Junk Button Acorn Pillow
Friends, I want you to meet my new junk transforming, lovers of all things old, creative junk visionary friends.
Today we are linking together to show you how each of us created a project based on being Inspired By Nature. Everyone has to use something old, out of date, thrifted or found and make it NEW!
It’s funny the things that inspire me and how I can instantly see them as something else. I saw a cute Halloween picture a while back where a ghost and a pumpkin were made out of buttons. I knew I wanted to make a button embellished acorn on a pillow pronto. Acorns are all over nature this time of year!
Plus, everyone has a drawer or jar full of mismatched buttons that have collected over the years. Buttons just begging to be put to work. If you don’t you can find them at antique malls and thrift stores. I just saw this bathtub full of buttons at a booth in Round Top.
I sorted through the box of buttons my mom holds on to and decided to go with the brass and wood ones. Then the fun began.
It all started off with an old sweater. You can find them anywhere, most likely your closet 😉 or any resale shop. Sweaters make the best Fall pillows.
Next I used some brown felt houndstooth fabric. Because houndstooth is my favorite color.
As you can see below I sketched out the shape of an acorn on some Heat & Bond (or you can use Wonder Under, source below). When I sketched the size I took into account how many buttons I had. I laid them out on the paper and loosely arranged them to make sure I had enough to fill the shape I drew.
Next I cut out the shape, a little larger than my sketch, and ironed it to the wrong side of the fabric. Then I cut out the exact shape once the fabric was attached.
Pull off the back covering of the wonder under and place the two acorn pieces on the sweater pillow. Iron to adhere. (follow packaging directions for greater detail)
I did a light stitch around the acorn to really secure it to the pillow. (ok my mom did, but I totally supervised)
To keep glue from getting everywhere I placed a piece of cardboard inside the pillow and laid it out flat. After I arranged the buttons to my liking I used a glue gun to secure each button to it’s place. You could stitch them on individually, but I’m not that determined or patient! I’m sure it would be amazing.
It’s a great cozy way to use those old sweaters and buttons you have lying around the house! You cold make other fun shapes or words with the buttons if you just get your creative juices flowing.
Putting together like items in decorating always makes for a powerful statement. These buttons massed together is a bold eye catching finish to the pillow. A jar full of scrabble pieces. A bowl full of keys. A shelf stuffed with ironstone pitchers. All more powerful grouped than alone.
Whenever you group a bunch of the same thing together brace yourself for an impressive impact. The same concept is true for prayer.
I have been in a bit of a prayer drought. Not sure if you have ever been there?
It’s a strange place.
I’ve really just had a hard time finding the time, desire and motivation to pray. I sort of don’t recognize myself.
But the enemy does.
He has been all over me.
That’s what happens when we let our guard down. Even a tiny bit.
But I’m a firm and ferocious believer in prayer.
I believe in bundling prayer together and putting on a display that makes an earth shattering impact. Like the mass of buttons on this pillow.
But how and why?
Mass prayer requires you let people in. You have to let others know you need prayer and open yourself and your troubles up to trusted prayer warriors. That is how you start.
Is any of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5: 14
We aren’t meant to carry sickness, burden or troubles alone. James says to call in reinforcements. But why?
Why should I let people know my baggage?
Because so often we don’t really believe that our prayer can be answered. Maybe we believe God is real and answers prayer, but we all struggle with varying degrees of guilt, shame and unbelief.
God heals other people, not me.
God redeems other marriages, but not mine.
God changes lives, but not mine.
Our faith grows weary.
Bringing another believer into your prayer brings on a new layer of faith. Maybe you can’t believe or imagine why God would chose to restore your health, but your friend believes beyond the shadow of a doubt.
You may feel like the prayer you have been repeating for so long has no chance of getting answered, but fresh eyes, filled with fresh faith believes it can all day long.
What does faith have to do with it?
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well. James 5:15
Faith is believing in the unseen. We have to believe. Believe that God loves us enough to heal us, fix us, forgive us, redeem us and answer us when we call to him. Luckily, he will listen to others on our behalf when we are too beat up, broke down and busted to even utter another prayer for our self.
Sharing your troubles in turn encourages others to do the same.
Then the coolest thing happens.
You get to return the favor, and lift them when they can’t lift themselves. It really is an honor and a blessing to step outside of your own junk and embrace someone else’s.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16
Rattle the cage of the enemy with an army of prayer warriors.
There is safety and power in numbers.
I would certainly appreciate your prayers that I would get back on track and have a strong direction again. I would be thrilled to join in praying for you, just let me know how!?
Now, please don’t leave without exploring the projects of my incredibly creative friends below!
