Handmade Pillows for the Holidays

Update a plain pillow as the seasons change with this easy idea. Create a mini-quilt pillow topper that can be swapped out from one holiday to the next. Begin at Halloween with this scaredy-cat design. (See slide #6 for the Thanksgiving version.)

The three grinning jack-o'-lanterns on this accent pillow serve as a happy welcoming committee for your guests. Place the layered-felt creation on a bench in your front entry, or give it as a little treat to a special someone.

Welcome autumn into your home with a felted wool pillow that lets the iconic image of the season linger a bit longer.

The appliqued words on this felted-wool pillow send the right message as Thanksgiving approaches. Toss the pumpkin-size pillow on the sofa for a simple seasonal accent.

Let autumn's warm-and-cozy color palette inspire comfortable home accents, such as this silk-and-wool pillow featuring a pumpkin design.

Swap out a scaredy-cat pillow topper for this Thanksgiving turkey design. For a different look, substitute decorative ribbons for the fabric ties by turning under and tack-stitching the ribbon ends.

Toss winter flair on a couch or chair by stitching up a snowman, or in this case, a snow lady, pillow from oh-so-soft fleece.

Pair these two pillows in the same decorative display to create a Christmas mood. The next two slides will explain how to make the pillows.

This festive felt pillow featuring Frosty's smiling face is sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes this seat.

Fuzzy felt gives this cheerful Santa pillow an extra dose of softness.

This cozy pillow is a ho-ho-whole lot of fun to have sitting on a sofa or bed. Layers of felted wool bring Santa to life, and clear seed beads add a touch of sparkle to his cap and bushy beard.

Capture the quintessential symbol of the season with a soft-as-snow pillow -- the perfect accent for your holiday decorating. The bushy beard and songbird friend add character to this Santa Claus pillow, which is a wonderful holiday project that's a snap to make.

Arrange a welcoming vignette for your guests by setting two plump color-reversed pillows on a white-painted bench or neutral sofa. The next two slides provide instructions for making the red-and-white pillows.

A perfect partner to the pillow in slide #13, this white pillow features a simple Christmas tree cutout backed with red felt.

Cutout tree shapes pop on this cushy pillow thanks to white felt pieces behind the pillow front. Pair with the white pillow in slide #14 for a festive focal point.