Have you ever noticed how finding pretty pillows that don't cost a pretty penny is, well, pretty hard? While there's certainly no shortage of options out there, there is a shortage of affordable options. If you're anything like me, you don't like the idea of spending most of your decorating budget on pillows that seem too pricey for what they are. But you also don't want to settle for basic cushions that feel too drab or plain. So here's another option: take the blah out of basic cushions by adding pin-on embellishments! It's the no-sew way to oh-so-chic pillows, not to mention one of the fastest, most inexpensive ways to spruce up your space!
When choosing what kind of pillows to embellish, I usually go with solid-colored cushions with simple edges—either a self-welt or none at all. (Adding an embellishment to patterned pillows or those with fancy trim usually makes the overall look too fussy.) Shown above is a heather-gray flannel pillow from Muji and below are some we found at West Elm, which always has a great selection in a range of colors. I'm also loving the colorful options in silk, velvet, and linen over at Crate & Barrel.
After choosing my pillows, I got these gorgeous flower pins from M&J Trimming. They come in lots of different sizes and tons of interesting materials like tweed and leather. For a subtle but sophisticated look, I went with flower pins that were in the same color family as my pillows, but you could always mix it up to bring in other accent colors in your decor. I affixed them in clusters to the upper corners to add drama, but I also love a single flower in the middle or corner—just as long as the scale of the flower and pillow are proportionate.
Not only is this project affordable and low-risk, it's instantly gratifying! And when it comes to decorating DIY-style, can it possibly get any sweeter than that?
Hi Eddie,
I remember looking at your website and seeing a beautiful white dragon in a table top setting. Can you tell me about it? Or tell me where I can find the picture? Thank you!
Posted by: susan manno | October 13, 2009 at 05:14 PM
love this idea!
Posted by: jerusalem | February 03, 2009 at 12:48 PM
Eddie- Would you mind providing the links for the three flowers on the gray pillow? I think I found two of them but was unable to locate the one on the bottom left (the smallest of the three). Thanks!
Posted by: Sarah | February 03, 2009 at 09:55 AM
For more custom pillow ideas, check out my new venture "Thatshouldbeonapillow!"
We take YOUR words and embroider them on a boudoir-size, feather-filled pillow. Silk, linen, faux suede or moire fabric trimmed in brush or ball fringe.
Really fun!
A
Posted by: Anne Marshall | February 01, 2009 at 06:09 PM
Love this idea. I did kinda the same thing with some pillows and vintage brooches that my Grandmother left me.
Posted by: ~Tina | February 01, 2009 at 10:49 AM
This is a fabulous idea! It makes it feel a little more one of a kind. I am off to check out more of your posts.
Posted by: dwellings and decor | January 31, 2009 at 04:10 PM
Hi Eddie!
This a really fun and creative idea! I like it! M&J seems to be a great source for trims. How about the wallhanging or screen in the room behind your cool pillows? That is a gorgeous piece!
Thanks Eddie
Ciao
Posted by: ralphie | January 27, 2009 at 11:39 PM
WOW!!! Just when I think you have done the most FANTASTIC, WONDERFUL, CHIC, CREATIVE...CHEAP thing ever...you go and top yourself...Flower pins on pillows...whouda thunk it...why you OF COURSE!!
So...when I say that you are my HERO, know that it is from the heart...you are also my inspiration...I joined the blogosphere because of you!! Check me out if/when you get a chance...
http://marquitastewart.blogspot.com
~Not the Naughty Mommy that I used to be...I am now Marquita Stewart...The Original Black Martha ;-)
Posted by: Naughty Mommy no more!!! | January 27, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Greatest and most original housewarming gift ever. As a Realtor, I am always looking for a way to add flavor to listings, chic original touches. Once again my dear, you nailed it!
Wendy Gladson
Posted by: Wendy Gladson | January 27, 2009 at 03:01 PM
OOO I love this idea!
I have a whole bag of hundreds of "flowerheads" I love to dip the edges in German Glitter...
I have made them into pins, I put them on purses... even glued
twenty or so to :
my bumper of my cute pickup!! Hee hee
But I have never done them on pillows!
I really like to collect Vintage curtain fabric,and Hankies also! ... hmmm since I have run out of windows...
looks like there may be some new pillows in the future!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
hey, by the way!... I have a brand new blog!!
stop by and see me, & say Hi ...at least once! I would be honored! :)
~The Rhinestone Contessa
Http:vjohanning.blogspot.com
(Humbly Begging!..... Giggles)
Posted by: Vanessa Johanning | January 27, 2009 at 10:49 AM
What an awesome idea!! There are so many fun pins out there too. I cant wait to try it on some pillows I have around the house, thanks for another fab idea!
xoxox
LindsB
Posted by: LindsB | January 27, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Bravo, talented friend. Bravo!
