This year I’m going coastal for Christmas. My focus is Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor.   For this year’s fabulous Home for the Holidays Blog Tour, hosted by my amazing friend, Sondra, I decided to focus on a little corner of my home where we spend a lot of time. It’s filled with handmade Christmas items like this poinsettia pillow I created with a coastal flair.  And I put together a super easy tutorial so you can make your own coastal Christmas poinsettia pillow, too.  If this is your first time here… Welcome!  Be sure to take a minute to introduce yourself and sign up to receive more creative inspiration.

 

Freshen your Christmas decor this year with EASY-to-MAKE Poinsettia Pillows! These have a coastal twist. Click through for the tutorial and discover a sweet Coastal Christmas Corner.

 

It’s been many years since I’ve lived near Lake Michigan.  After a summer of spending every spare moment we had on the Lake Michigan beaches, I wanted to continue to enjoy the memories of sand and waves and sunshine, even as the gray clouds of winter threaten us with their gloom.  I’ve done a little summer coastal decorating, but deciding to put this twist on my Christmas decor stretched my creativity.  Especially since my goal is to spend a few dollars as possible.

READ: Summer Coastal Decor DIY

 

My Simple to Make Christmas Home Decor for the Holidays - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I started off the season early with hanging mason jars and then chose to prepare my heart for Christmas by observing advent with a coastal Advent wreath. 

There is a difference in Lake Michigan coastal decor and east coast or tropical coastal decor.  First… we don’t have many shells other than the little ones from the invasive and non-indigenous mussels nor do we have starfish or coral.   We also don’t have the buoys used by the lobster fisherman on the east coast. But we do have lighthouses,  sand… plenty of beautiful clean sugar sand, and all the usual boating effects.

READ: Christmas Coastal Decorating Ideas

 

My Simple to Give your Christmas decor a handmade touch. See the tutorial for making Poinsettia Pillows and be inspired by this sweet Coastal Christmas Corner at AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

The waters of Lake Michigan change daily, even hourly.  And that’s true for the colors too. It can be steely gray when the clouds of gloom come in.  But, we especially love the pretty shades of aqua blue and so I chose to make that the key color to this year’s color scheme.  The fabric I chose for our little coastal corner came from Walmart.  I would never have thought to look there, but my friend Jennifer, found some fabulous Waverly fabric that she used in her Christmas decor and I decided to see if my store had Waverly fabrics, too.  Yay!  They did!  I fell in love with this fabric because it was the ethereal mix of blue and aqua and gray… just like my beloved Lake Michigan.  What gave it the additional coastal feel is the creamy white pattern which looks a bit like sea coral to me.  And though the Great Lakes are fresh waters and have no coral, I decided to take the liberty and go with it.  I’m so glad I did. It also reminds me of cracked sea glass… though that may be a stretch.  The extra bonus… the fabric was, I think, just $3.27 a yard.  Out of two yards I was able to create two Christmas stockings and two 18 inch pillows with a little still left over.  Now that’s economical.

 

Love these Pale Blue Fabrics and Off White Poinsettia Pillows, Advent Candles, and Christmas Stockings in this sweet coastalChristmas corner. Click through for a tutorial and details.

 

As I was cruising Pinterest for inspiration, I realized most of the coastal themed Christmas pillows don’t really “fit” a Lake Michigan coastal Christmas… so that got me thinking outside the usual coastal box. I had an AH-HA! moment and decided to incorporate “this year’s” blue fabric and my second favorite Christmas flower, white poinsettias, for a pretty coastal poinsettia sofa pillow.

 

My Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor Corner is Comfy and Cozy for the Holidays - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

There have been many knock-offs of the now-famous Pottery Barn poinsettia pillow, even Joann Crafts had one in red when I was there the other day.  Because I tend to do my own thing and really don’t want to be a carbon copy of the masses, for a moment I thought I’d skip the idea.  And then I realized… I usually put my own twist on things…. so why not?

