Super Easy, Super Cute Curtains

Super Easy - Super Cute Curtains!

No sewing required, so anyone can make these. 

I am in love with these curtains and how easy they were to do. Here is what you need:

An iron

Fabric for curtains (I used thick home decor fabric)

Iron on fabric bonding tape

Scissors
Curtain Rods (We scored a great deal at Ross)
Measuring Tape

And that's it!

Before you start, you want to measure your windows and decide on the length you want your curtains to be. I measured from closer to the ceiling to make the apartment windows look bigger. I added additional width and length to accommodate the hem's (an extra inch for both sides of the panel, 5 and 1/2 inches for the top and 2 inches to the bottom). Once I had the length and width, I cut my panels. Now it's time to apply the bonding tape. The tape is really easy to use. Line up the tape close to the edge of the fabric, and start ironing with the paper side up. The packaging provides instructions on how long to apply heat for different types of fabrics. Since I chose a thicker fabric I applied heat for 5 seconds per section. Once you have the strip applied you need to remove the paper from the back of the tape. Next you will fold you fabric over to finish your "hem". You will want to the width of your "hem" for both the sides and the bottom of your curtains to match across all panels.

Once you have the sides and bottom hems complete, it's time to do the top. There are multiple ways you can finish these. I chose to fold the top over 5 and 1/2 inches to allow the curtain rods to slide through. You can make hooks, or hot glue ribbon to the back to make loops. I chose to go with the easiest and cleanest way.

Once you have finished all of your hems, you'll want to iron your curtains. By this point I was so over ironing, but didn't want to have wrinkled curtains, so I took the time do it. Now all you need to do it hang them and you're done! 

Super easy curtains - and they look store bought. 
Also machine washable!

Old Desk Turns Chic Vanity

A brand new blog! Yes, another one. But a new life deserves a new blog. And what better to post about than a new project. This weekend Blaine and I attacked an old dresser and converted it into a new vanity. I am still on the hunt for a stool and mirror, but one thing at a time. Here is step-by-step of out first project together. 

(Before)

(After)

I have been wanting a vanity for years, but didn't want to spend a ton of money on a store bought, that I didn't really love. So I started in on a craigslist hunt. I lucked out and found this one for $20. It wasn't in horrible shape, and was the perfect size. Blaine and I headed out Thursday night after work to pick this beauty up. Of course it wouldn't fit in my car, but the guy was nice enough to drive it across town for us. 

The next day we hit Lowe's (I love home improvement stores) And picked up everything we needed to attack this project. 

Here is out supply list:

1 quart Mermaid Tail - green paint & primer (semi-gloss)

1 quart All purpose Primer

Wood filler 

Sand Paper

Paint brush / tray set

New hardware for drawers

Plastic cover (Don't want primer and paint all over) 

Friday night we removed all of the hardware and filled the holes with wood filler, and allowed them to dry overnight. The original hardware was really small, and what we had picked out was larger. Filling the holes would allow us to drill new holes above the original holes. 

The next morning we were ready to start! We laid out the plastic cover on the patio and started with the drawers. We sanded off any extra wood filler along with the laminate on the drawers. After the sanding was complete, we measured and drilled new holes for the hardware. We finished with the drawers and moved onto the desk. Sanding took no time at all with both of us working on it. There weren't too many deep scratches, so that kept things easy too.

Once everything was sanded down, it was time to apply the primer. We were impressed with the coverage the primer gave us, and how quickly it dried - only 30 minutes. We only needed one coat, so we picked up some lunch while we waited. 

Once our primer was dry it was time to paint! Our favorite part! We got everything painted in no time - again, with two people working on it, the time flew. We only needed one coat, which was great and the color turned out perfect. 

                               

It took about 45 minutes for the paint to dry, and we moved onto finishing up the drawers. We screwed in the new hardware and applied wallpaper to the inside of the drawers (purchased at the Dollar Tree) for an even girly-er look. 

And that was it! It took us roughly 6 hours to do, and I am totally in love with it! I can't wait to find the stool and mirror.

It was a lot of fun working on this with Blaine! I know he had a great time too :)