Burlap Pillow with Sharpie Decor

Earlier this week I had my first guest post over at Nicole's Thrifty Decorating.  Nikki graciously said I can re-post the project here so I can link it up to a few burlap project parties (more information on those at the end).  So here it is....my burlap pillow!

Did you ever have one of those all-of-the-sudden-ideas that you feel the need to complete say......five minutes ago?  That happened to me a few days ago.  We had about an hour or so before we needed to leave for church, but one kiddo was sleeping, and the hubby and the other kiddo were playing, so the wheels began turning.  I have this nearly unexplainable love for burlap, so I thought I would try a burlap pillow.  I am not exactly proficient at using a sewing machine, but this project was super easy.  To decorate it, I used something I would almost guarantee all of you have in your homes, crafty or not ~ a Sharpie!!

Here's the basic steps I used...
1)  Cut 3 pieces of burlap ~ we are making an easy envelope closure for this pillowcase!  My pillow form was 14x14 inches, so I kind of measured, kind of eyeballed one piece that was 15x15 inches for the front, and then 2 pieces big enough to overlap each other by a few inches for the back.  My pieces were 15 inches high and 10ish inches long.

2)  Decorate the front piece.  Make sure you put something under your burlap so the Sharpie doesn't get through, especially if you are sitting on your living room floor like I was!  Since I am trying anything possible to usher in spring, I chose to stencil the word "BLOOM."  First I outlined and then I colored in the letters.



3)  Pin the pieces together (inside out ~ so "BLOOM" was on the inside!!) and sew.  Attempt to sew straight lines.  I attempted but only slightly succeeded.  I'm not proud of this, but it just proves that anyone can do this project!

4)  Trim the excess burlap, flip right side out and put your pillow form in!  I thought mine looked a little plain, so I added some bright, springy fabric flowers (I used some of this same kind on my changeable wreath).

I'm really happy with the end result and can't wait to do some more burlap & Sharpie projects!!  The possibilities are endless!  (To see another burlap & sharpie pillow I made, click here.)

I just love anything to do with burlap and natural looking fibers like canvas and twine.  April is a great month for this in blogland, because there are 3 (that I know of) great parties especially dedicated to these great materials!  Get your great burlap projects entered ~ I can't wait to be inspired by all the new ideas!

The first is a Burlap Contest sponsored by Canvas Corp that ends April 30th ~ the prizes are burlap supplies from the Canvas Corp ~ swoon!!

The second is the linky party at The CSI Project this week ~ it's all about burlap ~ and it's being sponsored by the Canvas Corp!

Finally, as part of a 1 year anniversary celebration for The DIY Club, there will be 4 different parties beginning April 16.  The one I heart is going to be held at the DIY Show Off and is for all projects dealing with the "Earthy Essentials" ~ canvas, burlap, linen, and twine.  



Along with the burlap linky parties listed above, I may link up to a few of my other favorites!

Thanks for the feature!!!