Someone just told me that burlap really isn’t a thing anymore.
What?
Seriously?
Say it isn’t so.
(insert me weeping and sobbing and pounding the floor and moving to a place where people recognize the value of a utilitarian fabric)
And this is the part of the story where I go all Olivia Newton John and grab my leather jacket and permed hair and come hither stare and buck convention….
….and tell burlap that it’s the one that I want.
The one I really want.
Ooh. Ooh. Ooh.
Can we just decide that we don’t follow trends and that burlap is so easy to work and no-sewable and throw caution to the wind and decide that what the world needs now is a few more burlap projects?
Who’s with me?
Here are seven of my favorites worthy of a standing ovation.
Get ’em while there hot (or not so much any more depending on who you ask). 🙂
Make a burlap flower.
It’s as easy as folding and twisting.
Kind of like my yoga class.
I don’t play bingo.
My attention span is too short.
But my pillows pay attention long enough to look like this.
I cannot overstate this.
Easiest tutorial in America for a burlap bow.
If you are burlap and want to get your bow on, this is the post for you.
Have a yard sale basket that needs a makeover?
Add burlap ribbon and buttons.
If you like your burlap shredded with a faucet.
This simple tassel project is for you.
Add a little burlap to your fall.
I like my burlap on a ferris wheel.
This pumpkin project is still one of my favorites.
And one more for the road.
I found these tiny bags at Target.
But you could make your own from burlap ribbon.
Simply cut a burlap ribbon about a foot long, fold ends over and stitch. Then fold so the stitched ends are on the outside and stitch up both sides. Flip inside out and thread the top with jute ribbon. They would make the cutest gift bags or advent calendar or stocking stuffer or place card holder.
So don’t worry burlap.
I’m here.
I’m still standing.
And I’m still….
….hopelessly devoted to you. 🙂
Ummmm.... my sentiments EXACTLY!!!! I found some left over burlap in the linen closet this week... It occurred to me that no one blogs about burlap any more... :( ... When I "Discovered" your amazing blog... do you want to know what got me????? Total Honesty here..... THE BURLAP BOWS ON THAT FIRE PLACE!!! I FELL IN LOVE!!!! :) ... and then of course that was the beginning of my addiction.... I mean my "interest" in "Thistlewood Farms" .. lolol I'm with you Karianne!!!!!! Burlap is still "The one I want" !!!! :)
I'm right there with you! Thanks for the support for the fabulous burlap...projects, inspiration and overall enthusiasm! Hope you will have some burlap in the new book!!! How's the book coming, by the way? Fall is coming...we have to use burlap!!!
I don't know who is responsible for spreading such falseness! Wave your burlap loving flag proudly. I love burlap but I have to admit I enjoy her utilitarian cousin, the drop cloth. Have a great week! The Olympics are just about to start!
Lisa, Ahhhh...dropcloth. My favorite relative twice removed. :) Happy day to you friend! karianne
Where did you get the unit that is holding the bags from Target? Might it be Magnolia Market?
Melody, I sell them over at the Painted Fox shop!!!!!! They have been out of stock FOREVER and they just came back in and they are 20% off right now! (and free shipping) Here's the link to the shop: https://paintedfoxhome.com/thistlewood-farms-collection/ Hope this helps! karianne
I'm with you! Not ready to move on!
I just made a bunch of chalk painted mason jars and used several different burlap ribbons and twine, etc., with lace and pearls and flower buds, for a surprise 50th birthday party. Everybody Loved them! Those nay-sayers didn't like burlap to begin with.....so what do they know!
I think it stinks!!!
Whaaaaat? Up here in Canada, Fabricland is overflowing with burlap, in a ton of gorgeous colours, including plaid. I kid you not! Time for a road-trip, perhaps, Kari-Anne?
Karianne amusing and useful-as I think about it , it describes me and how I like to live . God bless
I believe, and I am sure that you do too, that you make what you love, use what you love and fashion police be darned! Not really a burlap person (sorry) but if YOU love it, go for it. I hung a found deer skull in my bathroom (to the horror of my children) way before that trend, since I adore Georgia O'Keefe. I had an green enamal industrial light in my living room and an orange metal piece from a garage in my kitchen for my potatoes and onions, way before THAT trend. If you have an imagination, if you are creative, follow your bliss. Frankly, it bugs me when a trend becomes "hot" because it gets overdone and then everyone becomes tired of it or it becomes, horrors, dated. I guess some people need others to help them decorate, but if you truly love a look, by all means, go for it. I am BoHo Chic all the way and have such a bizarre/strange mix of things in my home and I LOVE it. Isn't that what counts?