AND…In case you don’t have a bunch of buttons lying around here is a supply list with similar items for your convenience (with affiliate links):
Felt
Old Sweater made into a pillow
Glue Gun
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Love that you are always someone I can call on to pray for me. Always let me know how I can pray for you!
Love you and love to pray for you!
Your pillow is just adorable! What a cute idea.
Thank you Stacey!
Praying Sis! xo
Always appreciated!
Lovely idea for a delightful pillow! I love how it turned out!
Thanks Thea!
Such a cute idea! I love houndstooth, too! I especially love sweater pillows, but I’ve had trouble making one of my own. I think it has to do with the stretchiness of the material…? Yours looks great! xoKathleen
You have to use a stabilizer like sizing or a lining. Hoping to do a post about it soon!
Would love to hear your tips! And thanks for linking up over at our Vintage Charm Link Party! It was great to see you there! Hope to see you over at Charm Bracelet Diva {at Home} on Thursdays with more of your great creations! xokathleen
I absolutely love how your pillow turned out. Great job! Also,sending up a prayer for you today friend.
Always love a prayer my friend! glad you liked the pillow too!
Your pillow turned out so cute! And Heat’n’Bond is my favorite thing ever!! Sending prayers and happy vibes your way 🙂
It is seriously the best! Appreicate the prayers…always!
This is so adorable ….love it!
thank you!
I knew I saved all of those buttons for a reason! So doing thissss!!!!!
It’s so easy and fun!
Praying and believing for you!
thank you friend!
Praying for you, friend! Oh, and love the pillow!!! Another great job of weaving a beautiful story! This truly is your gift and you are using it well!
I appreciate it sooo much!
LOVE this! Such a cute and fun project and it turned out perfect!
and easy…my favorite!
Love your blog, I look for it every day along with a few others. I like how you compare everyday things to something inspirational; makes me think. Prayers will be coming from S.C. for you. I’ve been following you for about a month now , just read how you started this morning.Doing great, keep on!
Hugs Karen
l
Karen – I have been lifting you in prayer. This is why I write this blog and I can’t thank you enough for letting me know it speaks to you. Completely honored today by your words and thankful for my calling.
How stinkin cute is this?? Love it!!
🙂 thank you
I’m sure everyone has been saying the same thing to you, but I have to chime in…This is absolutely adorable, and very original too. Going to pin it.
Thanks Mary – glad you like it and sharing means the world to me!
I needed this post this morning! I, too, have been struggling with prayer time. There are always things that get in the way. Honestly, sometimes I think I look for things to be “in the way”. The enemy doesn’t have to poke me- I can handle derailing all by myself! I need to repent. I will lift you and prayer that God would renew your desire (and mine) to be in communion with Him and to spend time with the One who has redeemed you. Though we will likely never meet in person by prayer we are gathered around the throne and I trust “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.” May this day be filled with many blessings and much joy! ~Jolena
Oh, I do love the pillow!
praying for you today friend. I thought of the same verse. SO amazing we can be united in this special way!
Funny how God leads you right where you need to go. We have just endured a year of attack in my home. Some small, some large. All together just almost too much. You know how little things feel big when there are a lot to deal with? I felt so needy when praying. I have never clicked a link from Hometalk…had no idea why I needed to see the full tutorial again (you’re pillow is beautiful, by the way). So…glad to meet you. I will pray for direction for you and please pray for the same and endurance for me. I need to make time to read my Bible so I’m fitted with my armor, pray so I am covered in grace, and remember that while David slew Goliath, when his bigger brother came later he needed to call on his friends. I think we’re through sleeping on the threshing floor waiting in case of attack and moving into the watchtower…I’m glad to find you there. I know I’m maybe a minute late to the earth shattering mass movement you wanted, but I’ll keep knocking for you anyway!!
Kind friend, Prayers for you! I do love and adore how God gives you just what you need when you need it. So thrilled to be a vessel for you. Don’t feel needy, feel thankful we have a Father to ask and loved that he listens!!! 1 Corn 12:9
I could echo many of the replies – I’ve been there, too. Prayers for you in the valley; may the walk be shortened and the mountain top glorious!
I love the pillow. I can’t wait to try it.
Thank you so much! WE do have to remember the mountains when the valleys seem so deep
I love this! It’s so simple and cute!
This is such a great idea! I love how you incorporated the houndstooth pattern into this pillow.
Thank you. I heart houndstooth.
Beautiful…I may have buy the pillow but I think I could cut out the nut and put the button on, great idea.
I’m with you, just learning how to sew, but you could jazz up store bought pillows in no time!
Such a clever idea! I love it!
Yay! So glad you like it!
