I have a ‘bit of a thing’ for pincushions…which might be obvious. I do seem to have quite a few.
Actually, I didn’t set out to make a new pincushion. Inspiration struck whilst I was tidying up my craft room….. in amongst the folding of fabrics, rolling ribbons on to spools and picking up all the bits and bobs strewn across my work table, I looked at this pretty chiffon gathered ribbon and knew it would fit perfectly with a small box I had.
I could see it all clearly in my mind…. soft floral fabric top, a mix of the softest pinks and creams…. a little bit vintage, a little bit shabby.
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And it went something like this…..
How to Make a Shabby Pincushion
Materials
– Small paper mache round box (keep the lid for another project),
– A small piece of ephemera (old paper) to cover the box,
– Fabric and fibrefill for the padded top,
– Rice or pellets,
– 4 large pearl beads for legs,
– A variety of ribbons and trim to decorate the box,
– All purpose glue and a paper glue.
Instructions
1. Gather your supplies. You could use any size paper mache box, but I chose to use a small round one.
2. Cover your paper mache box with a strip of decorative paper using a paper glue – I used this matt gel medium. I’ve used a printed vintage document, but you could use old book paper or even a pretty scrapbook paper.
3. Next I attached my pretty gathered chiffon ribbon around the top of the box using a stronger glue like this one.
4 & 5. Using the same all purpose glue, adhere 4 large pearl beads to the bottom of the box as feet. When dry, fill the box about two thirds with rice or pellets to weigh it down.
6. Using the box as a guide, cut a circle of fabric that is about 2 inches bigger than the box. Sew around the circumference of the circle with a running stitch and gather the fabric. Leave an opening big enough to insert fibrefill. Stuff until the pincushion pad is quite firm and then tighten the gathered stitch and knot to secure. Run a line of glue around the top of your box on the inside, before placing the padded top inside the box. It should fit quite snug, but you may need to ease it in and hold down while drying.
7. I used a piece of cream coloured rose ribbon to trim the top of the box where the gathered ribbon meets the padded top, but you could use ric-rac or a strip of ribbon. I finished it off with one of these rhinestone buttons. Simply snip of the button piece at the back with pliers and glue into place.
There you have it, the pretty shabby pincushion that took me less than half an hour to make.
Wouldn’t it make an adorable gift for a sewing friend!!
Next week I’ll show you how I made my decorative quilt pins.
If you use any of the affiliate links in this post to shop, please know that any small payments I
may receive go straight into the crafting fund, so I can make more projects to
share with you…. thank you!
Happy crafting,
♥
Kerryanne
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Thanks for the tutorial, it is very nice and delicate. The pins have enchanted me.
Thank you for sharing this adorable pincushion. I love everything you make. You are so creative and talented, and I look forward to reading your blog and website every week!
Hi Kerryanne, I’m a bit late in commenting, as I usually read your post on my phone and it won’t let me comment. I really wanted to tell you how much I love this adorable little pin cushion you’ve made!!! Just too cute!!! You are truly a beautiful artist Kerryanne!!! I love it when you post because it’s always gorgeous and always an inspiration!!! Thank you so much for sharing your talents with your readers Kerryanne!!! Smiles, Deborah:-)
Aww… that is so lovely of you to say Deborah. It gives me such joy to know others are enjoying my creative journey and that they ‘get me’. Thank you for being so supportive and encouraging xx
This is one of my favorites you have shared. I am always amazed at your creativity and appreciate your sharing.
Ahh this is SO adorable and delicate looking. I love it and hope to make one that is as pretty as yours.
Thanks again for sharing another of your beautiful handmade prettiness!
Hi. Love this so much but can I ask where did you get the tea kettle and pink rose straight pins at?? they are so cute!!
Hi Tonya,
I made them out of Fimo clay sweetie. I have a tutorial for making the roses and teapot at – https://www.shabbyartboutique.com/how-to-make-whimsical-pin-toppers-for-your-pincushions/