Saturday, March 26, 2011

Dog Silhouette Pillow

Our oldest daughter is in medical school.  We are very proud of her.  She has worked awfully hard to get where she is, 
weathering hundred hour days, sleepless nights, really gross anatomy and a 6-year-old study partner.  


And even though she has let none of this get the best of her, 
this just might...



Meet Jack.  Fifteen pounds of completely adorable, 
totally out-of-control dog flesh.  



Of course, she's in denial, and thinks it's going to work out.  I, on the other hand, have the job of pessimist -- what are mothers for?  But, I can still hear her, at 12 years old, telling me, "You're responsible for that dog if you bring it in this house!"

We'll see.  I won't mind one bit being proven wrong on this one though.




In the meantime, I've made my grandson (study partner extraordinaire) a pet of the tamer kind for his bed -- a "Jack" dog silhouette pillow similar to those I've seen in decorating magazines.





It was much easier to find a dog silhouette by googling "dog silhouette pictures"  than to get Jack to sit for a picture.  I enlarged the view and used a little cheat I've done before.  I taped my drop cloth fabric 
over my laptop screen and very lightly traced the image with a fine tip marker.  




I'm not recommending this...I'm just telling you how I do it...
it's your laptop... 




I traced and filled everything in with black markers -- how easy was that?  I like the "drawn on" look, myself.


Back at the computer, I typed "Jack" into a document, enlarged it to fit and cheated again by tracing directly from the screen.



This all works best in a dark-ish room.




I drew the border with a marker around the edge.  



There you have it -- 


***


I'll be linking up here:


*Under the Table and Dreaming
*Show and Tell Friday - My Romantic Home
*Frugal Friday - The Shabby Nest
The Friday Flair - Whipper Berry
Remodelaholic Friday - Remodelaholic
Feathered Nest Friday - French Country Cottage
Feature Yourself Friday - Fingerprints on the Fridge
Flaunt It Friday - Chic on a Shoestring Decorating




If you enjoyed this post (and, gosh, I hope you did) please BECOME A FOLLOWER!
Posted by Lindy
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83 comments:

  1. DianneMarch 26, 2011 at 2:41 PM

    How cute...my daughter wanted a dog that I knew she didn't have time or money for so I talked her into doing joint custody of our dog..Fri. night she comes get her...Sunday night she drops her off...every one is happy.

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  2. Hi, I'm Suz!!March 26, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Lindy - your daughter is beautiful (and study partner and pup are pretty cute, too)! I love how you did this pillow!!

    Hugs ~~ Suz

    www.inspiringcreativeness.blogspot.com

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  3. Connie the crafterbugMarch 26, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Very cool!
    Connie
    http://thecrafterbug.blogspot.com/

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  4. Jane@Cottage at the CrossroadsMarch 26, 2011 at 2:50 PM

    I think that it was so clever to just trace the image using your laptop. I would never have thought of that. Your pillow looks great!
    Have a great day! Jane
    http://cottageatthecrossroads.com

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  5. Joy@aVintageGreenMarch 26, 2011 at 2:51 PM

    You are so creative. What a clever 'light box' with care. That puppy is such a little love.
    - Joy

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  6. JulesMarch 26, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    Clever idea! I was always afraid I'd mess my screen up somehow...but you made it work! Another thing I've done, is print out a design and tape it to a window for the same effect. (In case you didn't want to use your computer screen...although your way seems like less work. lol.) Love your pillow! Very creative.

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  7. UnknownMarch 26, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    That is wonderful! We have a very old dog and I think that will make a great remembrance item. He, unlike Jack, spends a lot time in repose so I should be able to manage a silhouette!

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  8. La Vie QuotidienneMarch 26, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Very cute pillow. Congratulations on your daughters success. And you grandson is adorable.(-:

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  9. KathyMarch 26, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    You are GOOD!

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  10. Kathy @ Creative Home ExpressionsMarch 26, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Well, that's just a great way to cheat, Lindy! I love that idea! I think a pillow might be easier to handle with your daughter's schedule than an actual "Jack", but who knows, she may get lucky. : )

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  11. LindaMarch 26, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    Thanks for the great post, Good luck to your beautiful daughter and her adorable study partner.

