Tooth Fairy Pillow Tutorial

Do you remember when you lost your first tooth? I was in second grade. Nearly all my friends had lost their first tooth in first grade, so I was anxiously wiggling every tooth nearly daily, waiting for that special "rite of passage". When it finally happened, I remember feeling vaguely surprised that there wasn't a school holiday or something for that special occasion! It was a very special day for me! 
I also remember my middle son being extremely excited when he finally had a loose tooth. He jiggled it constantly, just waiting for it to finally loose it's hold. Then came the afternoon when he walked in from school in tears. His tooth had come out on the walk home and had fallen into the storm drain! He was horrified! No tooth to put under the pillow! No quarter from the tooth fairy! We wrote a note to the tooth fairy explaining the whole ordeal and she was kind enough to leave the quarter anyway. (I understand that inflation has "upped" the bounty to at least $1!)
If you have some special youngsters in your life, you might want to gift them with a Tooth Fairy Pillow. They are so easy to make and really a lot of fun! The tooth can be placed in a little bag and put in the pocket of the pillow. Then it can be hung on the bedpost, the doorknob, or even placed under the pillow. No losing the tooth during the night while waiting. The money can be put in the pocket in place of the tooth. I'm sure the Tooth Fairy appreciates that!
Here are the basics of how to make one:

1. Make a little pillow. These are only about 4" across and long, although that can vary. Decide on the shape you want. This has a "pocket" shape. It could be rectangular. It can have a  curved, square, or pointed bottom. The pillow could be square, round, octagonal, heart shaped, star shaped or any shape you want. If you don't know how to make a pillow, it's very easy. Just place two pieces of fabric right sides together. Draw your shape. Sew around all sides, but leave a space unsewn so that you can turn it inside out. Turn and stuff with polyester stuffing or cotton. Sew the opening closed. That's all there is to it!

 2. Make a pocket. I like the pocket to have a bottom that echoes the shape of the bottom of the pillow, but that's just a matter of opinion. You can turn the edges of the pocket under and hand sew it on, or sew a facing on (just like you are making another pillow), turning, pressing, sewing the opening closed, and then sewing it on by hand.) 

NOTE: If you want to print words on your pocket, use light fabric transfer sheets and print them according to the directions on the package. You will need to set your printer to t-shirt transfer or whatever will mirror the words. Iron it onto your pillow fabric BEFORE making the pocket. 

3. Cut at least 20 lengths of narrow ribbon. Find the center of each and sew it to the bottom of the pillow by taking a few stitches. This can also be done while making the pillow by sewing the folded ribbon into the bottom seam. It's a little fluffier if done by hand, though.

4. Embellish the pillow. I glued silk flowers to the two "girly" ones. You could use beads, "bling", or let the fabric do the decorating!

5. Add a ribbon for hanging. This has a length of ribbon with the ends tied in little bows, which are sewn to the top of the pillow. The more boyish ones have the ribbons sewn to the top without bows, but covered with buttons. 

 You can use your imagination with these! Have fun! By the way, I can see using these as little prayer pillows or hospital gifts. You could put a scripture on the pocket and a treat inside it. Or have each person write a prayer and put it in the pocket. For a child, the pocket could hold lollipops or maybe a toy. For the elderly, maybe words of comfort could be on the pocket and some kinds of treats inside. How about a gift for a new parent? The pocket could say something like "Shhh......Baby sleeping!" and could be used to hang on the door. A note pad and pencil could go in the pocket.

This has letter beads that spell out My Tooth.

Can you think of other uses? I think these could be a lot of fun!
Until next time.....