I (we) were so stuck on what to give Brave for her birthday. There are two things we know she likes for sure and that is dolls and babies. What made it harder was that for True’s second birthday I made her Amy Butler’s big nap pillow, so I also wanted Brave to have her own pillow, but I just didn’t know what to do. I thought about getting her these two things, but one was out of our budget (though it is adorable) and the other, which is a pillow, but I guess I just couldn’t decide. Then, I had this idea, but didn’t know how to make it happen, but if there is a will, there is a way, right?
So I sketched out what I wanted this big pillow to look like, gathered the supplies I was going to use (I didn’t want to go out and buy something new as I had lots of fabric stashed away), and started. I hit some bumps along the process and got stuck, but thankfully thought my way through it. The end result… a giant dollhouse pillow.
There are two big pockets in the front to put some dollies in, buttons on the side to close the top flap of the dollhouse, ties on the other side to roll the top flap of the dollhouse open to play on the inside, and an inside that is free motion embroidered to have rooms for her dolls to play in. I also put loops on the back, so it can be hung on a wall or can easily just be plopped on the ground. The whole pillow cover and the pillow inside is separate, so it comes off so that it can be easily washed. I think it turned out wonderful!
What is even better is that once we gave it to Brave, she loved it so much and made it a bed! She took the dolly, which I had ProjectGrabBag custom make a teeny doll for my Brave, and opened the flap and laid right on top of the pillow like a little bed. It really is that big!
I am so glad this present turned out to be hit for her! It was definitely worth some of the frustrations that I encountered while making it. I am glad we didn’t end up buying her gift, but making it instead. I really love making things that my girls love!
I must say, that there was fighting about who got to lay down inside, so we just retrieved True’s giant pillow and put them side by side and let them lay down next to each other in their respective giant pillows. True was hesitant, as she wanted the dollhouse, but I promise to make her one of her own. Now, I just have to figure out another one.
Now, it is back to crafting for me. Both my girls are vacationing in Palm Springs with my parents and siblings and they will be back tomorrow night. Therefore, I intend to get a lot of work done for the shop and Ben and I have a date tonight. I love dates with my husband!
My goodness, that is beautiful. And though I checked out the pillows you were considering purchasing, I love yours more! Even as an adult I can't help but think I want one for me too! Beautiful!
WOw this is like pillow people times a million, your the best mommy ever. i know it took you a long time to do this but you should consider mass production because any little girl would <3 <3 <3 to lay down in this at night or play with it in the day. much better than any bought birthday gift.
wow! this is amazing! so much detail and so many cute fabrics. it is such a unique and wonderful idea. and your little one looks so happy!
i, too, have been lurking here for a while, and i just had to come out and say 'hi', and tell you what an admirable mother and wife you are! it's so good to know there are people like you! 😉
wow. I think this is the most beautiful present I have ever seen for a child! So cute, I didn't realize it was so big until you had teh pictures of her inside it, truly, adorable! Love her sailor outfit, too! Sarah M PS-(linked to you at my blog: ssmast.blogspot.com for your beautiful pillow and birthday fun!)
I have been a luker for a bit now and I love your blog but I found this post fantastic because I made a pillow similar to this about 5 months ago for a present for a little girl. I love it!
this was the best idea! i love it that you took the time to make something special for your daughter, it is just so lovely and much better than a bought gift! i'm all for handmade gifts, even though i usually suck at having good ideas. and, oh my! it is huge and cute and seems to be super fun! i'm in love with this pillow!
Wow – this is fabulous! Great idea! Any chance you may share the how to's in a tutorial? I would love to make one for my little girl. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Absolutely beautiful! I also didn't realize how big until I saw the next pic with Brave in it! Great job! I love your blog! You inspire me! Blessings to you and yours!!!
This is absolutely incredible! What an fabulous gift for your darling girl. Thank you for sharing (and for giving some inspiration–I have a young ladies birthday coming up in a couple of months to plan for, myself).
I hardly ever comment on blogs, but that is just the cutest thing I have ever seen and I had to tell you! I hope I am that creative when I am a mom. Thank you for your inspiration – I read regularly and I love all your work.
OH MY GOSH! Does it come in adult size! I am in love! SO, so stinking cute!! True and Brave are very lucky girls to have such a talented mama and so is baby # 3. =)
This is just perfect Rubyellen!!!!! PERFECT!!!! I hope you had a perfect date night too! 😉 I looked back through your postings (loving everything) and you look so cute!!! I hope you are feeling well. I wish you lived close to me and could put on children's birthday parties at Hatch. You would be a BIG hit!!! Sending a huge hug to you and to Brave…what a big girl now!!!
