I happen to fall into the latter category – I am a lover of faux fur, just as long as it is used in very small doses and in a chic and casual way.

These days, it’s not just faux fur on my mind, but texture.  Soft texture.  Interesting and different texture.  Like this little pillow I created out of the most surprising source.

I was strolling through Bed, Bath & Beyond, searching for some new towels when I came across a looped contour bathroom mat in a natural hue.  Yes, I said bathroom mat.  As I admired its softness and not-so-hideous fibers, I was immediately transported to my Napa getaway last fall, and our room at the Solage Resort in Calistoga where I fell in love with this textured accent pillow.

Then I also remembered these fun and funky shag Remy pillows from Crate + Barrel.

Then I thought, “Dang, this incredibly soft and delightfully textured contour bath mat would make a really great pillow.”

Now I know what you’re thinking.  A bath mat ?

She can’t be serious.  This is a joke, right ?

Because this is what I think of whenever I hear the word “bath mat”.

Can I get a collective “Ewwwww”  ?

Amen.

So I turned the corner, and low and behold, next to the stacks of tacky bath mats, were the softest acrylic faux fur accent rugs I’d ever seen.  On sale.  I fondled them.  And fondled them.  Then I thought to myself, “Dang, these amazingly soft faux fur rugs would make really great pillows.”

So I brought them home.*  If you could feel these through your computer screen, you’d have done it too.  Soft doesn’t begin to describe.

*Faux fur rugs with coupon = $19; contour rug with coupon = $12

Believe me, if you’d have told me a week ago I’d be making pillows out of bath mats and accent rugs, I’d have laughed uncontrollably, then buried my head in shame and embarrassment under a real pillow for days.

But sometimes, inspiration comes from the strangest sources.

My fuzzy faux fur pillows, made from (sssssshhhh) accent rugs:

I swear to you, if I’d have seen these faux fur pillows on the other side of the store, in the pillow section for the same price, I would have bought them without hesitation.

They are Just. So. Incredibly. Soft.

I’ve never forgotten this fuzzy pillow, partnered with a rich silk pillow, in a master bedroom designed by Candice Olsen years ago.

Yum.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see ?

I see an accent rug looking at me.

Crazy, isn’t it.

A few slow spins around the sewing machine and some $5 dollar stuffing were the only tricks to making these faux fur pillows.  I was able to use my sewing machine because the backside was not rubber, but rather a soft thin suede-like backing.

The looped mat was way too thick for my sewing machine, so I hand stitched it with decorator needles and embroidery thread while I watched American Idol.  It took about 15 minutes.

At first I had the white cutie perfectly posed in the guest suite for snuggling.

Then it was commandeered by my teenager.

Then stolen by my five year old for her own purposes.

I might need to buy another accent rug, but I’m a little afraid.  I think it’s important when accessorizing with faux fur to exercise extreme discretion, lest your space end up looking it has been decorated by a pimp.

I also need to be very careful decorating with bath mats, lest I end up featured like this celebrity. Have you read this blog focused on bad celebrity fashion ?  I spent an hour laughing.  It’s harsh, it’s brilliant, you must visit.

This year I was inspired to create some decorative pillows with felt. The nice thing about felt is that it is inexpensive, it doesn’t fray, and it adds just the right amount of coziness for those upcoming winter months.  I wanted to create something bold, something stylish, but nothing too busy.  Poinsettias were my inspiration. 

Here’s what I came up with:  

Red version, up close:

If you want to create your own version of these simple sew poinsettia pillows, here’s the step-by-step.

Simple Sew Poinsettia Pillows

Supplies for a 14 to 18” pillow:  pillow insert, 2/3 yard of felt for the pillow form; 1/2 yard of felt for the petals and button; button cover kit or color coordinated button, zipper and thread to match. 

Step One: Cut a single petal out of felt, then use it as your template to create 12 large petals.  Repeat to create 8 to 12 medium petals. 

Step Two:  On one side of your pillow form, start by centering two petals, and sewing them to your pillow front two at a time.  Sew only halfway up each petal to allow the edges to pop off the pillow form. 

Step Three:  Work your way around in sets of two petals, slowly layering the flower pattern with the addition of each set of petals.  Start with the large petals, then add the medium petals on top.  Again, only sew halfway to allow the petals to curl up off the pillow. 

The nicest part about sewing your petals only halfway is it forms a crease in the petal which helps it curl, and then pop right off the pillow form to make a bold statement, even from across the room.

Step Four:  Use your button kit to create a felt covered button for the center of your flower.  Attach your button with a needle and thread.   

Step Five:  Turn your poinsettia inside out, and sew all three sides together to fit your pillow form, whether it’s 18” or 14” or anything in between.  Sew just the corners of the fourth side to prep for installing your zipper. 

Step Six:  Attach zipper foot to machine.  With your pillow form inside out, turn your zipper upside down, and sew each side to the pillow. 

That’s it, easy peasy !  The greatest part about using a zipper is you can take the pillow cover right off and use the pillow insert the rest of the year. 

Another alternative, rather than sewing your poinsettia onto a pillow cover, is to simply create the flower as described in steps 1-4, and attach to an ordinary pillow with a piece of velcro. 