I still like burlap especially around Fall - it just works. I say go with what you enjoy and shake it off... :)
When burlap first became a thing, I hate to admit it but I wasn't all that into it...but all the adorable projects that started emerging (especially adorable: the burlap pumpkin!) brought me around. I've even seen a dress made out of burlap. And it's got such a long and interesting history. It's breathable and durable and functional...Germans soldiers even used to wear burlap uniforms. But now it's not a thing anymore? Say it isn't so! I'm with you, Olivia.
Well, I think I am going to have a song or two stuck in my head all day...lol! That advent calendar idea is cute! Plus it looks super simple. Cute + Simple = My Fave!
Funny, but I heard the same rumor! Don't believe it! For a while though, burlap was the go-to for everything, including furniture upholstery, like the two chairs we had in the shop. Kinda itchy! Maybe that's what the trend setters were talking about!
Burlap is one thing, just don't tell me drop cloth is over!
Who the heck knew the craft world was so fickle?! I'm still all for burlap! KariAnne, I have to tell you something....seriously.......I am totally in love with you and your sense of humor. I mean, you know, like a sister. You have missed your calling. If you were on stage as a comic with some of the stuff you come out with, I would be rolling in the aisles! However, here we are and I am rolling off the chair and I just spilled my coffee! I read your posts at least three times just to continue the enjoyment of your presence, humor and good natured outlook. I don't know how you come up with this stuff, but you should definitely add humorist and comedy writer to your credentials. Keep up the great work!
NO WAY, it's not happening anytime soon at our house or the cottage. We love burlap❤️❤️❤️
Oh my gosh! I couldn't be happier! I've never understood it...the burlap thing. It's itchy, coarse, and unrefined. It is patently banned from my home. The only thing it's got going for it, in my opinion, is that its loose weave makes it texturally interesting. Let's just be honest. Up until the last 10 year, burlap was relegated to the barn in the form of sacks containing animal feed. I hope it goes the way of books on bookshelves, all covered in the same colored paper, the most ridiculous decorating trend of this century. Burlap is a close second. Good riddance.
Burlap is over for the non-creative crowd because I'm sure they are thinking there is nothing left to do with burlap that hasn't already been done. Obviously, they haven't met you because I'm pretty sure your brain can think of ten gajillion things to do with burlap. #keepburlapgoing Nancy
In my opinion...if you love it it's "in":) Burlap gives a fun look to a room...like lace, like faux fur...like.... Who wants to live in a cookie cutter house...not me! Love the burlap flowers.
BURLAP FOREVER!!! I think that that rumor was started by another fabric jealous of burlaps popularity. Love all the projects you have listed, another favorite of mine is a burlap table runner. Burlap is a "must" have for Fall decorating- past, present and future! Did I mention that I love burlap? Enjoyable post, always love your wit and wisdom- Thank-you!
Looks to me, from the amazingness I'm seeing here, burlap is not only in, it's GREASED LIGHTNIN'! I LOVE all of these projects, but my true LURVE is that Bingo pillow with the wee pom-poms for trim...it's just all kinds of delightful and delovely and made using one of my favouritest stencils EVER! Now, if you'll excuse me...I have a hankerin' for a certain musical about high school l'amour...Netflix, here I come! ;)
No worries, Karianne! I have always followed my own path for hair style and clothing and now I will add burlap to the mix!
I heard the same rumor, I going to have to vote for and still use burlap . I'm fairly new to your crowd and I love your humor ! Love all your projects. Have a blessed day
I've always thought of burlap as a classic rather than a trend. I have a piece made with burlap that I've had since the 1960's! I am not a trendy person. I use what I like because I am the one living with it. Kudos to you for your love of burlap.
Thank you, Karianne! I love your humor and this is just what I needed this morning!
Kari-on, rock star!
Love the pumpkin project. There are some things that are just timeless, and I'm sure burlap will go down in the history books as one of those things! If not, it will stage a roaring comeback.
