Tuesday, September 21, 2010

No-Sew Painted Drapes (and a teaser)




So today I wanted to show you a "non-sewer" solution to drapes.  I'm really not a sewer.  I REALLY want to be -- but I'm too nervous to get my machine out and use it.  I recently had to bring my little sewing machine in for repairs because apparently I have a "death grip" on my fabric when I feed it through.  Oops.  

Anyhow, since I've had it repaired I just can't bring myself to get it out again.  I had every intention of sewing the drapes for our guest room, but in the end, my fear won.  I have no problem using a saw, air nailer or power tools -- but my sewing machine is just one of those things I haven't learned yet.  Someday, my bloggy friends.....someday.  :)

So enough about my "non-sewer" ranting, right!?!  :)  The point was I found what I think is a REALLY cute way to get around sewing drapes.

I started out by measuring my window so I knew how much fabric I needed.   My windows aren't ginormous like some of the new-house windows out there, so I didn't need too much fabric.

Next I went out and picked up my materials:

Two Flat Twin Bed Sheets: $7.19 each
Fabric Paint: $2.49
Stencil: $2.99
Stencil Brushes: $.99

TOTAL: $13.66

You'll also need drapery hardware too. I used a leftover rod from our our old house.....one instance where my pack-rat instincts came in handy. :)





I washed and ironed my sheets and laid them out on our kitchen island.  I taped the edges of the sheet to the island so that they didn't move and slide around while I was stenciling.  I decided to stencil a line of this pattern across each panel.  

I used the "top" of each sheet as the bottom of my drape since it's usually a little bit more decorative.  I started about a foot and half up with the stencil -- but I think I would've liked it better if the pattern was a little closer to the ground.



I taped down the stencil and stippled the white paint onto the sheet.  When you pull the stencil up, it should look like this:


 From there I just continued to do a pattern across the fabric until I reached the end.  I let it dry, and then I went back and did a stencil in between all of the first ones.  I tilted the stencil to be diagonal -- so it will look like this:


 Once you're done with all the "in between" stencils, you'll have a pattern like this:


Now it's time for the top of the drape.  I folded the top six inches over the back of the drape and ironed it so there is a crease.  I then took hem tape along the edge to hold the "seam" in place.  Then you can slide the drapery hardware into the little pocket you created.




Sorry for the not so great pictures -- the foot of our guest bed is not too far from the window and it makes it kinda difficult to get a good shot. :)

BUT, I have to say for a new sew drape -- I'm pretty happy with the result.



And now for the teaser..... 



Did you see that fantastic honey-comb shade?!?!  I'm SO in love with it -- seriously.   It's a new Redi Shade.  And it is FANTASTIC!  Next time I have to get shades -- Redi Shade is my first stop (no, they are not paying me say that -- I'm completely serious).


So, be sure to come back tomorrow and I'll tell you all about the shade and maybe.........we'll just have give one away too. :)


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53 Hand-Me-Downers Shared:

A Southern Rose said...

They turned out so pretty. That was a great idea. I love the stencils too. I'll have to remember this if I decide to change curtains because pre-made curtains are so expensive. I love these.

Tina said...

Great idea. The curtains look wonderful and stylish.
T

. said...

I love how they turned out Amanda!!

I'm not a sewer either. I really, really wish I was. But the bobbin and I have never been able to 'mend' our ways. ;) (I crack myself up!)

michelle said...

How clever! I love the pattern that you chose! I am not a sewer either, I can do straight lines but that is about it!

Greta said...

These are FANTASTIC. :) I am really cheap and always want to buy curtains, but never do because they are so expensive. This is an idea I will try! Thanks girl!

Greta @ modgarden.blogspot.com

Megan Gunyan said...

Oh my gosh! I just used this SAME stencil to paint a pattern on one of my walls! Wow! I love the idea of using it on fabric! What a great way to dress up your curtains! Love it.
I hope you can join my FREE blog banner giveaway! alittleknickknack.blogspot.com

Christi S. said...

GORGEOUS! So clean, simple and beautiful!
Do you know what size stencil you used and where you found it? LOVE IT!

Kara's Korner said...

I'm working on no sew curtains too...or at least they're on my every long 300 mile list. Love your tutorial and your curtains! So perfect!

Great job...as usual!

Ann Marie @ Twice Lovely said...

Great idea to stencil the fabric. I've used that very same stencil on this sofa table!

http://twicelovely.blogspot.com/2010/06/sofa-table-desk-chair-and-tour-de.html

Something Nice and Pretty said...

What a great idea, they look fantastic! I'm going to add your button to my blog.

Have a great day!

Kelli said...

Wow, I love the way they turned out! Absolutely beautiful!

Kelli
xoxo
loveoursimplelife.blogspot.com

Stacy Risenmay said...

I LOVE these!!! I paint fabric all the time. And I am afraid of my sewing machine too. What a fun project and a fun blog :)

Stacy
Not JUST A Housewife

Kyra @ RACKS and Mooby said...

Came out great! I like that stencil. I'm not a swere either and I'm OK with that. LOL. Nice job!

Deborah@Green Willow Pond said...

So pretty Amanda! I'm going to have to get me some larger stencils now!

