Welcome to the first part of my Spring-tacular bedroom makeover. It was long overdue and a room neglected a bit. I was hoping to take more pictures today but the gloomy natural light is not cooperating with me.
The makeover began with curtains, something fresh for spring and something unique. I have never been a fan of overpriced store bought curtains and have made just about all the window treatments in the house (these being the easiest). Spring also reminds me of fresh linens on the line, you may have noticed the inspiration extended into all my recent Ki-ki paintings as well.
This is such an easy way to create a spa retreat right in your own home. We already have window shades so I could go any direction with my new window treatments. Here is a list of all I used.
- white twirly bamboo, bought in home accent dept at Target on clearance ($3 for 6)
- organic cotton twin size flat sheets (Target)
- organic cotton dish drying lint free towels (Target as well)
- large font letter stamps,paint,brayer (had on hand)
- large cup hooks
- clothespins and twine (had on hand)
Total cost of needed supplies, probably less than $30 for 3 windows
I washed and dried all new linens. While doing that I attached the hooks to the crown molding for the height and the strength of the wood vs. 150 year old plaster.
Next I checked for length and used the sheet bottom as the top so the finished edge would be on the bottom of the panel. I made the seam pocket for the bamboo to slide through the hem if you will. I measured the length it needed to be to go ceiling to floor and only had to sew one straight line across each sheet . Done! This really does create a much taller, airier room. Hard to describe the way it felt once done, it was instantly changing to a peaceful room to dream in. The light filters through the organic cotton so beautifully!
The next step was a fun one. I tied some twine to the hooks to create the "clothesline valance". I really wanted there to be a message so I picked one of our favorite "lovely love" sayings. "Always Kiss Me Goodnight". This worked out great for the 3 windows and spacing. I chose large letters with a very lightened beige color. Have fun with this, hand write, stamp, go nuts! Vintage hankies would be adorable as well...so would vintage baby clothes.
Directions for stamping on fabric:
1.Start with washed fabric.
2. Next, I like to iron a length of freezer paper to the back of the area of fabric I am working on for stability and prevention of paint bleed through to your work surface.
3.Use a fabric paint, or acrylic with a fabric medium mixed in but follow instructions for use. Honestly if they are decorative and not washed as frequently as clothing you could go with whatever acrylic you have on hand.
4. A simple trick to keep the letters somewhat in a straight line. I taped a piece of string across the bottom of each towel at the exact spot I wanted the bottom of the letter to rest. Always write your word out in front of you on a scrap and start with the middle letter stamped first in the center, don't forget to count the spaces between words.
5.Use a roller or a brayer to apply paint to the stamp for a nice even coat.
Once dry, hang your valances on the line with fun clothespins!
This project is so simple, in fact it probably took me longer to take pictures and post than to actually do it.
For a fun tie back...I prefer to tie window treatments in the center for that hourglass look, I used more twine and a clothespin. There is a small nail on the edge of each frame to hang them on when not in use.
(I would show you how nice it looked if the exterior windows were clean and the yard was not brown and in need of a rake)
Tomorrow, other lovely words and simple decor