Burlap is scratchy. There. I said it.
I mean, it’s the truth, right? Yes, I know it’s inexpensive and that you can use it for all sorts of projects. Like pillows and curtains and bows and table runners and wreaths and teapot cozies and leg warmers and ear muffs and…well, let’s just say that burlap is EVERYWHERE.
But, it’s scratchy.
And, I think that is what has kept me from using it very much in my own home. Oh, sure, I did the obligatory burlap tablecloth at Thanksgiving which consisted of just laying it on top of the table and calling it good. And, sure it shed and got all over those of us who were sitting around that table but at least I could say I had done something with burlap so I wouldn’t be banished from the blogging community.
But, beyond that burlap and I just haven’t been the best of friends.
Until, that is, I decided I wanted to do something to freshen up our downstairs bathroom without painting the cabinets. (It’s all part of my bathroom makeover which I’ll show you tomorrow!)
I didn’t want to spend any money so I decided it was time to make my peace with burlap.
I dragged out the piece I had used for my shedding Thanksgiving tablecloth, used Stitch Witchery to make a hem and a rod pocket, put it on a tension rod and hung it underneath the counter.
And then, something magical happened. I saw how beautifully that burlap looked all gathered on that tension rod. How the material just fell into perfect folds and poofed out like it was ready for the burlap debutante ball.
And, suddenly I became a Burlap Believer!
It even looks…dare I say…soft?
Oh, I don’t think I’ll ever make a blanket out of it…or ear muffs…but I’m sure I’ll be expanding my burlap horizons now and incorporating it more here and there in my decor.
But, it will never again be used as a tablecloth in my home. I think I’m still pulling off stray threads from the pair of pants I wore for Thanksgiving! Just sayin’…
Be sure to come back Thursday for my French Country Bathroom Makeover Reveal!
And don’t forget to enter to win our fabulous Giveaway going on right now from Bel Monili!
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I love this! And so easy I could even do it (without my hubby for once!) Can you come do my bathroom? The tiniest bathroom on the planet and we really need to just start completely over. I’m just waiting for the tub to fall in from the rotting floor. Yeah, not good. I love being one of your sponsors and appreciate all the two of you stand for and the way you conduct yourselves with your business. Rock on!
Thanks Marty! We love having you as one of our sponsors and so appreciate your partnership with us! I’m thinking that bathroom you have will make for some great blog posts though right? Silver lining my friend! LOL!
Vanessa
Vanessa – Have you seen all of the pins on washing and drying burlap to make it softer and also cut the smell? Word of Advice – don’t do it in your washer and dryer at home. You’ll never get all of the lint out of the w & d. I used a commercial w & d and then ran it empty with just soap for two loads so the next person wouldn’t get burlappy(?).
That looks cute!
Judy
I love that it was a no sew project! I can’t wait to see the big reveal of the french country bathroom!!
I’ve stayed away from lots of burlap for the very same reason. Your sink skirt looks fabulous – magic indeed!
This is so pretty, Vanessa! I recently picked up my very first piece of burlap ever, (feeling so behind everyone in the burlap world). It was 50 cents at the thrift store, so I figured I’d give it a try. It did make a big mess in my washer! I hadn’t heard that warning before 🙂
LOVE your no-sew vanity skirt!
Jeanette @ Creating a Life
Your vanity skirt looks good. I love the burlap look but hate the scratchy feeling, too. And the shedding lint everywhere. Thanks Judy Clark for the washing tip. I am going to take mine to the laundry mat, as well. And I will be sure to run a couple of extra cycles, too so the next guy doesn’t have his day ruined by me. lol…
Love what you gals do!!
Liz from Junktion Alley.
Oh you know I love me some burlap Vanessa! 😉 Your vanity skirt looks darling. xo
LOL Courtney!! I was trying to channel you as I was working with the burlap since you are the queen of fabulous burlap projects in my book! 🙂
Vanessa
What a great way to change up a bathroom in a no-commitment way. I can’t wait to see the full reveal.
Thanks Judy! I love me some no-commitment projects. LOL! Come back Thursday to see the rest my friend! 🙂
Vanessa
You clever girls!! Fantastic idea. The burlap is perfect.
Fantastic idea! And I am haooy to see you are no longer a Burlap Virgin. 😀 Btw, I LOVE the pattern on your walls. Is that wallpaper or a stencil? I am getting ready to add something similar to an accent wall in my foyer.
TFS xxoo
I love the look Vanessa!!
Thanks Martina! 🙂
How about putting your burlap in a pillow case and pinning it shut when you wash it so it doesn’t get the lint all over. Just thinking. Lucy
Oh I love this!!!! Nicely done 🙂
Thanks Jessica! 🙂
Such a pretty and simple idea! Thanks for sharing. Take care, Laura
Cute fix, Vanessa! I have a lined burlap tablecloth with bouillon fringe for my round table and like the look. Formal and casual at the same time, if that is really possible! LOL
Thanks Sue!! I have a drop cloth tablecloth with bouillon fringe in my bedroom so it sounds like you and I are kindred spirits on the formal meets casual look. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by friend!
Vanessa
love the burlap skirt. That is really clever. We have cabinets under our sinks, so I don’t have a place to use this, but I’d love to!
from The Dugout
Thank you Mare! Actually there are cabinets under the sink in my bathroom too but I just put the burlap skirt over them. It’s not a bathroom we use to store anything so we don’t have to get in and out of the cabinets and it was an easy way to dress it up! Thanks for coming by! 🙂
Vanessa
What a great idea, it looks terrific too. xo
Thanks Katherine!!
I love this idea! That rug looks pretty cute too! I have a few little pieces of burlap on things around my home, but I’d really like to make a burlap wreath for the front door. Can’t wait for the whole bathroom reveal! 🙂
Vanessa, you did good girl!! I’m so proud of you for joining our “burlap blog club” too!! Ha, not that it actually exists, but maybe it should. Lovely redo.
Vanessa, I just saw the pictures of your completed bathroom and it is beautiful! I love the burlap skirt. Thanks for linking to the Open House party
xx,
Sherry
Oh it is darling!! Nice job.
Love this!! I’m such a Burlap addict, how could I not 🙂 Thanks for inspiring me!!
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