Decorative Pillow Covers
Now we return you to your regularly scheduled arts and crafts projects. This week, let's look at a really cute idea; decorative pillow covers! These make great gifts for any occasion, but be forewarned, once your kids start with this fun project, they may not want to give them up! You might be better off just sending a card, and letting your child enjoy a well-earned treat! Imagine their little heads resting angelically (aren't they so adorable when they're quiet…I mean sleeping!) on a soft pillow. Now picture that cushion wrapped in a great decorative pillow cover made by you and your kids! You just can't beat the imagery! Or if you are young, and you still can't get enough of your kids (just kidding!) make a decorative pillow cover for yourself with their picture on it! You'll be dreaming sweet tonight with your head on one of these!
Decorative pillow covers can be made in a variety of ways, shapes and styles. The material can be anything you like that is soft and has a pleasant feeling against your skin. Remember, this is going directly under your face. You can keep this project simple or make it quite elaborate. One simple decorative pillow covers idea is the following:
Buy light cotton material (enough to cover your pillow).
Fold the material in half, and sew up the two long sides. You can either leave the short open side undone, or you can fold over a small piece of the material on each side to give it a more finished look.
Next, place a piece of thick cardboard inside the pillow cover.
Using fabric or puff paint, let your kids decorate their covers however they like. The can spell their names, draw silly pictures, or write a fun message! Hand them the paints, and let their imaginations go free!
Give the paint around 24 hours to dry completely before removing and discarding the cardboard.
Other fun ideas for decorative pillow covers are iron-on appliqués or computer-scanned pictures. Nothing is sweeter than cuddling up to a pillow with your favorite someone printed all over it (except actually cuddling up with that person!) There are a few ways of doing this. You can take your pillow cover (follow the above instructions 1 and 2 for sewing) to a Wal-Mart or Walgreens type store together with the photo you'd like to use. They will print your picture right onto the covering. If you are more of the do-it-yourself persuasion, there are also several options. Use printable fabric sheets to transfer any image onto your pillow. June Taylor, Printed Treasures, and Miracle Fabric Sheets all do the job. Simply print from your home computer whatever picture or image you desire onto these fabric sheets. Pull back the protective layer, and iron the image onto your covering. It's easier than ironing your husband's nice shirts, and tons more fun! (Note: Different fabric sheets may work in slightly various ways. Be sure to read the instructions on whichever package you purchase.)
A common problem that people have involves their old couch pillows. The furniture needed to go. The couch was on its last legs, and the loveseat was becoming a safety hazard. So you went out and bought a beautiful new set for your living room. You found the carpet, drapes, blinds, picture frames, and coffee table coasters to match. But what about those comfortable couch pillows that you worked so hard to get? They are just the right size and shape, and offer the best support for your back, and cushiness for your heart. Well, here is an idea for decorative pillow covers that you can use even against your elegant new living room furniture. For this project you will have to match up the material and color or pattern of the covering with your couch cushions, rug, or wall hangings (whichever you think will make the nicest impression on the room). A sewing machine is helpful for this project, though you can easily use a needle and thread if you are 'sew' inclined! Buy a discreet but strong-toothed zipper, and you are ready to start.
Purchase the matching material (enough to cover each pillow all around, and then some for extra touches.)
Measure and cut to fit a pillow.
Fold the material in half, and sew two of the open sides closed, leaving the third opening ajar.
Sew the zipper into the last open side (some find it easier to reverse steps three and four. I don't find one easier than the other, but go with the one that seems more comfortable for you).
Take the extra material that you bought, and cut it to be about four inches wide, and long enough to go around the entire pillow.
Sew this strip along the edges of the pillow (make sure you hide the zipper with this piece) using a tight stitch to create a ruffled effect. The end result is a beautiful frilly skirt of material circling around the edge of the pillow. This will transform the pillow cover from a simple pillowcase to a stylish couch cushion.
As you can see, there is a huge selection of decorative pillows projects for you to enjoy. Choose the style that is right for your situation and appropriate for your age group. Regardless of whether these pillows are for your living room, kid's room, or bedroom, decorating your own covers will be a fun and memorable activity for everyone!