DIY Faux Roman Blind

Hi! Hope you had a great weekend!!!

Today I'll be showing you how I made a Faux Roman Blind.

I had 2 eyelet curtains from our previous home. I used the 1 to reupholster our coffee table. The other 1 came in handy when I wanted to make a blind/valance for the dining room window. 

Let's get started...

 

I spread the curtain on the dining room table. My husband measured the holes in the wall and put some screws into the wooden plank - what a sweetie! 

I cut off the eyelets to just use the fabric. It was super easy to use, because the seams were already there. My kind of project ;-)

Measure the window. Mark and cut the fabric to the window's measurements, leave quite a bit for seam allowance.

 

I used the staple gun to secure the one end of the fabric to the wooden plank. I left the screws in the plank so that it won't be visible from the front.

 I secured the fabric to the rest of the top of the plank. I folded the corners in and stapled it secured. I didn't really care to do it neatly as this side will face the wall...

Next I 'seamed' the left and right side of the blind. I used the existing seam as a guideline. I used Bostik's No-Sew Glue, it's so easy to use. I just put a little on, wait a few minutes and 'seam' the fabric.  I did the same with the bottom seam.

And that's how easy it is to make your own faux roman blind!!

Enjoy your week!!

  

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How To Use Old Window Frames in Decor

Hi!

I recently scored this lovely at a house-market. I didn't really need it (or have an open wall for it), but I got it for a steal.And it's so pretty, I couldn't resist!!!

I'm still not sure what I'm going to do with it, so here's a few ideas:

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All of these projects are fabulous, I'm no closer to deciding what to do with my old window frame...!!
Any suggestions?

Check back to find out what I've decided...

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** Linking up at these parties &  My Repurposed Life & Serenity Now & @ Clean & Scentsible!! **

TV Cabinet Makeover: Take 1 - How to Paint & Stain Laminated Wood

Hi Everyone!

As part of my quest to make over our living room I wanted to paint our TV cabinet. Today I'll show you how I did it  :-)

We bought this laminated wood cabinet just after we got married (read: we needed something cheap). Needless to say the color and style is all wrong for our new home. I'm fairly OK with painting wooden furniture, but laminated wood is a whole other story. I did TONS of research.

Here's the official BEFORE photos. It is a BIG piece and very heavy.

Ok so here goes my version of how to paint laminated wood (the cheap and easy way):

I started off by making sure the cabinet is dust free and then I took off the hardware (as you can see it's very modern and not at all the look I want). I also filled the holes with wood-filler

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Next I painted the cabinet with two coats of Plascon Multi-Surface primer and a sponge roller. That dried for a few hours and then the actual paint followed, I used Harlequin Paints Provencal Furniture Paint  in French White. Below you can see that it was quite the mission to get an even coverage.

I was happy with the overall look after three coats of the French White (no photos, I was too anxious to begin with the staining :-) ). For the staining I used Harlequin Paints Antiquing Liquid. It's very runny and easy to work with. I applied it with a paintbrush and did the rest with mutton-cloth.

If you never did staining before I'll explain a little how I do it. Make sure you only do small sections at a time. I apply the staining liquid with my paintbrush in rough strokes and then immediately use the mutton-cloth to lightly wipe off excess liquid. I tend to use circular motions as it leaves a more natural look. Here is an all-done drawer:

I chose not to distress the cabinet as the lines are very modern and there's not any detail on the surface.

Below is the new feet I got from here. I just adore them, it gives the cabinet a whole new 'vintage-y' vibe. WAY more in line with what we want! I followed the same steps to paint the feet as the cabinet.

Are you ready to see the final reveal? I was sooo excited about this...

Until I was NOT so excited... Can you tell from the bad quality photo? I don't have any real reasons, but I just did not LOVE the new look. My husband did, my mom did and my best friend did. But I was not feeling it... :-( I love the new hardware and the feet, though.

Hence the title, TV Cabinet Makeover: Take 1. Stay tuned for Take 2 later on. (Hint: I REALLY loved it!!!)

PS. Overall I found painting laminated wood very easy (the smoothness is so easy to paint!), and will certainly try it again on another piece.

I would love to hear YOUR opinion on the makeover!

Have a blessed week!

**Linking up here & Serenity Now**

Greatest No Knit Yarn Ideas

Helooo! As spring is approaching in South Africa (it's still rainy and cold in Cape Town, but I can dream, right?) I wanted to start making a spring wreath for our front door. I found a few made of yarn and started to see other yarn projects. I gathered up the prettiest ones for you... Enjoy!

**Please Pin from original source**

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Thanks so much for visiting! Check back Monday for a fresh DIY project!

** Linking up at these parties & My Repurposed Life & Serenity Now **