Find a new use for an old matchstick blind. Turn it on its side, and make it into a cafe curtain. Cindy Piccoli, host of HGTV's Decorating With Style, explains how. Materials:
Matchstick blind (available at most Pier1 Imports and Cost Plus stores)
Utility scissors
Measuring tape
Metal square
Black marker
Masking tape
Red bookbinding tape in 4" width
Tension curtain rod
Clip-on curtain rings
Hot-glue gun and glue
- Measure the window to determine the length and width of the matchstick curtain.
- Place the blind on your work surface with the matchsticks running vertically instead of horizontally, as they run when used as a shade. Add 1" or 2" to the desired width of the finished curtain, and cut the shade to that width, cutting the strings between two matchsticks.
- Remove matchsticks at the cut edges until the curtain is the correct width, and tie off the strings (figure A). Glue the ends of the strings to the back of the curtain with a hot-glue gun.
- Measure the curtain to the correct length, and use a square to draw a straight line along the bottom of the curtain. Use utility scissors to cut the curtain to the correct length (figure B).
- Cut a piece of bookbinding tape the width of the curtain, and use it to border the top of the curtain. Apply the length of tape along the top edge of the curtain, leaving enough tape at the top to turn back on itself for a finished edge. If necessary, use hot glue to secure the tape.
- Attach the clip-on rings to the taped border, and slip the curtain on the rod.
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