Monday, December 17, 2012

Homemade Printed Pillows

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Fabric, pictures and pillows.  That is something I have been working with lately.  Being just a tad bit behind on my homemade Christmas gifts, I started with the easiest of them all.  

I have been checking out Pinterest and other blogs that have been using the trick of printing pictures on fabric.  There are a gazillion tutorials out there and trying to find just one that was easy to follow and cost effective was an enormous task.

All I wanted was to make a pillow out of this picture ...


I had taken it this summer when I was visiting with Lucas and Sarah.  It was Sarah's first time in a lake and she was quite apprehensive.  I think the shot is quite touching. 

So I continued with the hunt and found a tutorial that Monique posted over at Pocketful of Whimsy a year ago!  Here directions were clear and simple and the best part was the only item I needed to buy was the freezer paper.  Therefore it was quite frugal. 

First I searched through my stash for some plain white cotton fabric ... found some.  Then for a suitable homespun fabric that would match their decor ... found it.  Now for the scary part.

Ripping off a piece of freezer paper .....

 

I then ironed my piece of freezer paper to the back of my white cotton fabric.  The fabric was roughly 10 inches by 12 inches.  I didn't measure it but made sure it was larger than 8 1/2 by 11 inches.


After the freezer paper was ironed onto the fabric, I then trimmed them to fit into my printer.  8 1/2 by 11 inches .... a standard size piece of printer paper.  Taking a deep breath I placed it face up in my printer so the picture would be printed onto the FABRIC, not the freezer paper.  After two tries ( the printer did not seem to want to grab the fabric ), I gently guided the fabric through and it then worked great.

Watching the fabric come through the printer and looking good was exciting.  It actually turned out better than I expected!


Peeling off the freezer paper was easy and I had my picture for the pillow printed on fabric! 


Cutting the homespun cotton I had chosen to a generous size of 15 by 18 inches, I carefully trimmed the photo portion and sewed it all together.  



Being short of time, I didn't piece the fabrics together, instead I ironed over the edges of the picture and sewed the picture to the center of the front piece of fabric.



Adding a blanket stitch to the edges of the photo fabric in a coordinating thread color and choosing a vintage button, finished the pillow off nicely.  


I think it will be cute addition to their little living room.


I enjoyed doing this project and can see limitless possibilities that I will be playing around with in the future.  If you like sewing, give this a try.  You won't be disappointed.  Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

11 comments:

  1. Oh wow how lovely. I think they will love it.

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  2. I love that picture Debbie. Just got a new printer and am learning the ins and outs of it. Will have to try your method of printing a picture on fabric and hold my breath hoping the printer doesn't eat it!

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    1. LOL, that is exactly what I thought mine would do to the fabric but it worked! Good luck and let me know how it went.

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  3. What a great gift! One of the best home made ones I have seen

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    1. Thanks very much Cheapchick...glad you stopped by!

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  4. As always, a great project Deb. The kids will love it. Merry Christmas my friend. And a very Joyous New Year!

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    1. Thanks Deannie! I hope you and yours also have a very Merry Christmas and blessed New Year. Give those boys a hug for me!

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  5. Wow!! Thanks for showing how to do this - in such good detail too. What kinda of printer? Inkjet? I think if I go near our printer with fabric hubs might commit me someplace :)

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  6. Happy New Year!
    Thank you so much for sharing your crafty project with us last week in the Bowdabra Crafty Showcase. We love seeing your creations! If you haven't yet stopped in, the new Showcase is up and running! We can't wait to see what you share with us in 2013!

    Susie@Bowdabra
    http://bowdabrablog.com/2013/01/05/saturday-showcase-craft-project-linky-14/

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  7. I heard you are to use thin fabric works the best. Cotton might a little heavy. Just an idea. I can't think Muslin I think they used, but not sure.

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Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! I love reading all of them. Have a wonderful day.

Debbie

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