 

Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor - Simple to Make Poinsettia Pillows - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor

Poinsettia Pillow Tutorial

Supplies

(Affiliate links for your convenience*)

  • Fabric for Removable Pillow Cover (To make an 18 inch pillow you’ll need 5/8 of a yard… adjust the yardage based on your pillow size.)
  • Pillow Insert (18 inch soft decorator style)
  • Thread (to match your fabric)
  • Felt (1/4 – 1/3 yard – depends on the width, my store didn’t have off-white felt so I used Pellon)
  • Several sheets of plain paper
  • Embroidery Floss (to match the fabric of your pillow over)
  • Aleen’s Quick Dry Glue
  • Large Jingle Bells (Mine were part of an ornament from the Dollar Tree)
  • Acrylic Paint to match the jingle bells to the fabric
  • Artist Paint Brush
  • Notions… pins, scissors, tapestry/embroidery needle, hand-sewing needle, steam iron, sewing machine
  • *Note: I may make a small commission on purchases made through those links.  Thank you!

Or… if you haven’t the time to make your own… here’s a lovely one I spied on Amazon…

Poinsettia Pillow Coastal Style - Home for the Holidays Blog Tour - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I said this was a simple project and it is.  In fact, I did no measuring.  If you’ll looking for exact measurements for the pillow cover… you’ll want to go elsewhere.  But, if you stick with me here… you might just fall in love with my system.

Let’s start with the pillow fabric and the pillow insert.

 

Poinsettia Pillow Tutorial - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

After removing the pillow insert from its plastic sleeve… I used the plastic sleeve as my template.  Seriously… this makes things so much easier.

Lay your fabric out… still folded in half… and then lay the plastic pillow sleeve on the fabric.  Cut your fabric length to match the sleeve.  So simple.

 

Poinsettia Pillow Sewing Directions - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

At this point it’s wise to warm up that iron and press your fabric… especially that crease that has formed from being on the bolt as it will be in the front and center on your pillow.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the plastic sleeve for your pillow is a little bit loose.  So, make sure to make your poinsettia pillow cover about an inch smaller than the plastic sleeve for both the length and the width.  It’s super easy to do.

 

Creating a Poinsettia Pillow Cover for Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

To begin to make your pillow cover… Take one of the salvage edges of your fabric and fold it so the wrong or back sides are together.  Because we aren’t measuring anything… you’ll know that your fold is the right size when you can slip your hand in the pocket that the fold makes until your fingertip is in the center of the fold and the salvage almost touches the web of your palm between your index finger and your thumb (about 4 inches).

(I’m sorry this photo is taken from the finished pillow cover – I somehow missed taking a few photos, but hopefully this will still help.)

 

Poinsettia Pillow Cover Tutorial Details - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Pin your fabric in place.  Then sew with a straight stitch securing the outer sides of this flap in the seam allowance area.  This will secure your “pocket” for the following steps.

Next… sew the edge of the flap about 3/8 of an inch from the fold.  See stitching in the image above.  There is no need to fold the opposite salvage end as it will not show in your finished pillow and the salvage edge won’t unravel and is considered a finished edge.

To make an envelope for your pillow, layout your fabric backside down on your table.  Remember the crease you just ironed out?  That barely visible crease should be the center of your pillow.  Using your plastic pillow sleeve as a guide, fold the salvage sides of the pillow to the center. Remember too that you don’t want to “match” the size of the plastic pillow sleeve, but instead make it about an inch smaller. (Again… I’m sorry I don’t have a photo of this for you.)  There will be a fair amount of overlap… I think you can see it in the photo below.  Please note that you will have the pocket end laying down first and then the plain salvage will overlap it on top (You can kind of see that in the photo below.).  The deep overlap will ensure that your pillow cover lays smooth and tight on the back with no bulging.  Note that a soft decorator or down pillow insert slips into the finished poinsettia pillow sleeve very easily.  The less expensive stiff “crafter” inserts take a little work to get inside the pillow cover… so choose wisely.  (Note: the difference between the two is about $3… with the decorator pillow insert costing about $6.84 at Walmart.)

Pin your pieces together for sewing.

 

My Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor Poinsettia Pillow Cover Sewing Tutorial - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Trim the corners on an angle about 1/4 inch from the seam. This will help give you a smooth perfect corner.

Turn your cover right side out.  A rounded butter knife might be helpful in gently rounding out the corners.

Here’s what a filled pillow cover looks like on the back side.

 

My Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor - Finished Pillow Cover from Back - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Iron first and then insert your pillow in your pillow cover.

Wasn’t that easy?  And no measuring required!

 

How to Make a Poinsettia Flower for your Pillow Cover

 

My Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor - How to create Poinsettia Flowers for Pillow - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Make a paper petal pattern with the dimensions as shown about of 2.5 x 4.75 inches for the smaller petals and cut 5 for one flower.

