Wow, where did December go!
I've been busy so far this month experimenting with burlap for everything from pillows to table top. Here's a table runner I made out of an off-white burlap. I hand cut an applique using the waves from my Float logo! I was hoping I could use the Ultra Hold Heat and Bond, but for some reason it does not bond consistently with the burlap. So I ended up sewing these appliques onto the runner. I also really like the look of weaving ribbon into the burlap. It adds a nice touch.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/90064013/off-white-burlap-table-runner-with-waves

I made this garland over the weekend to go with the burlap and muslin stockings listed on Etsy. I hung it on the fireplace to get a pic and fell in love with it! But, business is business, so it is now available for sale! http://www.etsy.com/listing/87298093/burlap-merry-christmas-garland
Each flag is approximately 5" x 6-1/2". They are made from sage burlap with a nautral muslin applique letter, all strung on jute for easy hanging. It looks really great with the burlap stockings.

I've been doing some holiday sewing. These Christmas stockings are made of burlap, serged together with a muslin cuff. I then add some burlap strands and attach driftwood beach buttons. The end look is a primitive, casual, beachy holiday look.

 



I then took tan burlap and created a sailboat applique using sage and chocolate burlap and a bit of nautral muslin.  Then I did the same thing with fish shapes. I'm using Heat n Bond to attach the appliques. I started with a medium, but went to the Ultra to ensure the appliques are truly 'no sew'.

This is my latest window treatment. It's a valance using a modified version of McCall's pattern 3561. I say 'modified' because the pattern said the max window width could be 50" -- of course my window is 68" so I had to strreettch it :-)  I also shortened the center section quite a bit to allow maximum lighting into this English window.  The fabric is Waverly Imperial Dress with an ivory background and blue, green and yellow. The tassle trim completes the look. I love how it looks against the butter colored wall!

How to Make a Burlap Gift Bag with Driftwood Button

This gift bag is made of brown burlap with a muslin handle adorned with a driftwood button.

1. Cut a piece of burlap 8"W x 18"L 2. Serge the 8" ends. Fold in half and serge sides. (Tight zig zag stitch can be used if you do not have a serger.)

3. Run a small straight stitch up the sides as well to reinforce.

4. To form box corners for bottom of bag, fold and sew as shown.

5. Turn the top edge down 1" and sew.

6. Turn bag right side out.

7. To make the handle, cut a piece of muslin 3"W x 12"L; fold in half lengthwise, stitch and turn right side out. Attach handles as shown.

8. Take a walk on the beach! Select a piece of driftwood approximately 2" x 3" and drill two holes for sewing as shown.

9. Attach button to front of bag. Back it with a piece of natural burlap to separate colors as shown in image at top of page.

10. Add a small piece of adhesive velcro for a closure. Now you have the perfect little bag to add a 'beachy' touch to your gift giving. Or, use this bag to carry almost anything!

Don't want to make it? Go to www.etsy.com/shop/floatinteriors to purchase this bag.

Pillow Stuffing

This always cracks me up that this big bag of filling comes out of this small box! Time to get to work.

Okay, if this is too goofy you all are going to have to tell me, but I think I might be on to something. I've been experimenting with my driftwood buttons to see what other items I can 'adorn' with them (since, as you know, I have piles of driftwood throughout the lower level!). So why knot (get it?) create Beach Button Bows to decorate your packages when a beachy theme is appropriate? It's a great environmentally friendly product too -- they're made of muslin and driftwood -- how much greener can you get? Comments?