DIY Network

Embellished Bamboo Window Shades Turn budget shades into a work of art. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-605

Stitch up a super shade.

It's easy to see why so many of us have matchstick-style bamboo shades: They're practical, durable and cheap. On the downside, they don't bring a lot of design punch to your windows.

Never fear, Michele Beschen is here with an easy, inexpensive way to B. Original and dress up those drab shades. It just takes a little yarn and some imagination, and you'll have great custom shades that let your creativity shine through. Scroll down to get started.

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Figure A

Embellished Bamboo Window Shades

Materials:

bamboo window shade
pencil
embroidery needle
yarn

• Use a pencil to create a design on the shade (figure A).

• Use an embroidery needle and yarn to stitch along the design (figure B). Make sure the needle is big enough for the yarn – but not so big that it spreads the reeds too far apart.
  

  Figure B

  Figure C

  
  

• Secure each stitch to keep the stitches from sliding side to side. Keep the stitches snug, but don’t over-tighten (figure C).

• Embellish the shade further, if desired, with rubber stamping. Add a few decorative stitches to accent all or part of the stamped image.