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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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October 3, 2011

No-Sew Owl Pillow

“Hoo” doesn’t love a no-sew project?

No-Sew Owl Pillow from atthepicketfence.com

As soon as I saw the owl pillows created by Cassity from Remodelaholic, I knew I wanted to make some for my kiddos! You can head over and see Cassity’s adorable owls here: Fun Fall Owl Pillow

But, I decided that I would try and create a “no-sew” version for all of you who don’t own sewing machines. Or are like me and just don’t want to drag your machine out of a closet and set it all up and then have 2 little “helpers” asking if they can push the pedal and then yell at said “helpers” for not understanding that you are trying to make something fun for them and can’t they just leave you alone while you do it!Not that any of you would do that.
I used scrap fabric for the base of the pillow and picked up these colorful swatches from the Craft Store for $1 each. You will also need black, white and orange felt squares.
I loved the idea of getting to customize the Owl Pillows to the color palette for each of my kids.

Here are the fabrics I selected for my son’s pillow.

And here are the ones for my daughter.

After very carefully studying Cassity’s version and printing out a picture of her owl pillow, I realized at some point that I was going to have to free-hand trace the outline of the owl. Those who know me well, know that I am no artist (as in no one wants me on their Pictionary team) so this was a bit anxiety inducing. But, I figured since it was for kids’ rooms it didn’t need to be perfect. In fact, the more free-form the more fun, huh?

After cutting out the owl outline, I turned my attention to piecing together the patterned fabrics to create each owl’s own unique personality.

I traced out pieces for ears, a little piece for a tuft of hair above the ears and then the body pieces. You truly can just do whatever looks good and suits your fancy at this point. Using pinking shears, I cut out each piece and laid them out on top of the owl accordingly.

Now, I have a confession to make here. I have never actually done a “no-sew” project, so this was a whole new experience for me. Most of my projects involve dragging my machine out so I had no idea there were so many handy ways to avoid having to do that!

Enter Liquid Stitch.

The rest is easy! It is exactly like making any other pillow except no machine involved!

On the wrong side of your owl pillow cutout, simply run this glue along the rim and then place the other piece (wrong side as well) on top. Let it set for a little while before turning it inside out. You will be able to tell when it is dry.
Then begin attaching the rest of your fabric pieces to build your owl.

I traced some kitchen glasses to cut out the circles for the eyes and cut out a diamond for the beak.
We stuffed ’em right up and I did end up doing a quick whip stitch to close the bottom, although you could get away with using the glue there as well.
Here is my son’s completed Owl Pillow gracing his bed. His ears are a little wonky and lopsided but we think it gives him character!

And my daughter’s owl is sitting ever so proudly on her window seat.
I love that it looks Fall-ish but in a less obvious way.

Our owls briefly escaped in an attempt to return to their natural habitat but we quickly caught them and brought them back inside where they are receiving lots of love from their new owners!

I’m really glad my neighbors didn’t catch me outside taking this photo.

Not sure how I could explain that one!
Thanks so much for joining me at the Fence today,

45 Comments Filed Under: Crafts, Good Ideas, Tutorials Tagged With: fall crafts, no-sew, no-sew pillow

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Comments

  1. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style says

    October 3, 2011 at 2:35 PM

    I love them. You did agreat job drawing out the shape and you say you aren’t an artist! Love it and the fabrics you chose are wonderful. Thanks in advance for joining my party!

    Reply
  2. Mary @ Redo 101 says

    October 3, 2011 at 2:41 PM

    Love love love!!! Love the fabrics you chose, your owls have the most wonderful personalities – I can’t exactly blame them for wanting to get back to the habitat, but glad they were willing to come back in and live with y’all. I especially love that second batch of fabric – what Craft Store? I just feel sorta like I *need* some of the fabric 😉

    Hugs,
    Mary @ Redo 101

    Reply
  3. Debbiedoo's blogging and blabbing says

    October 3, 2011 at 2:42 PM

    Oh my gosh, that is too stinkin cute. I am really into Owls this season and these are super. You did a great job, love the fabric choice too!

