Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Using burlap and buttons & an odd ball placemat.













I don't know about you..but I LOVE burlap. The texture it adds to a room is down right brilliant. It comes in many different colors but the khaki/choc. brown standbys are still my favorite. I have been making pillows from it the past week. One I started months ago and just now finished it. The first pillow is actually a placemat I fell in love with at Fred Meyer and bought it knowing I would marry it with some burlap. The second I mixed some choc. burlap with a ticking stripe. Now I don't stop at pill0ws.. if you look closely at the bird prints (bought for .25 at a garage sale..sorry thought you ought to know) you can see that they were a bit small for my frames I already had. Well I am too cheap to go out and get ones to fit. Have you been in a frame shop lately? Eghads. I took some ribbon and strips of burlap and used it as a sort of mat. May not be for everybody but I like it. Now another thing I love...and I know I am not alone...buttons. Old buttons. Mother pearl buttons really get me going. Be still my heart. I tend to horde them...but this week I decided to put them to work. I covered another tired old frame with the same ticking I used on the pillows (there is a theme here some where) on purpose of course so that there was some repetition with my patterns. Remember Christopher Lowell always saying that? I added buttons to the frame and an old pic of my Daddy. I also decided to add some to a pillow using our last name as a monogram. She isn't perfect but I like it. I used double sided tape to put them in place and than hand-stitched them on. Lastly I had to show you my garage sale plate I found today. I love the crazing on it. I had to find a home for it right away. I wanted to say Thank-you sooooo very very much for all the sweet comments. You all have made my week! Happy over the hump day! Cherry

77 comments:

The Berry's Patch said...

Hi Cherry!

I've never thought of using burlap, but your right...it adds texture. I like the picture frame a lot!

Brandee :-)

Joy said...

You and I would be dangerous together! We really do like a lot of the same things!
I was just looking at burlap today at the fabric store, but I had some questions about it. Now I'm so glad that I have you, friend, to address my concerns...
Does burlap continue to shed and continue to smell funny after you bring it home? (That question almost sounds like I'm asking about an animal)
Do you wash it before you sew it? And does it shrink and shed in the wash?
I wanted to use it for a few projects, but was hesitant. I'm very happy that you're going to tell me the facts so I can make an informed purchase.
Thanks so much!

Lisa & Alfie said...

Hey Cherry,
Is there an identifying mark on the back of your transferware plate? I assume it's English. I was wondering if it's the "paris" pattern.
Lisa & Alfie

Rachel Berry said...

Super FABULOUS stuff today! I love the burlap idea! Your genius I tell ya!! And the buttons on the frame and pillow. So tucking these ideas away for when it's cold and I'm housebound. :)
And I have a box full of old doorknobs NEVER did I think of displaying them. I do now! If only I didn't have 5 kids running around I might be able to get more things done.... Sigh..... One of these days..
Thanks for all the inspiration!

:)Rachel

Blogger said...

Everything is very pretty!

Bella

Empty Nest Full Life said...

Just beautiful. The burlap is a nice touch of texture. I love those bird pictures and plates. They are beautiful. I have some, that I think I will definitely frame now. Have a blessed day. Jackie

Kim's Treasures said...

I miss Christopher Lowell! I did but some of his office furniture for my stamp room though...it will be finished this fall. I love all the texture and prints. I especially love the monogram pillow! I think I may need to try that...I just found some vintage buttons at the the thrift store. Great plate too! I found a gravy boat with a similar type pattern on it last week...fell in love with it and had to have it! Your plate looks great with your roosters! I am in love with roosters! Have a great day Cherry! :-D
Kim

Cathy said...

Hello, Cherry...that is a very pretty idea....and I just happen to have some burlap....I may just make one of those today....or tomorrow. I love all the little forgotten things that you make special ....like the doorknobs. That's so cute!

Cathy

Picket said...

Great ideas girl!!!! I love those pillows but my eyes just bugged out at those bird pictures!!! I loved those and the plates over them..man such eyecandy today!!!! Thanks for sharing!

Missy Wertz said...

