Pages

Monday, December 21, 2009

A Pillow Gift For Any Occasion

I wanted to do something different for my Dad for Christmas this year. Since he retired, he's really gotten back into his art ~ he has drawn since he was a boy and over the years would draw or paint for us, but it was pretty rare. One year I got him a gift certificate to an art supply place; another year I got him some supplies; this year I wanted to do something a little less predictable.

These pictures below are his favorites and I had to cook up a plan with my Mom so that I could get pictures of these two.




I decided I wanted to make him pillows using these pictures. I sent the pictures to Fabric on Demand, who puts your pictures on fabric. This was very reasonably priced to have done, too. Here is what they look like when you get them. I had the smaller picture centered on the fabric and the larger picture done in a multi-pane.



{Apparently, Blogger wants these pictures shown sideways. You may have to tilt your head a little}.



I found these remnant fabrics at Joann's and I thought they'd work well for the backs of the pillows. I love this little green plaid.


This one is a linen fabric. Plus, there is enough left over for me to use for a couple of other projects.


Here they are all sewed up!











My plan: I told him I wanted to make a calendar for my one sister who lives out of state using his artwork for each month. I took about 100 pictures of 12 pictures just to really get these two. Since I had the 12, I did wind up getting a calendar made up for my sister anyway and one for my Dad. How cool for him to mark down any of their appointments on a calendar with his own artwork! I gave my Dad the calendar early and he was just floored. He could not believe that you could have things like this done. Wait until he sees the pillows!


Linking up to Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps On The Porch and DIY Day at A Soft Place To Land.

19 comments:

  1. Wow Kathy. What a wonderful and thoughtful gift. I mean gifts....the calendar and the pillows. What memorable gifts!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a wonderful idea! It is so thoughtful, and there's no doubt your father will LOVE it. I think the calendar is a great idea too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your gifts brought tears to MY eyes - can't wait to hear how your father, and sister, react.

    You are truly a wonderful daughter and sister.

    ReplyDelete
  4. He's going to LOVE them! And I love the calendar - I want one! He was so excited when he showed me the calendar a few weeks ago! Great thinking sis!

    ReplyDelete
  5. A wonderful gift that is sure to be appreciated and used! I have wanted to try one of the print your own fabric places but haven't yet. Looks like they work very well.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kathy, What a great gift idea. I know your father will love these. Happy holidays to you and your family.
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  7. Kathy, What a wonderful and thoughtful gift!! Those are the best gifts to give. Your Dad is going to love them :-) Thank you for the inspiration for upcoming projects ;-)
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.

    Alisha
    www.craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. They look wonderful!!! He will love them!
    Happy Holidays
    Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kathy,
    Now that is just about the sweetest thing I've ever heard.... I know your daddy is going to be beside himself.

    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a thoughtful creative gift. He will love them. Merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kathy,
    That is the best gift I have heard of yet. It is everything a gift should be and your Dad is going to love them! What a wonderful idea. Perfect!!!
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  12. What a lovely gift.I can only imagine his surprise when he saw the calendar. What a remarkable creative idea this is.. From our home to yours we wish you a Very Merry Christmas.. hugs ~lynne~

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your dad is lucky to have a thoughtful daughter like you. He's going to love these!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kathy, Kathy, Kathy!!!!
    I am just speechless...well almost!

    This is the lovliest idea I have seen in a while.
    I have never heard of this company, but I would love to use them to do the same thing with some of my daughters art. She got a new sofa today and needs pillows!

    You did a great job on the pillow-making! And I know that your dad and sister are gonna be thrilled!

    I love it!!!
    Merry Christmas
    Rhonda

    ReplyDelete
  15. What a wonderful, creative gift idea! I remember when I was little I drew a picture for my great-grandmother, that my mom then needlepointed and had made into a pillow. Having the picture silkscreened though would certainly be a heck of a lot easier and just as lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Super idea! I'd love to do this with some photos or even my kids' artwork.
    I am sure he will just love these!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a great idea. I'll have to remember that site !

    ReplyDelete
  18. Your DIY is DE liciously lovely!

    Have a merry and bright Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a wonderfully personal gift! You'll have to let us know his reaction - I'm sure there will be tears!

    ReplyDelete

I always enjoy reading your comments! Kathy