It's not a fabric to gather when wrapping like the "pouf" wrap I did before, it would be a wrinkled mess. I simply folded and taped just as I would with gift wrap paper. You do have to use more double-sided tape than you would with gift wrap paper, but it does hold. These first two are quieter presentations as I think linen in any colour is by nature a quieter look, it's beauty is in it's understatement. This gift shows how little is needed when the base is setting the mood, I simply used 2 velvet flowers (from a scrapbook collection) and a thin taupe velvet ribbon on the top one, the bottom one a beach shell napkin ring. In order to secure the ring I had to loop through and then knot the ribbon back to the main ribbon, but I liked the look. I have been on the hunt for a variety of belt buckles so I can do this technique with wider ribbon. A little French gift tag and it's done.
Once I started experimenting with this linen base, I simply could not stop. I enjoyed how it could handle just about any look I cared to try. Even when I mixed two colours, peach and pink with a taupe polka-dot grosgrain.
When using fabric in this manner, do not strive for perfect folds like you would with paper. It simply cannot be done. It's fabric and there is no mistaking that fact and it becomes part of the look. I'm not sure the ribbon was needed around the base, now that I look twice, the taupe polka-dot ribbon peeking out of the flowers seems quite enough, after all those flowers don't really need any competition.
I used this linen fabric in a bedroom for a client not too long ago and was reminded of it when I was experimenting (fondly, she was a fabulous client). They had an existing wood sleigh bed with one of those generic leather upholstered head and footboards and faux brass nailhead trim. The bed had to stay, but way too masculine and the look too heavy. We took the leather off and had both sections reupholstered in this exact neutral linen with silver nailhead trim, the whole room and scale shifted. We then wallpapered the walls in a silk grasscloth in this same neutral colour and installed multiple recessed picture lights. The drapes and embroidered valances were in this linen as well. Something I insisted on was all-white, high-quality bed linens, beautifully crisp in this setting. When the bedside lamps and four picture lights went on, the artwork (a mix of oil paintings and historical prints) and silk grasscloth just shimmered with an understated elegance. To make a long story short, I just love taupe and white together. Here I get to use up the foliage that is left on all those silk flower stems I cut for gifts. The look works whether it is a small pink bud or a larger magnolia.
A triple white satin bow with simple rosebud. I would like to try this with pink ribbon, or blue, lavender or purple would be lovely......I just can't stop and it works with everything. Hope you like this linen wrap, tomorrow I will show you even more variations with a little twist. Remember I do have that wide ivory linen wide ........I really meant it when I said I couldn't stop.
Each one is lovely. I especially like the magnolia with the green leaves and the bud with green leaves above it. My massive Magnolia will soon be blooming with its hundreds of blossoms and intoxicating smell. A lovely post and great example of how beige linen goes with everything, whether in gift wrapping or interior design.
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty! Very simple but elegant. I'm sure she must have loved it!
ReplyDeletehttp://fab.typepad.com
I have a book on entertaining Italian style - lots of linen, wooden serving pieces, simple ideas are always so pretty and so natural.
ReplyDeleteI love linen.
pve
I agree with Beth - I think the magnolia is my favorite, but the rosebud runs a close second. Please post on the buckles when you start using them - it's such a neat idea.
ReplyDeletePeach & pink ... . with those polka dots:
ReplyDeletea guaranteed smile -
Jjjj
How DO your customers ever have the heart to even open their gifts?? They are wrapped so beautifully, the box is a gift unto itself!! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely!
Ruth
Loved...Loved...Loved...the triple satin bows, so BEAUTIFUL!!! If I received a gift like that I wouldn't want to open the box.....Yeh! just and empty box with a bow and I would be happy...gosh I'm 'cheap to keep'.
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhhhhh Sande! I loveeee the linen. I have always loved wrapping gifts with fabrics. Something about it is so soft and warm. You do much better.. and capture it perfectly!
ReplyDeletexoxo Noel
Actually Sande, I loved the polka dot around the base, pulling the two together! So grand. And oooooohhh those flower wraps! So gorgeous! What wonderful ideas! How perfect to create a business in something you love to do and do so well!
ReplyDeleteKirsten
Sande,
ReplyDeleteYour designs are so incredible. I just love the consideration you give to the gift inside.
The whole package is a joy to give and even better to receive!
Always so great to stop by and see what you are up to.
Lisa
Awwwww love this!! Something about linen...So rich, simple, so French & natural too. You make it all so Beautiful Sande!
ReplyDeletexox's
Janet
p.s. I would love to see that wrap from Italy with the linen flowers!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't want to open it. Would it be rude to leave the box on the table to stare at for days & days???
ReplyDeleteLove the silk and satin ribbon with millinerys most of all, but they are all gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteMaureen
Did you make the magnolia? That is really beautiful! Love your style... I just subscribed to your blog so I never miss out on your creative goodies.
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