As I mentioned in my post yesterday about my outdoor bench update, until this week, my Fourth of July cushions were still hanging out on my front stoop. Bad, right? I had had in mind to make a new, season-neutral set to take their place, but it took until the bench was freshly painted and all spiffed up for me to find the motivation!
I wanted to do a little play on the numbered décor items we all know and love, so instead of simply using numerals here, I switched things up a bit and presented the numbers one through three in a variety of different ways. I love the playful feel that resulted! I constructed these pillows in a manner identical to the one I used for my Patriotic Outdoor Pillows, so if you are interested in the nitty-gritty of how to put a set of your own together (the linked tutorial includes a photo step-by-step), you might want to head over there and take a peek at that post.
My very favorite part of this set is, by far, the overlapping square design I used in the third pillow background. I love the effect of juxtaposing the classic look of the vinyl appliqué (it always reminds me of an old letter jacket) with the mod feel of the windowpane pattern. The design really appears far more complicated than it actually is: it really just boils down to cutting out equal-sized square frames and placing them onto your fabric with their corners overlapping.
After cutting out the centers of each of my squares, it dawned on me that the leftover middle sections would work terrifically to embellish the second of my square pillows. I love being able to streamline projects like that! For the rectangle pillow, I cut 1-inch strips of freezer paper to form a double border around the perimeter of the pillow.
- I used my word processing software to create my appliqué templates in my desired sizes. The fonts I used: Cafe Rojo (“one”), Monotype Corsiva (“2”), and Felix Titling (“III”). Play around with the size until you achieve the look you have in mind.
- If you would like to make a set of your own but don’t have any extra pillow forms lying around, check out this tutorial for how to turn a body pillow into three pillow forms!
Happy Weekend Eve! I am running a bit behind in getting my tutorials for my Frosty Treat party decorations put together, but as soon as I possibly can, I will share them with y’all!
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
Another awesome project from you. You deserve to win the CSI challenge this week for this. I love the color you chose and the cool geometric pattern. Great job!
These turned out fabulously! I love the fabric you chose ;). Thanks for the awesome tutorial, too!
You did a great job on these. They are wonderful. The tutorial you gave is great and I am going to file this one so I can give it a try.
Oh my these are fantastic! Of they go into my list of things to do someday!
Amy, as someone who has recently taken a tiny blog hiatus…..I totally get that you needed one….but MAN AM I GLAD YOU’RE BACK! Your whole bench/pillow makeover is absolutely amazing, and just the eye candy I needed this morning.
(and i’m sorry, but I LOVE that your patriotic pillows were still out there…it makes you human…and sometimes I think you might not be. So it’s good to see.)
Awesome, as always!!
So cute!!! I just love your TUTS! Going to see if I can find a TUTS on how you cut your numbers. I’m sure you’ve found something different than my way. 😉
Very cute. Great job.
-Rene
That is such a great idea! I love love the colors! thanks for your nice comments!
LOVE it… I just finally purchased some freezer paper so I can join in on this bandwagon!
I love this version too Amy, great job! That is my favorite green from Krylon!
BEAUTIFUL!!! All my cleaning aspirations may have gone out the window for today–instead, i must make these pillows!!!
Those are so cute! Great job!
I saw these on Get Your Craft On. You did a great job with the pillows and the tutorial.
coming over from Get Your Craft on…wish I could do these! totally awesome!!! Love the green and the rwb ones too.
Um these are positively ADORABLE! We’d love if you came and added them to our new linky party just for fabric projects!!
WOW! Amy, you have out-done yourself as always! These are absolutely darling!!
love this! gave you an award at my blog..(did I mention how much I love the snap t-shirts too….to die for cute!
I never would have thought to spray paint pillows! It looks great, and the number details are a cute idea.
This is a great idea! I love the green and how the numbers pop off the pillows. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Link up at http://stirizsisters.blogspot.com/ when you have a chance. Would love to show off your work!
Corie @ DesignDNA