vintage markeplace - burlap

I took so many pictures of our little excursion to The Vintage Marketplace in Rainbow, California last Friday that I decided I would break them up into mini themes so that I don't overwhelm you with pretty pictures all at once.

I know I always come away from these kind of events feeling overwhelmed and inspired but not quite sure what to do with all that new found inspiration.  I thought it would be fun to share with you what I'm thinking when I see these photos, and hear back from you what your thoughts are.  How would you use this idea or technique in your home or business?  Sound fun?  Okay, here goes...

 

We all loved these embellished burlap totes.  How fun and simple would it be to embellish a tote you already have with a doily, flower and some lace.  I think I would assemble the cluster together first with a hot glue gun and then attach it to one of those brooch backs you buy at Michaels using a little piece of felt underneath to clean it all up.  I saw cute totes in the dollar bin at Target yesterday for $3.00, (I know kind of an oxymoron...$3.00 in the dollar bin) that would look adorable.  I make canvas totes that I could add something like this to as well. 

Who doesn't love these cute strippy banners?  What another simple (albeit time consuming) project this would be.  Just use your rotary cutter to cut one inch strips of burlap, tear one inch strips of muslin and then just start tying the fabric in knots to a string.  How cute would they be tied onto the open space of some Christmas tree lights and hung from trees, your patio covering or even an umbrella for an evening party or shower?  Heck, even for a festive look for you and your family to enjoy while you BBQ!  

I have never warmed up to the idea of a burlap pillow because while I love the look, the texture doesn't make me want to snuggle in.  But burlap on a table as a runner or table cloth?  I love it.  If you wash your burlap ahead of time it will soften up some.  I really like the addition of the wide ruffle of muslin, I think it softens up the look in a romantic but not overly frilly sort of way.  I've had a burlap runner on my side board for a while now and I'm still not tired of the look.

 

My latest lure in my craft studio is jewelry making.  (Another post for a later day.)  So when I saw the way they used burlap to display jewelry, my creative mind went into overdrive.  Isn't that covered rolling pin just so stinking cute?  It would be great to display your jewelry in the bedroom but what else could you display on it?  What about hanging your decorative measuring spoons from it in the kitchen or your keys by the front door? 

Okay, that's my take, now it's your turn?  Any ideas?

xo, Patty