Making Pillows & more

This project is actually a combination of 3 inspirations from pinterest. We have this couch in the basement that is supposed to be creme colored, but it's getting very dingy looking. We don't have any rules with this couch - the kids can eat on it, jump on it, make it into a fort, etc. But I wanted it to look nice and actually be useable. So the first step was to cover the pillows (and fix that huge rip in the cushion).

So on pinterest I found a tutorial called "Easiest Pillow Cover You'll Ever Sew - A Tutorial" at this website - http://www.hookedonneedles.com/2010/03/easiest-pillow-cover-youll-ever-sew.html

And it was super easy! It's a work in progress, looking for the perfect fabric. But I've made 4 pillow covers so far.

Here's the pillow from the tutorial.

Here's 1 of my pillows. This is the backside (duh : ) The front side is my 2nd inspiration from pinterest. I saw this cute wall hanging with handprints on it. I love anything with handprints. They just kind of stop time for a minute, saying "I was here! I was really this big once!" I don't think I'll ever be able to throw away and hand turkey my kids make, ever.

Someone on etsy.com is selling these cute kits to make a handprint tree for Father's Day.

Cute - right!?! 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75396498/fathers-day-gift-diy-childs-handprint?ref=v1_other_2

I made one with our handprints, but painted it on some fabric I had.

And added our name & date "carved" in the tree. Next post will be this cute pillow on our finished couch. Only 2 more pillow covers to make!

A change in plans

So it's been a pretty decent winter, but we still aren't really hitting the parks. I'm still going to call this XYZ Experiment, but my main focus is now going to be my obsession with pinterest. It's so cool & fun & inspiring. I'll be posting my inspirations from pinterest and how I used them to make my own version. I've already been working my crafty fingers to the bone. I can't wait to share what I've done!!