Call it a compilation of all the crazy projects I've come up with over the years. Call it a how-to for things around the house. Call it whatever you like :) It's what I do everyday. My blog is really just a way for me to share what I've learned over the years about home improvement, interior design, organization, diy, crafting and home repair. And most importantly it comes from always working on a budget and forever wanting to fend for myself when it comes to anything. I hope you enjoy (and learn a few things along the way :)

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Window valance using raw fabric, ring clips and curtain tie backs (no-sew)



This is my super quick fix for a window covering in my kitchen. I bought some remnant fabric at Hobby Lobby. I used four ring clips and four curtain tie backs I already had to hang it.  On the fabric, the salvage edge was frayed but sewn so it wouldn't run any further, so I used that as the bottom edge.


To finish off the two side and top edges, I sealed them with a lighter (slightly melting the very edge to stop from fraying...luckily the fabric type allowed for that).


The clips are evenly placed about an inch down from the top edge (just pinch & clip).  Hopefully the photo helps explain that visually.


I then hug them on these curtain tie backs I had.  Another idea instead of curtain tie backs is cabinet knobs (see my previous post for how to).  Or even decorative hooks!

Bathroom door signs

Add a little decor in your hallways full of doors, and help your guests find your bathrooms.

The bathrooms my guests use upstairs and down are both in walkways with two or three doors. To alleviate the "try a door until you get the right one" phenomena, I hung a "Powder Room" and "Toilette" sign on each door to help people find the rooms with a little less confusion. Plus they are a nice decoration where there is no wall space to decorate.

I found mine at Hobby Lobby and Ross and hung them with double sided foam tape. They've hung for years with no incident of falling.

Pantry door chalk board

This is a super easy chalk board project that we LOVE on the inside of our pantry door, so you don't see it if it is closed.


I used one role of sheet metal from Home Depot (I think its in the ductwork section) to create the "board" and cut it to fit above and below the door knob on my pantry (I used utility scissors from the dollar store to cut it, but wear some sort of gloves to handle it so you don't cut yourself). You could use non-metal if you don't care if it is magnetic, or are willing to paint with magnetic paint, too.  When you go to measure everything, make sure you measure from inside the pantry.  You want the measurements to clear the frame moldings when the door is shut.


I spray painted it with one can of chalk board spray paint in black (here's a link Chalkboard Spray Paint ).  I used double sided foam tape to hang it on the door.  My doors are six panel, so make sure the tape is placed where it will hit the door.  The metal is thick enough that it doesn't "collapse" or bend in when you write on it over the panel relief.


Then I used very small flat molding (I think it's called screen molding but not sure; its in the wood molding aisle sold by the foot) and cut it to frame each piece of chalk board (cut it a little big, so there is room on the side of the metal to attach it to the door...if you cut it exact you'll have a hard time attaching it, and you'll be able to see the metal from the side.). I painted that trim with the cheap black flat spray paint before I put it on.


I installed the pieces with my staple gun (mine also shoots small nails, so I used those). You could use regular brad nails or a HOT glue gun, too...my low temp one didn't work.  I did have to countersink a few nails that didn't go all the way in, then touched up the nail heads with a black permanent market.

I wanted something to keep the chalk in, so I used a cup from an old dish drain I had and hung that on the door between the two pieces.  You could use anything really.  This cup had the hook to hang on the drain, so I just mounted a piece of trim and hung it on that.


Lastly I suggest a chalk marker for things you don't want to get erased (daily chore lists, calendar borders, etc.). That has to be cleaned off with a wet magic eraser.  Chalk Marker


We mainly use magnets on the top portion for papers we need.  The bottom is the chore list, activities schedule and fine arts schedule in chalk marker.  Then my girls can cross out as they do their chores, erase when they are done, then the list is there for the next day.


Hope this helps you get started!  Happy building : )