For the holidays, these look like little presents embellished with a bold botanical. 

For the green version, I used cozy corduroy. 

This version sits in my family room, and adds a fresh seasonal touch to the existing green tones in the space. 

I’m definitely keeping the green one.  However, the two below are for sale in my Etsy shop ! I’m offering just these two, so if you really want one, be sure to pick it up quick !  

More great pillow designs with felt for this season:

From top, left to right:  Bobby Berk pillow; Alexandra Ferguson pillow; Crate+Barrel pillows; Classics and Country snowflake pillow. 

If pillows are not your thing, take a glance at this poinsettia themed decor:

Rugs from Frontgate and Ballard Designs

 Poinsettia candle; Swarovski ornament; flocked ribbon at Target; Tea for Two; glass ball ornaments. 

Are you creating anything new for your home this holiday season ? 

Well of course the handsome lad must have a proper complimentary bolster to go with it.  Is there a better way to impress the ladies ?   So I whipped up a little accent pillow to compliment his future fabric covered headboard.  I was a little envious that he was getting a special pillow of his own.  After all, we gals love our stylish suits too.  I couldn’t help but select another suit fabric to create a decorative pillow for myself.  Equal rights !

Here is brother’s:

Here is mine:

Here’s the skinny on how I made them.

Easy Peasy Simple Sew Bolster with Piping

I’m don’t consider myself a real sewer or seamstress so forgive me since I don’t use the proper lingo.  To make these pillows, I bought 2/3 yard of each fabric, some large brown buttons like you’d see on a suit, and some filler cord for piping.

I used a scrap of silk blend fabric leftover from this lampshade project to make the piping.  I must confess, I was terrified of piping for years.  Then I found out that all it takes is switching out the snap on presser foot on your sewing machine to the miniature version for an up close and personal seam.  I felt a little foolish.  But now I’m a self taught piping pro !

Next, I cut a piece of fabric large enough to wrap around my bolster and two strips about five inches wide for the sides.

Riveting photo, isn’t this ?   I mean, seriously stimulating.

I attached my piping to the long strip of fabric that I used to form the length of the bolster.

Then I flipped it over and used the existing seam as the perfect guide to attach the strip in order to form the side of the bolster.

I repeated for the other side, then pinned the long seam inside out and sewed it together.

Once the long seam was done, I turned it right side out, and inserted my bolster (which is really just my roll of batting wrapped in thin cotton lining.  Ssshhh).  Then I hand stitched the sides by folding over approximately every two inches.

Attach a button to hide the threads and you’re done !

The bolster is in temporary residence in the living room until it finds its new home next week.

Velvet settee will be broken hearted to part with bolster buddy.

Next, I created this little sweetie for the home office.

For the square version, I created some more piping, then used my pillow form to size the piping around the first side of my fabric and attach with pins.

I attached the piping to the fabric with my sewing machine.  Then I used the seam on the opposite side to attach the second piece of fabric to make the pillow.

One of the nice things about working with straight patterns like this is they give me a guide so I can attempt to keep my seams straight.  I’d be all over the map without them.

I left the bottom part of the pillow open, inserted my pillow form, then hand stitched the bottom closed.

I tufted the center of the pillow and added a decorative suit style button.   Again, my apologies for these less than technical directions.  Blame my amateur sewing skills and rudimentary knowledge.

I really like this brown and blue plaid fabric.

I think it adds just the right touch to my home office.

There you have it folks, my take on decorative pillows made with suit fabric.  I can’t wait to show you little brother’s upgraded room – you’ll love the before and after.

Coincidentally, I received an email the other day requesting I feature some affordable décor.  So today, my mind is on decorative throw pillows, especially in warmer tones: chocolate browns, golds, burnt oranges, rich reds and olive greens. 

I thought I’d go browsing online to see what stylish pillows are available for the autumn season.  Here are some selections I found in earthy colors, and all under $50 dollars.  

From Target:

 Dwell Studio lattice $24.99; Paisley toss brown $24.99;  Thai silk brown $49.99; Normandy Ciel $49.99

From Crate + Barrel

 Carmen chartreuse (multiple colors)  $49.95; Gillespie $36.95; Alexis $36.95; Mendocino $46.95

From Kohl’s

Tara leaf $29.99;  Brentwood chenile ribbon (multiple colors) $24.99; 2 pack Quilted Diamond in claret (multiple colors) $39.99; Casa Cristina Tapiz $29.99

From Kmart:

Chicago textile (multiple sizes and colors) $44; Tea Leaves pillow $12.99; Jaclyn Smith chocolate & aqua flocked pillow (multiple colors) $14.99; Jaclyn Smith Willow pillow $14.99

From Pillow Decor

Yellow flowers on chocolate $29.99; Dramatic swirls pillow cover $47.95; Blue flowers on chocolate $24.95; Atomic flowers $29.95

From Overstocks:

Sophia Paisley velvet $39.76; Set of 2 Seville $29.99; Cobblestone $19.99;  Banana & Fern leaf $24.99

From Pottery Barn:

Paper crochet pillow $45 – $49; Grapevine pillow $29; Graphic crewel cover $49; Cafe pillow covers $39

So many choices for autumn !  What are your plans to freshen your nest for the season?