This week is flying by and I can’t believe there are now only 7 days until Thanksgiving. What?? I feel like we were just starting Summer a minute ago and now that’s long gone and here we are barreling towards year end. Somebody stop this train!
Today I am thankful for my Mom and Dad and all of their support over the years. You have a lot of time to think when you are hand painting little details for an hour or so. My parents are always there when I need them and I love them dearly.
Speaking of painting… I just finished a rather fun (and definitely gratifying) little project. If you are anything like me then you have most likely seen an item in a store at some point and maybe looked at the price tag and thought “I could make that myself”. The creative wheels start turning and maybe you ventured as far as to actually do it! Well a couple of weeks ago I saw a Christmas pillow that I thought was sooo darn sweet at Target (Raise your hand if you follow my blog. Keep it up if you are surprised I was at Target. If your hand is still up you need to go back and read all of my posts!). 🙂
Considering the detail (and the cuteness) the price tag wasn’t really too bad at $19.99 but, in this case, I actually thought “It would be fun to try and make that myself.” And so I did! I’ll show you a side by side at the end.
I started with some dark red duck cloth that I already had purchased for another project. I had 1 & 1/4 yard ($6.50 after a 60% coupon at JoAnn Fabric) and I didn’t even use half of the material! I decided to make this pillow cover as an “envelope” or sham style cover, rather than a zipper. Frankly, I need to go back and practice my zipper sewing skills and I also didn’t want to spend any more than I had to anyway.
My materials:
Duck cloth $3.00 (approx).
One 20″ pillow (repurposed one I already had)
Metallic Gold Fabric Paint ($1.52 after another coupon)
(2) White Fabric Paint Pens ($1.49 each after more coupons = $3)
Fabric paintbrushes and white fabric marking pencil (already owned)
I started by cutting (1) 21″ x 21″ square from the cloth, and then (2) 13″ x 21″ rectangles for the back of the pillow cover.
Then I got to work on my number stencils. Now I do not own a fancy CriCut or anything like that (but it’s on my list annnnd they are 40% off at JoAnn right now, so maybe The Husband will read this and I will get an early Christmas present!). If you do own a machine that will cut adhesive vinyl numbers and lettering, you will spend about two hours less than I did on this project (you lucky dog!).
So I printed numbers in varying sizes:
My Mother taught elementary school for 44 years. She will be proud to know that my cutting, tracing and “staying in the lines” skills are finally paying off. I cut the numbers out (yes, by hand using scissors – so stone age, I know!) and laid them out onto the 21″ square of cloth.
Once I had them where I wanted them, I traced them lightly using the white marking pencil:
Then I got to painting all of the numbers gold:
The fabric paint dried pretty quickly, albeit maybe a bit tacky for a while, so I didn’t have to wait too, too long before I could go in and start writing the script with my white fabric marker. I was just careful not to rest my arms on the fabric. I freehanded the script in pencil first by looking at the example of the one I had seen in the store.
Oh I know it’s not perfect. But it’s also not printed on a machine by the thousands somewhere across the world so it’s just perfectly personal and handmade. As an aside, I told my Husband I wasn’t happy with the way one of the words turned out and he looked at me like I had three heads and said “Are you kidding? It looks perfect!” Ok, that’s good enough for me. (And then he wandered off muttering something that might have been about me being a perfectionist. Or crazy. Or maybe he was going to search “CriCut” on Amazon. God love him.)
Anyway I let that dry overnight (not because I am really that patient, but because I had to go to sleep). The next day I used my sewing machine to do a zigzag stitch on all of the edges of all three pieces of the fabric EXCEPT one long side of each rectangle, as those will end up showing on the back of the pillow and will be finished off. The zigzag edge will prevent fraying so it’s an important step, especially with duck cloth. I am NOT a seamstress y’all, but I make it work. Hey, I’m just glad I remember how to thread a bobbin since I only get to really sew every 3-4 months. If I can make this, “sew” can you! This project has re-inspired me. 🙂
I then did a traditional (twice folded, one-stitch) hem on the two unfinished sides of the rectangle pieces.
