DIY: Adding Length to Curtains

Back in August when we moved into our new place, I knew one of the first things (as far as decorating) I wanted to do was add drapes to the living room. So I went on the search for long, neutral drapes - that were affordable. I eventually found two 80" cream-colored, sheer panels that I could live with. That seems long, but not when you have high ceilings and long windows. I (personally) think drapes look best hung a foot or so above the window and fall to where they just dust the ground - rather than hitting a foot (give or take) above the ground. However, even 80" wasn't long enough for this. So I just dealt with them. Then about an month ago I decided to tackle my choppy drapes. 

Need:

Panels (already had)

Coordinating fabric (2yrd $4, on sale!)

Fusible fabric iron on ($4.99)

Yard stick (already had)

Iron (already had)

Curtain rod (already had)

Curtain rings (2 7pc pkgs $5.99)

Total: $20.97

Directions:

Before you get started you may want to see where your current panels hang and then measure how much additional fabric needs to be added in order for them to dust the ground and/or for them to be hung higher. 

1. Lay out your panel so that you can get a measurement of the width. Then lay your fabric onto the panel. Measure and cut off additional fabric length and width wise to appropriate lengths, but be sure to leave a couple inches on each end - just to be safe. 

2. Place a strip of the fusible iron on about an inch from the edge of the fabric, fold over about a half inch of  fabric, and iron the fabric together to create a hem.* Do this all the way down each side of the fabric length-wise only. Since I was working on the floor, I placed an old towel underneath the fabric while ironing. 

*I found it easiest to cut and iron about a one foot piece of the fusible iron at a time.

3. Once the length of both sides of the fabric has been hemmed, position the panel onto the fabric. Again, I went with about an inch of overlap. Once positioned, place your strip of iron-on between the fabrics and iron for about 10 seconds on each strip until you've adhered all of the fabric to the panel.  

4. Once the fabric has been ironed onto the panel you should have a couple inches of fabric left over on each side. Cut off additional fabric on the ends so that about one inch remains. 

5. Again, lay down a strip of iron on fusible tape about an inch from the edge of the fabric, fold the edge over, and then iron to fuse fabric together. Do this on both ends and this will finalize all hemming. 

6. Lay completed panel on the ground so that you can evenly space out the curtain rings. Clip on rings.

7. Slide rings onto existing rod and you will have yourself longer drapes!

So in the picture above my drapes are not dusting the ground. They are hanging out on the ground. When we move into a new place I will hang the rod to where the drapes dust the ground, but this rod was already up and I wasn't going to re-hang it. I really don't mind them being extra long. 

The first panel seemed to take me f o r e v e r! I almost wanted to quit, but I stuck it out. I actually also added fabric to the panels in our bedroom (the blue/green fabric in the first picture) and by the last panel I really was moving quickly.

If something in my directions is unclear, please email me at dwellingandtelling@gmail.com and I will be happy to clarify. I found this DIY to be slightly harder to put into words. Good luck!

BEV: DIY Moss Covered Letters

Early in the wedding planning I knew I wanted to incorporate a couple moss-covered "J" letters into our special day. I also knew I wanted to make them myself.  These can get quite pricey if you purchase them already made, so making them yourself can help you to save quite a bit of cash. 

I ultimately decided to make two 12" J's and two 24" J's. I had the 24" letters placed on the two windows at the top of the stairs at the church, and I had the 12" letters hung on the doors of the country club. 

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Need:

Mod Podge ($7)

Small-Medium sized foam brushes ($1)

Large sheet of plastic ($3)

Scissors (already have)

Paper mache letters ($4-$10)

Paper plate (already have)

Moss ($2.50)*

Directions:

1. Lay out your large sheet of plastic on the surface you will be using. You want a large area to work on as you will be making a mess - moss pieces will get everywhere and you will need extra space to leave the letters to dry.

2. Pour some Mod Podge onto a paper plate. You'll want to do this because as you start covering your letter, your sponge will most likely get moss on it and if you are dipping back into the Mod Podge bottle, you'll get those pieces into the jar. 

3. Start with the top of the letter and work in small areas. I'd  spread the glue on a 2x4" area and lay down the moss. 

4. Continue working in small areas down the front of the letter until it is completely covered.

5. Once covered, use scissors to trim around all edges.

6. Repeat steps 3-5 for each side of letter until it is completely covered. 

7. Once completely covered, use scissors to snip away any remaining pieces that are sticking out.

8. Set aside to dry over night.  

After finishing all four of my letters, I noticed a four-leaf clover on one of the J's. Lucky me!

A couple days before the wedding I gave the completed moss covered letters to my florist and she hung them for me using a navy colored ribbon that perfectly matched my bridesmaids' dresses. This ribbon was also used to wrap the bridesmaids' bouquets and used around a couple vases on tables. 

If you find that you do not have the time, patience , or whatever else to make these yourself, I would suggest heading over to Etsy and checking out the selection of moss covered letters. Purchasing letters online will cost you anywhere from $25-$150+ depending on size of letter, moss material, and person selling. 

Check out other ideas for using moss covered letters!

*You can get moss at Walmart or at any craft store. The craft stores, like Michaels or JoAnn, will have more of a variety of moss, so pricing will depend on what moss you want. I purchased six bags of the Walmart moss and had one bag left over after doing all four bags. 

DIY: Empty Frame Collage

I can't even begin to tell you all how many pictures I have saved on my computer as inspiration for this DIY. One of my most favorite home decor looks is a collage of empty frames. In living rooms, hall ways, dining rooms, bedrooms... anywhere! I love it! And I knew I wanted to have it in my house. And now I do!

Need:

5-20 empty picture frames (be sure to get a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs around the edges)

2-4 cans of white spray paint in semi-gloss finish*

Nails

Hammer

Directions:

Before painting your fames, go ahead and lay them on the floor and play with the arrangement until you get it the way you want. Then snap a photo to reference back to when you begin the hanging process. (My arrangement changed a bit. I broke one and then another one wouldn't take the paint)

Lay out a large piece of cardboard to lay your frames on for painting.

Spray the frames with 2-4 coats of paint or until they are completely and evenly covered.

Once dry, begin hanging your center frame(s) and work your way out. Be sure to refer back to the photo you snapped earlier. Or feel free to hang as you please for a less uniformed look. 

                          

*As always, I like to mention that you can pick any color that you prefer or that may better suit the room you are doing this project for. Same applies with the finish of the paint.

Glittery Pumpkins

Not too long ago I posted on a Martha Stewart craft that turned boring orange plastic pumpkins into glittery and beautiful decorations for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Early last week I tackled the project and I'm ready to share!

I bought a large white pumpkin and two smaller orange pumpkins. As far as the glitter, when I walked into Michaels there was a basket stand full of $1 goodies. One of the $1 goodies was a pack of four different fine, colored glitter. The colors were gold, purple, dark pink, and pink. I decided to buy seven of these and I essentially got a decent amount of four different colors for seven bucks. Quite the deal. The pay off was great, but it was a pain to open each packet to pull out a color every time I ran out. And the tops to each little container just sat on the top, it wasn't secure. And I spilled a lot. And made a mess.

 But the task is over and I think they look fantastic! I'm not completely satisfied with what I've done with the centerpiece. I think this particular set up would look great on a hallway table or the top of a entertainment center that's under a hanging flat screen, but not the dining table. It's not dramatic enough. So I'm either going to completely move it somewhere else and find something better for the table OR I'm going to try out some candle sticks to give it some height. Whatever happens, I still absolutely love the results!