Oh Deer... No Sew Christmas Pillow

Apparently deer heads and antlers are here to say with holiday decor. I'm liking the trend but we're not really the rustic, hunter, deer-head-wall-hanging kind of people so I haven't been able to commit to one. Even if it's hairless, gold, and super cute from Target. Anyone else feel the same way?!

But I do love festive pillows because I think they are the easiest, low cost way to dress up a room for the holidays. Below is a prettier view of the pillow in our new home, after I learned how to use my big girl camera. So much better. ha!

What you will need:
H&M Home Canvas Cushion Cover: $5 (You can get this from Ikea for $4)
Deer Silhouette: Free pattern from Jenny Collier
Heat n Bond Ultrahold: Owned
Fabric for Silhouette: Owned (my fabric was originally a table cloth)
Scissors + Iron

TOTAL: $5

Not pictured: pillow form, iron and Mod Podge

First, print out your stencil on cardstock paper. If it's larger than a regular piece of paper like mine, just print it out in several parts, tape it together, then cut it out.

Pin the stencil to your fabric and cut the shape. You could also trace it with chalk before cutting, which I think would have been easier.

I wasn't anticipating using Mod Podge, but since my fabric is a thin tablecloth, the edges were fraying. I used a small sponge brush to apply Mod Podge on all of the edges, particularly on the antlers. If you have a thicker fabric you probably won't need to do this step! After it dried, I trimmed the frays and ironed it very lightly to keep it flat.

The most tedious part of this project is applying the Heat n Bond strips. I followed the instructions on the package. I probably overdid it quite a bit, but I wanted to make sure none of the antlers started pulling up with a husband and dog who tend to be rough with these types of things.

EDIT: I've been told by an awesome reader that you can actually buy Heat n Bond by the yard at your local craft store, which means you can trace it the same way you did with the plaid fabric and apply in one piece! I haven't done it myself but that sounds like a good option here, unless you already have the strips like I did and don't feel like buying more.

After ironing the strips onto the plaid fabric, I removed the paper and flipped it over. Make sure to center it because this stuff will hold the moment your iron touches it! I ironed the front for 10 seconds, flipped it over and ironed the back for 5, then let it cool before stuffing it.

That's it!! Want more holiday projects? Check out my gold leaf Christmas print here!

Linking up with Michaela Noelle Designs, Love of Family and Home, and Savvy Southern Style