PS – do try and remove the pins before the needle passes over to prevent your needle from breaking. I missed a couple and got lucky. Some machines can definitely handle it (ie: Viking) but it’s just easier to take ’em out and save yourself the hassle. Once that was completed, I laid the painted square face up, and then lined up the first rectangle (finished side down towards the paint) with the top of the square and pinned it. I then lined up the second rectangle (again, finished side down) with the bottom of the square and pinned that. The rectangles will overlap by several inches.
I then sewed the entire perimeter of the three now-attached pieces and turned it inside out, using my finger to really get into the corners because I can’t find my little tool that does that (FYI – I would not recommend using scissors to poke the corners out. I have seen bad things happen. I’m just here to protect you and your projects). 😉
Insert your pillow just like you would a pillow into a sham cover. Shimmy it, fluff it, love it… and Voila! One very merry and festive holiday pillow!
And here’s the side by side. On the left – a picture of the “inspiration” taken on my iPhone. On the right – my “made-right-here-in-the-US of A-in-my-very-own-home “masterpiece”. Pretty fun, huh? Theirs is really cute and I still adore it (and I will definitely beef up my #5 on the one I am making for my son’s teacher – it seemed so much bigger when I was working on it!!!) but hey, not bad for hand painted and freehand cursive and $7.50 out-of-pocket!
I just hope you are all inspired to get out there and create something this week! As always, I love to read your comments or hear about any fun projects you are working on!
xoxo,
Claire
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Linking up to some fabulous parties!!
Christmas Inspiration Party @ Top This, Top That
Sundae Scoop @ I Heart NapTime
Clever Chicks Blog Hop @ The Chicken Chick
Flaunt It Friday @ Chic On A Shoestring
Saturday Show & Tell @ Cheerios & Lattes
Tutorial Tips & Tidbits @ Stone Gable
Countdown To Christmas @ Dixie & Dottie
Whatcha Work Up Wednesday @ DIY Crafty Projects
Shabbilicious Friday Link Party @ Shabby Art Boutique
Holiday Highlights Party @ DIY Showoff
The Inspiration Board @ Homework
Thankful Thursday @ My Crowded Kitchen
Upcycled, Repurposed {Newbie w/ a Twist} Party @ DebbieDoos
Make The Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill
Mop It Up Mondays @ I Should Be Mopping The Floor
Power Of Pinterest Pinning Party @ Fox Hollow Cottage
Shine On Fridays @ One Artsy Mama
Once Upon A Weekend @ Family Ever After
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Lovely Crafty Weekend @ Lovely Crafty Home
One Creative Weekend @ One Creative Mommy
I Freakin Did It Friday @ Miss Information
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm Of Home
Inspiration Friday @ At The Picket Fence
Fantabulous Friday @ Little Becky Homecky
Friday Happy Hour @ Crafty, Scrappy, Happy
Time To Shine Party @ A Diamond In The Stuff
Catch a Glimpse Party @ A Glimpse Inside
Grace At Home @ Imparting Grace
Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays @ Coastal Charm
Transformation Thursdays @ The Shabby Creek Cottage
Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style
So creative!
Claire,
Now, just look at you, this is one CUTE DIY pillow you have here! It really looks outstanding and your mother should really be proud of your cutting and writing skills:) Come by and share with us at my Nifty Thrifty Tuesday party.
Blessings,
Linda
Thanks so much, Linda! I definitely added this to your Tuesday party AND joined your great giveaway! Linked back to you at the bottom of this post so others can join in too. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and making me feel oh so happy about my pillow project! 🙂
My Christmas decor is based on the Twelve Days of Christmas (we celebrate them in this house from December 25-January 5 as per old tradition), so I am loving this! Beautiful work!
Thank you SO much! I am excited to make a few more as gifts. I will be sure and check out your site later this eve! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Claire
Awesome idea! You did a great job!
Thank you for your sweet comment!
This is fantastic!
Thanks Susan!! 🙂
Oh my goodness Claire! I want one, I want one!! That looks PERFECT to me. You could sell those! I need 2 Christmas pillows (well, don’t need, but want) for my front porch bench. If you make them, I’ll buy them 🙂 Don’t forget to share this the day after Thanksgiving at my first party. I’m sooooo nervous! XO
Julie, you crack me up!! Trade out – feature my pillow on FB and your blog and I’ll send you two free pillow covers. lol
Can’t wait til your 11/23 party!!
