Have you ever been scrolling through Facebook.

Or Instagram?

Of life in general?

And you saw something that you knew would be perfect for your home.

If only.

If only you knew where they got it.

If only you could reach through the screen and grab it and plop it onto your sofa.

You’ve had that happen to you?

Oh, good.

Me, too.

Last week I was scrolling through Facebook and I saw this picture….

…of a pillow.

Don’t you love it?

Isn’t it perfect?

I blinked and blinked again and scrolled up to see where this amazing little bit of polka dots and pom poms came from.

It was my friend Patricia’s.

I immediately messaged her and asked her where she got it and could I get it and where in the world did pillows like this live?

She told me she got it at a local boutique.

A local boutique?

Wait?

I don’t have one of those around here with pillows with pom poms and polka dots.

And besides.  Boutique sounds expensive.

So I did the next best thing.

I made my own.

Here’s my version of the pillow that I DIY’d sitting on my couch.

It appears navy in this picture, but it’s actually a little more royal blue in real life.

Want to know if it was easy to DIY?

Ummm.

Does no-sew tell you anything?

Here’s my DIY pom pom pillow I made in under 30 minutes.

Step 1:

Start with a pre-made pillow cover.

I bought this one at IKEA for $6.99.

It is a linen blend with a zipper.

Step 2:

You’ll need fabric glue.

I got this one a while back and it works really well.

You’ll also need to find tassel trim.

Step 3:  Find trim

I got mine at Joann’s.

I bought three yards.  There are 20 tassels per yard and you’ll need 25 mini tassels for this pillow.

It was a little mcpricy, so I used the app and got 40% off.

Never underestimate the brilliance of a 40% off coupon.

Step 4:  Cut tassels

You’ll want to start by cutting the tassels off the trim.

Mine came with two beads and then the tassel attached with a blue thread.

I cut between the second bead and the tassel.

Step 5:  Glue tassels

I laid out all my 25 tassels first.

5 rows of five.

I started with the one in the center first and then the ones on the center top and bottom and then the corners and then filled everything else in.

This pattern helped to keep it symmetrical.

Then I put a big blob of glue where my tassel was going to go.

Step 6:  Smash the tassel

This is the secret to the entire project.  You don’t want to glue your tassel down all nice and neat.  Then it won’t look like a pom pom.

Instead, I took my tassel, put the end down in the glue.

And then?

I kind of smashed it into the glue so it looked more like a pom pom and less like a tassel.

Step 7:  Repeat

Just repeat step 6 over and over and over again.

Until.

Until your pillow looks like this.

 

Here are a couple of things I might change after I finished two pillows.

1. I’d insert a piece of cardboard before I glued any tassels down.  My pillow kind of stuck together.  I got it unstuck, but cardboard would have made it easier.

2. Be sure and use a down insert with your pillow form.  It makes the pom poms look so much more like they flow.

3. I bought three yards of trim, but I probably should have bought just 2 1/2 yards and saved a little bit of money.

4. After you finish the pillow, stand back and assess.  Some of the tassels might need a little more glue and a little more smashing.

5. Be sure and let your pillow dry.  I know it’s exciting.  I get it.  But let your pillow dry before you stuff the insert in and put it on the sofa.

 

Not that I would ever do anything like that.

You know how patient I am.

Right?

PS  Did you notice I added a new light fixture?  More details on that later.

PPS  Did you ever make anything you’ve seen online before?  I’d love to hear your story, too.

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Posted On: August 1, 2018

Written By: KariAnne Wood

Comments

  1. Image for Elizabeth Elizabeth

    You are so clever! I love this! I think this pillow would look great in any room in the house in any color pom pom you could find. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  2. Image for Libby Libby

    Girl, you are my queen. It makes my day to recreate something I've seen in a magazine or online - on the cheap! My latest was the wood bead garlands that hang on a bottle, with the colorful tassels at the end. I saw those and thought I can absolutely do that. I loved figuring out what to make the tassels out of and putting together different colors and figuring out how to attach all the parts. Fun!

