How do you feel about Secret Santa gift exchanges? Fun? Stressful? Several of my friends in Blogland and I are participating in a Secret Santa swap this year and today I’m sharing what I made for my Secret Santa, and also what I received!
I guess it wasn’t really a secret, since we knew who had us from the start, but I thought it would be fun, and then it became very stressful! You see, the person I had to make a gift for is Jennifer Rizzo. I love love (really) love her style, but what intimidated me was the fact that she just launched a book titled: Creatively Christmas. She wrote the book on it, y’all. I had to put that out of my mind!
Then I remembered my amazing haul of six vintage bedspreads I scored at a yard sale for $50. I shared this pic on Facebook:
Who wouldn’t want something handmade from these beauties?
So I gave it a go:
Can you see the Christmas Tree in there? It’s very subtle because of the white on white.
Everyone can find a place for a pillow, right?
For the back, I used the fringed edge to add a fun detail:
She could also use this side when it’s not Christmas!
One of these bedspreads was discolored along the top (I tried to bleach it) and the other one had a few tears in it, so I didn’t feel so bad cutting into them.
I added beading detail to the Christmas Tree…
Here’s how I did it in case anyone wants give it a go:
- (I washed both bedspreads first.) Then I cut the front piece and the two back pieces in the dimensions shown. I cut them the width of the pillow, which was 17″. I prefer a snug fit.
- I cut a pattern for the tree, pinned it to the contrasting fabric, and cut it out.
- I embellished the tree with several glass beads, using a needle for beading and thread.
- I pinned the tree the front piece, then tucked the outer edges under very slightly as I zigzagged the edges.
- To add the back envelope closure, I laid the front piece face up and laid the fringed back piece face down.
- Then I added the other back piece, face down, and sewed all around the outer edge.
- Lastly, I clipped the corners and turned my pillow right side out. I inserted the pillow form and that’s it!
I also sent Miss Jennifer one of my No-Knit Mitten Ornaments…
I sure hope she likes what I made for her.
Ready to see what I got from my Secret Santa?
Sweet Angie from Postcards from the Ridge sent me this fun JOY sweater pillow that fits in perfectly with my Christmas Chair:
She also sent me a few of these sweet sheet music birds, which I already incorporated into my Christmas mantel:
Aren’t they so pretty? You can see how she made them here. Thanks again, Angie! 🙂
I started pulling out my Christmas flair yesterday. The freezing cold weather has put me in the Christmas spirit for sure! I’ll have to wait till Friday to put up our tree though, since my family prefers a real tree.
I hope you enjoyed seeing what we exchanged! Follow the links below to see what everyone participating exchanged! You just might get some fabulous ideas for Christmas gifts!
XO,
If you like what you see, there are several ways to follow along!
Email * Facebook * Pinterest * Hometalk * Twitter * Instagram
I love to share at some of these great parties:
Home Stories A to Z Not Just a Housewife Kammy’s Korner The Happy Housie Design Dining and Diapers Liz Marie Blog Funky Junk Interiors Savvy Southern Style Tatertots and Jello DIY Show Off Redoux Interiors Between Naps on the Porch The DIY Dreamer Oh My Creative Little Miss Celebration Just a Girl and Her Blog Sand and Sisal Interior Frugalista House on the Way Addicted 2 DIY I should be Mopping the Floor My Repurposed Life Miss Mustard Seed
Vanessa says
I love your Christmas tree pillow. Just beautiful and I love the pillow you received as well.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Vanessa! What a fun tour! XO
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
What an awesome blogger exchange. I’m sure Jennifer absolutely loved your pretty Christmas Tree pillow – it’s lovely. Your mitten decorations are so stink’n cute too. Your Joy Pillow is perfect for your fun Christmas chair. Now I’m heading over to see what the others exchanged.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Marie! This was really fun. I’ve enjoyed seeing what everyone made! XO
Angie @ Postcards from the Ridge says
I’m so glad you like the pillow and the birds, Christy! And I love the pillow you made with the vintage bedspreads. I’m sure Jen will love it! I’ve got some of those at our house waiting to be made into something pretty! Maybe they’ll become pillows?? Thanks for the great tutorial. ~ Angie
Christy K. James says
Thanks again for my gifts! They were perfect! Yes, pillows are perfect for those bedspreads. 🙂 XOXO
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
Love your Christmas tree pillow Christy! 🙂 That vintage bedspread fabric is the best!
The pearl beads are a nice touch…and I just love the pillow Angie sent you, so cute on your chair! xo
Nancy
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Nancy! Even if I had to tell you there was a tree there lol. 🙂
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
haha!! No way!!! I was the one who figured it out remember?? 😉
Christy K. James says
Ha ha! Yes, you are right! I remember now you won lol 🙂
Leslie @ House on the Way says
Love your pillow you made…and the one you received! Gorgeous!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Leslie! Enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend! 🙂
Dria says
Christy your sewing projects blow my mind! This came out gorgeous, you did such a beautiful job!
Christy K. James says
Aww thanks so much, Dria! This was such a fun tour! XOXO
Megan @ Rhapsody in Rooms says
Wow! What beautiful pillows – both of them! I LOVE that you made yours from vintage materials. It came out so beautifully! Plus, she can use it all winter which is a great plus!
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Megan! XOXO
Heather Grow says
I love the pillow you made. Love all that texture! I totally want to do the secret santa exchange next year. That sounds soooo fun!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Heather! The exchange was fun and I enjoyed seeing what everyone made for each other!
Grace @ The Big Reveal says
Once again you have made lovely pillows! Thanks for linking up at the Found & Foraged Linky Party! Hope to see you next week.
Jeanette says
Christy,
I love this pillow! It’s perfect and amazing with the whisper on a Christmas tree. Pinning and sharing! Jeanette
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Jeanette! 🙂