There is something I learned many years ago, in my first home, when I was learning how to decorate my home. A little secret I would use to make throw pillows. Sewing, to me, isn’t all that hard. However, it’s extremely time consuming and messy. Any time I can take a short cut and get the same result. I am going to take it. For this hand-made holiday gift idea I was thinking of a gift that can be given to a new home owner or just someone who enjoys decorating their home: A pillow.
I think pillows are a good gift. First, when purchasing them in the stores they are pretty expensive. Second, you can never have too many throw pillows. I personally like to change out my pillows from time to time or from season to season.
For this gift idea maybe you want to gift a pillow, but you don’t want or have the time to sew. Maybe you don’t know how to sew.
What looks like a simple cloth napkin holds a little secret.
It is two panels sewn together. AKA a pillow case!
Seam ripper? I believe it’s called is one of my most used sewing tools. Anytime a mistake is made this little fella comes to the rescue. Just slip it between the threads and then start fresh.
separate the two panels on the cloth napkin using the seam ripper (?) Only go about 6″ or so. Just enough to be able to smoosh the pillow insert into. This way you have less to sew back.
Squish your pillow into the case. In this instance my pillow insert is a little smaller than I would like it to be. I simply filled in all the voids with batting then sewed the seam back with a simple stitch. This can be done by hand, by machine or even by using velcro, button closures. I’ve even used a very effective product that you place between fabric, iron, and it will bond the two pieces together. No sew!
Along with the pillow you could also include this personalized candle holder.
When you get down to the very end of your favorite scented candle. It is a sad day. Then you are left with a useless jar and you just toss it into the trash. Right? Wrong! If you place the jar onto a burner, low heat. The remaining bits of the candle will melt. Then take some paper towels, carefully wipe away all of the wax. The paper towel will soak up every last drop and you will be left with a nice new clean jar. Using some stencils and glass paint (I used Martha Stewart’s products left over from a product review that I did) you can create a personalized jar to place a small candle inside.
Please enjoy Day 1 & Day 2 of my ‘Holiday hand-made gift idea’ series and find out about my super-mega giveaway.
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Hello! I'm Amy, also known as Momma Hen. It's no secret that a large majority of adults are living from paycheck to paycheck. Being a family of five and our main source of incoming being from two parents living their dream and working from home; There is no doubt that I know that feeling all too well. Through all of our financial struggles, I have always managed to continue to create a beautiful home, seasonal projects, rich and hearty homemade meals, all while raising the most amazing children and loving the most amazing husband. Don't let frugal living dampen your life or style. Here on mommahenscoop.com I strive to inspire everyone to live a life full of beauty without a lot of fuss or expensive pre-made things. Follow along with us while we renovate our fix-er-uper farm house, DIY and homemade seasonal projects, and a whole lot good ol' fashioned comfort food recipes. This is our life, won't you join us? Be sure to subscribe below and get update in your in-box!
That is amazing! I never thought of doing that before!
What a great idea, and I love the candle project!