    Reply
  4. debbie~refreshrestyle.com says

    October 3, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    They are so cute! I bought some of that liquid stitch but have not used it! I do sew, but I don’t really like to, and this is a great alternative! I love your fabric choices too!
    Debbie (Oh and I know what you mean about the neighbors-LOL)

    Reply
  5. Tina says

    October 3, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    You did a wonderful job! They are just too cute! I especially love Rascal #2.

    Reply
  6. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    October 3, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    OMG Vanessa those are so stinkin cute, I love them!! Love the fabric choices too. I bet the kiddos loved them. Great job, Martina

    Reply
  7. Ange says

    October 3, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    I love me some owls, these are soooo cute! I might even make a few…100 of them. 😉 Thanks for inspiring me!

    Reply
  8. Marianne says

    October 3, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    These are just too cute…and no sewing involved….WOW! My kids would love these. And the fabrics are just perfect!
    Maraianne 🙂

    Reply
  9. Judy says

    October 3, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    Those are so cute and I love that you made them with fabric glue rather than sewing them. I have a thing for owls right now and these are just adorable with a capital A. I had to laugh when I read what you said about your neighbors seeing you photographing the owls outside. I often feel that way when I photo one of my projects.

    Reply
  10. Myric says

    October 3, 2011 at 6:45 PM

    These are very nice! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  11. Savvy Seasons says

    October 3, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    Vanessa, what an adorable idea! I adore Owl’s, and I love the material you picked out….too cute! XO ~Liz

    Reply
  12. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    October 3, 2011 at 9:50 PM

    Your owls are so cute! The fabric is fabulous! I haven’t ever been any good with the no sew stuff, so I just use a sewing machine! Great project!

    Reply
  13. Cozy Home Scenes says

    October 3, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    So, so, so cute! I love the fabrics you used, and those big eyes are adorable. I’m sure both owls will be very well loved!

    Reply
  14. Robin says

    October 3, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Adorable. My daughter is CRAZY about owls. When she happend to walk by while I was reading your post she squealed and practical pushed me off my chair in order to read your post. To say the least, she’s smitten. Looks like I’ll be making a few owls of my own soon. Thanks!

    Reply
  15. Debra @ Common Ground says

    October 3, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    good grief, these are so adorable!!! and speaking of neighbors, I’m know mine are sure I’ve lost my marbles frequently! Love these cute critters, xo Debra

    Reply
  16. Kelly says

    October 3, 2011 at 11:22 PM

    Those are the CUTEST! I love little owl pillows for kids. They’re very popular right now. This project is my kind of project too. I don’t own a sewing machine, so fabric glue is the next best thing.

    Reply
  17. andrea says

    October 3, 2011 at 11:50 PM

    I don’t sew either, so these are right up my alley…homespun, wholesome, and super duper cute! andrea@townandprairie

    Reply
  18. Red Rose Alley says

    October 4, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    Hello,
    I visited your blog today – I saw you on ‘Savvy Seasons ny Liz.’ Your blog is so pretty, colorful, and charming. I love the owl pillows. They are darling. They remind me of my daughter who is working on her Ph.D. right now. Me and my daughters started a new blog, and we would love it if you could visit us and follow. I would enjoy coming back to visit with you and seeing all your wonderful ideas. I hope to hear from you, and have a lovely week.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

    Reply
  19. Elaine @ Sunny Simple Life says

    October 4, 2011 at 12:42 AM

    Sadly I can’t sew so this is great. My daughter is huge into owls.

    Reply
  20. Tardevil says

    October 4, 2011 at 1:20 AM

    They are the cutest things ever, especially the one on the left!

    Reply
  21. Betsy (BB) says

    October 4, 2011 at 1:43 AM

    These are precious! You are a great artist! I love the fabric you choose! These are perfect for me! I am not a good at sewing!

    Reply
  22. Dayle says

    October 4, 2011 at 2:10 AM

    L-O-V-E!

    Reply
  23. jandjhome says

    October 4, 2011 at 2:27 AM

    So cute. I absolutely love them.

    Reply
  24. Courtney ~ French Country Cottage says

    October 3, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    These are super cute Vanessa!! What little charmers! I love them in the tree too. Great job!