Beautiful, amazing pillow! I am expecting a baby girl any day now, and am saving this post for the idea when she's a bit older. Although I'm sure I could never come close to the awesomeness that is your pillow!
This is one of the cutest things I have ever seen. I love it. You are so amazingly creative!! If you ever decide to make any to sell, I would most definitely buy one.
Oh this is so DARLING CUTE! I love it. A great inspiration for what I can make for the niece for her birthday…I just don't sew well! P.S. What type if machine do you use?
I am completely out of words to describe how amazing that turned out! Brave is so lucky. I am just starting to learn to sew..just took my first class – and you were my inspiration. I want to make little dresses and softies for my little girl. Now I have a new item to put on my list of things to try! AMAZING!!
That is sooo freakin' fabulous! I know a little girl who is still a baby, but I am making something like this for her for her second birthday. Maybe I will make a pirate ship one for Murphy??? that is really very cool!
omg! this the most adorable giant dollhouse pillow ever. and the look on your daughters face is priceless. such a beautiful, thoughtful gift that is going to be cherished, definitely make the hard work worthwhile x
AMAZING! Just gorgeous! I absolutely have to make one for my little girl. In fact I thought it would be very fun to maybe give her a new pillow each birthday to add to her collection. Im thinking trees, a little candy shop.. a little school house. She could fall asleep in her little village..
You have no doubt inspired so many to create something similar.. how many little ones will be so happy because of you!
Thanks so much for the beautiful blog and creative inspiration!
i am totally obsessed with this pillow and just sent my mom the link. don't know how happy she is going to be with me but my little Charlotte MUST have something like this for her 3rd birthday next month! thank you for sharing!!!
juste find you article. Wow – this is fabulous! Great idea! Love love love
Any chance you may share the how to’s in a tutorial?
I would love to make one for my little boy.
Thanks for sharing
Natasha @ moppetdolls
We are already into our summer garden, but this is how our winter garden fared:
Romanesco (above photo, top left) - The 6 plants grew slower than we hoped. Started from seed at the very end of November, the buds weren't evident until a few months after. Unfortunately it appeared to be too late for our warmer temperatures because they bolted. The small heads that were there blew out like a slow motion firework and we never got to enjoy them.
Kalettes (above photo, top right) - This was the most anticipated veggie that's a kale-Brussels sprout hybrid. And now in June, month 7, the suspense continues to build! They are painfully sllllllllooooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwww growers. All the leaves you see there are not the actual kalettes. Rather, the kalettes grow just like Brussels sprouts, attached to the stalk at the "armpit" of where the large leaves you see in the photo connect to the main, vertical stalk. However, instead of looking like mini-cabbages like Brussels sprouts, the finished product is more reminiscent of a shuttlecock. Three different varieties are there and the kalettes just started to form in the last couple weeks. We're almost there!
Bok Choy (above photo, vacated spot, middle left) - We harvested it just like the ones you see in the store. Oops. Evidently it's a gift that can keep on giving, so long as you remove some of the leaves (not all at the same time!) We enjoyed it, but could've enjoyed it more had we harvested it differently
Fennel (above photo, middle, center) - We all love fennel. Ben doesn't like licorice but loves fennel (which has a licorice flavor), so it's possible to like it even if you don't like licorice. This is one of the veggies the girls get unusually excited about! Unfortunately, it is a one-hit wonder (when it's harvested once, that's all), but totally worth it).
Broccoli Raab (above photo, middle right) - This bountiful and bitter vegetable grew so fast; we just weren't ready for it with all the fruit tree planting back in January and February. It bolted and flowered shortly thereafter. Bummer since it's one of our favorites. The girls, not so much... their palettes aren't as accepting to such sharp and spicy flavors.
Mixed greens (above photo, bottom left) - The most generous vegetable by far. Like grass (or hair)... you cut it and it grows right back. Saved a lot on bagged mixed greens over the 3 months it was in ground!
Carrots (above photo, bottom right) - All shapes, sizes, and colors. The girls had a lot of fun popping these with ease out of the ground.
