Pillow Cucumber Techniques

Three-Dimensional

• Create a pillow that looks like a cucumber. Use dark green cloth to mimic the color, and make the pillow slender and oblong to mimic the vegetable's shape. Then give the pillow its identity. Use a contrasting color of thread and stitch on a cute little message like "I'm a Cucumber!" Or make pillow versions of a number of different fruits and veggies and put them in a big bowl to use as a table centerpiece.

Cuke Cushion

• Use fabric that has a cucumber print on it. Look in fabric stores, shop on line or find a website that lets your create your own custom fabric. Cut the cucumber fabric to two squares of equal size, 1 inch larger than the size the pillow will be. With the outside of the fabric facing in, sew the squares together on three sides, 1/2 inch in from the edges. Stuff the pillow with pillow stuffing or cotton balls, or pour in bean stuffing to make a little cucumber bean bag. Finally, sew the fourth side closed.

Produce Pillow

• Use dark green thread to sew cucumbers a white or light-colored fabric; use this fabric to make your pillow. Look on line for a cross stitching or knitting pattern to use. Or sew cucumber shapes onto the fabric freehand, either one big one, complete with vine and leaves, or several small ones. As an option, add "Cucumber Pillow" or "Cucumber Lover's Pillow." Another idea is adding all manner of other colorful produce: potatoes, corn, mushrooms, squash, tomatoes, carrots, celery stalks, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and lettuce.

Photo Op

• Have a picture of a cucumber put onto fabric, and use this fabric to make your pillow. You can use a picture of cucumbers in a basket, cucumbers growing on the vine, your kids or spouse holding up fresh-picked cucumbers or a neatly stacked pyramid of cucumbers. There are several methods for transferring photos to fabric such as using fabric printing sheets or iron-on transfer paper, which you can find in craft and fabric stores.