I have a ton of MOP buttons. They look nice sitting in jars, but I sure like using them too! Since DD will not wear my smocking anymore... Looking for more ideas. ;-) Thanks for sharing!

Marie said...

Oh so much eye candy!! The bird pictures are GORGEOUS! I was going to do a bird post today but blogger won't let me upload pictures!! I am so over it. Anyhooo... I love what you did with that burlap! I may have to rethink my porch curtains! lol And that plate is beautiful!

Darlene said...

Hi Cherry,
I always love seeing your pictures and what you have done. Love the burlap and the button projects they are lovely. Also, just displaying those doorknobs on the white platter ~ love the look. You have such a neat and cozy style.

mysteryhistorymom said...

I am in love with your blog.:-) I adore buttons and birds- and nests! Thanks for a wonderful way to start my day! Lori

Free Art Printables said...

SO cute! I love burlap too and its so cheap. Between that and jute, i could be happy for along time! Jen R

Christy said...

Hi Cherry!

Your pillows look great. I love the dark brown burlap. I don't know that I've ever seen that before. Maybe I just wasn't looking for it! The picture of your Dad is very sweet. Have a great day!

~Christy

Shannon said...

As always, LOVE everything! I can't believe you got those prints for 25 cents!! I love burlap too. It goes with just about everything! I might try that initial pillow!

Jodi Nelson said...

found the email address I have for you, tried again day before yesterday and it bounced back. Email me again. Just wanted you to know I'm not ignorin ya. ;o) ooxx ~jodi jldnelson@gmail.com

Sometimes It's Good said...

The "mats" you made for your bird pictures are fabulous! You have great ideas!

Laura said...

Cute, cute, cute!! Love the button monogram may have to steal that idea!

Laura :)

Screaming Meme said...

I love burlap! I use them for curtains in the fall! I love what you have done...You have great taste! Screaming Meme

Unknown said...

Your pillows are beautiful, and your frame is so sweet! I hereby declare you are both original and very clever! Not to mention downright inspiring! :)

Let me say again how very blessed I am by your blog. I always leave it with a huge smile on my face! :)

Thank you also for stopping by my blog and leaving your comment, as well as linking me! :)

Rosemary said...

It reminds me of linen, and I love linen.
Of course you can add me to your blog roll, and I will add you to mine as well.
Thanks,
Rosemary

Melissa said...

I love, love, love the picture frame.

Everything is gorgeous.

Melissa

Ginger said...

Hi cherry,Loved how you used burlp
,buttons look so good loved the idea!
Hugs ginger

Anonymous said...

I love the pillows, buttons on the picture frame but most especially the plate and bird prints. What a great idea!

Gretchen
birdnestcottage.typepad.com

Unknown said...

I love the burlap. I used it to make table runners for my wedding. Turned out nice!

I also love the green glass chicken in the last pixs. My mom used to collect those crazy chickens by the truck load! She had one just like that. When I saw it, it took me back to my childhood.

Gail said...

Hi! You are now one of my most favorite blogs to visit!!!! Your ideas are awesome!!!
10 million kudos to you!!!
Gail :)

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Cherry, Thanks so much for getting back to me about the little black birds. I love them and will keep an eye out for something similar!
The burlap looks great. How fun to take something so neutral and make it look so amazing! Great idea!
Thanks
Blessings, Debbie

Ashley said...

I love that dish with the knobs on it. So pretty. I am thinking my house needs more plates hung on the walls.

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi Cherry,
Thanks for visiting me..I image that you are very busy with all your blogging :) I have an old mason jar of buttons and may "Copy" your idea of the picture frame and pillow. Also love old door knobs. I have glass ones on the mantle :) Nice plate and chickens. Just love to visit you and gather ideas. Thank you.
Warmly, Deb

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Oh, I love burlap too! The pillow with the ticking on one side, burlap on the other is so sweet. Makes me want to learn how to sew!
-Carrie

Sweetie said...

Your creation are beautiful. I really liked the door knobs! What a great idea. I have several jars of old buttons. I like the idea of using them in a picture frame. You have some wonderful ideas

Elise said...

