No Sew Bleached Sand Dollar Pillow

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. :)

Knotty Bag

Happy Friday, Friends!  I hope you had a GREAT week!  I've been in Arizona for the past week on business and am happy to be home and spending the weekend with the hubs and the monkey. :)  In case you missed it, here is the post I did last week over at The Scrap Shoppe for her Homemade Christmas event.  Enjoy!

Hello Beautiful Scrap Shoppers! :)  I cannot tell you how excited I am to be here and spend some time with you today!  I'm Erin from Crafts & Sutch. I love all things crafty and have been diagnosed with "I can make that" syndrome. I am constantly inspired by the things I see, so I like to create a little bit of everything. :)

Today we are making a gift any girl would be happy to receive...a knotty bag!

I got this super duper EASY idea from Martha's web site.  There are two ways to create the bag and I used both of them to achieve my desired look.

Here is what you will need to get started:  a scarf or piece of fabric (at least 36" inches square) and a pair of purse handles.  I got my scarf at a thrift store for a dollar and picked up the handles at Joann's for $4.20 (40% off coupon).

 Start by placing your scarf or fabric face down and tie a knot in each corner. 

Leave about a 5" tale on the end of each knot because we will tie them again later.  Here is what your bag should look like so far.

Now take two adjacent corners and slip them through the front of one of the handles.  Then pull them out to opposite sides.

Take each corner and wrap around to the front of the handle and tie a knot.

Repeat this process with the other two corners and you are all finished!

Can you believe how easy that was?!  I love how it's super slouchy and has a vintagey feel.

This is essentially two great gifts in one...a fun bag and a fantastic scarf! 

I have loved spending some time with you today!  I hope you'll stop by Crafts & Sutch and say hi! :)  Thank you so much, Michele, for letting me come visit!  I wish you all a very happy holiday season!

Have a happy weekend! :)  I'll be linking up to these fantastic parties!