Burlap in your display?

[GretchenSmithJewelry]

I keep wanting to push my show display to something sleek and modern, but in reality, that's not my style and I have trouble visualizing modern. My style is 1940s general store with wood and glass countertop display cases and wood shelf units. With this thought in mind, I got to wondering what burlap would do to the display. I'm not sure how to incorporate it, but I want it to look old, not country-craft, if that makes sense. Has anyone used burlap in their display? How did it work for you and do you have photos you can share? Thanks!

[SnowmanCollector]

Personally I think burlap makes a lovely backdrop. The color is nice and natural and doesn't overpower your items but it adds a nice texture. My 2 cents.

[HipViolet]

I lined this frame with burlap for my Embroidery Hoop Art:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150804463398774&set=pb.106916483773.-2207520000.1349701865...

I really like the look of burlap and I think it would look great with what you are describing! You could line anything with it (the bottoms of your glass shelves or wood shelves) or anything! Plus it's cheap :) The stuff I got was not the traditional burlap, but more of a fine weave which I really liked!

jesi

[GretchenSmithJewelry]

I like the look of the burlap in the frame. I have a frame I was thinking about doing something like that with and then putting hooks in it to hang pieces from. The price definitely makes it desirable to use!

[Former_Member]

I always think burlap look country craft or out west(like feed sacks) kinda of like gingham but manlier. I don't know what a 1940s general store looks like so i can't be much help.

My booth stylistically would clash with burlap plus i don't like how it smells.

[GretchenSmithJewelry]

I'm afraid of it looking country craft, too. Not to knock the people who are into that sort of thing, but it's not me. I'm either modern or genuinely old.

[LizArti]

I haven't used burlap myself, it just doesn't fit in with my booth, but in general I love the look and texture of it. It adds character, but is not overpowering.

Burlap buntings might be fun.

Looking at you jewelry, Gretchen, I'm not sure if burlap is the way to go - your work looks more sophisticated to me.

[Former_Member]

i was thinking about burlap as a table runner.

[Former_Member]

I think when burlap has a raw/fringed edge is when it looks country. I think if you tailored it like by lining things with it, or hemming the edges under it would look more classy and general store-ish.

[BohemianHollow]

I absolutely love the sound of the 1940's general store! That is pretty much what I use for my craft show displays. Old wooden boxes and white washed wooden shelves. And yeah, burlap. Embroidered burlap for signs and as a backdrop on the little bookcase I have, also used as a cover over a little bench display piece I have.

Bottom line; Burlap is amazing and you can never go wrong with it!
I say go for it! :D

So many uses!
Table runner
Backdrop
Used in a frame to hang something from (ie: earrings, photos, necklaces)
Use it as a cover

I actually disagree with LizArti on this one. I think the burlap would really make your jewelry pop, especially all the sterling silver! In my opinion it's so much better than just boring plain black or white. I always make a beeline for anyone's booths that use something different. I'm not a fan of modern display design and have found that most people aren't either. They want to see something unique, not run-of-the-mill. Wow, sorry, I rambled. I just really like burlap and anything vintage :D

[BeachwritingsNJ]

I was going to suggest table runner too. I'm going to add a fishing net to my table display.

[GretchenSmithJewelry]

I have black table cloths so maybe some tan table runners would be the way to go instead of the burlap. It would add color without taking from the jewelry and it wouldn't look so country. I think I might have to do some studying of booths to get a feel for modern, yet different. The more I read these comments, the more I think modern is the way I need to go. I think I'll spend this winter experimenting with layouts.

[LizArti]

It's ok, Stefan, I don't have a very decisive opinion on this one and maybe was not being very imaginative. Gretchen, I'm curious to see what you come up with.

[BohemianHollow]

No worries LizArti, I might have gotten just a bit over excited about the burlap, I do love it so :P

Gretchen - The tan sounds nice, it'd add some color and depth :) I'm curious to see what you come up with too!

[TheSalvagedEdge]

I think black and classic burlap would look great and give a modern feel. Keep it simple and elegant. Too much froo froo and extras is what makes burlap feel country for me.

[Former_Member]

what about a loose woven ecru linen instead? its a touch more upscale.

[PaperFlora]

I have seen burlap used in a lot of interesting ways- check these out.

http://pinterest.com/pin/1970393558250321/

http://pinterest.com/search/?q=burlap+table+cloth

[GretchenSmithJewelry]

Thanks Natalie, there are some interesting ideas in those photos. I also saw lace in a few of them. That could be pretty, too.

[PrairiePrimitives]

At the show I did on Sunday, I saw some washed burlap in a booth. That was very interesting!

[ColoradoMorning]

Just something to think about: I had a friend who used red burlap for table runners at an outdoor show. Her base tablecloths were white...it rained (poured), the burlap got wet, the color ran and completely ruined her white covers.

[ShannonWongPottery]

Did you ever create a burlap backdrop for your display? I would love to see images of it. I'm a potter and am thinking that a burlap backdrop would complement my work well. Thanks!

[HeatherHolidays]

yes burlap runner with 40's lace!!!!!

so not country at all but FAB!

so you can get an idea...
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/329888741425958630/

[TheEnchantedWren]

I love the idea of edging it with nice patterned fabric to really bring it out. Will make it lay nicer too.

[ecarlateboutique]

I use burlap in my work and pair it with black to make it look more modern and transitional. Also, there are other colors you can use to 'class' it up. fabric.com has oodles of colors to choose from. It is a ta more expensive but works out great.

The 'wheat' color is nice and I use it frequently.

[Former_Member]

I use burlap for my display. Burlap is very slippery, so I duck tape the raw sides to the top of my table, so that only the finished edges show. Over the top of the tables, I put black duck cloth so it drapes down about 1 foot around the table. it's a nice, clean display, and doesn't clash with any of my pieces.

It also is inexpensive.