Who knew that August was national watermelon month? I had no clue until recently when I was on a hunt for inspiration for pillows for my front porch. Watermelons just scream summertime and August is definitely a very hot month; I can see why the two are paired together. One of my favorite things about my blog job is meeting amazing crafters and sharing their talents with you. While I was on my hunt for watermelon pillows I found an adorable Etsy shop called ‘Js Birds of a Feather.’ Jama, the owner, had hand painted a watermelon onto burlap and then rug hooked with yarn embellishments to the watermelon. I emailed Jama asking her to create two pillow panels for me since I like to create my own casings to allow for recycled bags as stuffing. Jama graciously agreed!
You can find Js Birds of a Feather here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JsBirdsofaFeather?ref=l2-shopheader-name
Jama of Js Birds of a Feather also sent be extra burlap in case I wanted to double line the front of the pillow. The quality of burlap that Jama uses was of such good quality that I decided to used the extra for the back of the pillow. Thanks Jama for sending the extra material!
I was so pleased with the pillow panels! Jama gave me more than enough material to make the sized pillowed I desired.
To create the pillow pattern I use thick cardstock paper and tape 4 sheets into a 15 inch by 15 inch square. The square is easily traced onto the burlap with tailors chalk. I lined both insides of the pillow with a tan fabric (similar in color to the burlap). Cheat when you can…fold your lining material in fourths…pin in place…trace pattern once… cut once. You do waste a small amount of material by doing this, but you save a ton of time.
Put like sides together and stitch together edges. I leave a 3/4 inch seam when sewing burlap. Leave a large enough opening to easily get you hand in and out of the casing. This opening was about 5 inches. Reinforce each side of the opening with extra stitching to keep seams from opening during stuffing. Turn right side out.
Use a zigzag stitch to finish of pillow opening hem. Stuff with recycled grocery bags and close together with safety pins. If you desire, pin a piece of ribbon to the back of the pillow to secure to your front porch furniture. I used grocery bags as pillow filling for three reasons: 1) the plastic filling does not absorb moisture or mildew 2) the bags are easily removed and placed into a new pillow and the previous pillow casings can be stored flat 3) recycling is just so important.
I LOVE how the pillowed turned out! The yarn embellishments just make this pillow pop! The paint used is waterproof. I did add a quick spray of matte sealant over the front of the pillow panel to protect the yarn from exposure. BUT you don’t have to make these pillows yourself. Jama has pillows ready to go in her shop!
Accent ribbon was added to my canning jar lanterns! You can find the canning jar lantern post here: http://brandyshappyhome.com/canning-jar-lanterns/
The combination of the watermelon wreath, watermelon pillows, decorative ribbon on the lanterns, and the potted flowers give the porch a very cohesive summer look. You can find out more about the watermelon wreath here: http://brandyshappyhome.com/fleur-de-lis-designs/
I couldn’t forget to change up the garden flag. I found a cute watermelon flag on Amazon.com.
Enjoy! 
Those pillows are adorable!!! Your porch is very pretty & inviting!
Thanks so much Cindy! Come on over!