Cherry,
I couldn't go shopping with you. We'd fight over everything!! I love your pillows!! I need to make pillowslips for my pillows to go with the ottoman.
Love you, girl!!
Elise

Anonymous said...

I agree everything looks great. I have one question about burlap because I'v used it before and it shed alot. How do you avoid that?

Thanks,
Blanca

Michelle said...

Cherry,
I love what you've done with burlap! I like burlap because it reminds me of my cross stitch fabric.

Have a wonderful day,
Michelle

the tattered nest said...

I love all of it! especially the monogrammed pillow! I need to make one!

Joanne Kennedy said...

What great things you made. I love the frame with the buttons and the way you matted the bird pictures. Those pillows are darling. You sure are creative.

Hugs,
Joanne

Shell in your Pocket said...

Thanks for stopping by at my blog. I love your blog! The green rooster and green plate is so cute! I'll be back! Oh I love your background on your blog..cute polka dots!
Deb at www.shellinyourpocket.blogspot.com

kathy said...

Love all your creations -- The buttons make me crazy too -- always buying the old ones -I love the initial idea -- wow can I use it on a pillow for moi ???? and yes framing is out of sight -- I love what you did and the old tray
i love all the crazingand crackle - they are hard to find here -- Blessings Kathy - GA

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Do you buy your burlap in a fabric store? I love all of your pillows and frames. If you want to keep the crazing on your plate but remove the stains you can soak it in peroxide in a bucket in the sun for 8 hours. That takes the stains out but the crackle stays there...I like the stains myself, but just in case :-).
Penny
p.s. the monogram "p" is on a cup that I got at Anthropologie....

Dena said...

Cherry,

I just love the way you put things together. That is brilliant!

Hugs,
Dena

Chris said...

MIND if you put me on your blogroll? I'd be flattered! By the way, it was your cloches that sent me on my search. I just love what you do with them! OH, and yes, I like the black like you do. :)

Trisha said...

I love the pillows! The button monogram is my favorite! I am so stealing these ideas..Thanks!

Vanessa Greenway said...

Hello! Thanks for visiting my blog! I will be happy to count in for my book giveaway in case you didn't know. I'm in love with that lovely fabric with red stripes and those little birds... I collect birs as well. Have great day! And I'm also adding you to my favorites! xo Vanessa

Jeni said...

Well I am going to have to try buttons and burlap...I never have before but those you have shown are great. I like the initial one. You have a round black fram in you previous post that is really neat. Thank you for you nice comments on my blog!

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

Oh my...I have SO many other things to do and I just got sucked in here for ....stammer...WAY TOO LONG!!

Nicole said...

All of your creations are darling! I LOVE the picture frame with the buttons. The burlap fabric is so cute. And I love those old door knobs. A while back at an estate sale they were selling little boxes of them for $15 dollars. I so with I would have bought some.

Inspired Kara said...

They make foot stuff?! Holy heavens I'm getting it this weekend!

I love Brad Paisley ;) Can't wait till tonight.

Heathahlee said...

LOVE the frame with the buttons! I have some fabric I've been wondering what to do with and I think I just found my answer!

Melissa said...

Cherry,

I have been meaning to tell you how much I love your banner picture. I wish I had thought of something like that for my blog.

So creative you are.

Have a great weekend.

Melissa

Angie said...

Thanks for the idea of using fabric to cover the bottom part of my pantry. I think I may do that then I can just concentrate on making the top part look good. And Lord knows I love any excuse to use some pretty fabric somewhere!

Kacey said...

I love everything in this post! WHat an awesome idea with all of the uses of burlap - especially the framed prints. I also collect old door knobs - LOVE them. Thanks for the comment on my crafty project. My SIL actually got the papers for me last year in the dollar section at Target. There were a total of 10 different prints which was a steal! If you have a Michael's near you, they have some damask printed scrapping paper there too. I was just there and they had hot pink! Fun! Have a FABULOUS day Cherry!

Deborah aka Miss Bee said...

