DIY Network

Custom Roller Shades From "Ask DIY" episode ADI-306

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Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G Figure H Figure I Figure J Figure K Figure L Figure M

Q: How can I brighten the look of my bland, white roller shades? I can't get rid of them because they keep out the light.

A: (from Nancy Golden, Ask DIY Decorating expert) I don't blame you for wanting to brighten up your roller shades! Plain shades -- especially in winter -- can be so drab and boring.

Materials:

Vinyl roller shade(s) of the appropriate size
Fabric paint in the desired colors (light blue, white and red are used for the design featured here)
Large full-bristled brush
Small slant-tipped brush
Several lengths of thin ribbon in the desired color
Fabric glue
Scissors
Small button
Lengths of wide satin or grosgrain ribbon cut to fit with of shade (for ribbon-embellished shade only)
Lengths of wallpaper border cut to fit width of shade (for border-embellished shade only)
Decorative hardware pulls or buttons (optional)

Note: For a painted shade like the kite-theme version shown in figure A, using paint formulated for fabric is a must. (Regular paint -- such as acrylic -- will crease and crack over time since it lacks the flexibility of fabric paint.)

1. Once you've assembled your materials, begin by painting the entire surface of the shade with your background color. To create a "sky" for her kite, Golden uses a pale blue for her background (figure B).

2. After allowing the blue background to dry thoroughly, the next step is to add the clouds. Squeeze some white paint onto a palette or paper plate, dip just the tips of the bristles of the large brush (figure C) into the paint and blot it --  using a short, sharp motion -- onto the shade.

3. Place your clouds randomly over the background (figure D) until you're satisfied with the look, then allow them to dry. To add the kite, squeeze a small amount of red paint (or other desired color) onto your plate or palette. Dip the small slant-tipped brush into the paint and create the outline of the kite using freehand strokes (figure E).

   Tip: If you feel more comfortable following an outline, you can very lightly pencil in the kite shape prior to painting. But remember: This is a project that should exhibit personality and a hand-crafted appearance, so don't feel compelled to make it completely perfect!

4. After you've filled in the kite (figure F) and allowed it to dry, cut two lengths of the thin ribbon to use for kite detail. Cut one to fit horizonally across the widest point of the kite and the second one to fit vertically between the top and bottom points (figure G). Apply just a few dots of fabric glue to the backs of the ribbons and press them gently in place.

5. To create the string of the kite, cut a longer length of the thin ribbon that will extend from the bottom point of the kite to the edge of the shade. (Allow some slack in order to create gentle curves along the length.) Now tie several short lengths of the ribbon at close intervals along the string for added detail (figure H).

6. Anchor the top of the string to the bottom point of the kite with a dot of fabric glue. Then lay it along the surface of the shade so that it extends to the bottom edge in a slightly wavy line; use more small dots of fabric glue as needed to hold it in place at the necessary points.

7. Finally, use more glue to attach a small button at the bottom of the string where it meets the edge of the shade (figure I).

If you prefer to avoid paint altogether, Golden suggests these alternatives:

• Use fabric glue to attach various colors and widths of ribbon near the bottom edge of the shade to form a border (figure J).

• You can also combine ribbon and beaded trim (figure K) for a distinctive look.

• Preprinted wallpaper borders (figure L) also make wonderful shade embellishments. Simply cut the border to fit the width of the shade, then apply wallpaper paste to the back of the border and press it carefully in place.

• For an extra-special accent, purchase small decorative pulls to attach to the bottom edge of your shade. Simply position the pull(s) in place, insert a small screw through the hole in each pull, and anchor it through the vinyl into the wooden dowel or strip that runs across the shade near or at the bottom edge (figure M).

  Now you're ready to hang your shade and brighten up the room!

RESOURCES :
A Portfolio of Window & Window Treatment Ideas
Model: 0865739560
Creative Publishing International, 1995

Do-It-Yourself Fabric Decor: Pillows, Window Treatments, and Slipcovers for Your Home
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Author: Editors of Creative Publishing International
(August, 2000)

To order this title from Amazon, click here.

Creative Publishing International, Inc.
Website: www.creativepub.com

The Window Book: A Complete Guide to Window Dressing Inside and Out
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Author: Vinny Lee
(September, 1996)

Random House Value

Window Dressing
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Author: Don Bailey
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Oberon Press