Wednesday, November 07, 2007

A handmade gift for mom

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My mom and dad are very proud of my art or should I say my attempt at art, I've never had any formal training. I started drawing topiaries a few years ago and my dad shows EVERYONE one of the drawings I gave him. It's still a nice feeling to make your parents proud even at my age!


Anyway, when I saw this great idea to put art on a pillow on Kari & Kijsa's blog (click on their name to see their gorgeous bunny pillow) I knew it would make a great gift for my parents. I had so much fun picking out fabrics and trim to coordinate with the topiary and my parent's home...I almost felt like an interior designer!

I hate sewing zippers so I overlapped the fabric in the back and used ribbon to tie it together. I used a down/feather pillow insert inside so it's nice and soft and squishy.
I'm really happy with the way it turned out so I'll be sending it off to my mom for her birthday (Nov. 17th). Thank you Kari & Kijsa for this great idea!

And last week, Mary from Little Red House gave me a Community Blogger Award! Thank you Mary. I'm supposed to pass this on but it's so hard to pick just one blog that has inspired me...there are just too many (just look at all of them on my sidebar!) But, please go visit Mary's blog, you won't be disappointed. She has the best dish collection ever! Lots and lots of beautiful dishes!

33 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh what a great gift and it looks so beautiful. I want one too!
You are so gifted with a wonderful style.
Love, Suzy

Anonymous said...

Hi Cindy,
Your pillow looks GREAT! Hey, I hate zippers too, how about velcro??
Ruth

Julie said...

OM Gosh - I know exactly what you mean. My Father takes the articles I write and shows them to everyone..they probably try to get away from him!!! Anyway - no mattter - it makes me all warm and squishy inside!

Your pillow is perfection !

BumbleVee said...

Wow...a lovely pillow! See, now...I wish I could sew.
I am just learning to use a machine that I bought because I need to use smaller than hand stitching for making dolls.
My Dad is long gone..but my hubby is the one who brags up all my "stuff" and takes visitors on the grand tour pointing out my creations. It does make it tough to get my smaller hats on after listening to him for about half an hour or so...lol gotta luv him....

PattieJ said...

Wow! Now that is pretty! One of these days I want to make some pillows if I ever get time.

Pattie :)

Anonymous said...

What a great personalized gift! You did a lovely job, Cindy. I know your mom will love it. And best wishes to her for a happy and healthy birthday.

Cottage Contessa said...

Not only is that a brilliant idea, but the art work and fabric are just gorgeous together! I would buy one of them in a heartbeat! Your mum will no doubt adore it!
Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

Anonymous said...

You felt like an interior designer... YOU ARE an interior designer... and a quite extraordinary one at that.
So you painted the topiaries on the pillow? Cindy you are soooo talented .... the painting is beautiful and then to pair it with the pillow you made ....it is very striking

Cindy said...

Linda, I didn't paint the topiaries on the pillow. I copied my drawing which was done with water color pencils onto iron-on transfer paper. Then ironed it on a piece of muslin.

Rosemary said...

What a nice pillow Cindy. You did a great job.
I don't do zippers either.
Rosemary

Alison Gibbs said...

Cindy what a gorgeous creation for your Mum's birthday. The fabrics and trims you chose are a great combination of colours.
Alison

Mary said...

Oh, Cindy, I'm so glad you showed us the pillow -- it's beautiful!

Your dad is so creative, too, that I'm sure he just bursts with pride when he sees it in you.

I love the ribbon ties in the back -- so much prettier than a plain old zipper.

Have you thought about making and selling more pillows? You really have a gift!
xoxo,
Mary

a pink-bee said...

What a beautiful pillow-love that you used your own art on it ! It makes it even more special of a gift !
My Mom's birthday is also Nov. 17th !
Have a happy day :)
crystal

Nan said...

Hi there! You did a terrific job on the pillow. The colors coordinate very well with your art and I'm sure your parents will absolutely love it. Isn't it nice when your parents still brag about you? Based on comments you've made before, I bet the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in your family. All of you are creative!
Nan (Stardesign on RMS)

Deborah aka Miss Bee said...

You did a splendid job with the pillow...just wait until your parents see that! They will be gushing with pride! Beautiful!

Alicia ~ Time Worn Style said...

Wow must find out how to do that, it looks fantastic, well done!

kari and kijsa said...

Cindy,

We love your pillow....do you mind if we copy the picture and post about it tomorrow? Your topiary is so cute!

smiles, kari and kijsa

roseroomnz.com said...

What a beautiful cushion and your topiary is lovely:)

Anonymous said...

Cindy your Mom is going to adore that pillow knowing it came from the heart and it's so beautiful.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Wow! Looks great! Congrats on the award! You deserve it....I say pass that award on!! (I know it is hard to pic someone....everyone is great...)
Penny

Abbie said...

What an awesome Gift. I bet your parents' house is your gallery just as yours is your parents lol

Mary said...

This is lovely Cindy, your Mom will love it. Next time you could try buttons for the closure - I use 3 large antique mother-of-pearl ones on the backs of pillows I make (and do the buttonholes on the machine), looks really nice.

.........and that chair - wow what a find - will be gorgeous when you've finished with it! I think a dusty blue damask in a blend rather than silk will wear well - plus have it Scotchguarded of course!

Essential Oil Premier University said...

Cindy, you did an amazing job on that pillow. You should sell them. You painted that topiary yourself? Beautiful.

Blessings,

Sher

Elzie said...

They looked really beautiful. And I can understand you are glad when you're parents are proud of you. Who wouldn't??
Have a nice day.
Love Elzie

kari and kijsa said...

Cindy....it turned out so cute....we posted your picture today....thanks for the beautiful project!

smiles, kari and kijsa

Michelle said...

What a beautiful gift for your mom. I think pride from your parents is great at any age! Thanks for sharing, and congratulations on your award :)

tea time and roses said...

Cindy, the pillow is just beautiful! I simply love beautiful pillows, and this one is just lovely...

Smiles to you...

Beverly

Lizzie said...

I love your pillow- the colors are beautiful, and perfect for this time of year, too.

Fete et Fleur said...

I love reading your blog! It is informative and so full of life!!
The gift is wonderful your Mother will be proudly displaying it for years.

;<) Nancy

Terri Steffes said...

totally adorable pillow and if I was your momma, I'd be proud of you too!

Carrie said...

What a beautiful pillow, and it's so nice that it coordinates with your parent's decor. I like working on pillows too, as my post on Oct. 28 shows.
Thanks for sharing.

bj said...

This little pillow is so great, Cindy. Your mom is so going to love it. You do beautiful work!
bj

Heather said...

Your pillow is fantastic. Your parents will be thrilled!
I am catching up on your blog, but out of order. I am so relieved to hear that your accident was not worse.
Heather