Posted by: seleta | January 27, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Very pretty and "easy peasy" as Mrs Blandings would say!
Posted by: Karena | January 27, 2009 at 09:03 AM
That's charming!
Posted by: Christie Lefebvre | January 27, 2009 at 08:12 AM
Fab-u-losity! Dear Mr. Webster's Dictionary, I have a new entry for your book of words, here is a picture to go beside the definition. His name is Eddie Ross, he is the definition of fab-u-losity!
Truly, you are a national treasure Eddie! Lucien
Posted by: Lucien | January 27, 2009 at 06:52 AM
Well Eddie it was worth waitin for,I was going thru withdrawals . Love the idea. I am a very frutful person so a great idea. Look around the house and see what you can use as well. Old Jewelry,buttons,what ever you have.
Thanks again for making my morning.
Posted by: Clara | January 27, 2009 at 06:21 AM
I think my dog Bentley might love this idea.
Posted by: patricia | January 27, 2009 at 04:12 AM
fabulous idea. and i love m&j -- they make my creativity go into overdrive!
Posted by: nikki | January 27, 2009 at 03:42 AM
Oh Eddie you've done it again!
Posted by: Kwana | January 27, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Love this - I have done the same with small felt people and animals and use Velcro dots to attach. My girls loved moving them around the pillows
Posted by: Darci | January 26, 2009 at 11:21 PM
neat idea
Posted by: thomas | January 26, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Damnit, Eddie. AGAIN, you've done it again! Will you ever stop being so freakin' fab!!!
xx
Kara
Posted by: Kara | January 26, 2009 at 07:49 PM
what a great idea - I would never have thought of it but it looks fabulous!
Tabitha
http://www.fromsingletomarried.com
Posted by: Tabitha (From Single to Married) | January 26, 2009 at 07:31 PM
Oh that's fun and you can switch it up at will.... great idea
Posted by: Blushing Hostess | January 26, 2009 at 07:16 PM
That is such a great idea....I am absolutely going to do this!
Posted by: hanako66 | January 26, 2009 at 06:33 PM
Muji ROCKS!
Posted by: pigtown*design | January 26, 2009 at 06:31 PM
Brilliant!
Posted by: Mahala | January 26, 2009 at 05:39 PM
Only you Eddie Ross, Only you! Fab as always.
Posted by: Tamstyles | January 26, 2009 at 04:53 PM
Love the pillows! What a great tip for a quick and inexpensive little pillow pick me up!
Posted by: Lazy Mom Leslie | January 26, 2009 at 04:45 PM
GENIUS!!
Posted by: Julie Prichard | January 26, 2009 at 04:36 PM
Updating my pillows has been on my list since late fall. Thanks for lighting the fire!
Posted by: sheista | January 26, 2009 at 04:26 PM
I love the pillow corsages. They are Fabulous. Penny
Posted by: Penny Mothershead | January 26, 2009 at 04:23 PM
Eddie, how can you seriously be so fabulous? In the words of the now infamous, Zoe, I'm about to DIE over these pillows!!!
Love.
Posted by: Arlynn from Fleur De Licious | January 26, 2009 at 03:51 PM
Very pretty! These look very high end.
Posted by: Averill | January 26, 2009 at 03:48 PM
So gorgeous, Eddie!
Posted by: DecorPad | January 26, 2009 at 03:28 PM
So great!
Posted by: chelsea | January 26, 2009 at 03:17 PM
What a great idea - what an inexpensive way to beat the February blahs - new pretty pillows with flowers!
I like to change my pillows a lot - is that "normal"? Does anyone out there change accessories a lot?
Posted by: Mona from Toronto | January 26, 2009 at 03:07 PM
great project! thanks for sharing.
Posted by: JILL | January 26, 2009 at 02:47 PM
Hi Eddie, what a clever idea. I was looking at pillows awhile back and almost choked at the price. I mean really it's just a pillow.
Posted by: Judy | January 26, 2009 at 02:28 PM
*great
Posted by: LayersofMeaning | January 26, 2009 at 01:40 PM
what a gret idea!
Posted by: LayersofMeaning | January 26, 2009 at 01:40 PM
Oh so pretty!!!! Great idea!!
xoxo,
Lauren Liess
Posted by: Lauren Liess | January 26, 2009 at 01:01 PM