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  12. Thoughtfully Blended HeartsMarch 26, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    I've often used plastic wrap to keep paint off of things...you could use a piece of plastic wrap on your screen just in case any ink/marker might transfer and be realllllllyyyyy careful about not exerting pressure on your screen...Great idea!!!
    I love this pillow!!!

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  13. KarenMarch 26, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    Love your pillow,and I think your daughter is awesome. I can't imagine how proud you are of her.

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  14. SuzanneMarch 26, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    How clever! I wouldn't have thought of that. And there are so many ways that would be handy. Thank you!

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  15. Art From The heartMarch 26, 2011 at 6:23 PM

    Lindy, You must be soooooo proud of your daughter! love the pillow,but must confess being an animal lover,love the dog more. What can I say.
    Hugs, Amy

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  16. LindyMarch 26, 2011 at 6:25 PM

    You all have such good ideas!! Thanks so much for commenting AND for sharing!!!

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  17. HeatherMarch 26, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    I just love silhouette projects...and this one is particularly cute! I like the way you "cheated" too.

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  18. SherriMarch 26, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    Lindy, what a really cute pillow!

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  19. NanaDianaMarch 26, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Well, what a cute pillow. Promise me you are not doing that same thing with male models....I don't think you can post those pillow pictures here!;>) Your daughter & grandson are beautiful..and you should be very proud of her. Med school is no easy feat! xxoo Diana

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  20. Sonya@Beyond the Screen DoorMarch 26, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Absolutely adorable, Lindy! And I love your cheat tip. Your daughter is beautiful and looks like you! And what a handsome little study partner.

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  21. Laura at Ms. Smartie PantsMarch 26, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    How adorable! You scored big Gradma points too!

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  22. MelissaMarch 26, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    It looks great but I can see where the cheat could get you into trouble.

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  23. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesMarch 26, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    What a charming pillow! Your daughter is so pretty!

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  24. PCovi March 26, 2011 at 11:50 PM

    Well I'll be darned! That was way easier than i thought it would be! Cute :)

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  25. AnonymousMarch 27, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    how sweet!

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  26. Miranda @ Pressing OnMarch 27, 2011 at 1:34 AM

    LIKE this a lot! It's so cute Lindy! That is a handsome dog♥

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  27. Diane WritesMarch 27, 2011 at 3:17 AM

    Tracing the patter directly from the screen of a laptop must have been very tough! But you did it and pillow case turn out nice!

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  28. SueannMarch 27, 2011 at 4:07 AM

    That pup is definitely going to be the end of her for sure! What a cutie!
    Love your pillow! And the tracing idea is priceless! Ha!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  29. AnonymousMarch 27, 2011 at 5:01 AM

    There is I've see it all and I guess I have. lol I love it. Tracing off the laptop. But hey if it works. Cute pillow.

    Erika

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  30. Erika . . . with a KMarch 27, 2011 at 8:53 AM

    i love it!! I want to do a silhouette of my dog but can never find a good picture!

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  31. Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~March 27, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    FABULOUS! Such a cute, and easy project! Both your daughter and grandson sound like very special people!

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  32. AnonymousMarch 27, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    That pillow, wow! And I had to actually scroll down to your profile photo, because I thought she was you for a minute there. Which brings up the question of how you look so young if your daughter looks like her age. Did I mix something up here?

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  33. Liz @ the Brambleberry CottageMarch 27, 2011 at 12:32 PM

    Ingenious, Lindy! Similar concept to using an overhead projector, huh? So now your grandson has two Jack doggies to snuggle with. And mom only has one to clean up after. ;)

    Miss seeing you at the parties.

    Hugs,
    Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
    http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

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  34. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleMarch 27, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    Lindy, I love that pillow and I didn't know you had a six year old grandson. He is so cute and you don't look old enough to be her mother or his grandmother!

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  35. One Cheap B*tchMarch 27, 2011 at 7:55 PM

    Very cute and such smart thinking! My parents would love a Rottie version of this for sure! Thanks for sharing! Coming over from Met Monday.

    Jeanine

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  36. Lyuba @ Will Cook For SmilesMarch 27, 2011 at 8:12 PM

    This is adorable, what a great project to do with my kid! Thanks!

