How to Create Your Own Burlap Chinoiserie Fabric

November 21 2024, by Ryan Casuga, 3 min reading time

Transform your fabric projects with a stunning old-world aesthetic!

In this tutorial, Mary Corrado, an interior decorator and a student of Amy Howard’s Old World Finishing Course, shares her process for creating breathtaking burlap chinoiserie fabric.

The best part? It’s crafted with affordable materials you likely already have on hand!

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process and bring a timeless look to your home decor.

Materials You’ll Need:

Burlap Fabric – Affordable and easy to source.
Amy Howard Venetian Plaster – Made of lime, calcium carbonate, and marble dust.
Toscana Milk Paint (Noir) – A non-VOC paint that comes in powder form for a rich finish.
Amy Howard Matte Sealer – To protect your design.
Amy Howard Dark & Light Antiquing Waxes – For an aged effect.
Dust of Ages – Adds depth to the final piece.
Amy Howard Chinoiserie Stencil – For that classic chinoiserie look.
Foam Brush & Lint-Free Rags – For application.
Squeegee or Palette Knife – To apply chalk art or gel medium.
Blow Dryer – To speed up drying time.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Fabric

Start with a piece of burlap fabric. Clean it thoroughly and lay it flat.

Step 2: Apply Venetian Plaster

Mix Amy Howard Venetian Plaster with warm water to create a sour cream consistency.
Use a metal scraper or spatula to trowel the plaster onto the burlap in sweeping motions.
Let it dry fully between coats. Two coats will give you the best coverage.

Step 3: Add Toscana Milk Paint

Mix one part Toscana Milk Paint (Noir) with one part water until smooth.
Use a foam brush to apply the milk paint over the dry Venetian plaster. This will create a rich, textured base.
Let it dry completely.

Step 4: Stenciling the Design

Position the Amy Howard chinoiserie stencil on the painted surface.
Use gold Maker Studio chalk art or gel medium and a squeegee to fill in the stencil design.
Carefully peel back the stencil to reveal the intricate design.

Step 5: Seal and Antique

Apply a coat of Amy Howard Matte Sealer to protect your design.
Mix a glaze using 2 parts Glazed Over, 1 part black One-Step Paint, and 1 part water.
Brush the glaze over your fabric, then use a lint-free rag to blot and reveal highlights.

Step 6: Wax and Age

Once dry, apply a layer of light antiquing wax using a wax brush. Allow it to come to tack (dry slightly).
Follow with dark antiquing wax to add depth and richness.
Dust the fabric with Dust of Ages and buff it into the crevices for a beautiful sheen.

Step 7: Add the Final Aged Touch

Gently roll and crunch the fabric to create cracks and texture in the plaster layer, giving it an embossed, old-world look.

The Final Result

Your burlap chinoiserie fabric is now complete! It boasts the perfect combination of aged elegance and stunning design, ideal for use on stools, furniture, or even framed as artwork.

This technique is a wonderful way to transform simple materials into timeless decor. Try it yourself and let us know how it turns out!

Happy crafting!