I was going through some of the girls’ clothes this morning to see what was too small and needed to go to the thrift store and what was worth keeping for projects. I came across an American Girl Place Chicago t-shirt that I bought in 2009 when I visited Chicago. The shirt was definitely too small and beginning to get a bit ratty but it seemed a shame to get rid of it. I thought for a moment and Karen’s souvenir pillow came to mind, but then I got an even better idea. What about making it a no-sew project and creating a decorative bolster pillow instead?
What you will need:
- An old t-shirt, dress or material that you like
- Paper towel core
- Scissors
- Glue
- Rubber bands
- Ribbon
Step 1 – Get an old t-shirt or scrap fabric that has a working area about as wide as a paper towel roll – you can always trim the length of the paper towel roll if you have to.
Step 2 – Cut out the piece of the fabric that you want to work with – there is no specific measurement – just as wide as you would like and make sure it is tall enough to wrap around the paper towel roll once.
Step 3 – Place the paper towel roll on the fabric so the wrong side of the fabric can be glued along the paper towel roll. I just used a glue stick and pressed the material against the paper towel roll.
Step 4 – Cover the paper towel roll with the t-shirt or fabric and glue the edge.
Step 5 - Tie off each end with a small elastic. Add an extra special touch by adding coordinating ribbon or other embellishments that match your fabric or doll’s room.
As you can see I tied coordinating ribbon on the ends and found another coordinating ribbon to wrap around the tube and just glued the ends. I am so happy with the way this project turned out and that we were able to keep a piece of the memory of our trip alive even though the t-shirt no longer will get worn. This is a great way to preserve t-shirts from sporting events or other special outfits. You could probably make a girl size version with a little creative thinking, too.
Sonali and Kailey think the pillow is a great addition to their trundle bed room. And it matches their pajamas so nicely!
Have fun with this activity today!! This is such a simple craft that you could make a few different pillows for your dolls. You can use toilet paper rolls and make shorter ones too if you want to. Just be creative!
One of our readers, Maggie, already made a pillow based on our directions for Kanani. How cute is that! And I like the use of duck tape for the trim, too. And the memory board on the wall is too cute for words!! Great work Maggie!!
Firstie! That is such a cute pillow! I will be making one!
Cute!
Secondie! Love it! So simple and beautiful!
Fourthie! I will be trying this!
that is cool!!! i love it!! its just to simple!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
is there a printable today?
Char- could you do an Emily and Mckenna compare
Farah- no there is NOT a printable today because char would have said if there was!
Cute! My mom made me a cheetah one before! And it was silky and smooth…….. Cute craft!
I have a bolster pillow, so I think my doll will soon be getting one, too.
There is no printable today – I couldn’t think of a good one to match the activity. But don’t worry – there will be a printable for tomorrow. You should check the printables category for any you may have not seen before. http://dolldiaries.com/category/printable-activities/
Cute! Kit could do with a new pillow
hey char how did you make that doll sized trophy
i have an idea for smaller dolls toilet paper roll
I just used single serve coffee creamer cups and covered them with aluminum foil then used pipe cleaners of handles.
Char,could you please make or find us a bird cage craft.
I’ll put it on the list.
Thanks!
this is sooooo cute im making one!!!
Wow! Your doll bolsters are sure to add an original, personalizing touch to any doll sitting area. I especially love the fun and fashionable end ribbons and bows! But most of all, I love how your tutorials teach us to reuse and find a fun and useful purpose for everything! What an awesome lesson for children! Thank you so much!
Char, how many dolls do you have?
Jordy – Between my two daughters and I, we have way too many dolls
I have lost count.
Oh! You guys must have a lot of fun!
Sweet! I’ll be trying this as well!
Char – I really like the quick givaways. Can you host more of those?
Wow I LOVE 100 days of doll play!
This is a really cool idea.
oh i love this! i think i will make this with this old really cute tee i have.
Made one! Love it!
What a cute idea!!!!!! Super easy too! I think my daughter and I will enjoy this together! THX!
The Google one is super cute. I wonder where the fabric came from!! Good job Maggie
I did this and it was UBER cute!