Tuesday, June 30, 2009

burlap for wimps

Main Entry: bur·lap
Pronunciation: \ˈbər-ˌlap\
Function: noun


1. A scratchy, hairy, fuzzy, unwieldy material that is tres chic and the biggest trend since I don't know what. A nightmare to sit on, lean against, or otherwise touch. Darling and the lust of all people home-obsessed, despite it's {many} flaws.

I know you've been obsessed with burlap too. I've read your blogs. I've salivated over your burlap pillows, runners, and window treatments. I have spent hours on etsy searching "burlap pillow" and found many, many cuties I'd be happy to call my own.

But you know what? I can't stand the way burlap feels! I can't stand the hairs it leaves on my black shirts! I can't stand the unraveling! I can't stand the itch I get when I lean against it! I have even tried washing it. That helps a little.

So what's a burlap-obsessed home-obsessed accessory-obsessed girl gonna do?

I'll admit I was at Joann's last night at 8:30 buying burlap. I'll admit I had it in mind for a certain project that was a reinvention of this. But it did not work. Sadly, I admitted defeat. Until. Until my Mom came over. "Just use it somewhere else" said she. "But where?" sid I. And then we schemed and came up with this.

I present you with burlap for wimps. My attempt to somehow incorporate burlap in my home without resting my hiney or back on it.

Fig. 1 Somewhat dated Tuscan-ish fauxpiary from Ross, circa 2005. Not bad, but in need of some love.


Fig. 2 A strip of burlap a little longer and a little wider than the pot it's going on, and jute twine {Big Lots, $1.25}


Fig. 3 Wrap & tie girls. Wrap & tie.


Fig 4. See? It's kind of cute, right?


Fig 5. Even more fauxpiary shrug love:


Fig. 6 What else can we do with burlap? How about staple it to the back of a vintage window for a little texture?


It helps when the window is mounted above a cute new basket with a faux burlap liner. Then it all coordinates. See?


And that's it. Just wrap it around something and get your burlap love on. Any other ideas where I can use the remainding 1/3 of a yard of scratchy perfection?

15 comments:

The Little Red Shop said...

hmmm... a bulletin board...a basket of handmade burlap balls...or...insoles! waha! I think they already make sandals like that! I don't know how people can stand to wear them. : ) You could also use it for picture frame or shadow box matting...

Nicole A. said...

What great ideas! I love the window idea, so simple and it adds so much! The topiaries look awesome! Thanks for sharing~

La Maison Fou said...

I used a yard of it at Christmastime to be my tree skirt, it is covered with presents anyway, so it does not have to be perfect. I just turned the edges under and it coordinated with my lining room for about $3...
Leslie

Wendy said...

Wonderful ideas! You know, I used it as a table runner, and I like that because I don't have to sit on it, or actually touch it. ;-)

Kasey said...

i hate burlap also, but love the pillows everywhere.
I don't need to sit in it ....just to look at it.

Anonymous said...

I made a runner with it and used it in some framing projects, but that's my limit. No cushions or upholstery, thank you.

Chris Kauffman said...

I love the look of burlap but I have not personal experience with it , it is a huge trend though , it is a bit earthy for my personal style , but I get it , I am a seersucker girl .

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Oh you are good my dear, you are indeed, love those pots wrapped like that!! Have a great 4th of July...talk soon! Chrissy

Jeanne Oliver said...

You are so funny! I agree...just don't make anything that has to be sat on:-) Why don't you make a cute banner with the remaining burlap.

Holly Mathis Interiors said...

love it, you are genius! email me when you have time (I cant find you email addy???)

love, Holly



Holly Mathis
www.hollymathisinteriors.com

Aimee Boschet said...

Hello,
I just came across your Blog and LOVE it!!! I just recently started a Blog and hope you'll stop by and visit. I make French Inspired Burlap Pillows!
Have a great day,
Aimee
www.AGardenToRemember.blogspot.com

Sarah said...

I love it! Great ideas, I especially love the window you did! That is fabulous!

Marie said...

Love the old window! I rescued a bunch of old windows recently. Besides the fabulous burlap idea, what else would you suggest to do with them?

Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

Recycled Rita said...

I am so with you on this... I can't stand the feel of burlap...now those grain sacks that are all worn down from france and cost a fortune are probably okay but not regular old burlap...Maybe it is because when I was 21 I went to New York and saw a homeless guy covered in burlap sleeping in a box....
To each his own! I will have a burlap free home...karen...

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

I love your ideas - I'm not a burlap fan, either. I'll take linen of the scratchy shedding stuff any day.