We learn new things every season we have new crops. We'd plant everything again, just making the changes mentioned in the tending approaches. The jury is still out on the kalettes to see if they'll be worth hogging up nearly an entire bed for over half of a year! Tomatoes are now in the bottom 2 beds, but since the kalettes continue taking the scenic route journeying to their destination, it prevented a 3rd bed for tomatoes that are so dear to our hearts and tummies!
omg! it looks amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bravery looks too cute using it as a bed!
So cute Ruby. I didn't realize how big this pillow was, ( until I saw the picture of Brave in it that is.)
Job well done.
oh.my.
never have commented on your blog but i stalk it and love it, but i had to comment on your pillow.
absolutely gorgeous.
This is absolutely amazing. I am in awe. How wonderful.
Ruby, you are a wonder, truly!
I love this giant pillow! And I love the mini pgb doll with her little alphabet fabric dress. Swoon!
You are such a nice mommy :O)
Have fun on your little “vacation”.
Love, Susan
My goodness, that is beautiful. And though I checked out the pillows you were considering purchasing, I love yours more! Even as an adult I can't help but think I want one for me too! Beautiful!
WOw this is like pillow people times a million, your the best mommy ever. i know it took you a long time to do this but you should consider mass production because any little girl would <3 <3 <3 to lay down in this at night or play with it in the day. much better than any bought birthday gift.
I am speechless. This is AMAZING! I only hope I can create something my daughter will love for her birthday next week. Hooray for 2!
This comment has been removed by the author.
wow. wow. wow.
i don't even have any words…that is the most adorable thing i have evereverever seen!!
I hope that you put this in your etsy shop. I'll be one of the first to buy it. I love, love, love it!
wow! this is amazing! so much detail and so many cute fabrics. it is such a unique and wonderful idea. and your little one looks so happy!
i, too, have been lurking here for a while, and i just had to come out and say 'hi', and tell you what an admirable mother and wife you are! it's so good to know there are people like you! 😉
wow. I think this is the most beautiful present I have ever seen for a child! So cute, I didn't realize it was so big until you had teh pictures of her inside it, truly, adorable!
Love her sailor outfit, too!
Sarah M
PS-(linked to you at my blog: ssmast.blogspot.com for your beautiful pillow and birthday fun!)
I have been a luker for a bit now and I love your blog but I found this post fantastic because I made a pillow similar to this about 5 months ago for a present for a little girl. I love it!
I will have to find a photo and send it to you.
Love your stuff!
Christine
That is one massively adorable pillow. You are such a good mama!
how adorable! really a great idea.
Ruby, you have done it again! Amazing work! You are sucha good mommie 🙂
this was the best idea! i love it that you took the time to make something special for your daughter, it is just so lovely and much better than a bought gift! i'm all for handmade gifts, even though i usually suck at having good ideas.
and, oh my! it is huge and cute and seems to be super fun! i'm in love with this pillow!
-nana
Wow – this is fabulous! Great idea! Any chance you may share the how to's in a tutorial? I would love to make one for my little girl. Thanks for sharing 🙂
this is so cute! the inside of the house looks straight out of a lauren child book! love it, love it, love it. what an amazing mom you are!
This is absolutely beautiful. You are an artist! I was thinking it looked a lot like Charlie and Lola too. And I love Charlie and Lola!
Love, Love, Love! The Dollhouse pillow is awesome! Even better that you used the material you had! Love your blog!
Extremely awesome…looks like it was a hit.
So creative! I love it! You did a wonderful job. I can't believe how big it is!
Absolutely beautiful! I also didn't realize how big until I saw the next pic with Brave in it! Great job! I love your blog! You inspire me! Blessings to you and yours!!!
omg that is soooo CUTE!!!! you just get better and better..i miss the girls!
This is so beautiful! I can tell you put a lot of love and time and work into it! Her face is priceless.
OMG I am totally gushing over this pillow… I thik I have just changed my plans for my nieces birthday pres!! thanx for the inspiration.
This is absolutely incredible! What an fabulous gift for your darling girl. Thank you for sharing (and for giving some inspiration–I have a young ladies birthday coming up in a couple of months to plan for, myself).
oh my ruby….how absolutely lovely!!! I am just amazed….
I hardly ever comment on blogs, but that is just the cutest thing I have ever seen and I had to tell you! I hope I am that creative when I am a mom. Thank you for your inspiration – I read regularly and I love all your work.
You are amazing and inspiring. It was so cute! Love all your works!
So incredible adorable and creative!!! You must sell these!!!
