- Turn your throw pillows into something unique and crafty.pillow on sofa image by Pavel Losevsky from Fotolia.com
Whether you're in the mood to do some spring cleaning or enjoy being artistic, it can feel like an accomplishment to turn something destined for the garbage bin into a cool, creative craft. If you've recently redone your bedroom decor or find you're not using your throw pillows, you can turn them into helpful and fun items with just a few supplies easily and inexpensively obtained at a hobby or fabric store. Turn an old throw pillow into something that makes your child's dreams a little sweeter, helps lighten your load, or offers a cuddle and a smile. - Little children know that although losing a tooth may be painful and scary, the process comes with a potential reward---a visit from the Tooth Fairy. The mythical, sneaky Tooth Fairy flutters in during a child's sleep cycle and replaces the lost tooth (often placed under the pillow) with a coin, dollar bill, candy or other small treat, and then disappears without being seen. Because of the small size of the tooth, it is prone to being knocked off the bed, lost in the sheets or possibly even swallowed by a curious pet. With a few simple steps, you can make a tooth holder from a throw pillow, securing the Tooth Fairy's booty and your child's morning surprise. Cut a piece of white felt into the shape of a tooth, then, using a simple in-and-out stitch (or even white school glue), attach the tooth on the sides and bottom to a throw pillow. Leave the top part of the felt tooth unattached from the pillow to allow easy sliding in of the child's tooth and reward.
- If you've got an old throw pillow you really like, but can't seem to fit it into your home's decor, repurpose it into an attractive purse with just a few quick steps. Use scissors to cut open one side of the throw pillow, removing the pillow insert (save for another project or dispose of) or any stuffing/batting. Snip off any frayed threads. Cut two small holes near the top of the cut ends on either side, then slide a braided cord, leather strap, beaded chain or bamboo handles through the holes to make for straps. The bag will be light and shapeless; to add a bit of solidness to the shape of the bag, attach a rectangular piece of cardboard to the bottom inside with glue, which will allow the bag to stand upright. Create pillow purses to match your outfits and give as inexpensive holiday gifts.
- Due to their light, soft shape, throw pillows can make cuddly stuffed animals. Head to the craft store or fabric store, and gather soft felt or material. Fans of the television show SpongeBob SquarePants can easily make a replica of the popular sponge character with some yellow, brown, white and black felt, since his shape is already similar to that of a square throw pillow. Cover the pillow in yellow felt, then add the brown of his pants. Cut white and black circles for his eyes, using white school glue to attach each and letting the felt dry before going on to the next color. To make other stuffed animals, buy a supply of brown (or any preferred color) fake fur material, then cover the pillow with it. Cut ears out of brown felt and glue on, then use a simple in and out stitch to sew on buttons or beads to the eyes and nose. (If your pillow is a gift for a small child, cut facial features out of felt too, avoiding any potential swallowing hazards.) Use pink fur and felt for pigs or black and white to make zebras. If you purchased an excess of yellow materials for your SpongeBob stuffed animal and have an extra round throw pillow, cover the pillow with the yellow fabric, then cut black eyes and a smile out of felt and glue them on for a retro, cuddly smiley face stuffed toy.
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