    Reply
  3. Image for Barbara Barbara

    Love it! Good thinking that you could DIY, but that's you:) I might try it. I have made your flag made out of shims a number of times...fun and everyone loves it! Don't tell me you DIYed the light fixture!!! I bet you could♥

    Reply
  4. Image for LC LC

    WOW, WOW, WOW!!! BRAVO! This is SO cute and clever! I don't think I've EVER been so inspired by a DIY project and felt so like I actually could do it! ha ha ha! I actually have TWO off-white linen pillows that came with our sofa that I'm not using and are stuffed under a bed that would be perfect for this project! That will be a big WIN for me, but for the kitty who likes to hide under the bed on one of said pillows, not so much!!! lol.

    Reply
  5. Image for Sharon Mosenkis Sharon Mosenkis

    This project is so adorable! Just love it, and you explained how to make it so well! I’m going out today and getting the materials to try to recreate it. I tried making a wood bead garland after I saw a pic of it online. That was also an easy and inexpensive DIY.

    Reply
  6. Image for Diane Diane

    I was totally smitten when I saw Patti's pillow, too, And my wheels started turning. And then I saw your comment and then I knew... you're wheels were turning too! You beat me to it girlfriend! Great job! And would I NEVER have thought of your easy peasy DIY. That's why YOU'RE the rock star!! xo

    Reply
  7. Image for Michelle Michelle

    How adorable! I've been wanting some new pillows for fall and these are perfect!! So much more fun, too, when friends drop by and comment on their adorableness that I can say I made them :-) and show them how. Thanks for the detailed instructions! And, by the by, I love Joanne's and their awesome coupons. I shop there so much, I keep the app on my phone to take advantage of their great deals.

    Reply
  12. Image for Stacey @ Poofing the Pillows Stacey @ Poofing the Pillows

    Thank you for this!! I saw that pillow on Patricia's feed too and gasped because it's so cute! I'm going to try this. :)

    Reply
  17. Image for Carol Carol

    Love this project! Just bought new indigo paisley comfy-cozy chairs for my mostly beige and white (and mostly traditional) living room. In trying to make beige, blue and white play nice, I came to your blog and found this fun decorating idea! Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Image for KariAnne Wood KariAnne Wood

      Harriet, I'm going to do a post on it---but it came from Lamps Plus. Here's the link to it: https://www.lampsplus.com/products/kichler-alden-38-and-one-half-inchw-brass-6-light-linear-chandelier__1w564.html Happy day friend! karianne

      Reply
  19. Image for Denise Denise

    Sorry not related to this post but I couldn’t find it in search. Could you tell me what kind of spray paint you use to get the gold brass look? Thanks

    Reply
  20. Image for Mary Stewart Mary Stewart

    I love that pillow. I'm actually going to Ikea tomorrow to pick up a few things. I'll add the cover and insert to my list. Can you tell me what size it is?.

    Reply
    1. Image for Mary Stewart Mary Stewart

      SCORE! I checked my stash and found 2 brand new 20x20 Ikea pillow inserts. I have several bleached drop cloths which are a beautiful cream color. I can make my own tassels. So, guess what I'll be doing this weekend? THANK YOU KARIANNE!

      Reply
  23. Image for Lynn W Lynn W

    This is my next project!! Love it 😍 Thanks for sharing with us Karianne! I have made a knock off Ballard burlap memory/ideas board. Got a plain burlap board from Michael’s and also bought large bronze upholstery tacks. Eyeballed the spacing starting with the corners and center. Then just pushed them into the frame around the edges. Came out great and hangs in my office area Wayyyyyy less expensive and super easy.

    Reply
  28. Image for Mah Mah

    Love the pillow, but the jury is still out on the light. It just doesn't seem to be your or your houses style, can't wait to see the whole room.

