Crafts & Sutch: home decor

Hello, Sweet Friends! I have missed you! I'm sorry I've been MIA, but I have to admit I had hit a crafting brick wall until Delia invited me to join her Color My Summer series that she is hosting along with Kojo Designs.

I chose the color BLUE because it screams SUMMER to me...blue skies, cool pools, and crashing waves just make me want to pop on my sunglasses and soak up some summer sun.

I wanted to introduce a little bit of a beachy feel into my home for the summer, so I customized some fabric to create this sand dollar pillow in Caribbean blue!

You will need: a pillow form or fiberfill, Heat n Bond, fabric scissors, disappearing ink pen, iron, fabric (I used broadcloth), a print out of your desired design, and a Clorox Bleach pen.

Start by cutting two pieces of fabric approximately 2" larger than your pillow form. My pillow form was 14", so I cut my fabric 16" square.

Cut out the image and trace around it using the disappearing ink pen. I found my image using Google, copied it into PowerPoint, enlarged it, and printed it.

Now trace around the lines using the Clorox Bleach pen.

Allow the bleach to work it's magic. Let it soak in for about 10-15 minutes (or longer).

Then wash and dry the fabric. I love how the bleach spread unevenly giving it a more organic and natural feel.

While I could probably sew a straight line, I don't have a sewing machine. :( One of my favorite bloggy gals, Cassie from Hi Sugarplum!, made some no sew pillows awhile ago and I was instantly inspired to make one of my own.

Following the directions on the Heat n Bond package, fuse together three sides of the pillow (leave about 3/4 to 1" seam allowance on all sides). I put the sand dollar image right side up, adhered the Heat n Bond strips, put the back of the pillow on top (like a little Heat n Bond sandwich), and ironed it together.

Turn the pillowcase right side out and press the seams.

On the open end, turn the fabric under and iron a crease to create a finished seam. Apply the Heat n Bond to one side of the pillow (see image below), insert the pillow into the case, and then iron the last seam.

Plop the pillow on a bed or your sofa, and you are finished! :) It's as simple as that!

I wanted to bring in the seas so I bleached the fabric with a sand dollar design, but this project could easily be adapted to fit into any decor...think monograms, floral patterns, stripes, etc.

I'm so thankful Delia invited me to join her fantastic series! I adore my pillow. It's soft, squishy and reminds me of the seas! How are you getting ready for summer?

I'll be linking up to some of my favorite parties on my sidebar. :)