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in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, A pr il 12 , 2 01 8 |48 C Advertorial Dress your windows with this DIY project Window coverings can be a real challenge. I lean toward a minimalist approach as I ap­ preciate the architectural lines and frame work of a multitude of windows, large and small, as well as unobstructed views. You may prefer the open and bright expanse of large windows and glass balcony doors, but some locations call for privacy. There are many solutions, from blinds and shades to fabric draperies fashioned to enhance your room's style. When a homeowner ap­ proached me for ideas on how to cover up her French doors, I came up with a light and airy design that gave her draperies an ap­ pealing and unique look. I reversed the usual order, and layered frothy white sheers over a solid, coffee-co­ loured lining. The lining is the backdrop for the sheers. A daisy pattern has been cut out of the sheers using a stencil burner, which cuts very neatly and quickly, and seals the edges so that the fabric won't fray. Use a 100 per cent polyester fabric for the heat to melt and seal the edges around the de­ sign. Work in a well-ventilated space as the melting synthetic fabric gives off fumes that could be harmful. The burner tool gets very hot; take care and never leave it unattended. Start by making a template of a daisy, or any other design you like. You can also buy ready-made stencils. It's easier and more ef­ fective to pick a pattern that is not too intri­ cate. Lay the sheer curtain fabric on a flat surface and mark off where you are going to place the cutouts with pins. Use a tapes­ try hoop to hold the fabric taut. Work over a piece of glass, as the stencil burner is very hot and will damage wood, plastic and rub­ ber. Place the hoop face down so the fab­ ric is flush with the glass. Remove the pins and tape the stencil to the fabric. Draw the pattern with a pencil. Remove the stencil. Carefully cut out the design using the burn­ ing tool. Repeat the process until all your de­ signs are cut. Attach the decorative sheers to the background lining along the top and sew a rod pocket for hanging. Think about alternative pattern ideas for a child's room. Pick a dark sky blue shade for the backdrop fabric and cut out moons and stars from the sheer fabric. This creates an opposing visual where the moon and stars show up deep blue against the white sheer. Once you start working with stencils, it can be hard to stop. Applying decorations to plain, store-bought curtains is an easy way to personalize your decor. Try colouring in stencils with fabric paint. Use the dry-brush DEBBIE TRAVIS House to Home technique and build up the colour slowly. Practice on a spare piece of the fabric you are using so that you can get the feel of how much paint to use; mistakes are difficult or impossible to remove. Draw patterns free­ hand along the borders, hemlines or sides of the curtains. For a subtle effect, pick paint colours that are close to the fabric. Glossy and pearlized paint will catch the light for a shimmery effect. Written by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email decorating questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Deb­ bie at instagram.com/debbie_travis, face- book.com/thedebbietravis, debbietravis.com. [MostEfficiem Make a smart investment, choose Pollard Looking fo r w in d o w s and doors? Pollard offers products of exceptional value with the largest selection of design options. Expert advice, professional installation, and 70 years of Canadian manufacturing - that's why Scott chose Pollard for his own home. GET UP TO $5000 PER HOME WITH GREENON REBATES I'm known for making smart investments that's why I chose Pollard for my home. S C O TT M c G IL L IV R A Y HGTV HOST & REAL ESTATE EXPERT POLLARD CELEBRATING 70 YEARS sTi RTi.NgAT$99 ■ti *ei Ri HAND TUFTED Reg. $799 125 Cross Ave., Trafalgar Village Oakville • 9 0 5 -8 4 9 -4 4 7 2 1000s of In Stock Rugs Reduced!MAKE AN OFFER SAlE FOLLOWiNG LOCATIONS ONLY: z ca com 1 2 5 Cross Ave., T ra fa lg ar V illag e , O akville • 9 0 5 -8 4 9 -4 4 7 2 H /flooringca A l a d d i n 1921SUPERSTORE 228 King St. E., Hamilton 905-546-1921 FREE Parking in Back mailto:house2home@debbietravis.com