How to Make a Personalized Pillow

Cut a piece of plain cotton muslin to make a small pillow top, approximately 12 inches square. Lay the muslin flat on a piece of cardboard and pin the corners. The cardboard will provide a flat, smooth surface for the young artist, and it will prevent any paint from running through the fabric and doing damage.

Pour fabric paint on a paper plate. Let the artist press each hand into the paint, thoroughly coating his palms with paint. If your artist doesn't want to get his hands messy, skip this step and hand him the fabric markers.

Help the artist press his palms firmly on the muslin fabric. To make a very clean impression, try not to scoot or wiggle while pressing.

Allow the palm prints to dry. When dry, encourage the artist to write a message or to do additional artwork with fabric markers.

Cut a piece of fabric for the pillow’s back, 12 inches x 12 inches. (This can be something special to the artist or the pillow's recipient.) Place right sides together, matching edges. Sew the pillow top to the pillow back, leaving an opening on one edge for turning and stuffing.

Turn your pillow right side out. Stuff with fiberfill. Close opening on edge with whip stitches.