Family Tree Pillow

In case you missed it over at So You Think You're Crafty, here is my audition project:

I've added in some extra info.  It's written in blue.

Family is very important.  I love to integrate our family legacy into the designs we have around the house. This family tree pillow is a fun way for family and friends to learn more about a family's 'roots' when they come over.

I first made a family tree pillow for my grandpa for father's day.  This is the one I made for him.

A month ago, my father-in-law,passed away.  At his funeral, they planned to have a display table of memories.  I've been in the family for five years, but I didn't really feel like a had a tangible offering to display. I felt like a pillow would be a good way to both show a memory and become one.

I went through about three failed ideas before this pillow worked.  I used the Silhouette program because I thought I would cut the tree out of iron-on vinyl.

Sadly, the letters were WAY too small to cut.

It had taken me a long time to adjust the tree and get it to look right, so I stayed with the Silhouette design, but decided to switch to printable iron-on stuff. I could print the words, but still cut out the tree.  

Sadly, the store bough transfer iron-on stuff would not only cut, but broke my Silhouette machine blade.  

On to attempt three.  I bought "colorfast" printable fabric.  I wasn't as excited about the look, but it worked.  At that point, I was willing to make concessions in design.

 

The tree and words are printed on color safe printable fabric, then outlined with hand stitched embroidery.  

I think adding piping gives an updated and finished look.

I love that this idea is completely customizable to most decor styles by using different fonts, fabrics, or graphics.  I have plans to make one for each of my children's rooms so they can always know where they come from.  I just have to figure out how to fit the name "Mahonri Moriancumur Stapley" up in those tiny branches.  Hah!

Thanks to those of you who clicked over and voted.  Season 9 starts in a week or two, so you'll be seeing more from me soon.