    Reply
  25. NanaDiana says

    October 4, 2011 at 3:57 AM

    Those are just plain old stinking cute! Great job! xo Diana

    Reply
  26. Sue says

    October 4, 2011 at 4:06 AM

    What adorable owls! I never knew such a thing as liquid stitch existed~awesome!

    Reply
  27. Becca says

    October 4, 2011 at 10:18 AM

    These are absolutely adorable, fun, creative and original, Vanessa! Great job, friend (and, hate to break it to you, but you ARE an *artiste*!) I’d love to try this, but I’m afraid of what it’d look like! LOL. And, I sooo wish I was your neighbor to have seen you placing your cute owls in the tree for a photo op … the things we do in the name of blogging, right?

    Reply
  28. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    October 4, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Cute owls! Great idea for fall! Happy week!…hugs…Debbie

    Reply
  29. Shannon says

    October 4, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    Wonderful idea! I am having a fall party this Sunday afternoon for several families…maybe I should have this ready to put together for each family to do together! Hmmmm…sorry have to go…fabric store is calling!

    Reply
  30. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    October 4, 2011 at 1:53 PM

    I bet making that owl was a HOO-t. Hoho!!

    I love how it turned out. How cute are those eyes?!!

    Sarahx

    Reply
  31. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    October 4, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    Hooty hoo, Hooty hoo. Ok…laughed OUT LOUD when you made the comment about your neighbors seeing you…that is so funny. My neighbor caught me last night taking pics of my bench swing and gave me a look…so funny! I guess they thought I was taking pics of my dog??? ok…anyway, this is such a darling project! so fun!! I am so happy that I have met someone who doesn’t sew and it doesn’t slow them down…you inspire me!

    Reply
  32. Kim @ Cheap Chic Home says

    October 4, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    How cute, Vanessa! I really like the fabric you found, it makes your owls “come to life!”

    Reply
  33. michelle says

    October 5, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    These are absolutely adorable!!!! I love them alot!! i have never done a no sew project and this may be the one I try first!!
    Love the fabric you chose!
    xoxox

    Reply
  34. michele says

    October 5, 2011 at 1:21 AM

    omg that fabric is incredible, and the owls are irresistible!

    hope you’ll enter my giveaway:

    https://hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com/2011/10/more-stencil-splendor-giveaway.html

    michele

    Reply
  35. Wunkie's Mommy says

    October 5, 2011 at 1:59 AM

    GAH! I HAVE TO DO THISSSS! SOOOOO CUTE!!

    Reply
  36. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    October 5, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Just as cute on the second viewing!!

    Sarahxxxx

    Reply
  37. Linda @ A La Carte says

    October 6, 2011 at 9:39 PM

    These are so darn cute and I love that each one has it’s own personality!

    Reply
  38. Jann Olson says

    October 6, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    They are the cutest! I do quite a bit of sewing, but have never heard of this stich stuff. Fabulous! I expecially love the white one. Bet your rascals love them!

    Reply
  39. La says

    October 7, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    These are adorable. I WANT ONE!

    Be sure to stop by and check out my giveaway.

    Reply
  40. abeachcottage says

    October 9, 2011 at 1:02 AM

    Your owl pillows are so adorable! and you did them without sewing 🙂 Great job!

    Reply
  41. The Tablescaper says

    October 9, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    Your owls are so much fun! It would be great to have you join me at Seasonal Sundays.

    – The Tablescaper

    Reply
  42. Lakshmielectro says

    June 8, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    CNC TOOL GRINDING MACHINE
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    Reply
  43. WhisperWood Cottage says

    July 17, 2012 at 12:06 AM

    Great fall fabric project! Thanks for linking up to The Talent Scouting Party at WhisperWood Cottage!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 12 Fall Owl Crafts Ideas and Tutorials - Uncommon Designs... says:
    September 21, 2013 at 5:52 AM

    […] Finally,  the girls from At the Picket Fence,  have made these sweet owl pillows. […]

    Reply
  2. Owl Pillows | Love DIY says:
    May 13, 2014 at 4:03 AM

    […] Via atthepicketfence.com […]

    Reply

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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