I am excited to share another great way that Girl Scouts (and all people) can make a difference through being in service.  This project is so much fun!  From collecting the little trinkets to go in the pillow to the creating, it is just fun.  This DIY I Spy sensory pillow service project is a great little beginner sewing project that makes a big difference. The completed pillows are a great resource for kids who are spending time in the hospital and need something interactive to play with while they are in a bed.  The finished pillows are good for kids ages three and up.  With one side of the pillow being the I Spy activity and the other side being a felt board surface, it is sure to keep a child busy using their imagination.  This post is sponsored by Kunin Group Felt but the ideas and opinions are my own.

To make the pillow, you will need the following items:

• Kunin Group eco-fi Plus felt in a variety of colors.
• Ellison Superstar Machine
• Clear Vinyl
• Poly Pellets
• Toys and Trinkets (Party Favors, Game Pieces, Etc.)
• Sewing Machine and Sewing Supplies

Create the felt board side of the pillow first.  Use a 10 X 10 piece of felt as your base.  Add a pocket (either shaped like a cloud or grass).  Cut out shapes from felt that can be played with.  To make the window (vinyl) side of the pillow, sew a 1 inch border of felt around an 8 x 8 piece of vinyl using the zig-zag stitch.  You can double the vinyl up if you are concerned with object popping through.

Make felt cut outs to go in the grass pockets for playing with.  I used my newly released sock monkey die from Ellison Education to create these pieces.

Sew the window side to the felt board side of the pillow, leaving an opening large enough to fit all of your objects.  Pour 2 cups of Poly Pellets into the pillow then add your trinkets.  Make sure you have a list of them first!  Add 2 more cups of Poly Pellets.

Sew the pillow closed with the zig zag stitch.  I added a heart die cut sewed to a piece of ribbon too.  Ta Da!

These are so simple to make.  Because the stitching is mostly straight lines, it is a great first sewing project.  The pillows can be donated to local hospitals.  It is important to make them in a pet free and smoke free environment with new materials if you are planning to donate.

Cheers to the Bright Colors of Felt and to Making a Difference.,

Laura