Save the Pillow * Shave the Pills

I'm not a huge fan of throw / accent pillows not having removable, washable covers. But when the perfect pillow catches my eye, that is not always something I take into account before purchasing. So, yes! Rule #1:  purchase accent pillows with removable / washable covers. Exception to the rule, when it has a unique and delightful pattern or adorned with a "you really get me" print.  I'm a Sagittarius, you know- the archer, half man - half horse, the centaur, Chiron?. Anyway I just naturally have a thing for arrows, I can't explain it - it's part of my zodiac. So when I saw this pretty thing I had to have it, thus making an exception to rule #1. Unfortunately the material is pretty high maintenance. It can only be spot-cleaned and the fabric pills A LOT. At the beginning of our new life together, I'd just use a good ol' handy lint roller. And that worked for a bit until I started to slack and the pills piled up. Occasionally while watching TV, I'd sit there and pull all the pills off using my fingers. But that is a quite tedious task for even me. One day while shaving one of my sweaters with a disposable razor blade I had an epiphany, "why wouldn't this method also work on my arrow pillow?" Queue the music... It worked! It damn near reversed its age and made it look new again.  

Save the pillow, shave the pills!

So here's all you need: one pilled up pillow, one disposable razor (I use my husband's), a small trash can or bag, some spare time, background music or something to idly watch on TV.

Take the razor and shave that pillow. By using short strokes, go along the direction of the fabric, pull the pillow as taut as possible so you're working with a nice flat-ish surface. Be careful around prints, buttons, seams and any other embellishments. Empty and clean off both razor and pillow after noticeable build up. You'll want your razor to be cleared of any debris to ensure you are getting the full effect of the blades. With this particular fabric, I had to shave in different directions to get the pills off. Pay attention to your fabric and identify how the pills have attached themselves to it.  

Happy shaving!

Before: Putting the PILL in pillow. 

During: Shave the pills away! 

After: Pill free * Woo-Eee! 

Content by: Agent J

StudLee the Pumpkin

I first made my little pumpkin man for our enclosed porch Autumn decor. I gave him the fitting name, StudLee. He was a big hit with anyone who was greeted by him. Since then I have found additional uses for him. He made a fantastic centerpiece during our book exchange party and has modeled alongside Mia as her sidekick in our recent Halloween and Thanksgiving photoshoot. When he's not in use, StudLee is on display in our front room.

If you too would like to make a pumpkin like mine here's what you do:

You can use a real pumpkin if you want as a temporary decoration. Or if you want yours to last for eternity, purchase foam pumpkins also known as Funkins. I bought mine from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store during the fall season. But you can find them online here and here. Next you will need the appendages. I found mine here. They have bendable wire inside the foam exterior and can be shaped into a variety of positions and even hold other small decorative items. For an extra kick I added bronze cone shape studs.

Nest Greeter

Writer

Witch's Assistant 

Turkey Carver

Content by: Agent J