Love your acorn pillow! I am drawn to acorns and anything Fall and I have a passion for buttons. I have a ton of them since I used to do button crafts. This is perfect for both. Love what you said about prayer and bringing others in. I am guilty of not doing that because it would be constantly for health issues. But I know it is good to share and then find out what you can pray for others too. Sending prayers your way for a renewed spirit and prayer life!
Ann Marie – I will lift your health issues up! thank you for your prayers!
I love the houndstooth and buttons! So cute! And I’m challenged by your thoughts on prayer. I know we’ve never met, but I’ll pray for you!
thank you friend. I love that about prayer, it connects us all in the most wonderful ways!
What a cute idea! I have drawers full of buttons. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Inspiration Party.
I know you could come up with something great!
Love your pillow, pinned and it will be my pick at the Vintage Inspiration Party this week.
Thank you, your party is the best!!! So honored!
Absolutely loved and reasonated with this post. I am saying a prayer of renewal for you right now. Please do the same for me too. The enemy has me feeling a bit lost and listless right now. Your words encouraged me to remember who I am in Christ. Thank you for your blog!!!
Thank you Jenny – I appreciate your prayers and encouraging words. Praying for you as well!
The only thing my 18 yr. old granddaughter wanted of my mother’s belongings was her button tin. As a child she and grandma would sort by color, or by size and count. As she got older she would thread them onto a piece of thread and tie it off for a bracelet. She has become a beautiful seamstress and I know the button tin will have a long and happy life.
The acorn pillow was adorable. Love all the texture the buttons add.
Prayers get answers. Prayers for reassurance on their way.
Thank you – what a beautiful story!!!! I am so glad you shared!
Love this idea and can’t wait to make one! Also love the pillow behind your acorn one. Did you make that too? If so, did you “blog” it? Thanks!
Hi Susan – I did make the other pillow…actually my mom did. I direct, she sews! I am learning how to sew though. I plan on doing a tutorial soon, but this pillow is not on the blog except for what you see here. Coming soon! thanks
Great – I want to make both of these pillows! Love how they look together and also they are great alone! And a great use of all the buttons hanging out in my sewing basket. Good luck with your sewing lessons! I am sure with all your creative talent you will pick it up quickly!
Thanks – my mom keeps coming over and I just keep having her sew stuff, so my lessons are going slow. It’s much faster when she does it! 😉
Featuring this on tonight’s Trash 2 Treasure Party. 🙂
Grateful heart over here 🙂
Hi, Kim! This pillow is so cute! I would love if you could share this at our party which runs every Tuesday http://sweethings.net/oh-my-heartsie-girls-wordless-wednesday-2/ #OMHGWW
Have a wonderful week!
Hugs,
Pili
will do Pili!!
I love your acorn pillow and how smart to use some old metal buttons ,like you said we all have stashed in a tin or jar somewhere.
Now to your prayer thing I pray while working, driving or doing dishes or working on cute projects.
He tells us to never cease in prayer, sound like you are doing a great job at that! I love it!!!
That pillow is so cute. I’ve been wanting to make something with buttons. Thanks so much for requesting prayer. I will be praying for you. Please pray for my daughter who is going through a divorce and has a 3 year old little girl. It’s really tough as a mom to see her go through this. She often times feels overwhelmed.
Bonnie – I am so sorry. Divorce is never easy and I am sure having a young one involved is very overwhelming. I will pray for them and you. I know your mama heart must hurt. Thank you for sharing with me.
I love the pillow. It is too cute! I am praying for you! Please pray for us and our daughter who is a single mother living in another state with 2 children and has depression. It is very tough not being available to help out and knowing this is totally out of our control!!! I am thankful I discovered your blog. It helps me get through the day. Your Bible verses are spot on for me every day! Thank you for sharing your heart!
Pam I will pray for you and your daughter. What a tough situation. Single moms are amazing. God sharpens us through the hard times, although that isn’t always very comforting in the middle of the storm. I will pray she is able to focus on the good and her sweet babies. Thank you for sharing with me
You are a precious servant for the Kingdom! Luv ur blog!
thank you Lisa, you are so sweet!
Thanks for sharing about prayer ! I so needed it today. Found out my little Pickles (furry baby) has kidney failure, Please pray she will get better,shes at hospital now . I will be praying for you! You are such a blessing! So glad I found your site. You have such talent that you share. May God Bless you!
lifted you and Pickles this morning, prayers for recovery and your heart, pets are so dear to us!!!
Hello Kim…love your acorn pillow but I also love the pillow behind it! Did you make that? If so do you have details posted? Thanks!
hi – thanks! Yes I did make it! actually my mom sewed it, but I selected the fabric – it was actually suit material and then she cut it into four squares and turned them different directions and sewed them into the larger square for the pillow, no tutorial, but I hope that helps?
I didn’t expect to read about prayer in this post but it was a pleasant surprise. Thank you.