INSIDE: How to use astroturf to create a DIY astroturf outdoor pillow. Add faux flowers for touch of color and summer fun.
An astro turf pillow? Yep, you heard right.
I got a wild idea to make some durable outdoor pillows to survive our intense Arizona sun. And what is more durable than some fake grass?! If burly football guys and fast-moving soccer players can play on it all day, then these decorative pillows should definitely be able to withstand my three active kids who are seemingly unphased by our insane heat.
Check out how I “faked” my way to fun, summery outdoor decor using faux grass and simple tools!
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How to Make an Astro Turf Outdoor Pillow
If you have ever sewn a throw pillow, this idea is very similar. Except instead of thread, you have a staple gun and in place of a sewing machine, you must rely on some upper body strength.
So down a quick protein shake and “fake” your way to some unique outdoor decor.
Supplies
– Astro turf
– Staple gun (I used something like this)
– 1/2″ length staples
– Scissors
– Flathead screwdriver
– Hammer
– Plastic bags
– Optional: Artificial flowers
how to use astro turf for diy outdoor throw pillow
Step 1:
This is a messy project so if you can work outside, it’ll save you from having to add ‘vacuum’ to your To-Do list.
Lay the astroturf out. Since mine came in a roll, I folded one end over so the turf sides were facing.
Just like when sewing a pillow – right sides together. Determine how large you want the pillow to be and cut the turf with scissors.
Step 2:
Grab your staple gun (make sure there are staples inside!) and a cardboard box. You need a surface for the staples to plunge into.
Begin stapling the pillow, one side at a time.
Step 3:
After stapling one side, gently pull it out from the cardboard box and turn in over so the open staples are facing you.
Using a flat head screwdriver, bend the staples downward. Once down, hammer the staples flat. This is best done on a hard surface.
Step 4:
Once all sides are securely stapled, begin to turn down the pillow so the right sides are facing out.
Since astro turf is stiff, this is easiest done by rolling it down from the top. Push out the corners. You should end up with something that looks like a grass bag…
Step 5:
Since this is an outdoor pillow, I opted to stuff mine with plastic bags.
I stuffed it about halfway before adding the flower stems.
how to add flower stems to outdoor pillows
To add the stems, use the end of the scissors and poke it through. Thread the flower stem through.
Curl/bend the stem so it fits within the pillow. (Looks like a bunch of weird worms, doesn’t it?!)
Step 6:
Finish stuffing the pillow with plastic bags.
Time to close up the pillow. Fold down the raw edges so turf sides are facing each other. Repeat the above process of stapling the pillow together.
How’s that for some easy, fun and cheery outdoor decor!
Use mini clay flower pots to make a stunning spring wreath!
Other fun summertime ideas you may like:
- Turn a canvas tote bag into a waterproof beach bag
- Use paper goodie bags to make a patriotic USA banner
- Paint chips from the hardware store into DIY beach art
- $5 outdoor movie blanket from bedsheet
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These are wildly fun! I’m not sure I’d make them, but this made me smile today. Thanks for sharing. Oh, and I love the idea of stuffing the pillow with plastic bags for outdoor use. Clever!
What a genius idea and so pretty, I’m pinning to my trash 2 Treasure board. Popping by from the real crafty linky party
This would be perfect as a hostess gift at a pool party!
Yes, you’re right! Good idea. Thanks for visiting.
I love the pillow. It is so fun and friendly.
That is just the cutest thing EVER!
Thank you so much! Appreciate you stopping by.
Oh my gosh, I love this!! It’s such a great and simple idea with a stunning effect. Never even thought you could do this with artificial turf. Would love to see you at my craft party which is new Thursdays at 7pm EST. We pin every instructional post!! Have a great weekend!
Thanks! I’ll check out your link party.
What a fun pillow! Great way to spruce up any outdoor place!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
Thanks so much!
Awesomeness. AbSoooLutely love it!!
Thanks so much! It is a fun pillow.
This is so unique and sure looks really fun & cheery for the outdoors! What a clever idea, I bet this pillow is indestructible! Pinned!
Haha! This is too flippin cute! 🙂
Thanks! It does look pretty happy sitting out there. Thanks for stopping by.
This idea is so clever and adorable! What a great way to use astro turf and brighten up the outdoor furniture! Thanks so much for sharing this week for Maker’s Mix Up!
Very cute and totally unique! Love it! Pinned to share. Appreciate you coming over and sharing your posts and ideas with us at Snickerdoodle Sunday!
What a gorgeous pillow!!
Great idea with absolutely beautiful result 🙂
I’ve never seen such a pillow, and I’d loooooooo to have it for myself
What a fun idea! Thanks for linking up at the Pleasures of the NW DIY party!
Such a cute fun project for Summer decor, So pinning these adorable pillows, love them!
What a clever idea. We get summer heat like you do. It’s the worst of fabrics, plants and lawns.
Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight party. Shared
So adorable. Thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm.
This is such a clever idea, I bet it survives the weather really well too. I love how bright and cheery it is.
Ha, let’s hope so! Our Arizona sun is rather destructive. Thanks for stopping by.
What an interesting idea! I would have never thought of using turf like this! Good stuff!
Thanks for sharing this on Peace, Love, Linkup! Stop on by tomorrow at 6 and share more great content! : )
Hilarious and gorgeous! Adding the flowers just made the entire thing. Love!!!
An astro turf pillow is a brilliant idea, I’m thinking i’d like to make some floor pillows and even some for indoors…..our area is so dusty that i can’t have rugs or really put anything on the floor unless i want to clean it everyday or get people to take their shoes off…..so astro turf to the rescue! in any case i’ve been wanting to make astro turf rugs for my son’s rooms, so maybe a set would be great. Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!c
Thank you! We have lots of dust in Arizona as well so I’m curious to see how these withstand our elements.
This is so much fun. I love how bright and cheery it is!
Stuffing it with plastic bags os borderline genius – so clever.
This is absolutely adorable! What a creative idea! You have some great projects here. Would you consider sharing them at my link party?
http://www.thestonybrookhouse.com/2016/06/dishing-it-digging-it-link-party-101.html
Thank you, and I’ll totally stop by.
This is crazy creative!! Bright, fun and cute for summer. Love it!
Thanks so much!
I absolutely love this pillow! I wish I had seen this a few years ago when I was living in Arizona. It would have made the perfect pool side pop of color. Thanks for sharing this great project!
Thanks so much!
What a cute pillow!
Thank you!
Cute! Just perfect for my patio!
This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
I’m so taken with this idea! Your pillow is so pretty, but so durable too. It’s perfect! Thank you for sharing it, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party, Victoria. Hope your week is going well.
I absolutely love this idea! For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been trying to find astroturf for a photo backdrop and keep coming up short. The big box stores won’t cut it to size and I don’t need that much. I’m still searching online. Fingers crossed! Your pillow is so spring-like and cheerful. Thank you for sharing with us at Celebrate Your Story and have a great weekend.
This is the most unique pillow cover I’ve seen! Love its unique texture and its bright colors!
Thanks so much Audra! It’s a favorite of mine as well.
What a fun pillow idea! I love unique ideas!