I’m back with part 2 of my previous post “No Sew Drapes On A Dime”. In that post I showed how I used sheets to make inexpensive drapery for my big window. I also had a smaller window that needed some attention, but the same long drapery would not have worked well because of lack of wall space. So, I decided to make a simple Roman style valance to repeat the feel of the drapery and not block needed light, air and view.
I used the same sheets as the drapery, but I doubled them to add some weight and body to the valance.
Here’s what I did …
1. This valance is mounted on the outside of the window up to the ceiling. This gives a nice deep looking valance but doesn’t cut out, light, air and view. You can mount them on the inside if you like.
2. Measure the window height. Add the wall space above your window (up to 8-9 ft. wall height).
3. Measure how long you want the “drop” to be (finished length of the valance). From ceiling down to where the bottom of shade will hang (mine was 23″).
4. Then double this measurement (23″ to 46″). This will be your “cut” length before sewing, or pleating.
5. Measure the width you want. I usually go about 2 1/2″ wider on either side of the window (add 5″ to window width). This measurement will be your “cut” width ( before any sewing).
6. Cut 2 fabric pieces for front and back, this is the “cut” length and width.
7. Sew, glue or fuse a 1/2″ seam around the 2 sides and bottom edge of fabric. Leave top open. Turn inside out and press flat.
8. Add banding if you want to sides ( link back to my previous post).
9. Fold up 3 or 4 tiers/folds into bottom of the shade and sew or glue to secure in place on the back. Stuff a little white tissue paper in the folds to fluff out bit.
10. Attach the top of the valance to the wood bar with staple gun or glue gun, add 2, “L” brackets to the bar. Hang valance on wall.
It sounds more complicated than it is, so look at the side view picture (click pictures to enlarge) if you’re a visual thinker.
By the way, the cost for my valance was $7.00. The cost of a sheet (on sale). Everthing else I had on hand and cut to fit.
The old adage,” where there’s a will there’s a way”, is true. It’s great to find ways to cut costs but not style. My “homemade” window treatments may not win any prizes, but for me they are just the touch the room needed and the price was right!
What materials have you used for interesting and creative valances or window treatments (place mats, table runners, roll-up bamboo mats, scarfs, tablecloths, etc…caution, there’s a fine line between tacky and terrific, so be mindful)?
Please share those great ideas for all of us DIY ers.
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1. I need some ideas for table centerpieces. I am having a party and have a round table and a rectangular but no idea on how to set the table.
by Dayna — 10/27/09 at 11:56 pm #
2. Hi Dayna,
Great to hear from you!! It’s that time of the year again, and sounds like you’re ready to party.
There are so many ways to decorate tables for fall. I always think using natures bounty always makes a tasteful and beautiful table. Much of the materials can be collected right outside your door or at a local market.
Here’s a few ideas you might consider for your tables….
1. Use a pumpkin as a vase. You don’t even have to cut it open and clean out the pumpkin. Set a sturdy pumpkin on a bed of fall leaves. Poke a dozen or so holes in the top of the pumpkin with a metal skewer or screwdriver. Poke in real or faux branches of autumn leaves coming out of the pumpkin. They can be tall or closer to the pumpkin. Add a few flat sided gourds or small pumpkins and hollow out a hole for tall candles. Set them around the big pumpkin.
2. Use 5 tall different height clear vases. In each vase place 5 different natural material. One vase could have all cranberries, one, all crab apples, one, all pinecones or seed pods, one, all kumquats, walnuts, or
acorns. Anything natural with some color and size variations. Maybe nestle a tall candle on top of the material.
3. Use a large clay flower pot. Glue gun or wire on to the outside, ornamental corn cobs with tall husks. Attach each cob close to each other all around the pot. Husks sticking up. Add a pot of mums in the center pot, or fall leaves, or twigs with berries. Sprinkle lots of corn kernels around on the table.
4. Use a tall, big clear vase. Set 5-6 ‘ tall bare branches in vase. Fill all around in the vase with small fruit, nuts or seed pods. Set this on a pile of autumn leaves (as if the branches have dropped all their leaves) Since the branches are open, you can see through them to see others at the table.
5. Arrange pumpkins, gourds, corn, nuts and fruit down the center of a large table on a bed of leaves. Intersperse candles of different heights and shapes in with the mix.
There’s a few for you. Play around with the natural materials and see what you can come up with. Nature doesn’t really need exact arranging to look good. That’s the beauty of decorating with it.
Thanks so much of stopping by. Have fun decorating and party hardy!!
by Cathy — 10/29/09 at 10:34 pm #