Crazy About Burlap

We recently got in a bunch of burlap coffee bags. The graphics on them are awesome! We have been using them for years to make curtains, pillows, slip covers... really you can make anything. While some creations do not require a lot of prep, some may call for washing and sewing. We have compiled a list of tips and tricks for you. 

Washing Your Burlap Bags

1. You can either hand wash or use your washing machine. Use cold water.

2. Burlap frays, so we suggest that you do not cut the bag prior to washing, Unless you are going to hem the edges.

3. CAUTION: Wet burlap stinks... seriously. Like a wet dog. You can lay it flat in the sun until completely dry. Or... you can put it in the dryer. If you put it in dryer, be sure to keep an eye on it. It will shed and fill your dryer vent quickly. However, it will be softer this way. And the more you wash it, the softer it will become.

Ironing

4. Iron on high with the steam setting. A spray bottle as you are ironing will also work well.

Sewing

5. We find that the zig-zag stitch will work best when sewing burlap.

6. And a final tip... You can use your scraps and put them right in your compost pile for total usage!

We hope these tips were helpful. Burlap is a great way to add texture to your room. Below are a few things we have done with the coffee bags. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Nic 

xoxo

Gift Wrapping

Although we would love to show you our own creative gift wrapping ideas, we stink at it. 

If I were to show you a personal photo, it would most likely look like this...

or this...

And since we want to show you pretty things, here are some photos of gifts wrapped by people who know what they are doing. :-)

These gifts have such a romantic feel with the sheet music wrap, gold ribbon and the elegant pins for the center of the bow. 

{photo from Bronze Budget Bride}

Vintage ornaments and millinery flowers... this look is so soft and feminine. 

I love this idea to replace the typical gift "bow".

{photo from Heather Bullard}

Who knew that brown shipping paper would make such a beautiful statement. 

Accented with vintage lace and coffee filter flower. Simple. Monochromatic. Lovely.

 {photo from bradylou.com}

Here's another simply beautiful wrap job. 

Would also be great with real vintage doilies.

{photo from Francine Clouden}

And... Maps. Already the gift looks exciting!! Whether it has sentimental value or you're just looking for a creative way to wrap a gift.. this is fantastic. Would even be fun to use an airplane ornament, or a compass on top. 

{photo by diyinspired}

I don't know about you, but I am inspired to make my gift wrappings as fabulous as what's inside!!! Maybe we will share our own photos soon! ;-)

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs <3

~nic