Buffalo Plaid Christmas Stockings
As the Christmas tree goes up, often the family stockings do as well. I’m so excited to share how you can create these sweet buffalo plaid Christmas stockings using Miss Mustard Seed’s® Milk Paint!
Whether you’re looking to change up your holiday decor, or want to make sure you have enough stockings for guests, this project is sure to be a favorite!
There are quite a few steps involved but don’t worry, anyone can do this project! Once you get the hang of the process, it’s easy to repeat.
If you’re a visual learner, be sure to check out my video tutorial at the end of this post for step-by-step instructions.
Supplies Needed
Before we get started, let’s make sure we have all the supplies necessary.
Burlap Stockings (I got mine from Amazon - 6 for $15!)
1” Frog Tape
Three 1” Foam Brushes
MMSMP in Ironstone and Aviary
Fine Sanding Pad
Contrasting and Complimentary Colors
To achieve the buffalo plaid look, we’re going to work with three contrasting, yet complimentary, paint colors. I chose Ironstone for my lightest color, Aviary for my darkest color, and then a 50/50 blend of the two for my middle color. There are so many different combinations you could use that the possibilities are endless!
Left - Ironstone | Center - 50/50 mix of Ironstone and Aviary | Right - Aviary
Paint The Stocking Cuff In Ironstone
For this project, we’re only going to be painting the cuff, so I suggest you use some green Frog Tape to protect the burlap stocking from getting any paint on it. Tear off a strip and lay the Frog Tape under the cuff where it meets the boot. That way, when you’re painting the bottom of the cuff, the paint will go on the tape and not the burlap.
It’s easier to prevent extra paint from spilling over than to go back and clean it up, right?
Once the boot is protected, paint the entire cuff in Ironstone. Apply 1 or 2 coats, depending on your preference. Make sure you let the paint dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
Tape Off Vertical Stripes
With the 1” frog tape, start at the left-hand side of the cuff and lay one strip of tape down vertically, pressing the edges so they adhere to the fabric as much as possible. This will help prevent paint from bleeding under your tape.
Next, lay a second strip of tape next to the first one to act as a spacer.
Then, lay down another strip next to your spacer. You could measure, but this way is much faster!
Peel up your spacer tape and place it to the right side of the last tape strip and continue this pattern across the entire surface.
Once you’re done, all of your vertical stripes will be evenly spaced.
For you visual learners, I demonstrate this step in my tutorial video. Scroll to the end of my written tutorial, and give it a watch to see this part in action!
Paint Vertical Stripes
Using the 50/50 Ironstone + Aviary mix, paint the spaces between the tape, creating stripes. I found a near dry brush and a dabbing motion works well for this project. Again, I show this part of the project in my tutorial video.
Once that layer is dry, remove the tape.
Taping And Painting Horizontal Stripes
Now we’re going to practice the same taping method to create horizontal stripes starting from the top of the cuff working down. Once all the taping is done, paint the stripes in that same 50/50 mix.
Once your horizontal stripes are dry, don’t remove the tape. We’re going to create the darkest set of squares next!
Taping Off A Third Grid
Instead of removing the horizontal tape once the MilkPaint™ is dry, we’re going to leave it in place.
Tear off more pieces of Frog Tape and replace the vertical tape lines, creating a grid of vertical and horizontal lines like so.
This final grid will be painted with the darkest color, which in this case is straight Aviary.
That’s it! You’re done with all the painting and ready for the best part… removing all the tape! A beautiful buffalo plaid pattern will be revealed, and your once plain stockings will be plain no more!
Can you see how that last step created the darker squares of our buffalo plaid pattern? This is what really makes the entire look authentic!
Fine Sand The Stocking Cuff
If you’d like to add a weathered or rustic look to your plaid, make sure your paint is completely dry, then take a fine sanding pad to the fabric. This will subtly add character and dimension to your project, giving it a cozy cottage feel!
Buffalo Plaid Stocking Video Tutorial
Last week, I went live on Miss Mustard Seed’s® Facebook page and showed how to make these stockings in real time. Enjoy my tutorial video, because I sure had fun making them!
The Stockings Were Hung By The Bench With Care…
Where do you hang your stockings if you don’t have a mantle? I have a gorgeous alternative for you to consider!
An entryway above a welcoming bench is a great way to display them!
Love this bench? I refinished it in Ironstone! You can see more pieces like this in the furniture section of my online shop. We ship nationwide, so don’t let distance stop you!
I hope this holiday project inspires you to try something new. Whether it’s using a buffalo plaid pattern or painting one-of-a-kind stockings for your home, there are endless ways to use MMS MilkPaint™!