Afternoon Pillow Project

Here is a quick pillow project for a rainy afternoon.  I wanted to add some texture to my bedding and choose an inexpensive afghan to cut up to cover a body pillow and small matching pillow decorative pillow.  Below you'll find the step by step instructions for covering the small decorative pillow.  The project should'n't take more than 10-20 minutes.

To create this pillow you'll need an afghan, thick satin ribbon, a pillow form and a sewing machine.

Fold the afghan over the pillow form and cut 1/2 inch away from the form.  Sew one of the ends and along the length of the unfolded portion of the pillow.  If your afghan has a finished edge - make sure that is the section that you leave open.  Use the sewing machine to sew on the flip side of the fabric.

Turn the fabric inside out to the correct side and slide the cover on to the pillow form as you would a standard pillow case.  Gently thread the satin ribbon through the knit fabric 1/4 of the way from each end and tie the ribbon into a bow.  Make sure the ribbon is not pulled too tight of the fabric will pucker - this is more of a decorative element.

The cover is easily washable - just remember to remove the ribbon before doing so.

Beachy Wreath

It is amazing how expensive wreaths are.  Most are very busy and covered with silk flowers...so not my thing.

I had purchased some potpourri recently (also not my thing - normally) that was interesting because of the colours and the fact that it included shells.  

I opted to use this for the wreath, mixing the natural plant elements with the shells.  I used a grape vine wreath from Michaels and crafting glue. 

The result is an inexpensive wreath for the summer months.

Just a note of caution - you'll probably want to block out the scent with either a matte clear coat or spray.

Displaying Antique Dishes

I have a weakness for antique dishes and not nearly enough surfaces to display them.   I liked the idea of having them on my kitchen wall but didn't want to use a traditional wall mount.

I got the idea from a bakery in Toronto called Bobette and Belle to have the plates grouped together on a different background.  They mounted theirs on a chalkboard surface.  I chose a sand coloured linen and inexpensive white frames.  I hot glued the bowls and plates to the linen.   This way should I ever decide to take the bowls/plates off, I can simply peel the glue from the backs of the dishes without damaging them.  

I also created some small frames and a bulletin board - all white frames with a linen background.  Having these mounted on picture railing allowed me to also include some small decorative items along with the frames. 

I thought it was a fun and modern way to display my antiques and collectibles.