DIY: Christmas Pillows

Decorative pillows are pretty expensive and for some reason I can never find the ones that are on sale. I wanted so festive Christmas pillows for my couch, but quickly realized that I had very expensive taste. I remember seeing a DIY for creating pillow covers so I headed over to Hobby Lobby.

The two pillows I was covering were 18" x 18", so I bought 1 1/2 yards per pillow. However, I really needed two yards per pillow but I made it work. Place your pillow in the middle of the fabric. Bring the bottom sides up to meet, just like you are wrapping a package.

Fold the ends in to create two points. If you have enough fabric, then you can either knot the fabric or pin it together. Since I was a bit short I chose to pin it together. I used a silver reindeer pin that I found at Hobby Lobby to bring it all together. This is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to switch up your couch pillows without spending a fortune.

Sweet SIgn

So recently it was my mom's birthday and I decided that I was going to make a piece of artwork for her. I wanted to do something a little bit different and so when I saw this canvas at Michael's, I decided to go for it. Usually when I try to paint something, it never turns out the way I want it to, so I decided to forgo that frustration this time. I had a piece of magenta, textured felted that I used as the base. Next, I created wire letters that spelled out 'mom' (or 'wow' depending on which way you set it down). To make the letters, I took beading wire and then bent it into the shapes with wire cutters. However, I found that you can't make the complete letter and then put on the beads because they don't fit over the bends... I should have know that, right? For the finishing touch, I added three different shaped buttons to opposite corners. It was a simple way to give her a reminder that I am always thinking about her.

Oh Fall, Where Are You?

Table Top

I am officially done decorating for fall. Like I said, not that much room to decorate, so it's pretty easy to do. Though I love the wreath that I made, I don't really get to enjoy it since I usually inside, not outside. However, I have recently discovered how much I enjoy candles and knew that I wanted to use them in my fall decor. There is something about the flickering flame and the relaxing aromas that just makes the world seem simple. Plus it makes the space feel cozy, homey, and warm...the perfect adjectives for fall. I found this really fantastic pine cone spray at Hobby Lobby and knew it would go well on the top of my table. I have a round table, so unfortunately I can't really do a long display (which can be really amazing). This spray had leaves, nuts, berries and because I do like a little bit of shine, tastefully glittered pine cones. I bought three small glass votives that I randomly (but strategically) placed within the spray. The candles were apple fig tart scented and they smell beyond amazing! I anchored the display with an ivory candle that also happens to smell spicey and very fall like.

Coffee Table

Last year I used apothecary jars filled with dried beans, popcorn kernels, and nuts. I like the layered look that it makes, but wanted to do something different. I found this really fun vase filler at Hobby Lobby that was different sized mini pine cones and glittered acorns in orange and gold. The glitter is done in a sophisticated manner and adds a nice pop of color. I put this in a medium vase and tied a piece of raffia around it. I used a smaller bowl and filled the bottom with white popcorn kernels and used the leftover leaves and acorns from the wreath on top of that. That created a nice blend of textures and colors that coordinated with the other vase. The magic number in decorating is three so I did a high vase that I layered with more kernels and small dry red beans. I used the green leaves off the reddish/orange/yellow mum flowers I bought and then added the flowers. This way I can always enjoy the flowers without them dying. The trick to creating a visually appealing grouping is to use things with various shapes, sizes, and heights, but to use things that tie them all together. When you use small elements and carry them over that creates the cohesive look that makes it all come together.

I had some of the dry red beans and popcorn kernels leftover, so I decided to use the polka dot votives I bought from One Kings Lane (see One Kings Lane post) again. I told you that they were very versatile and could be used all year round. I divvied up the filler between the three and then placed one of the apple fig tart votives on top. If you have votive holders that are too tall for the candles you have, this is a great way to fix that. Just make sure that you are using something that won't catch on fire. So now I am officially ready on the inside for fall, but I am just waiting on the weather to catch up with me. Let me know how you get your home ready for fall and what great ideas you have in store.

The Lone Star

After hearing that a friend was moving to Oklahoma, I was trying to decide on the perfect going away gift. I knew I wanted to do something Texas related since he's a big fan of the state. Browsing the internet, I saw some wall art and decided that I would attempt to make my own piece for him. I was thinking about painting the Texas Flag as the background and then doing an outline of the state on top. Well after trying that, it didn't exactly work out like I had planned. I added the phrase 'The Lone Star State' at the bottom, but it still wasn't what I had in mind.

So now what? I spent a long time looking at the painted canvas hoping for some inspiration, but nothing came. It was time to solicit some advice. After adding the suggested brads to the star, it started to look better but it still looked incomplete. I began to think about the signs that I had been trying to recreate and remembered that most of them had some kind of fabric tied to the hanger. I was afraid of looking it too girly, so instead of using ribbon I opted for a red bandana. What could be more representative of Texas than that?!

So here's the final product. Though it's hard to see in the picture, it still says 'The Lone Star State'. I think it turned out pretty well and came a long way from where I started. I found that I have a somewhat frustrating relationship with artwork. I think I have a clear idea of how I want something to look, but due to my limited drawing skills, it doesn't always go according to plan. But as I was reminded, it's art and you can never go wrong because there isn't a right or wrong way. So next time you find yourself discouraged about a craft project, just remember it's totally up to you, so you can't go wrong.