Creating Life - Christmas Pillow

I was browsing through various sites a few weeks ago looking for some new craft ideas and I came across this free paper piecing pattern from Craft Gossip.com and thought it was so cute.

Then I wondered how it would look using material.   I decided to try it using scraps I had in my fabric box.  I am happy with the outcome

(except the ruffle around the edge....remember I am still learning the art of sewing so don't laugh). 

I am planning to make another one but I will go buy some fabric I love rather than using scraps and I think I will make it a little bit bigger.

This was really easy and I could see my daughters making one without sewing it on....just ironing.

I thought about enlarging the pattern but I found it easier to just make it without one. 

I used my Cricut to make the stars.

First I cut piece of material in different lengths and widths and ironed them on to some fusible interfacing.

I used about 4 different patterns for the tree branches and them 3 different color/patterns for the tree decorations.

Don't forget to cut a piece for the trunk.

After cutting, fusing and cutting the material again I started to layout my tree placing the trunk first then adding my first layer of branches.  Once I ironed them and pinned them to the background fabric I sewed around the branches and trunk with a straight stitch.

 I then placed a second layer of branches and sewed.

I continued to layer and sew each branch.  
I had them going different directions to give it a fun fuller feeling.
The more crooked and quirky the better.

 After I finished layering and sewing I added the big star and the little "ornaments".
I sewed around each of them.


Then I made it into a pillow.

 

My kids love it which makes me one very happy Mom!
I paper piecing projects....especially when I can use the pattern on more than one medium.
Give it a try!

This is my first post in a link party!  Thanks theidearoom!