Lovely! I especially love that you are taking time during this busy bit of the year to be thankful. Great reminder for us all C:
Thanks so much for sharing at our pin’inspiration party.
Thanks so much, Jane! I am so glad you stopped by. Thanks for hosting a great party too! 🙂
That turned out amazing! I am also always looking at stuff in the stores thinking I’ll do it myself. I always take the picture. I rarely (okay, never) get around to making them! So I’m doubly amazed at your accomplishment!
As an added bonus, the pillow you’re making for your son’s teacher will be even less than $7.50 because you don’t have to re-buy the paint & pens!
Thanks Shaina! That is a GREAT point, too the second pillow will cost less! I will have to buy more paint pens though. It took both pens to get it all done. I think the second pen was faulty though and should have lasted longer. So glad you stopped by. I will be sure to pop over this weekend and see your blog. 🙂 Claire
Love it, and to my way of thinking, I think your version is better! The color on yours is prettier, Christmasy without being “in your face” red. You did a wonderful job.
Thanks Sandra! Hope you are doing well! 🙂
Wow, this is such a great idea and you did a fabulous job on the pillow.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Angie! So glad you popped in. I’ll be doing some hopping this weekend so will have to come by and see what you are up to over at DIYItNow! 🙂
Coming from Inspiration Friday… Great project! The pillow turned out beautifully! Thanks for the tutorial! 🙂
Thank you Rhonda!! I love your blog. Just posted about your beautiful real cotton arrangement! 🙂 Claire
The pillow turned out great. You really did a beautiful job.
Thanks Karen! So sweet of you to pop in. 🙂
Hi Claire…love your pillow, blog, and your FB page. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
Thanks Helen! Just was taking a look at your recent shopping adventure! I would have left there with NO money!! lol Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Claire, I’m Anne from Life on the Funny Farm and I’m visiting from Fantabulous Friday.
This is such a beautiful project! Very elegant looking. You have a very steady, artistic hand, I am envious.
Anyway, thanks for posting this. If you’ve never visited yet, I hope you can pop by my blog sometime to say hi…
Thanks Anne! I found your blog and FB page – congrats on your recent published article! 🙂
Adore the pillows. Your mother must be very proud of you for many reasons. You are so talented.
She is. She’s the best Mom in the world. 😉 Thank you soooo much for stopping by!
This is gorgeous! I’d love to create something like this but would struggle to make such pretty writing. I’m a new follower and I’m looking forward to being inspired by your other creations
Shushkat
Hi Shona – thanks so much for following and for your sweet comment! 🙂
This is a gorgeous pillow Claire! Thank you so much for bringing it over to Fabulous Fridays! for the party.
Thank YOU for hosting a fabulous little party, ladies! 🙂
Wow! That’s absolutely adorable. It looks like something I might be able to do, too! Pinning it for sure!
–Gena at http://ichoosejoy.org
Thanks so much Gena!! 🙂
This is perfect! I have always loved ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ and this is so much lovelier than a mass-produced item. You’ve got a beautiful script.
Thank you so much, Judy! I was just over on your blog – I ADORE the Highland cattle post and pictures!! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
OK I am just so impressed you were able to write that neatly! Thanks for linking up at Miss Information! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving
Thank you! My Mother’s influence. 🙂 So happy you stopped by and thanks SO much for hosting another great linky party! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well!
I love anything monogrammed and stenciled. What a great idea, I love the way your pillow turned out! Well done!
Thank you so much for taking the time to come by and leave a comment, Tami! I hope you have a great Thanksgiving! 🙂
Claire, I also shared this on Curb Alert’s Facebook page…https://www.facebook.com/CurbAlert
Thanks so much Tami!! I am behind in replying!! 🙂
This turned out gorgeous!! So glad you shared at Shine on Fridays!
Thanks Amy! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 🙂
Your pillow is so pretty! Love the whole theme of it!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! – Claire
Thanks so much Tuula! So glad you stopped by! 🙂
Brilliant! I have a link party every Friday so would love to have you link this up!
