Three years ago in Disney World, I—I mean, we—got autographs using fabric markers on pillow cases. I used fabric paint and freezer paper to put the year on the border of 4 white pillow cases (adding Mickey ears to the 0 complete with a red bow for the girls). Carrying around 4 big pillow cases and cardboard to put between the layers was a bit of a pain and I constantly felt like I needed to apologize to the characters when it was my our turn.
Hi Tigger! I’m so sorry…I actually need you to sign four of these things. Yup, right there, that’s good. Now, hold on, let me get the cardboard situated. Wait, not that big…not that close to Stitch…um…okay. That’s good. Yeah, sorry, just two more.
But, you know what? It’s pretty much they’re job. They don’t care. And, if they did, I wouldn’t know it because their face doesn’t change and they can’t talk. And, the thing is, I got lots of eye rolling from my kids and the “come on, mom!”s , but they love those pillow cases. They’re super cute and they look at all the autographs and remember exactly where we were when Indiana Jones or the Mayor of Main Street signed their pillow case.
For this trip, I thought I’d make it a little easier. No big pillowcases…but, I wanted something to complement them that would be appreciated just as much. So, I bought 4 flat sheets, but I didn’t want to cart around 4 entire sheets. So, I carefully removed the stitches along the top border and then cut the border off the body of the sheet. I only took the 4 borders with me and actually carried them around in the white fabric envelope that came with the sheets. Using the same fabric paint and font that I used last time, I painted the year in the center of each border and then had the characters sign all around it.
Yeah, I confess that I occasionally found myself alone with a princess or two while my children were on a Space Mountain adventure. I’ll spare you the collection of pictures of the short middle aged mom smiling next to pretty girls with too much makeup in Renaissance clothing who hold the edges of their skirts as they talk in high voices.
Despite all that, I love what we ended up with.
After we were all Disney charactered out, the kids made up their own Disney autograph to add…Ashlyn integrated her beads into hers, Drew made his D a guitar because he loved Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Evan made his futuristic for Tomorrowland, and we collaborated for Lydia’s, bringing in an arrow to show how fast moving she is.
When we got home, I quickly stitched the border back on the body of the sheet with my sewing machine. Easy Peezy. And, then they were all done. Perfect. Love them with the pillow cases. And, so do the kids, fortunately.
Already thinking about what we can add to the collection next time…any suggestions?
We just got off a Disney cruise. Super easy autographs. You take your item to guest services on the first day of the cruise and drop it off. The items are returned to your state room on the last night all done. We got pillowcases and a photo matte autographed. You request either Mickey and the gang or the princesses, or both if you are really nice about it. We also met characters on the boat and got autographs in a book.
How about a plain white stuffed Mickey that could be signed. Or maybe have white mats for pictures. You could do one mat for each park with a picture of that child with the castle/Epcot ball/Tree of Life/Hat. They would then have four framed/matted pics for above their beds.
If you ever decide to have the characters sign fabric-y things in the future, it really helps to have the item stretched out in a small embroidery hoop! It’s easier for them to hold. That will also ensure the character signs right where you want them to. And if you get a hoop that is just the right size, it will prevent them from signing too big. :)