Do the same with the second petal which should be 3 x 5.25 inches and cut 10 for one flower.

Fold all the petals in half for a crease.

It helps to visualize your final product by creating a poinsettia flower with paper.

 

My Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor Poinsettia Pillow Cover Sewing Tutorial - Cut Paper Poinsettia Petals to get a feel for the size for your project - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

In addition to cutting your 15 petals, you’ll also need some embroidery floss and needle.

Create a stem line with straight embroidery.  I used the full strand and stitched one way as shown and then returned with the same strand of embroidery thread filling in the blank space with straight stitches.

Pressing a crease in your flower petals are key to the look.  You can do this before or after stitching.  It’s helpful to do it before stitching if you have a hard time sewing a straight line.

Continue stitching the stem for all the flower petals.

 

My Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor Poinsettia Pillow Flower Tutorial from AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Now it’s time to make your poinsettia flower.

Cut a round out of plain fabric or felt, I used muslin here, 7-8 inches in diameter.  Your hand spread from the tip of your pinky to your thumb is 8 inches… so use your hand as a guide.  Grab a bowl from the cupboard that size to trace your circle if you want it perfect, mine was just free-cut.

Gather your finished poinsettia leaves, the round fabric you just cut, and Aleen’s Quick Dry Tacky Glue.  I love this glue for fabric.

Place your petals around your round as shown.

Once you are pleased with the position, apply a bead of glue by folding over the edge of poinsettia leaf.

Continue to place your petals and glue for each of the sections… working inward… three layers in total.

 

PicMonkeyMy Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor Poinsettia Felt Flower Tutorial at AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Now it’s time to make the Poinsettia center buds with jingle bells.

You’ll need jingle bells… I used five large ones and paint. Also, paint in your fabric color and an artist paint brush.

Jingle bells can be hard to find, so I found an ornament at the dollar store with the bells and deconstructed them easily.

Paint and allow to dry.  I actually painted my jingle bells before I started working on the pillow.  That way they were dry in plenty of time.  You may need to paint them twice for good coverage.  If you’re in a hurry, you can always dry them with a hairdryer.

Using your leftover embroidery floss and needle, secure your jingle bells to the backing fabric.  I simply drew the thread through one time and tied it off and trimmed the ends for each jingle bell.

 

My Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor -Steps for Adding Jingle Bells to the Center of the Poinsettia - AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Two last steps (not pictured).  With a needle and thread, baste your poinsettia onto your pillow and then fill your poinsettia pillow cover with a pillow form.

And voila!

Here’s your finished coastal Christmas decor poinsettia pillow!

 

My Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor Poinsettia made with painted jingle bells - ExtraordinaryDay.net

 

The project should be easily completed in about 2 hours.

So what do you think?  Is it a nice mix of traditional Christmas and coastal Christmas?

Thanks for stopping by today… I can’t wait to hear your lovely thoughts!

Wishing you... An Extraordinary Day!

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And now onto the extraordinary 2nd annual Home for the Holidays Blog Tour
hosted by Sondra Lyn at Home.
Wow, do we ever have a great week of holiday celebration ideas lined up for you!

Join us each day for inspiration from nearly 30 of the today’s finest blogs!

Home for the Holidays Blog Tour - 2015 - Simple to Make Christmas Home Decor

 

 

You’ll see everything from gorgeous decor to yummy holiday recipes… and everything in between! Here’s a look at what’s coming up this week:

Monday – Holiday Decor

featuring…

Just a Girl and Her Blog | Lilacs & Longhorns | What Meegan Makes

Windgate Lane | Worthing Court

Tuesday – Holiday Recipes

featuring…

Duke Manor Farm | Graceful Order | Rhubarb and Honey

Snappy Gourmet | The Happier Homemaker | Two Thirty-Five Designs

Wednesday – Mantles and Tablescapes

featuring…

Dandelion Patina | {Home-ology} modern vintage | Organize and Decorate Everything

Sondra Lyn at Home | StoneGable | The Everyday Home

Thursday – Holiday Crafts

featuring…

An Extraordinary Day | Cottage at the Crossroads | Making it in the Mountains

Our Southern Home | 2 Bees in a Pod | Two Purple Couches

Friday – Gifts and Wrapping

featuring…

Addison Meadows Lane | DIY180 | Domestically Speaking

My Creative Days | Southern State of Mind | unOriginal Mom

Be sure to check back every day this week to enjoy all the goodies we’ll be sharing with you! Each day’s links will be posted that day and will go live at 7am EST/6am CST, so don’t miss a single day!