Korrie@RedHenHome said...

Love it! I have dropcloth curtains in my bedroom, but often I think they need a little dressing-up. I may have to try this!

Nicole - Craft My Soul said...

That is a GREAT idea! I NEED to change these ugly curtains in my living room and that is soooo easy! Thanks so much!

-Nicole
www.craftmysoul.blogspot.com

Mel said...

Fantastic! I love the stencil that you used.

Anonymous said...

They look great! I love that stencil!

srldesign said...

this turned out beautiful! love the look =)

Decorchick! said...

I LOVE how those came out Amanda!! Super cute! :)

Judy said...

Check out my recent post for a review of my free (yes I said free!) Redi Shade and your chance to win a coupon for a discount. I love our creme blackout shade in our bedroom. Highly recommend!

Judy

Joy@Thrifty Parsonage Living said...

Your curtians turned out so pretty, I love your great idea of stenciling the fabric!

Anonymous said...

LOL!!!! I JUST finished putting up a queen sized bed sheet cut in half for my bedroom curtain!

-Jessica

Anonymous said...

And I love yours, btw. Great stencil. Nice detail without too much fuss.

Melissa said...

Those turned out wonderfully. Great way to personalize them and much cheaper than buying curtains.

TheCraftInMe said...

Thanks for your FABULOUS tutorial, this is an awesome idea!

Lauren N said...

I've been looking all over the place for a no-sew DIY curtain tutorial. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can't wait to try this.

Brittany Lewis said...

Thats a really great idea! They look good. Check out my blog if you get a chance.

KimMalk said...

What a pretty idea - custom draperies for very little $. Thanks so much for linking.

Krista @ While He Was Napping said...

What a great idea! All of my drapes are made out of sheets... I'm cheap like that. I never thought about stenciling on them though. What a great touch. I just might have to take my drapes down and find a cute stencil..... Thanks for the tute!

Krista
whilehewasnapping.blogspot.com

ShayPorteous said...

Wow. they turned out way better than I imagined they would. Nice jobb!!


Please come visit & contribute to my linky party - would be great to have your awesome projects on there!
http://shabbychicvilla.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-first-linky-party.html

Michelle said...

I don't sew either, thank you so much for sharing this idea!

Amber D said...

What a great idea, just like all of your ideas. I have an award waiting for you on my blog come and check it out! http://www.lifelovegreen.com/2010/09/two-blog-awards/

Ali @ Honey and Maple Syrup said...

I love the stencil you chose!

Envymycooking said...

Great job. i love it! If you ever want too be featured or want some yummy recipes come check out our blog

Kelli said...

I want to redo the drapes in my living room and I love these. I can't believe they are sheets! I love the stencil you chose too.

Karen said...

I love these! Where did you find your stencil? I'm wondering if I can get it online... Thanks!! Karen

Tashia said...

Those look great Amanda!! I've been wanting to do something similar with drop cloths but always chicken out! Thanks for the inspiration!

Katie | FashionFrugality.com said...

Absolutely love this & I am totally in need of some drapes for my bedroom. Thank you for sharing! :)

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

Wow, what a great idea. I love this! Thanks so much, I'll be linking.

Darlene S. said...

This is such a fun tutorial! Who needs crazy expensive drapes when we can make one customized ourselves!? I'll look at bed sheets in a new light now. :)

Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish said...

Beautiful! I am so doing this! Love it! Sharing on my FB page! (P.S. I LOVE my Redi Shade!)

Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence said...

So pretty--what a difference the little details make! Thanks for sharing at Beyond the Picket Fence's Under $100 Party.

Lallee said...

Nicely done! The paint stands out so nicely on that fabric.

A Pretty Pastime said...

Oh my! The drapes turned out beautifully! I am gonna' have to give this a try!

Unknown said...

I have been trying to come up with creative ideas throughout the house to cover up all the new windows I have. (I went from 7 windows to 22! That's LOTS of curtains). I've so far bought pre made panels, cut shower curtains in two. This one is perfect! I'll have to add it to my ideas!

Mare said...

hi amanda:))....
I come form Europe, and i realy like the idea of you having a link party...... I hope I'll meet a lot of new blogers........
I realy like your blog.......and love stencils:))...
You can check out my blog at
http://argopirgasto.blogspot.com/
http://mare-ri.blogspot.com/

greeting from croatia:))
Mare.....

Tiffany said...

Bloody Brilliant Amanda.

Karen said...

Thanks for the note about the stencils over on my blog! That was very thoughtful ;) Can't wait to give this project a whirl!

Ashlee Marie said...

very fun. I like the stencil you picked out too! And I'll have to check out those shades! I've heard really good things about them!

Allison {A Glimpse Inside} said...

Just wanted to let you know that I featured this today on my blog!

http://adventuresofthemichelenafamily.blogspot.com/2010/10/feature-friday-4.html

Unknown said...

You have been featured at CraftOManiac Thanks so much. Jen

GORG. JOB!

Tasha said...

LOVE THIS! I just had to feature this today on my site!! I am in the process of doing something like this and then I came across your post and was so excited because it helped me out tremendously!!! Thank you for sharing your awesome ideas!!
Tasha
www.dotdotdotthis.blogspot.com

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