Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Anthropologie Inspired: You Are My Sunshine Pillow

When my daughter was a baby my mom would sing "You Are My Sunshine" to her as she rocked her to sleep.  Such a sweet lullaby. So imagine my delight as I came across this pillow from Anthropologie on Pinterest.  Unfortunately, it was way more than what my budget could afford. 

After taking a closer look at the pillow, I thought to myself,  "hey I could do that"!  With the exception of the stamps, I was able to make the pillow using supplies I already owned.  

Each letter had to be meticulously spaced so that it appeared perfect.  I casually stamped each letter on the pillow and decided that it didn't need to be perfect to be beautiful!

I added a sweet yellow flower to represent sunshine.




Once I finished up with the pillow and showed it to my daughter she had to look away to stop herself from crying.  My mom has since passed on...  My daughter was just a baby when she died and too young to remember her.  I was more than happy to put these lyrics on a pillow as sweet reminder of how much her grandmother adored her.

You can view my previous stamped pillow here, if you like. 

**ETA- I purchased the stamp set at Michael's and used inexpensive muslin for the pillow cover. 




I am linking this post to: Kelly's Korner
UndertheTableandDreamingTDC Before and After

82 comments:

Kelly said...

Brandi.. I luv it, I absolutely adore it... and want to copy it.. That has meaning to my daughter as well... Where did you get the stamps? Hobby Lobby?

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Brandi, I love the pillow, and the sweet story behind it. You're right. It doesn't have to be perfect. I embrace imperfections, so I think it's perfectly imperfect.

The Bunny said...

Ah geez. You made me cry too.

Beautiful pillow. So sweet.

Allison@FabRehab said...

I gotta say, I like your version way more!! I love the flower and the trim...and most importantly, the story to go with it!

Joi @ Rx Fitness Lady said...

It is beautiful Brandi and so sentimental! I love it!

Julie @ Being Home said...

This is absolutely adorable! I love it! Beautiful work, Brandi!. :)

Okio B Designs said...

So sweet! I used to sing it to my boys too.

Jeanine

cathy crosson said...

Love it!

pam {simple details} said...

It couldn't be more perfect, sweet Brandi!

Gail said...

What a lovely pillow! I think we all sang that song to our babies. Sure does bring back wonderful memories. Thanks, Brandi!

Melissa Skidmore said...

What a precious pillow! My mother-in-law always sings this to my girls! Life to the full, Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

Kreative10 said...

So pretty and I had that Nancy's Pizza I am going to do a review next week. Thanks for the suggestion of it...although you didn't tell me krispy kreme was next door I may or may not have had both.

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

So sweet! Love your pillow and the ball fringe & flower are perfect!
Blessings,
Cindy

Cristina Garay said...

I love it, Brandi! A really sweet and thoughtful gift!

Christy James said...

This is so sweet! I just love it! I used to sing this to my babies, too. Probably because its one of the few lullabys I know the words too:)

Thanks for sharing!!
XO,
Christy

Donna Wilkes said...

Such a sweet idea. I love your pillow better for the little off-kilter letters.

Karen said...

Aww, such a wonderful story Brandi. I used to sing that song to my babies too, sniff sniff.Your pillow is gorgeous, I love the pompom trim. I'm sure your daughter will treasure it forever.

Mrs. Chic said...

Brandi, the pillow turned out lovely such a sweet memory behind the pillow. I love singing that song to my boys

K. Rock said...

How lovely!

Cynthia Stevenson said...

Such a wonderful story and gorgeous creation! I like your version better. Thank U, for the inspiration! Blessings~

Debbie @ MeandMyDIY said...

Brandi, your pillows are the BEST! And I agree, the stamping doesn't have to be perfect. It's okay if the edges of the stamps show just a little bit. It makes it that much more charming. What a very sweet way to remember your mother. :)

Debbie

Alycia Nichols said...

Sweet, sweet, sweet! I actually like it better without the letters being perfectly aligned. It has more of a jaunty, upbeat feel to it...just like the song! Beautiful!

Ornate Splendor said...