I believe I have your green transferware! Is yours JHW AND SONS, Handley, England?

Love, love, love the bird pictures!

Stephanie said...

Beautiful! I love monograms and even though I don't sew, I think I might could pull off sewing some buttons on a pillow! I have just recently found your blog and I am finding so much inspiration for my own home.

Thank you also for visiting my blog! I would love to add you to my blog roll.

Shirlee said...

I've been in love with buttons since I was a kid and first discovered my mom's little pickle jar full of them.
Love your ideas with the burlap. :)

Angela said...

We used burlap in my daughter's nursery, in the quilt, and in the curtains... it was done in a farm theme, and had lots of different fabric on the both. I love it too!

Thanks so much for your kind comments - sunflowers always make me smile too!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I agree we have similar styles... I love all your nests, they are so pretty! I will bookmark and check in :)
Sarah

trish said...

Hi Cherry ~
I just love all the pillows! I have never sewn burlap before. I love the colors you chose and the dark brown is beautiful, especially with the buttons. I have really enjoyed "thumbing" through your blog some more! You have such neat ideas!! LOVE the shutters and have been looking for them ever since!
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

nikkicrumpet said...

The pillows are terrific...I think I need me some burlap! But I'm especially fond of what you did with the matting for the bird pictures...that was a stroke of genius!!!!

Anonymous said...

All i can say is OOOOHHHH! Ahhhh! Very nice style!

Casa Mia said...

I love burlap too, and the old doorknobs, fabulous! Thanks for sharing.

Judy said...

I'm so glad you left a comment on my blog. You are right! We have very similar tastes...burlap, black anything, etc. Now you need to send me that black distressed frame with ribbon!

Hugs!
Judy

the tattered nest said...

I love the transferware plates with the bird pictures...what a skill you have! I have to do a monogram button pillow for my couch...thanks for the inspiration!

sandra/tx said...

We're definitely kindred spirits. I, too, love burlap. I've been trying to think of a way to incorporate it in the guest room, if no other room -- pillows, window treatments -- doesn't matter to me.

I also like old, pearly buttons. I once bought an antique sewing machine for $45. A steal! But what I loved even more was that the drawers held treasures of old wooden spools and lots of antique buttons. I put all the pearly ones in an antique cut glass candy dish. Love your blog, and thanks for visiting mine!

Sissy said...

I haven't ever used much burlap, but I looove those glass doorknobs. I am a nut for glass knobs. When we redid our kitchen, I wanted glass knobs for our cabinets, but I had to settle for acrylic reproductions because they were so expensive!

Amy said...

LOVE your blog!! I will have to come back when I have LOTS more time to peruse around. Thanks for visiting our blog so we could come to yours!

amy & rachel

Stacy said...

Love it all! Love the burlap, the needlepoint, the door knobs... everything!

~Stacy

Kathy said...

Hi Thankyou for visiting my blog.I cant believe you grew up in Marcola. I love all your things and the plate is right up my ally.Have a great weekend! Kath

tincanlily said...

I love the buttons around the picture frame!
denise

Connie said...

Oh MY! I am totally addicted to your site. You have some awesome ideas. I'll be back for sure!!!
~Connie

Anonymous said...

Thanks for coming by.It has been awhile.I loved all your new goodies.
Brenda

Jen~ Lipstick and Laundry said...

I LOVE all of your decor, so full of texture... What a cozy nest you have!

Kim -today's creative blog said...

love the burlap.......but does it scratch and does it smell? The stuff I bought for Thanksgiving smelled so gross.

Love the sign you made.

Cathy said...

Love it all, especially the platter of door knobs. In my den, I've used the same red stripe fabric to make curtains.

Cathy

Susie Q said...

You have the gift of arranging glorious vignettes!Your projects are so lovely and your home just looks amazing. How much fun it would be to go yard sale-ing with you or to play house!

Love,
Sue

ReminisceHeirlooms said...

Love love love the buttons and burlap!

Lisa Marie said...

every photo i see is just stunning, your home is beautiful, hugs, lisa