Decorate a Pillow Using Fabric Markers

The second half of the school year is usually the hardest for my kids, going back to school after break can be hard. They’re really excited at the beginning of the school year and are really good about doing homework and getting chores done that are related to school, but that seems to change the second half of the year. I decided it would be fun to Decorate a Pillow Using Fabric Markers to remind them of their school related chores and give them a little fun motivation. The reminders are right in their face since it’s on the pillowcase, so hopefully no more excuses.

Here are just a few items you’ll need to make the pillow cases:

Stained by Sharpie Brush Tip Fabric Markers
Pillowcases (wash before creating)
Poster Board (to prevent bleed thru)

Let’s get started! Cut the poster board a fraction of a size smaller than the pillowcase then slide it into the pillowcase to prevent the markers from bleeding through to the other side. I used the same poster board for all 3 pillow cases.

I started by making a morning and night schedule on one side of the pillowcase. Most of the list was the same for all the kids but there were a few differences. Some of the things I included were: make lunch, check homework, prepare backpack, lay out clothes, shower, comb hair, brush teeth, eat breakfast. Of course, you would make the checklist for your child’s needs.

I let the kids pick the colors they wanted for their pillowcase and I just free-handed the lettering. You could use stencils or vinyl as a guide if you wanted to be more precise. Since the markers have a brush tip you can hold the markers one way for a thin line and the other way for a thick line.

I made a clock on 2 of the pillowcases to represent what time they had to get up in the morning (just a little friendly reminder).

Here are the pillowcases. Each one has a saying or something on the front and a checklist on the back. I wish there were some way they could actually check the boxes and erase them every day. Bummer!

I am so pleased with how bright the markers are. I was worried the design wouldn’t show up well, but they turned out great.

I made the pillowcases to reflect their personalities. Ammon’s says, Hey You Sleepy Head Wake Up Wake Up Get Out of Bed, since he’s always the last one up.

Emilee’s says, Wake Up and Live Your Dreams. She chose the colors pink and black to match her room.

Zach’s says, Early to Bed, Early to Rise (he has the easiest time getting up in the morning). The pillowcases are easy to care for. Wash on delicate or hand wash cycle and line dry to keep their vibrate colors.

I think I’m ready to try the Stained by Sharpie Markers on more projects now. Are you ready to try them?