Burlap has always looked great in your home! Love those cute pumpkins too...I have to make at least one, or five! My take...if you love it...use it! If you don't....let it be for those that do! Enjoy your day! ;)
This news just makes me sad. I love the look of burlap and agree with you that it's not time to say goodbye just yet. I am however scratching my head and wondering, what will come next...I went from a perm to pin straight hair. Will we be decorating with leather soon? That seems to be the furthest away from burlap that my brain can conceive. Things that make you go hmmmmmmm..... BTW love me some good 80's music.
Yeah!...You Bodacious Burlap Beauty you....for standing up and making this humble fabric count in a world full of here today gone tomorrow!!! Wooohooo! I'm with ya! Wishing you a super grand summer's day!!
I think this goes to the 'use or decorate with what you love' sentiment. I don't have a lot of burlap, but I love what I do have. I also read the other day that another decorating no-no was using a mirror over a fireplace. Apparently I'm breaking all kinds of decorating rules because I have a large mirror over one of our fireplaces and love it. It reflects a gorgeous chandelier that I got from France. I say rules are made to be broken. :D
I'm a little slow on the trends. I'm still wearing parachute pants, I love my macrame plant hangers, and I just couldn't do without my lava lamp. And I'm still wearing my Dorothy Hamill do proudly :-) By the time I get to the burlap it will have made its rounds once or twice. Eventually, I'll get there. I'm pinning all of your burlap ideas so when I do get to the trend I'll have some ideas. Hope you're surviving the rain.
Funny, I remember using burlap for school projects WAY too long ago....like the 60s....so I just assumed it was a classic, like linen. I love the texture and look, but my allergies wont tolerate much of it indoors, so I admire vicariously, and I have to say, you really rock the burlap look! I think acutely following trends is for insecure people.....when you like a look, use it! It is your home and should reflect and please you and your family.
Good, maybe the prices will go back down! Burlap, drop clothes, among some others are all good utility fabrics. You can use them so many ways. Perfect for all sorts of things too. Now, where's my copy of Grease? I feel the need to belt me out some tunes!
Burlap and mason jars need a rest. Too much of a good thing. Why not use grosgrain ribbon and other softer materials for a change.? To my eye when it is everywhere it is not for me. To each his own. Smiles
Who are these people who say burlap is passe and do we believe them. By the way the burlap tassel link doesn't link up, I want to make that - see, burlap is a THING.
You Know what they say about rumors? Don't repeat them, then no one will know! If people believe this rumor that means that those of us that love it will have more for ourselves!
That sweet little pumpkin and those adorable little bags - who cares if "they" say it's "in". Long live burlap!
I grow ever weary of my craft, decorating and fashion favorites continually being called out as "SO YESTERDAY"! While I do agree that over a span of time, there are certainly trends that need to come and go, but there are also the basics, the essentials; burlap, mason jars and milk glass to name a few. Burlap has been around forever and for years before we were here, our grandmothers and great grandmothers utilized burlap in a variety of useful and decorative ways in their homes. What is more basic and always beautiful than a single burlap flower poised in a simple mason jar? I made the giant burlap bows, shown above, last year for the holidays. When the time came to take down my holiday decor, I realized the bows didn't need to come off at all. I worked then into my winter decor and then Spring and dyed them a mottled chambray blue to work into my summer decor. Burlap...not a thing?? Says who?!
Sadly, no burlap tassel tutorial. You need to fix this, please. I must make it immediately. As for burlap no longer being "in" - then why can I not find it locally for less than $10 per yard? And that's not even the good quality stuff.
Burlap holds hands with farmhouse style!! I don't see either of them going anywhere any time soon!!
Love all these ideas, tips & projects. Thanks for sharing at the #InspirationSpotlight Party. Pinned & shared.
KariAnne, you are so funny! Love your use of Olivia Newton-John's song lyrics! But you forgot to include your star burlap project on the list...I'm talking about your dining room drapes. Smocked burlap? Perfection! Who would've thought? Love those! I saw some pink burlap drapes somewhere (probably on Pinterest) and if I ever run across them in real life, I'll have to buy them on the spot, and THEN find a use for them. Ha! Please tell me that burlap is here to stay! I love it! I especially love to see it mixed with lace. Opposites attract, you know. My mother does not understand my affinity for burlap. She is from an era when it was only used for feed sacks. Maybe it's time to dream up a brilliant new burlap use (like smocked drapes) and make everyone fall in love all over again!
I LOVE BURLAP!! We use it in most of our displays. I love all of the amazing ways you've used it here!! This is a must share!!