I have been loving all the palm print housewares and clothing that has been popping up lately. It’s such a classic print that evokes old Hollywood and Palm Springs, so it’s fun to see all the modern twists on such a standard look. I was browsing online for house stuff and saw a graphic palm leaf print pillow in one of the living room scene photos, but I couldn’t actually find the pillow for sale on the site. Dang it! Thankfully, it was a simple design, and I knew I could recreate it with some scissors and a few sheets of wool felt.
Supplies:
-wool felt
-white cotton for pillow
-fabric scissors
-pins and fabric glue
-pillow insert
First I cut a large, slightly askew, teardrop shape out of the felt. Then I cut notches into the sides so you could see the separation of the leaf panels that are in the paddle-shaped palm leaves. Once I had a completed leaf, I used that shape as the template to cut 3 more leaves.
I cut a 19×19″ square of white cotton for the front of my pillow (the finished size is 18×18″ with a 1/2″ seam allowance all the way around). (Wait to cut the fabric for the backside until you decide how you’ll finish the pillow.) I pinned the leaves in place, used a bit of fabric glue to secure them, and cut off any felt that was overhanging the cotton square.
Once the glue was dry, I chose a similarly-colored thread and sewed around the edge of each leaf for a more finished look.
I also made a narrow “V” shape with the stitching right down the middle of each leaf to mimic the vein of the stalk. Once the front was complete, I finished the pillow as an envelope pillow (tutorial here) and stuffed a pillow insert inside. That’s it!
While you don’t have to do the stitching overlay on each leaf, I think it helps the pillow look a little more finished and it’s not difficult to do (just takes a bit of patience with all that stopping and turning). I like that it’s a simple pattern but a little abstract and still a solid nod to the classic palm print. As you can see by the palm wallpaper in the background, I love a good pattern! Hope this palm pillow is just what you’re looking for! xo. Laura
Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
25 Comments
LOVE LOVE LOVE! – Becky x
http://adaintyfawn.blogspot.co.uk/
Love this, so simple and manageable! I might do something similar with flowers or autumn leaves to match my space…
On another note – OMG LAURA PLEEEASE DO A HOME TOUR VIDEO! <3
Wow, looks so amazing! I love the green and white contrast and of course the pattern, would be amazing as a wallpaper as well!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
thanks for linking to the wallpaper because that was the first thing i noticed and thought, “where’d she get that??” lol.
such a fun and simple DIY, and I just love that green you chose for the leafs!!!
xo. holly erinn
happinessbrand.blogspot.com
Yeah!! A reason to pull out my sewing machine!! Love the felt leaves! =)
So cute! How simple, and yet still nothing I would have thought of myself. Thanks for sharing! http://www.enchantinglyemily.com
This pillow is so cute! I love it!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
That’s definitely not palm. It looks like elephant plant. I LOVE it! But like those jerks who love an oxford comma and will correct your pronunciation and pointless things like that, I’m speaking up and saying that’s not what a palm frond looks like. I live in a neighborhood called PALMS so I feel like I would be betraying myself and my people if I didn’t say anything. That being said, the whole internet is having the same problem right now and it’s not a big deal, etc, and I need to get over it! Your pillow is amazing and adorable. Ignore me and carry on.
laura!, your house looks like its mostly all done!
are we going to get a tour? and if so? when?
i love the way you decorate!
What a great way to update your space for the new year 🙂 and I reckon I actually stand a chance at being able to do it, even with my slightly limited sewing skills.
Looks so simple and it really brightens up the space 🙂
Love it! It looks really simple and I like the contrast of colours
http://soldenochedecocrochet.blogspot.com.ar/
This is super cute! I love how it’s placed in the room as well!
xo dré
http://www.flightoffeather.com
That pillow is so cute! http://www.hannamarielei.com
I absolutely love palm print and using felt for the leaves is something I have never seen before. Love it!
Molly {Dreams in HD}
http://www.dreamsinhd.blogspot.com
Love it, it’s so cute & tropical it’s making me crave springtime already 🙂
All of you have houses that always look so pristine! Now I’m not silly…I know this is “blog magic” because no one’s home is perfect all the time, but do you guys have any tips and tricks or cleaning routines that could help the less organised folk (me) out? Specially how you target pet hair etc. 🙂
I will do room tours soon!! Thanks!
Laura 🙂
Ha ha, you are right! Glad to know the correct species 😉
Laura
Thanks! I will start doing room tours soon!
Laura 🙂
Hahaha, my tip is to clean up before a photo! I also like to clean up on Friday night so the house feels nice for the weekend. I have dark floors so I sweep up pet hair and dust bunnies all day long just like everybody else!
Laura 🙂
How, in the name of all that is good and creative, do you keep yourself from coloring on your wallpaper!?!? It would be a constant tease for me!
The final pillow looks so cosy! I love how simple this make was ☺
Hannah x
http://crafternooncabaretclub.com
Thanks for the post,it was really helpful. I just simply loved the pillow;it’s so cute and the combination of green and white and the palm print is quite good.