    Reply
  31. Image for Kimberly Kimberly

    I think I have found the same trim at Hob Lob, if anyone is interested (item #319160). Don't throw away the leftover gimp trim from which you cut the tassels! I challenge you to make something with it :) I know you can!

    Reply
  32. Image for Celeste Celeste

    The closest I can come to your DIY pillow project was... long ago during a visit to Target I saw a beautiful pillow (blue and white too) for more money than I could afford. A visit to the tableware section revealed napkins in the same print for about $2 a napkin. Ha! I bought 4 napkins and some navy fringe trim and made two pillows for less than one. I eventually sold them in a yard sale, but I'm always on the look out for napkins that would make great pillows. I am so inspired to go to IKEA and see what I can do with those pillow covers.

    Reply
  34. Image for phyllis henry phyllis henry

    I came for the story, but am leaving with 2 new pillows. Thanks for always drawing me in to do these projects myself.

    Reply
  35. Image for Patricia Krank Patricia Krank

    Wowsers! You are quick. I never would’ve thought of your shortcuts. In fact, I was thinking of sewing a drop cloth pillow and hand tying all kinds of pom poms before sewing them on. Thank you for the shout out my friend. Love you💓

    Reply
  37. Image for Marti Marti

    Love the pillow I must I must.....however not totally into the light fixture but maybe it will grow on me. Always look forward to your blog!!

    Reply
  41. Image for Donna Donna

    I like the chandelier and think it adds a nice linear element to your space. I have always noticed light fixtures & they are like the room adding a good pair of shoes. And the heels won't wear out ever. Thanks for the pillow idea. . .. . . .which could be a winter project.

    Reply
  43. Image for Crystal Crystal

    New light... took my breath away! It’s a great juxtaposition to the other design elements in the room (& house overall)...& I love that it’s not what one would probably expect to see! It’s like a perfect piece of statement jewelry (or shade of red lipstick in your case!) that just pops, taking the whole room (or outfit) to the next level...Perfection :)

    Reply
  44. Image for Karen Karen

    What a really great idea. We have those plain pillows at Dunelm . We’ve just finished decorating and the lounge is lacking colour. Everything is white. . Im going to have a go! Thanks for the inspiration. Karen. at bramblegarden.com

    Reply
  45. Image for Janet Janet

    Very cute. Wonder if it would have been easier and less expensive to get a skein of yarn and make pom poms? I think I'd sew mine on just coz that's the way I roll.

    Reply
  47. Image for Stephanie Stephanie

    KariAnne you are rocking it girl!!! I am in love with your pillow.....and I am even more in love with how you made it!! I can't wait to make your pillow. It is absolutely adorable and looks like it came out of an exclusive boutique. Thank you for sharing. I love you!!! xo

    Reply
  48. Image for PJ PJ

    Cute and clever...I would need to sew those tassels on though since I know I would worry them when I was feeling nervous about something!

    Reply
  49. Image for Pat Pat

    Cute pillow diy, I noticed your new chandelier right away and wondered if I had missed a post about it. It is perfect for that room. xo Pat

    Reply
  50. Image for MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!)

    Can't wait to go and find some tassels! KariAnne, thanks for another great DIY project! I think I am even going to make some for friends for Christmas! These pillows are so cute! Blessings!

    Reply
  51. Image for Leslie Watkins Leslie Watkins

    You are amazing! Great take on that “Mud Pie” brand pillow! I’ve seen them but never thought of recreating it like you have. Keep on rocking it, friend!!

    Reply
  52. Image for Lynn Mosher Lynn Mosher

    OH...HOW...I...LOVE...THIS!!! {breathe, Lynn, breathe!} Your living room si sooooooo awesome! Sweetie, it is gorgeous. It's comfortable, refreshing, cozy, and everything in between! It's as amazing as you are! And your pillow is wonderful! Thanks for the DIY! You are the bestest! :D ❤

    Reply
  54. Image for Wen Wen

    Karianne I love how your mind works & the courage to go give it a try! YOU have inspired me so many times I can’t count!!!! I thank you 😊

    Reply

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