Stitch and Slash pillow and cosmetic bag

I took a class at Craftsy, and made this pillow and bag for my sister for Christmas.
It takes four layers of fabric, stitched with a design, then slashed according to the areas you would like to have displayed.
This was a fun class, but difficult, which is a good thing!

Please click on image for an enlarged view

Placemat Bag

This is from an article in the Threads Aug/Sept 2005 issue. I have been meaning to make this bag for such a long time, and yesterday, a lovely snowy day, I picked up this mag and went to town.
It is made with a purchased placemat; this one has velvet leaves on the back. The button closure is a very old one from my stash – my MIL’s gifts to me!
The bag has two pockets, a third side pocket, and a place for my pen in the top flap, sideways.

The front:

The back:

Please click on image for an enlarged view