Summer 1999
(1) Plain 14" corded pillow - (1) Remnant of fabric large enough to form an envelope flap, plus an inch on each side to turn under (about 16"x8")
Approx (1 3/4yds.) of mop fringe - Approx(16" of tassel fringe - (1) Lg. button or clip-on earring with back removed
Small tassels(opt) - Hot glue gun - Pinking Sheers
Step 1
Create a newspaper template to design the necessary shape and size needed for the envelope flap. Use the template, and not the actual fabric, for testing to determine if you have the needed size. *Remember that the sides and the top should be approximately 1" wider to account for a hem. Once you have created the template, trace the shape onto the fabric and use pinking sheers to cut.
Step 2
"Hem" the top of fabric and two sides using a lightweight iron-on fusible tape. Follow the manufacturer's directions concerning iron setting, etc.
Step 3
Glue the tassel fringe along the bottom pointed edge of the flap. Leave ½" of excess trim on each side. Turn the excess underneath the backside of the flap and glue in place.
Step 4
The key to making the flap appear "sewn" into the pillow is to snuggle the edge of the flap up into and as close to the seam as possible. ( I recommend using a needle nose glue gun such as Aileen's craft gun.) To do this, pull back the cording at the top of the pillow, and run a bead of glue directly on top of the seam (in front of the cording) about halfway across the width of the pillow. Keeping the cording pulled back, place the top edge of the flap onto the glue line, pressing down to adhere well. Continue gluing the remaining top half of pillow and flap.
Step 5
Repeat the same gluing procedure to adhere the sides of the flap to the sides of the pillow.
Step 6
Turn pillow right side down. Starting at the bottom middle, just behind the cording, run a bead of glue to the corner. Place the edge of the mop fringe on top of the glue line, pressing to adhere. Continue around the pillow, working in small areas at a time or the bead of glue may set before you have time to place the fringe. When you get back to the beginning point at the bottom of pillow, leave 1" of excess fringe. Glue 1/2" of trim so that it slightly overlaps the beginning point. Turn the remaining 1/2" trim under, and glue into place for a finished look.
Step 7
Glue the small tassel(s) at the point of the flap. Place a generous amount of glue onto the back of the button or earring and place it on the point of the flap so that it covers the glue holding the tassel in place.
(opt)Urn or terra cotta pot to fit cage(**)
(opt)Strands of Grapevine(***)
(opt)White lights(****)
(*) The size of the cage you use determines how much moss and greenery you will need. The topiary shown uses a medium size cage, and I used a small bag of moss and (2) 9' garlands.
(**)The topiary can also be used free standing - as shown above.
(***)I used small pieces of grapevine leftover from another project. You can purchase a small wreath, soak it in water overnight, and unwind.
(****)White lights make an elegant statement any time of the year. Use the lights when you are entertaining by placing the topiary by the front door as a lovely welcome, or on a buffet table for a unique centerpiece.