Awww! What a sweet story! The pillow is so sweet and sentimental. I've also decided that perfection is overrated. I like how the letters are not cookie-cutter perfect. They are perfect just as you have them! Thanks for sharing this! I'm a new follower. Happy Creating, Catherine

Vanessa said...

Hi, Brandi

This is a great idea and I just love how it turned out. You are awesome.

Vanessa

Mary Ann at classic•casual•home said...

Oh how heartwarming and sentimental...and stylish.

Chelsea@getyourcraptogether said...

Love it! I'd love for you to check out our Pattern Party! Those with free patterns and templates to share are invited to link up.
http://getyourcraptogether.blogspot.com/search/label/Pattern%20Party

Brigitte said...

I love that song! Great pillow :)

Curtains in My Tree said...

well done dear

I really like it and who would know you didn't buy it at anthropologie, not that it matters

I love sweet memories of our precious grandmothers also

Jessica @ My World - Made By Hand said...

I love this! I would be such a happy girl if you would link this to my party...it's going on now :)

Jessica
myworldmadebyhand.blogspot.com

Decor & Harmony said...

Brandi the Magnificent does it again :) very lovely!

Brooke said...

This is so sweet Brandi!! I absolutely love the pillow, and even more the story behind it.

Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama said...

this looks pretty perfect to me actually. Great job. :)

Connie said...

I love it . . . when you see something that you like and just go into your supplies and make it yourself. I just might say, "That your pillow is so much nicer that the store pillow . . . and it was made with love". You did a fantastic job . . . and you are such an inspiration to us all. Never spend big bucks, for anything you can make yourself.
I'm so proud of you.
Connie :)

Megan Gutierrez said...

This is so beautiful...I have a love for pillows and the story behind this is absolutely precious. Thank you for sharing.

-Meg, www.willwork4cupcakes.blogspot.com

Tina said...

How sweet! It's wonderful, your daughter will cherish it forever.

Julia Konya said...

This is so sweet!

Karen said...

What a sweet and touching story about your Dear Mother. And what a sweet Mom you are to make such a lovely keepsake for your own daughter! It came out beautiful, Brandi. You are so inspiring! xx

Kim @ Two Ten Designs said...

Hey Brandi, this is amazing! I love that song too, and would love to make one for my daughter. The pom poms are so sweet, and the flower is adorable. I love it! And the perfectly-imperfect stamping makes the pillow!
Best-
Kim @ Two Ten

Erica said...

Oh my goodness you did an AMAZING job!!! It's beautiful!
www.poolovesboo.com

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

Your pillow is adorable! I like your version better than the original. Thank you for sharing it at What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a great weekend!

Hugs,
Deborah

Help! Mama Remote... said...

Wow!!!! That looks fabulous! You did a great job!

Lory said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jen Price said...

Ah, that's awesome! Love it!

Mindi@MyLove2Create said...

Oh, this is super super cute! I love it so much! Good for you to make it look even better! I love that song too! I am now following you!

Ali of Dressing Ken said...

Wow you made this??!! I am impressed NICE JOB! And wonderful sentiment.

Ali of


www.dressingken.com

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Brandi, that is the cutest thing. I sang that song to my grandson too. What a cute idea. I'm so glad you stopped by the Cottage. Let's visit again..Happy Thursday..Judy

Kirsty Girl said...

This is a great idea. I've been thinking of doing up some new cushion covers too!

Peg said...

I totally love your pillow and can think of other great sentiments to put on a pillow. Thank you for sharing how blessed your daughter was at a reminder of her grandmother great job!
peggy

sew sweet vintage said...

Super sweet!!!! Pinned:)
http://www.sewsweetvintage.com/2013/02/flourless-knockout-ninja-brownies.html

Nici @ Posed Perfection said...

This is so sweet, Brandi! What a treasure! I'd love for you to link it up at the party I'm co-hosting this week http://posedperfection.blogspot.com/2013/03/exciting-newsim-co-hosting-today.html Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings,
Nici

Orlando Designs said...

Brandi the pillow looks great! I also loved your kitchen remodel! I wasn't able to leave a comment on that post, so I'm leaving it here. I'm now following!

