DIY Jingle Pillow

I made a few winter throw pillows the last couple of weeks, and then the Pottery Barn holiday catalog arrived in the mail. Now I don't know about you, but when it arrives, I rush into the house and begin paging through it almost immediately [and start dreaming and ooing and awwing]. 

A few years ago their owl tree topper caught my eye and has been a fun touch to our Christmas tree ever since [much to the husband's dismay]. This year, it was the Jingle throw pillow that caught my eye. Cute, festive, and fun. But with a price tag of $39.50. Yikes! 

Using some leftover burlap, muslin, and fabric paint from the other recent projects, I thought I would give it a go. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen the final product which cost me about $3.50 plus time.  A few people have asked about it, so I thought I'd give you a DIY guide if you are interested in making your own. And really these instructions work for any type of pillow so start creating!

Find or purchase fabric, paint, and jingle bells. I used Idaho Potato burlap with a white muslin underneath that I had around the house and bought a package of assorted red jingle bells from Jo-Ann Fabrics (using the Jo-Ann Fabrics app with coupons). My favorite paints to use are the Martha Stewart line from Michael's (use a coupon //they will match Jo-Ann's coupons). The paint is $1.99 so with a 50% off coupon, you can get it for $1.06 with tax. I had a satin Tartan Red paint that was leftover from making Christmas pennants, and it worked great for this project..

Make a stencil. Find a font you like. Print it on cardstock or trace it onto plastic sheets to make your own stencil. I use recycled cardstock, and it works beautifully. Use an xacto knife to cut the letters out (an xacto knife is a few dollars paired with a coupon).

Measure and cut your fabric to the size pillow you would like to make, leaving extra room for seam allowance.

Place and tape your created stencil on the fabric side that will be the outside of the pillow and paint using a round foam pouncer similar to this. I found a multipack of stencil brushes at Walmart for only a few dollars. You'll want to make sure you have cardboard or something similar underneath because the paint will go through. I've found tinfoil works great and is cost effective. Let the paint dry.

Pin all four pieces of fabric together (burlap on the inside, muslin towards the outside). 

Starting on the bottom side of the pillow, start sewing a seam all the way around the pillow using a sewing machine. Leave an opening big enough to turn the pillow when you get close to the end of sewing. Cut off extra fabric on the edges, and clip the corners at an angle to get rid of excess fabric. Turn the pillow right-side out and iron.

Using a needle and thread, sew jingle bells where you would like on the letters. You will want to do this before stuffing the pillow for ease.

Stuff the pillow. Turn fabric under where the opening is and pin. Sew opening closed.

Sew remaining jingle bells on each corner.

Sit back, relax, and admire your final project. 

This is a great evening project. It just takes some time. If you didn't want to attempt it, but still wanted one, I'd be happy to make and sell a few. :)

If you do attempt it, I'd love to see your finished product.