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 :)

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Using table clothes for drapes

Tablecloths come in tons of fabrics and lengths and they are a lot more affordable than drapery panels!

Now that ring clips have been back in style as drapery hardware for a while, it makes it a lot easier to use raw fabric as drapes. But who wants to hem fabric? Don't we all want a no sew easy drape that is super affordable and fits our window perfectly? We don't ask for much :)

One thing I always noticed was that my linen stores always had tons of tablecloths on clearance (or that they were down right cheap compared to drapes), yet they seemed like the same thing.

Not to mention that in my area windows are soooo tall and there were never panels long enough for my windows.

Tablecloths come in lengths as long as 120" standard! Some as cheap as $10 regular price.

I've used tablecloths in both my dining room and master bedroom and love them. I've posted pictures of both on other posts noting tie backs and hanging methods, but here are some additional photos. Happy hunting!



Adding trim to plain lampshades

These are both additions to chandelier shades, but obviously it would apply to any lampshade. All you need is hot glue!

The more "feathery" trim is actually two trims hot glued on the outside of a parchment type shade. The first trim was dangle beads on ribbon, then whispy upholstery trim glued on top of that. Gave a very plain chandelier some interest.

The second was upholstery trim with beads already on it glued to the inside of faux leather shades. For some reason I just didn't like how it looked on the outside. Just shows it works either way.

I get all of my trims at Hobby Lobby during 50% off or on remnant, so both redos cost a total of $10. Just measure the inside of one shade and multiply to see how many inches you need. Don't cut anything until it is glued on the shade. So you don't end up making a bunch of wrong cuts.

Good luck :)






Use jewelry as tie backs

As you may have seen in my post about using iron to raise the height of your window treatments, my drapes in my master bedroom didn't have tie backs. They had previously, but on a whim several years back I took them off to "streamline" them.

Well today on Nate Burkus I saw him use some neat studed tie backs, so I accepted the challenge. I found an old long necklace in my jewelry box that looked similar, split it in half and wrapped it around each drape twice (hooking it onto a cup hook screwed into the wall). Love a free change :)