veganfamilyadventures

Ideas for using burlap in crafty, country decor have taken over my Pinterest feed lately.  My own decor is a mix of contemporary and mid-century modern with a generous application of contemporary art.  Burlap just doesn't seem to fit with that mix.  But wait...  just tell me something doesn't work, and I am on a journey to prove otherwise.  Currently in my art practice I am questioning public expectations for certain materials.   Perhaps that's why I am thinking about burlap.   All those country/homey pins for burlap  got me thinking about raising the ante, by taking burlap  out of its country comfort level. So let's explore the question. I like burlap because it ... has texture; is a natural fibre from the jute plant; is a renewable product because of its source; is  available in several  neutral colours and can be dyed;  is relatively inexpensive; can be used without sewing; accepts paint well; comes in a variety of widths an...

 I am slowly letting go of my summer house and  all its leisurely pursuits including art.  This piece found a new  home in Montreal.  I was sad to see it go.  It reminds me of a bird in flight in fall. Margaret Ryall 2016 Composition in Time #22  I had a holiday in New York that left me wanting more of those leisurely pursuits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and when I came home fall was suddenly in the air. Before I could even make a list  of all the things that needed doing in my St. John's house, Thanksgiving was looming and I had to add a little fall colour. Thankfully nature helped outside.  I had a lovely display of colour in my planter and could even visually "claim" the maple tree across the street.  My one proactive  fall decor effort before my trip was a flop. My pot of fall flowers had to be laid to rest when I got back.  A frantic trip to the storage room yielded a  generous supply  of fake fall foliage...

 Yes, I've been Pinteresting too much again. It's one of the best ways to see what the common trends are in interior design.  I am not talking about the "cutting edge" ones touted as design trends for a particular year, but the ones that you know average people usein their homes.  These common elements are sometimes referred to as "decorating crutches" because anyone can use them in any space.   I bet you know them already because they are constantly flying by your eyes on Pinterest or Instagram or in home decor stores.  Check out some of the hallmarks of decor predictability in 2016  compiled from an evening of online viewing. Here are a few pics for you.   Can you see any similarities in these spaces ? Here's what I came up with... overly coordinated fabrics and accessories  trays used to corral vignettes on tables stacking books in vignettes  pale rugs  lots of  candles  box store art art that gives you directions (word art)...

As our lives become busier and more frantic there seems to be more interest in decor styles that are calm and comfortable.  As a result coastal influences are popping up everywhere.  Perhaps coastal decor is for you.  Check out this ideabook I just developed on Houzz.  To see the ideabook in its entirety click on the title.   Going coastal mhnmb.xyz mhwed.xyz mnabx.xyz mnaby.xyz mtaya.xyz mtlpg.xyz ndgoe.xyz ndona.xyz nsbmj.xyz nsbmm.xyz oijug.xyz okzqb.xyz oygfk.xyz pabrs.xyz psdrv.xyz ptgna.xyz qitat.xyz qitdg.xyz qymov.xyz radpm.xyz resrh.xyz rexce.xyz rqqbg.xyz rrfml.xyz rzbou.xyz sagzc.xyz sixbu.xyz sjamt.xyz ssmik.xyz ssqlx.xyz tbbsd.xyz tbsxl.xyz tiphd.xyz tkuyi.xyz twxce.xyz tzkxj.xyz ujjse.xyz ujpos.xyz uvcit.xyz uvszc.xyz xfjsd.xyz xglsc.xyz xscix.xyz xsesg.xyz ybmys.xyz yccpi.xyz ylcal.xyz ylcef.xyz yywsp.xyz yzaje.xyz zpxdz.xyz zqsee.xyz qiainuo.xyz qilinaf.xyz qnialei.xyz qnqunyi.xyz rbzones.x...