    ~new follower~

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  37. MeganMarch 27, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    this is so cute. I want one of my babies (dogs).

    megan
    craftycpa.blogspot.com

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  38. RachelMarch 27, 2011 at 9:04 PM

    Impressive! I could NOT tell that you did that freehand (wiht a little tracing help!) - fabulous job!
    Visiting from Metamorphasis Monday, stop by my blog for a visit ... cookscleansplayswithpaper.blogspot.com

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  39. Bliss Bloom BlogMarch 27, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    Beautiful pillow and I absolutely love your "light box" idea. Genius!

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  40. The House CreativeMarch 27, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    Super cute!! :-)

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  41. yvetteMarch 28, 2011 at 6:39 AM

    What an original "light box ", very clever, just too easy!A great pillow and techniques. A job well done! yvette@twistedvines

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  42. Libby@LightoftheHomeMarch 28, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    Ah-maz-ing! I would never have thought to trace directly from a computer monitor. Certainly saves some steps. I have been wanting to make some of these silhouette pillows. I am going to try this!

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  43. TimMarch 28, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    Nice blog.

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  44. .March 28, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    I love it!! And that you traced it from the computer...even better!! :)

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  45. Crafts a la ModeMarch 28, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Terrific!! I've been using a Tracer (from Joann's) for years to trace images onto canvass, walls, anything. I print out what I want and put it under the Tracer, turn the light on, and the image is projected onto whatever I want. i can see myself taping up the fabric on the wall and tracing our two dogs on fabric for just this craft. Thanks so much!! Linda

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  46. SheilaMarch 28, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    What a great idea and so simple! My daughter (and son) would just love a sweet little pillow like that. Thanks for sharing.

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  47. Simone @ Doberman's by the SeaMarch 28, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    What a fabulous idea. I'm going to have to give it a shot. What a cute puppie-what kind is it? Lovely family, too. CHeers

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  48. morninglorycottageMarch 28, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    Like your pillow and your grandson is cute. Have a great week.

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  49. LorriMarch 28, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    Oh my goodness! I LOVE this pillow! It would be perfect in my den.

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  50. AnonymousMarch 28, 2011 at 10:30 PM

    I like your cheat sheet! What a clever idea! I'd love to try this with a picture of my Corgi. Fun! Thanks for sharing! :)Michelle

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  51. A Vintage VineMarch 29, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    Love it...I too like the drawn on look!!! More original and authentic in my opinion!!!! Good luck to your daughter, I have two in college too. I know how that goes!

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  52. UnknownMarch 29, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    I am in love with this pillow!!! I just want to let you know that I love your blog and wanted to share a little gift with you! Click here

    ReplyDelete
  53. UnknownMarch 29, 2011 at 11:21 AM

    Love the technique you used for the pillow. No special expensive tools required! very clever!

    I am having a giveaway on my blog. $40 store credit from o&el(etsy) to get a kids drawstring backpack perfect for summer camps or a trip/spring hair accessories.All you have to do is leave a comment.
    check it out.
    http://houseonashwelllane.blogspot.com/2011/03/40-store-credit-free-shipping-from-o-to.html

    ReplyDelete
  54. Beth@The Stories of A to ZMarch 29, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    This is adorable! And I love that you drew right on your computer screen! So something I would do (but w/ my luck is would bleed through.:) Thanks for linking up! I'd appreciate it if you linked back to me.

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  55. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleMarch 29, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    Lindy, thanks so much for sharing this cute pillow at WUW.

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  56. DianeMarch 29, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    How adorable. And by that, I mean the puppy and the pillow!

    I have no crafting genes so I have to live vicariously through posts like this. Thanks for sharing!

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  57. Dear Sweet HomeMarch 29, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    How Cute! I will be making note of this as I will be doing some projects in my little guys room soon:)

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  58. ShannonSewsMarch 29, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    That's really a cute idea! Pretty ingenious way to make your own "light box" - it worked great!

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  59. AnonymousMarch 29, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    What a fun pillow! and smart idea to use your laptop as a light box!

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  60. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastalMarch 30, 2011 at 12:47 AM

    What a cute idea. I'm sure your grandson loves it!

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  61. DoneneMarch 30, 2011 at 8:38 AM

    So very cute! Thanks for sharing! I am a follower!

