Friday, January 06, 2012

Bringing Mexico Home

Just before Christmas, my husband and I spent a week in Cancun.  We needed a break and my wonderful mother and mother-in-law teamed up to give us the amazing gift of some time away.  While I was there, I picked up a few hand made textiles for my home.  They were silly inexpensive, and now I'm kicking myself for not snagging more while I was there.  Ah well.  We had such a lovey time in Mexico that we wanted to infuse our master bedroom with some of that vacation feeling.  Please excuse my poor photography.






There was a woman on La Isla Mujeres - an island just off of Cancun point - selling hand embroidered bedspreads, table cloths and place mats.  I really wanted one of the larger pieces, but wasn't in a position to spend more than a few dollars.  So I bought two place mats instead and decided to frame them.  I love the bold color and whimsical animals. 



Here they are framed below my Lady of Gudalupe - a gift from a friend.



We're really pleased with the new Mexican vibe in our bedroom.  
All I need now are some party lights and a Negra Modelo.  

15 comments:

Meg said...

I'm a new reader, and I love love LOVE your style! Great idea re: the placemats and framing them!
I wanted to let you know that while your figure is Mother Mary (it looks to be a sacred heart of Mary figure), it's not technically a Lady of Guadalupe. That's a very specific image, based on the story of the appearance of Mary to Juan in Mexico all those many years ago. This knowledge is what happens when you grow up in a Mexican Catholic family! Ha!
That being said, you've got to get you a Lady of Guadalupe because it TOTALLY goes with your style, a little romantic, incredibly colorful and comes with a story!

Sarah Greenman said...

Thank you Megling for the clarification on the Lady of Guadalupe - I think I know the image you're talking about. She's my Mary - with the sacred bleeding heart image. I love her. Thanks for reading!!!

Meg said...

sorry for being "that guy" on your blog!
And now a question...where did you get your bed? It's the perfect combo of functional and romantic!

Connie said...

I love the way the mats look framed. A little vacation in your very own room, what could be better!

Brandi@ Flights of Whimsy said...

I love all of it! I hope to snag things on a few trips this year too. I don't know why I didn't do it before. Such a great idea to frame those place mats!

Sarah Greenman said...

Megling, the bed is from IKEA. They have a white version in stores now, but are going to discontinue the line soon. Its a great bed and at well under 300 bucks, its a great deal!

GB said...

Framed place mats! That is such a smart idea!--I love the way the look against your olive(?) wall color.

And your bedroom is gorgeous--love that folding screen in the corner.

Sarah Greenman said...

GB - Thank you! The wall color is a gray / brown color that goes olive green sometimes. I'd describe it as Sable. The folding screen in the corner was a decoupage project that my grandmother did back in the late 60s. It's covered with lines of poetry and DaVinci portraits.

Maureen said...

It is so beautiful there! We spent a week in Cozumel, which is right across the water (basically)...I didn't want to leave!

Kerry Steele- Design du Monde said...

I really love the framed placemats. Its always good to frame small textiles that you love. Those caught my eye in the first photo and I hoped you would mention a source.

Emily said...

I love how these small Mexican touches make your room have that punch of ethnic vibe without over doing it. It is great Sarah!

Mary said...

Framed placemats?! That's an awesome idea! I love all of the Mexican touches you have added to your bedroom, looks great!

My Beautiful World said...

The colours are amazing. So nice to meet you just found your beautiful blog and so happy I did. I have enjoyed looking around and I'm now following you, wonderful to meet new friends. Hope you find a spare minute to visit and follow me sometime if you like. Sending you special wishes for a wonderful New Year I’m looking forward to keeping in touch in 2012.
Always Wendy

Rachel said...

I purchased similar Otomi placemats and coasters while in Riviera Maya. I'm also planning to frame so I was wondering if you have any tips for keeping the fabric taut and in place behind the glass?

Sarah Greenman said...

I used clear packing tape around the edge to keep it in place against the matting.