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 : )

Best girls book I have seen in a while, Smile by Raina Telgemeier

My daughters discovered this book at their last book fair, but it was sold out before their class went. We finally checked it out at our library and neither could put it down. In one day each, both girls plowed through it every spare minute they had. Several times they even stopped to tell me a funny scene... "that sounds just like daddy", "that's just like us". I truly hope she is writing more books soon. Just so you know it is a graphic novel but looks like comics not anime, and it is thicker. Cute story about a girl and a tooth incident. Anyway, here's a link on amazon, very inexpensive for a book your daughter will LOVE. Mine are 12 and 9 for your reference.

Smile at Amazon

Easy Adorable Waves!

My girls LOVE to do their hair in different ways, so one day I picked up a triple barrel curler to give it a try.  After a brief reading of the instructions, it looked this cute after the first attempt!

This is what we used...it's by Conair and ceramic.

Conair Three Barrell Wave Curler

This has to be the easiest way to do dramatic wave curls I have ever tried.  Literally just take a strand about 1 inch wide, close it "flat-iron style" over the hair at the scalp, then move down the strand (overlaping to keep it neat).  Even did it on myself very easily (you do need a mirror to see where to place it next). The application reminds me of the way you krimped way back when.

I immediately told my friends with girls about this one!

One way to elevate the height of your windows

So we all know we are supposed to hang our drapes to the ceiling now, but what if you already had your drapes hung lower? Why not add a piece of iron or a wall plaque over the window to help make it look higher. Then you don't have to buy new drapes or add a piece of fabric to the ones you have now AND you don't have to move the rod and patch wall holes!

This is in my master.  I only used one panel because the windows flank my bed.

These pieces came from my old house where I had half-round windows over my windows in my living room. Had to use them somewhere :) 

There is a space between the rod and the piece.  Jut couldn't capture it with the glare from the window.  Wait until you hear what I made the curtain rod out of (that's another post).

Hanging iron pieces in windows

Like a lot of people, I have numerous windows in my home that are over doors or other windows or just in an odd place that can't be treated with drapes. Why not fill them with an iron piece to help make them more decorative. Just take your measurements and account for any odd shapes.  They can be set in the opening or hung.  It depends on how much of a ledge you have or if you have a lot of movement in the wall (doors closing, etc.)

This is an odd modern-shaped octagon window I have in my non-modern house. I used a bold graphic circle piece to try to draw the eye away from the shape of the window.  It was a frame to a broken mirror in an as-is section.  It is hung with a single hook using the mirror's original hanging hole.

This is over my front door and is an eyebrow window. I needed a cascading piece to account for the arch.  This is just leaned in the window (it is lighter and has never even moved no matter how much the door has been opened and closed).

This is over my study doors and was originally filled with a "lovely" etched glass piece. After I replaced the glass myself (that will be another post), I hung this piece to give the blank area some interest. Double duty because it can be seen from both the study and the master bedroom.