Ana said...

Hi Brandi,
What a sweet pillow and a sweet story behind it. I'm sure your daughter will treasure it always.

Thank you for stopping by for a visit and for your kind comment. Hope you visit again soon. Wishing a wonderful weekend.

❤Ana

Sumaya at Evocative Vintage said...

Came over for a quick visit after you left a comment for me.

I simply adore this pillow and the sweet, meaningful story it tells! Hoping for many more visits. I am following you now!

Hugs
Sumaya

Our Delightful Home said...

This is adorable.

Mrs. Delightful
www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

CaramelRell said...

Brandi, I love the pillow you made better than the other one! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Jo Lane said...

Oh my goodness you just made me cry! This is so sweet! I love it! So glad you shared. I'll have to try this :)

SweetPepperRose said...

Hi Brandi, such a sweet pillow to have as a treasured memory keepsake.
JoAnn

Laurel@chippingwithcharm said...

How cute is that?? LOVE it :)

decoratewithalittlebit.com said...

absolutely darling! every square inch of it! I'm pinning and hope to make one too myself! Little Bit from www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

Tricia said...

Oh Brandi, this is so sweet...your pillow turned out beautiful!! I've always loved that song :)

Susan said...

I LOVE your pillow! Is the ink permanent?

Erin@ Live Pretty on a Penny said...

love the pillow! As usual...looks great!

Kelle Dame said...

Making me tear up over here!! My Mom sings that to my daughter and it makes me cry every time! I think she needs something like this for Mother's Day! You have really inspired me! It looks beautiful!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Kelle
xoxo

susan@avintagefarmwife said...

I used to sing that to my boys, too! Love the pillow!

Julie @ Being Home said...

Woo-Hoo! Congrats on having this pillow featured at Inspire Me Please link party! Yay! :)

Ches said...

Oh, I just love this.....such a sweet saying and the pillow looks great.

must love junk said...

This turned out perfect-I love it!!
Susan

Carol Cook said...

Okay, you had me in tears as I read the last part. The pillow is wonderful, but the story behind it makes it even better.

I like that you didn't try for "perfect".

Judy Whatilivefor said...

What a beautiful story, and I LOVE your pillow...we need throw pillows for our couches and I'm getting so much inspiration here.

Help! Mama Remote... said...

I can't comment on your post after this one. :(

Brittany..Following my Bliss said...

I love it! I would buy one from you if you were to sell them.. since I do not have a crafty bone in my body :)

Michelle Lunt said...

Love the story & the pillow, Brandi. I am pinning & would like to try this project later.

Warmly, Michelle
Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust

Sarah @ Cozy.Cottage.Cute. said...

I can't even tell you how much I LOVE this adorable pillow!

It is perfect.

:)

live and luv said...

What a great idea. I seriously was just about to take my stamps to Goodwill today. Not anymore!

Kristina said...

I LOVE this. I sing that song to my 2 boys and was just singing it today to my sick 3 year old. I may have to copy your great idea.

Joselyn @ The DIY Spot said...

I have a thing for anything designed with art stamps as I just started designing my own line. Please stop by and take a look: http://www.thediyspot.com/2013/03/art-stamps-and-more-is-open/
I love your knock off way better than the original.

shabbygals said...

This is the cutest pillow EVER!!! Great job!

Rachel said...

i love the pillow and the fact that it's not perfectly aligned only enhanced its charm :)

House of Smiths said...

Thanks so much for sharing your post at our linky party this week!
This pillow is so sweet!
xo

Shannon Hawk said...

This pillow is precious! That song means so much to so many people. My grandfather use to sing that to me when I would sit on his lap as a child. I have wanted to make something that had those sweet words on it, but haven't found the right project. I think this pillow is great! It's something I am sure your daughter will cherish as well. Thank you so much for sharing this:)

Shannon@CozyCountryLiving

TJ said...

I like yours so much better than the one that inspired it :) My daughter sang the same song to her son when he was in the NICU. It drove the nurses a little crazy because that was the only song my daugher knew, so it was the only song she sang.

espirational said...

How sweet! I love that.