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  62. KathyMarch 30, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    That was very clever - not sure about tracing on laptop screen...but there are ways!
    Kathy

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  63. Susan J BarkerMarch 30, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    wonderful idea -- I have many dog lover relatives that I know would be thrilled to have something like this! Time to start on the Christmas List!!

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  64. KJ@letsgoflyakiteMarch 30, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Found your link on Someday Crafts and wanted to pop by and tell you how much I love your pillow. We have a labrador retriever and I am hoping to make something similar. Best to you!

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  65. emilysnanMarch 30, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    hiya , great idea will be trying this one for sure , tfs , i am visiting from someday crafts and am your newest follower maybe you will pop by mine and follow too
    www.emilysnan.blogspot.com
    xmaggiex

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  66. MimiMarch 30, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    I love this! My monster puppy is named Jack also and he eats everything. Just ate half of a sweatshirt sleeve yesterday. He's lucky he is such a sweetie...
    So glad to have found your blog through Blue Cricket! How brilliant to put your fabric over the monitor! Thank you so much for sharing this! Great job!

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  67. MeganMarch 30, 2011 at 8:04 PM

    That's so funny! I do my silhouettes the exact same reason... mainly because our printer wasn't hooked up to our computer. My husband wasn't too happy about it but it works great! Glad to see I'm not the only one who does it this way! It turned out great!

    Meg

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  68. AnonymousApril 3, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    Lindy,
    you've received the Stylish Blogger Award but now you must pay it forward to other bloggers. go here to check it out http://www.thriftyniftycrafty.com/2011/03/im-stylish-blogger.html

    ReplyDelete
  69. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereApril 3, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    Lindy, The dog pillow is absolutely adorable! I never thought about tracing right from my computer. Your daughter is beautiful and what a precious grandson you have.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  70. KristenApril 4, 2011 at 2:29 AM

    Good luck.

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  71. Pam KesslerApril 6, 2011 at 7:32 PM

    Your doggie pillow is adorable. And thanks for the tutorial, because I would have been trying to freehand it. And no one likes a stick dog!

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  72. Katie @ EyeSpyDIYApril 6, 2011 at 10:19 PM

    How adorable I may have to make one with the silhouette of a lab for my pup Chester!

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  73. Alison AgnewApril 8, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    using your screen to trace? brilliant...why didn't i think of that? love the pillow in all it's simple beauty and i'm sure that adorable 6 year old does too...would love for you to share at fridays unfolded @ http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/2011/04/fridays-unfolded-13.html

    blessings,

    alison
    stuff and nonsense

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  74. Decor To AdoreApril 8, 2011 at 10:03 AM

    Love this pillow. I would use our doxie as a model. :)

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  75. WendyApril 8, 2011 at 3:40 PM

    I love it! I work at a doggie daycare and might just have to make this for one of my "favorites". :) Copying from your computer screen....AWESOME idea! Thanks for sharing!
    Wendy
    Itswhatimdoing.blogspot.com

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  76. Maggie MasseyApril 8, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    You did a FANTASTIC job with this!!! And Jack is just adorable...;)

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  77. Courtney ~ French Country CottageApril 8, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    Loving seeing this pillow again- it is so darn cute!! Well done~ Thanks for sharing at FNF! :)

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  78. HeatherApril 9, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    That is so Cute! I am your newest follower from Tatertots and Jello Hop!
    http://lookmanohands-robinson.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. AnonymousApril 9, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    aaawww.. the pillow is gorgeous!! and so is the dog.. aaawww!!

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  80. ShirleyApril 10, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    I love this idea! I may have to make some myself, thank for sharing :)

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  81. Memi’s MomApril 13, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    What a lovely idea, I had not thought of making one this way. I bet your grandson is happy with his.
    I linked to this post. This will have to be made for my service dog Memi. She is actually black and will probably steal the pillow. Have a Beautiful Day ~Dorothy

    ReplyDelete
  82. AnonymousApril 22, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    OMG, what a cute idea! I'm going to try this!

    I'm having my first giveaway if you want to come check it out! It's to celebrate 100 followers. http://junkernewbie.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-first-giveaway.html

    ReplyDelete
  83. radhikaJune 2, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    I am writing a post on sharpie decor. I woud love to feature this. I hope you won't mind. I will link back to you.

    ReplyDelete

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