Thank you! And the the answer is indeed chocolate! 🙂 May be the following Friday before I am able to link up to any parties. Thanks for stopping by!
Beautiful! Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks for joining me at HSH!
Sherry
Hi, Stopping by to let you know you have been featured at One More Time Events.
So sweet – thank you again Tammy!! 🙂
Thank you for linking up Claire! Shooting you an e-mail tonight! XO
[…] A little Clarification shares a really nice diy […]
Thanks again, Debbie!! 🙂
I love, love , love this fun and very creative project!!!! I’m going to try my hand at it too! Thanks so much for the Christmas inspiration!!!
I hope you stop by StoneGable on Wednesday evening and join in my weekly dyi linky party, TUTORIALS, TIPS AND TIDBITS! This would be such a popular project!!!!
LOVE IT!
Thank you Yvonne! Will definitely get over to Stone Gable again soon! Thank you for your sweet comment. 🙂
SPEECHLESS! I never would have guessed this was freehand! Your husband was right! It looks perfect. 🙂
Aw, thanks Becca!! Glad you stopped by! 🙂
LOVE LOVE LOVE this pillow you made! You did a fabulous knock-off job!
And, thanks for reminding me about doing a zigzag stitch along the fabric to prevent fraying. I’ve been making tons of pillow in the past year or so & totally forgot about doing that. Now I can stop worrying about the bulk from double rolling the edges.
Thanks Beth! So glad you liked it! I am not a super sewer, but the zigzag stitch is a pretty easy one. Happy pillow making! 🙂
Your pillow is so beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing at our Countdown to Christmas link party! 🙂
You are so welcome! I linked to your blog at the bottom of the post.
Thanks again for hosting and for stopping by! 🙂
That is GORGEOUS!!!
Thank you so much! 🙂
I think you did a fabulous job! We all have so much to be thankful for. It’s always nice to take time and remember. Visiting from the Christmas Countdown. I would love if you linked this to my party, Share Your Cup Thursday.
Hugs,
Jann
Beautiful! I am sooooo going to try this, although I am not sure my script can measure up to yours! Nice to know you did it without the fancy, schmancy machinery because I don’t have one either. I have frequently skipped on projects when they used the machinery to cut the designs, but you have given me hope on this one.
Good luck Carolyn! You can do it! Just requires a little patience with the cutting and tracing and I took my time painting so you can do it too! There are number stencils out there but I wanted different sizes… So rewarding looking at the pillow on our big green overstuffed chair! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Love it! SOOOOOOOO cute!
Thanks Ruth!! 🙂
Ha! I saw the similar pillow at Target. I love yours! I wish I could copy the image of the pillow and save it on my couch. lol 😉 Very impressive. It is very beautiful! 🙂
Julie
Yes, just putting a color copy on the couch would be faster! lol
Thanks for your sweet comment! 🙂 – Claire
I bought said pillow last week for 11.99. I’d still be more proud if I made it. You go girl!
Oh I am sure they drop in price a week or so after they hit the stores. I’v been surprised over the last few years how LITTLE holiday merchandise was left to snap up at 50% off after Christmas. Stores are now marking down the holiday stuff earlier! Thanks for stopping by and for your comment! 🙂 Claire
Hi, just saw your pillows on Red Head Can Decorate’s blog. They are absolutely adorable!! I LOVE, Love, LOVE them!! Thanks for the tutorial.
Juliette –
Thank you so much for stopping by and for your sweet comment. 🙂
Claire
SO beautiful!! What a talent you have. Thank you for linking up with the Clever Chicks this week; I hope you’ll join us again!
Cheers,
Kathy Shea Mormino
The Chicken Chick
http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com
Thanks Kathy!! 🙂 I love reading your fun blog. We can’t have chickens in the city but ohhh fresh eggs every day would be divine!! – Claire
Love, love your pillow! So pretty! I love pillows and stenciling, so this is my kind of project. Thank you for the tutorial!
Your pillow is perfect. I want one! And here’s hoping you get that Cricut for Christmas.