Cause we all know…

there’s no place like…

Home for the Holidays!

Monday – Holiday Decor

 

Tuesday – Holiday Recipes

 

Wednesday – Holiday Mantels and Tablescapes

 

Thursday – Holiday Crafts

 

Friday – Holiday Gifts and Wrapping

 

Comments

  1. Your coastal inspired poinsettia pillows are beautiful! We love the fabric choice and especially your color palette. The turquoise painted jingle bells are perfect atop your creamy white flower! Makes us dream for warmer days spent by the lake. So glad to share the week with you. Merry Christmas!

    • Thank you so much ladies! You are so kind. I am counting the hours to those warmer days too!
      Wishing you a blessed Christmas!

  2. I am loving your “knock-off” pillows and take on the poinsettia! They are beautiful!

  3. This makes me homesick for Michigan! What a perfect fit for Lake Michigan! Love it!

  4. Oh, Diane… your coastal Christmas decor is divine! I love that pillow fabric too – it’s perfect! Thanks for the great tutorial… the poinsettia is incredible. So happy you shared this on the HFTH tour!! Merry Christmas to you!

    • Sondra… you just made my day! Thank you!! It’s been a joy to work with you and be a part of this amazing tour!

  5. Debbie says

    Your room looks beautiful! Job well done. You are very talented!! xoxo

    • Thank you sweet friend!! Your words are wonderfully encouraging to a gal who second guesses everything she does. [[hugs]]

  6. Your pillow is so lovely and would look good no matter where it resided! I love the color choices! Happy holidays!

    • Sarah, thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad you love the colors too. With all the grayness of winter… they really give a light and happy vibe.
      All the best for an extraordinary weekend!

  7. Hi Diane, I have never seen Lake Michigan, but after your description of it, I must see it in person! My husband and I used to live on the Isle of Palms in SC so I am only familiar with salt water beaches. I just adore your beautiful pillows, and I must say that your aqua painted bells certainly jingle my jangle! Pinning and sharing!

    • Jane… coming to Michigan to enjoy the beaches would certainly be worth the trip. If you ever decided to make a summer expedition to Michigan… let me know… I’d be happy to give you plenty of insider tips. 😉 Thanks for your kind words. You’re so sweet!!

  8. Diane I love your pillow! As a beach lover it’s perfect!

  9. The Poinsettia pillow is beautiful! I also love the joy pillow, they are perfect together. Your decorations are so lovely!

  10. These are simply stunning! How creative and beautiful. I love your take on coastal Christmas decor.

  11. Hi! I LOVE your pretty blue and white Christmas decor.I especially like your pillow tutorial. I will have to make one of those!!

  12. Your home is so pretty and crisp looking with all those lovely blues. Merry Christmas.

  13. Wow! Just amazing coastal. I appreciate your decorations idea especially appreciate your pillow idea.

  14. hey girl- I love your house!! So pretty and the trees are so gorgeous! Great job!

Trackbacks

  1. […] My tree has arrived! And yes… as soon as it is beautifully adorned… I’ll share it with you here.  Just in case you didn’t know, or couldn’t guess, I LOVE decorating the Christmas tree.  Except… this year I’m making every single ornament.  Okay… whose bright idea was that?  Good grief!  I have soooo much to do.  So… if you miss me… you’ll know where I am… swamped in fabric and glue and shells and driftwood… because this year… I’m going coastal with my Christmas decor.  If you want a glimpse, be sure to check out my pretty and easy poinsettia pillow. […]

  2. […] My Simple to Make Coastal Christmas Decor :: Home for the Holidays Make it a Coastal Christmas with Hanging Mason Jars Coastal Decor Tutorial :: Create an Easy Nautical Life Ring Wreath Coastal Embellished Frame & Seashell Art DIY Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Coastal Decor, DIY Projects, Home & Garden, Tutorials Tagged With: Holiday Decor […]

  3. […] hanging mason jars and miniature Christmas trees and baubles. A short time later I joined in the Home for the Holidays blog tour and created a pretty coastal poinsettia pillow… with a super detailed tutorial.  Then I […]

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