I have a fun idea to share with you that is a real hit with my kids. I make "special occasion" pillowcases for them--one for every holiday imaginable. One yard of fabric, folded over, is perfectly sized for a pillowcase (you'll have to trim a little extra off the end)--just use a manufactured pillow case for a pattern. It takes 15 minutes to whip one out, and I usually use Wal Mart's seasonal fabric that costs only $2/yard. Then when the holiday is over, just stick them up in your linen closet to bring out next year. My kids get so excited when they go up to their bed to find a new holiday pillowcase set out!
Here, for example, are their St. Patrick's Day pillowcases:
And here's a close-up of the fabric:
Finding seasonal fabric for the main holidays is easy, but get creative on the fabric for "minor" holidays (for example, fabric with ships on it for Columbus Day; camouflage for Veteran's Day).
To take it a step further, here are some more fun applications of this idea:
- Going on vacation? Make special vacation pillowcases for the kids in keeping with the theme of your trip (Disney, mountains, beach, etc.). This will also help prevent leaving pillows behind in hotel rooms! Over the weekend I made pillowcases out of these three fabrics (in flannel) for our upcoming vacation:
- If you keep your eye out, you can sometimes locate birthday-themed fabric. Have a birthday pillowcase that each person gets to use the week of his or her birthday!
- Find some fabric you especially love to make a special "You Are Loved" pillowcase, and have only one for the family. If someone (including grown-ups!) had a rough day, won a special award, or is just generally in need of some extra kudos, what a boost they would get to find the "You Are Loved" pillowcase on their bed after a tough day.
- If you have boys, good luck with finding Valentine's Day fabric that they will find suitable. My boys are convinced that anything pink and heart-covered will give them "girl germs", so we've had to skip this holiday....
Just have fun with it! If you don't have a reason to celebrate...MAKE ONE!
