While most often thought of as window coverings, curtains are not
just for windows. They come in many different materials and designs
ideal for many decorating projects and can add color and life to any
object or space: use them to hide wall imperfections, dress up
furnishings, and create beautiful art pieces.
Framed Art
Designer and vintage curtain fabrics often come in gorgeous/mod/fun patterns and are ideal as framed art. I have several embroidery hoops in different sizes that I used during my cross-stitching days. Instead of leaving them idle in a corner, I used them to frame a floral patterned designer curtain fabric that I wanted on display. This is a very simple idea and basically, you just have to cut out a round of a sturdy material the size of the interior of the hoop to use as backing, find the focal point of the fabric you want to display, attach it to the backing and put it into the hoop.
Canvas Art
You can also use stretcher canvas as your backing. It is readily available at art and craft stores in a variety of sizes. Cut the fabric with a few inches allowance and secure it neatly on the back with a staple gun. Instant wall decor!
Bulletin Board
If you have an old cork board left standing unused, dress it up with your favorite curtain fabric pattern to make it more attractive. Carefully and tightly tack (or staple) the fabric to the back and you are ready to pin photos, notes and your kids' artwork. It is also a wonderful place to post menus and shopping lists.
Headboards
For an easy curtain fabric "headboard", fix a curtain rod (the same width as the bed) several inches above the head of the bed and simply hang your curtain. It adds softness to the room and also gives the illusion of a window behind the bed. For an instant "real" custom headboard, stretch fabric pieces over a large canvas the width of the bed. Pull the fabric taut and staple firmly at the back then put it up behind the bed.
Wall "Stickers"
Make a fabric version of the ever popular wall stickers by cutting out shapes of the fabric (they can be simple, like circles in different sizes, or more complicated, like animal shapes, etc.), apply fabric stiffener (like the appropriately named Stiffen Stuff) to the pieces, let dry and affix to the wall.
These are just a few simple ideas to get you started. Once you start playing with fabric, it's hard to stop! And if you're the type who is handy with a needle and thread (I'm not), the sky is the limit!
Framed Art
Designer and vintage curtain fabrics often come in gorgeous/mod/fun patterns and are ideal as framed art. I have several embroidery hoops in different sizes that I used during my cross-stitching days. Instead of leaving them idle in a corner, I used them to frame a floral patterned designer curtain fabric that I wanted on display. This is a very simple idea and basically, you just have to cut out a round of a sturdy material the size of the interior of the hoop to use as backing, find the focal point of the fabric you want to display, attach it to the backing and put it into the hoop.
Canvas Art
You can also use stretcher canvas as your backing. It is readily available at art and craft stores in a variety of sizes. Cut the fabric with a few inches allowance and secure it neatly on the back with a staple gun. Instant wall decor!
Bulletin Board
If you have an old cork board left standing unused, dress it up with your favorite curtain fabric pattern to make it more attractive. Carefully and tightly tack (or staple) the fabric to the back and you are ready to pin photos, notes and your kids' artwork. It is also a wonderful place to post menus and shopping lists.
Headboards
For an easy curtain fabric "headboard", fix a curtain rod (the same width as the bed) several inches above the head of the bed and simply hang your curtain. It adds softness to the room and also gives the illusion of a window behind the bed. For an instant "real" custom headboard, stretch fabric pieces over a large canvas the width of the bed. Pull the fabric taut and staple firmly at the back then put it up behind the bed.
Wall "Stickers"
Make a fabric version of the ever popular wall stickers by cutting out shapes of the fabric (they can be simple, like circles in different sizes, or more complicated, like animal shapes, etc.), apply fabric stiffener (like the appropriately named Stiffen Stuff) to the pieces, let dry and affix to the wall.
These are just a few simple ideas to get you started. Once you start playing with fabric, it's hard to stop! And if you're the type who is handy with a needle and thread (I'm not), the sky is the limit!
Cat Soderstrom blogs at Wall Decor Source where she shares her finds and tips for everything from designer curtain fabric to fabulous and unusual wall decoration items.
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http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cat_Soderstrom
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