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!

Beach Time!!

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I have a picture of Lucas hanging in the hallway at home from when he was about 10 years old at the beach.  He is sitting with a buddy with their backs to the camera and the lake in front of them.  It is one of my favorite pictures with the two of them enjoying the serenity of the water while discussing the complications of life.....well, it was probably more like the strategies of a video game but a Mom can hope right?

While Lucas and Sarah were here, we all headed to the beach on the first of July to enjoy the festivities but instead found a deserted stretch of water.  Around here most people own cabins and head up to them with family and friends which has greatly reduced the amount of people at the public beaches and parks.

Lucas and Sarah didn't mind.  They enjoyed the quiet.  Sarah had been wanting to go swimming for a long time and this was her chance.....however, she doesn't know how to swim.  She still had fun playing in the water in-between some sketchy swimming lessons from Lucas.  

We enjoyed a picnic first and while deciding if the water was warm enough, both Sarah and Lucas sat on the edge of the water .... picture perfect once again!  I quickly snapped a shot.

Now this one will replace the other....or maybe hang side by side.  There is something about this shot that warms my heart.  

And this shot, well this shot will be printed upon canvas as a Christmas present for them I think.  

Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Sarah

Pin It I can learn alot from Sarah.  Patience, acceptance, peace, calm.  She wanders through her days accepting the differences between her culture and ours with patience.  She has a sense of peace and calm that quietly surrounds her.  I understand why my son cares for her so deeply.  It was a joy getting to know her better these last few days and I look forward to many more visits with her and Lucas.

Sarah in their little kitchen

I have taken them back.  It was a four hour drive each way and while the car was filled with much conversation there, it was a lonely drive back without them.  Thank goodness for books on CD!

The rhythm of my day, still currently staying with my Mother, resumes once again to normal. The house has become quiet and now it will take a few days to reacquaint ourselves with the silence.

Watching these two young adults stumble through the learning curves of living on their own is both painful and bursts the heart with pride.  Who ever said parenting would end when the nest was empty?  It is so far from the truth.

where they slept while at my Moms

Remember to give your loved ones a hug!

Taking them back......

Pin It Sadly to say, I am on the road today, making the four hour trip to take Luke and Sarah back.  It is a weepy day for me but will spend tonight at their apartment before heading back to my Mothers.

Have a great day everyone and remember to give your loved ones a hug!

A Surprise!

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What a surprise....Sarah and Lucas showed up for a visit!  So I will be away for a few days to enjoy the time with them. 

Remember to give your loved ones a hug and have a great weekend!