in your color choice (I used Jonquil) and the Satin Spray Medium. You pour both into the bottle that comes in the kit, shake it to mix, and then attach the sprayer (don’t shake after you attach the spray).
It goes on so smoothly and easily. I applied two coats over some white primer, and I barely filled half the plastic bottle (that’s combined paint and medium) so I didn’t use that much paint. At $2.99 a bottle of paint, that’s really economical. In addition, it was convenient to not have to go to the store to buy spray paint…I already had my color on hand! As that dried, I started to stencil. So. Much. Fun. I last stenciled in middle school! I’d forgotten how much I love it.
I used some vintage-inspired fabric I found at the thrift store for $1.50 for 2 yards! The print inspired my color palette: Mint, Pink Carnation, Jonquil, Carrot, and I also added Raspberry Ice (a fuschia color). There are 160 total colors to choose from in the line, not only in satin finish but also pearl, metallic, glitter (woo!) and high-gloss.
Because I plan to wash the bag periodically (since it will be holding dirty clothes), I want to make sure the paint will stay on. It’s amazing that I can use the same paint I just spray painted on wood onto fabric as well! All I have to do is mix the paint with fabric medium (2 parts paint, 1 part medium) and after heat setting after 24 hours, it’s safe to go in the wash! By the way, Martha Stewart paint line not only can be applied to wood and fabric, but also glass (dishwasher safe), terra cotta, metal and ceramic. In addition, they are suitable for indoor/outdoor use and are non-toxic so children can use them as well.
First I tried the stencil brushes on this butterfly.
Then I tried a roller on this doily-shaped design. The roller also comes with its own plastic bottle for mixing the paint with medium. If you don’t need medium, the roller attaches right onto the paint bottle.
The stencil brushes and roller were so easy to use, but my favorite stenciling tools were definitely these pouncer brushes. I found them to apply the paint very evenly and I also couldn’t wait to try these stripe brushes. I made my own plaid fabric! Instead of stenciling right onto the bag fabric, I thought it would be cool to add some dimension by making appliques out of the stencils. So when the plaid paint dried, I cut it into shapes. And I also cut around the stenciled shapes.
I then traced the cut-outs onto some Heat ‘n’ Bond fusible webbing. The rectangle at the bottom of the pic would normally be used as a trim or border, but I stenciled a short length and made it into a pocket where my girls can put their hair accessories before bath time (which we keep downstairs…we are always losing them!). I arranged them on the bag fabric and I fused the appliques then stitched them. For the pocket, I lined it with the print fabric and sewed that to the bag as well. Again, will have a full tutorial on how to make the bag in another post. But here’s the finished product upstairs by the bathroom. Most importantly, the girls love it. Glad to help them develop good habits (and Grandma will be happy too…also important).
Conclusion
In this blog, we showed you how you can turn a vintage yarn basket into a beautiful piece of art using the Martha Stewart Paint Line. By following the simple steps outlined, you can transform your old yarn basket into a work of art that you’ll be proud to own. With the wide range of paint finishes and paints and accessories available, the possibilities are endless. We hope you enjoyed this Martha Stewart Paint Line tutorial and let us know in the comments what you think!
FAQs
Q: Where can I buy Martha Stewart paint—Amazon, Lowe’s, or Home Depot?
A: The Martha Stewart Paint Line has seen various partnerships over the years. While it was famously launched at Home Depot and later at Lowe’s, availability can fluctuate as lines discontinue or change. Currently, you can often find specific craft paint sets, stencils, and paints and accessories on Amazon or specialty craft retailers, though a full new wall paint collection might vary by region.
Q: How can I match a discontinued Martha Stewart paint color?
A: If you need to match a color from a previous paint collection that has been discontinued, services like MyPerfectColor can be invaluable. They use a spectrophotometer and gloss meters to analyze the original pigments and dyes and recreate the hue in a new batch. You can also check if Sherwin Williams or Fine Paints of Europe have a color match in their systems.
Q: What types of paint are in the Martha Stewart collection?
A: The brand offers a versatile range including interior and exterior paints. The craft line is particularly popular for its multi-surface acrylic paints that work on glass, fabric, and wood. You can choose from various finishes like satin, gloss, pearl, metallic, and glitter, ensuring you have the right finish for any project.
Q: Are the paints suitable for outdoor use?
A: Yes, many of the multi-surface acrylic paints in the Martha Stewart Paint Line are formulated for both indoor and outdoor use. They are weather-resistant once cured, making them a great choice for garden pots, patio furniture, and other exterior craft projects. Always check the specific bottle label for coverage and curing instructions.
Q: What makes the “Araucana colors” special?
A: The Araucana colors were a signature part of an earlier palette inspired by nature, specifically the colorful eggs of the Araucana chicken. These everyday colors featured soft blues, greens, and neutral tones that became a hallmark of the Martha Stewart aesthetic, designed to create a calm and cohesive interior environment.
