When Stella’s school asked if I’d head their décor committee for their annual fundraising auction, I was tickled pink. Decorate, merely DECORATE, for a party and not have to do all the other party logistics? Sign me up!
Soon after, I scored this awesome pile of …
burlap sacks. This photo doesn’t do this score justice—two dozen humongous burlap coffee bean bags. The super-cool part is they have all kinds of funky-looking logos from Brazil and Guatemala and all the other fabulous places where coffee beans are grown. So of course I plan to use quite a few of them to decorate for our upcoming auction.
But.
I have so many, I get to use some for home décor also. I have a few ideas up my sleeve, but I’d love some suggestions … ??? Too-much-burlap is kind of a dreamy “problem” for a farmgirl to have, wouldn’t you agree?
Gosh, what a great donation and tool to work with. Coffee Bean bag, how perfect! In the current issue of country Sampler, they show a few burlap accent pillows on sofas and there is now burlap fabric for making curtains and table runners. I like the idea of burlap curtains in a bathroom with a rustic decor theme. Sort of that cabin feel? Please post here what you come up with so we can all enjoy! Have fun!!
I see some interesting throw pillows with these or how about upholstery .Redo some french style chairs with these.The formal chairs with the burlap fabric on them could be a nice play on opposites.Use scraps to make a burlap wreath.Just tie onto wreath form.
I agree with the wreath idea, with burlap “ribbon”. Cover a bulletin board with one or pieces of several. Cover terracotta pots with some, or tie a “ribbon” around pots. Tote bags with some added embellishments of buttons, flowers, etc.
Geez . . . . hmmmmmm.
Whatever you do, have fun!
CJ
Kitchen curtains or just valances would be sweet!
I have seen them as accent pillows a lot. I can envision them as wall art with the designs. I was thinking of finding some to use as a dog bed. I would like to take some aromatic cedar chips in a mesh bag, along with some soft padding, and try making a dog bed with the burlap. I was thinking that it would keep the bed smelling nice, but the dog will have to give the final blessing as to whether he finds it comfy enough. My other idea was to use scrap burlap to cover a cat scratching post. Now I will have to find some to try for myself.
Back in the 70s we used to do yarn embroidery on burlap. Kinda like chunky crewel work. Not fussy at all.
Oh, I’m so happy I stopped by today! I’m so sorry to hear you are busting at the seams with burlap MJ! 🙂
I’m loving all of the ideas I read above… Art, pillows, bulletin boards, upholstery,ribbon, dog bed, scratching post… so cool…I recently saw a DIY show where they used burlap for wallpaper. I covered the walls in my booth in it and it makes a lovely cozy, backdrop for all kinds of decorating themes. Shabby, refined, rustic and it’s the perfect background for something shiny too! Think gold leaf, silver leaf and polished silver frames with beautiful photographs of barn and farm art mixed with scavenged finds like rusty metal, salvaged wood with peeling paint and such…So fun! Can’t wait to see what’s up your burlap bag for ideas!!!xo Deb
What about some burlap roses? And maybe a tutorial in Mary Janes Farm?
This isnt artistic but burlap is great for covering tender plants and roses to keep off the cold. I also use burlap to over my beds when I plant carrot seeds. You can water the burlap to keep the soil moist which is what carrots need to germinate. Then when the seedlings pop up through the burlap, make it very wet and gently pull straight up to remove. Its a perfect way to start carrots and many other kinds of small simple seedlings that need even moisture to germinate. the pretty colors of the prints on the bags will keep things bright and cheery.
Oh, I love all the ideas!! I think my favorite part about crafting is the daydream. 🙂 Linda and CJ, I just tucked my burlap wreath (featured in the Dec/Jan 2013 issue of the magazine) away until next year. It made me so happy to pull down my driveway and enjoy its welcome each day. And Debbie, do tell about the wallpaper idea? What did you use to adhere it to the wall? That sounds super fun. Although, I might need even more! 🙂 I love the embroidery idea too, might have to orchestrate that into my current planning too.
And I do still need to perfect my burlap roses. My initial intention for this auction was to make burlap rose bouquets for the centerpieces for all 25 tables. I’ve since decided that was a bit of a lofty notion. Ha!