OH MY GOSH! Does it come in adult size! I am in love! SO, so stinking cute!! True and Brave are very lucky girls to have such a talented mama and so is baby # 3. =)
KUDOS to you! Thuy ( twee )
I wish I had even a quarter of your talent! your homemade gifts are wonderful. what lucky girls you have!
I can't believe the amount of detail in this pillow. It's so amazing. What a cutie.
oh my word! that is just toooo adorable! Awesome job! Brave really looks like she adores it! awwwww…
This is just perfect Rubyellen!!!!! PERFECT!!!! I hope you had a perfect date night too! 😉 I looked back through your postings (loving everything) and you look so cute!!! I hope you are feeling well. I wish you lived close to me and could put on children's birthday parties at Hatch. You would be a BIG hit!!! Sending a huge hug to you and to Brave…what a big girl now!!!
RUBY YOU ARE AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!
YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU YOU CRAFTY MACHINA!!!!!
holy cow that pillow is just amazing. so beautiful.
Beautiful, amazing pillow! I am expecting a baby girl any day now, and am saving this post for the idea when she's a bit older. Although I'm sure I could never come close to the awesomeness that is your pillow!
This is just one of the most delightful things I have ever seen. You are one very clever and thoughtful lady!!!
This is one of the cutest things I have ever seen. I love it. You are so amazingly creative!! If you ever decide to make any to sell, I would most definitely buy one.
Completely AMAZING! Such a thoughtful, sweet, creative gift – how DID you find the time?! Love it!
aw, you are incredible.
that is the most amazing pillow i've ever seeeeen! sea world looked like fun, i love sea world! aren't the whales amazing!
xo.
danni
Oh this is so DARLING CUTE! I love it. A great inspiration for what I can make for the niece for her birthday…I just don't sew well! P.S. What type if machine do you use?
I am completely out of words to describe how amazing that turned out! Brave is so lucky. I am just starting to learn to sew..just took my first class – and you were my inspiration. I want to make little dresses and softies for my little girl. Now I have a new item to put on my list of things to try! AMAZING!!
That is sooo freakin' fabulous! I know a little girl who is still a baby, but I am making something like this for her for her second birthday. Maybe I will make a pirate ship one for Murphy??? that is really very cool!
That is adorable. What lucky girls.
omg! this the most adorable giant dollhouse pillow ever. and the look on your daughters face is priceless. such a beautiful, thoughtful gift that is going to be cherished, definitely make the hard work worthwhile x
What a brilliant idea – I love that the girls can actually get in!!! What a creative bunny you are.
Unbelievably creative and so cute!! I am incredibly impressed!!!
AMAZING!
cutest thing EVER!!!
what a fantastic present, her face says it all, I am sure she will love for many years to come.
That is really brilliant. Great house. My kids saw it and now they both want one.
this is fantastic!! i cant wait to give it a go when my little poppet gets a little older. very clever, its very special. : )
This is amazing! Way to go!
AMAZING! Just gorgeous! I absolutely have to make one for my little girl. In fact I thought it would be very fun to maybe give her a new pillow each birthday to add to her collection. Im thinking trees, a little candy shop.. a little school house. She could fall asleep in her little village..
You have no doubt inspired so many to create something similar.. how many little ones will be so happy because of you!
Thanks so much for the beautiful blog and creative inspiration!
This is just adorable! You are so talented!
This is fantastic. Well done, Mama!
Wow! This is so so so cute!!! I love it.
HELLOOO!!! I'm just floating around in cyberspace and fell upon your lovely blog and LOVE it!!! This pillow is just the cutest thing ever!!!!!
i am totally obsessed with this pillow and just sent my mom the link. don't know how happy she is going to be with me but my little Charlotte MUST have something like this for her 3rd birthday next month!
thank you for sharing!!!
I absolutely LOVE this pillow dollhouse. It is so cute. Are you planning on making a how to about this? My 3 year old would love this pillow.
Oh my gosh almighty…that is the cutest thing I've seen in a long long time.
Cutest. Pillow. Ever.
What a great idea!
That pillow is amazing. The detail and thought you put into it is incredible. I can't believe how big it is! Love the doll too..
So super cute! wish a had a little girl so I could get her one!!!
juste find you article. Wow – this is fabulous! Great idea! Love love love
Any chance you may share the how to’s in a tutorial?
I would love to make one for my little boy.
Thanks for sharing
Natasha @ moppetdolls