Ta Da! Check out the new drapes. “What’s so special about these drapes?” you ask. Well, I’ll tell you. If you venture on Pinterest at all, you will have seen countless examples of paint drop cloths transformed into art. I tried to do that. The Pinterest inspiration for me was the pink fork and knife someone painted on their drapes. Perhaps you saw them yourself.
If you follow me for any length of time, you will be assured that you are dealing with someone in love with whimsy. And colour. And frugality. Always. So here’s my take on those things.
These “before” drapes barely cover the fact that the big black BBQ is old and ugly, and although we have a private backyard, I didn’t like the fact that you could see in the house if it was dark out and the lights were on inside. Unfortunately, one too many horror movies have made their way into this over-imaginative brain….
Here’s how it went down. I purchased a $14.00 drop cloth for hallways from The Home Depot. The French doors are only around 4′ wide each, so I didn’t need much width.
I laid it out, keeping it in half vertically, folded it in half again horizontally and cut it in the middle. I didn’t worry too much about how straight it was since I’d be “hemming” the panels anyway. I say “hemming” because as a poser seamstress I feel using sewing terminology gives you the wrong impression of my skill set. Just keeping it real, people.
I taped off the edge for a stripe. I’m no fool, I know when BBQ sauced hands grab the drapes they will sully that canvas panel in no time flat. I am so not interested in washing these that much. As a matter of fact, I noticed that a lot of the directions for drop cloth transformations called for washing the cloth first. Why? beats me. So I didn’t.
Here’s my inspiration, taken directly off my great wall of China. I love it so.
I copied a real- life knife, but drew an imaginary handle. Isn’t copying awesome? Just modify it till you like it!
Paint it.
Peppertree, by Glidden paint (the kitchen accent wall colour), with accents of white, black and gold.
Once that was done, I pulled out all the stops and inserted grommets. Do NOT be intimidated by these things. Super easy directions to follow, taking no time at all. The hardest part was figuring where they should go and how many I’d need. Remember, math and I are not on speaking terms.
Next I hung the drapery panels up and saw how they fell and how long they were, to decide on how much “hemming” was needed. I prefer drapes to just touch the floor…not too short, not too long, just right. Thanks for the gauge, Goldilocks.
Get yourself some of this iron on hem stuff and you will love “sewing” again.
The green tape is my version of basting….I did actually fold over and iron down a double edge for a cleaner, tidy-er look – I’m not a complete savage, and I ironed out the creases where needed.
You can keep the design simpler by just doing stripes, random polka dots (trace cups, bowls etc.), paint splatter or a graphic stencil all over or just around the border. There are so many options. You could actually sew fabric of your choice for the hem or border. If you hate them when you’re done, just revert them back to what they were originally made for. No major loss there.
*Readers – if you try this project, or any other project you have seen on this blog, please let me know and I will link my post to yours. We can share readers! Yay, sharing!
You are hilarious! And I love the outcome. You’re pretty talented with a paint brush!
If I made you laugh then my job here is done 😃
The talent just got handed down I think, and I am the happy recipient…
Very impressive!
Nice to hear from you and Thanks for the compliment !!
This is gorgeous and would have been very intimidating had you not broken it down in your inimitable style. Thanks for another great post!
Gorgeous? Wow, thank you! But my favourite part of your comment is that you say I make it look do-able! Makes my heart happy!
Absolutely amazing you are!!! Drop cloth is my favorite! (mostly because I can afford it! … and it’s neutral. ) You have a talent indeed! Well done on the fork and knife, I would not have been able to do that at all…at least not so they would be recognized as a fork and knife :0)!
Love it!
Smiles!
Terry
Haha I bet you’re better than you think – and I love the drop cloth decorating style too. Mid century industrial drop cloth eclectic?
I’m not sure which I love more, the curtains or your insane humor? Great read!!!
Oh I’ll take you loving them both 😉
Hmm, not sure how I feel about them but I love that you did it, and it made for a great read 🙂 I’ve been intimidated by grommets, so was glad to hear they aren’t as complicated as I’ve been imagining (math also not my strong suit). Maybe finally I’ll tackle those living room sheers I’ve been procrastinating on forever…thanks for the motivation!
I appreciate the honesty! And I’m so glad I encouraged your motivation to go forth and grommet! I would check on the weight of the grommet you try – not sure how they’ll sit on a sheer if they are a heavier grommet. I’m pretty sure there’s finer ones out there. Let me know how you did!
Fabulous!!! You really are one talented lady. I would never even think of making my own curtains! I love that you do, and with such finesse! Nadine x
Finesse! That’s a fabulous word 😃 I’m so glad you popped in and left me that comment! Such a great start to my day.
I adore this!! If I had a large, empty wall space in my kitchen I’d want to paint these right on the wall! (*IF* I had your painting abilities, that is.)
Ooooh that’s a fun idea! You could use a projector!? As far as the large wall space I’m afraid you’d have to move. So, I guess this project will have to wait…dang.
I love your basting method, I will be using that from now on.
Yes, it takes a little practice but once you get the hang of it…you may also like my gum rendition…
You are so creative! I love reading about your new creations!
I shall create until I can create no more! You have encouraged me with your lovely comment. I only hope I don’t run out of ideas!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
I LOVE that you Love Love love it! Thank you 🙂
I Love your color palette choices! Drop cloth – who knew. Excellent work!
Peppertree has been my go-to for years now. I never get tired of it and most other colours seem to match up to it really well. Thanks for the thumbs up!
Wow, your curtains look awesome! I had no idea you could do something like that with drop cloth, how cool. Also absolutely love your dining room set, the black and white chairs are gorgeous!
Thank you! The chairs are from ikea but I had them slipcovered. Good thing I didn’t try to “sew” them myself!
Gosh, you’re talented! Love it!
Thank you for the comment! I popped over and checked out your baby’s room – it’s absolutely adorable – just like her!
Aw, thank you!
Oh, you are both lovely writer and decorator. Love this piece. Can I get over feeling intimidated by grommets? Hmmm, we’ll see…
Haha seriously they’ve come a long way. You just place and click! I wouldn’t lie! 😉
Very cool! I’ve always wanted to try the transform-drop-cloth-into-curtains. Now that we’re moving into a house with more windows, I just might have to give it a go!
I think you should. If you need a cheerleader, I’m in!
Very creative! Your projects are inspiring!
I think inspiring is my favourite word! Thanks for using it,and for following
These turned out sooo fab!
I love they are peek proof, lol. Thanks for the comment!
Wow!! What an awesome project!! Well done!
Thank you! It’s fun to use something meant for a completely different purpose and turn it into art
Those turned out so good.
Thanks so much Silent E! And thanks for checking out other posts – makes me happy- and the fact that you are following makes me ecstatic! 🙂
I LOVE the fork and knife btw… but this is such a cheap way to make curtains that I never would have thought of!!! Brilliant!
Cheap is my middle name 🙂 Thanks for following!
you have so many good ideas
and you are so talented
good job!
simplyhazel1.wordpress.com
Wow that’s a great compliment! Thanks for the words and the follow!
This is so creative and modern! You are very talented with painting.
Nice words! Thanks for the comment and the follow!
Reblogged this on loopyludo and commented:
Oh wow!!! 😀 I adore your new drapes, so creative and beautifully done!!!