stenciled curtains8

Well, well, well, looks who’s back with another DIY semi-fail. I say semi-fail because even with the amazing stenciling misstep, as seen in the photo above, I still heart them. In fact, they are hanging in my home in all of their imperfect splender.

Before you go ga-ga over making your own curtains, let’s get something clear, those other chicks (you know who you are) who painted and posted their own curtains severely under sold the time, pain, and frustration involved in this here reject project.

Right off let’s talk about the reality of this undertaking.

1. If you have bad knees and/or over the age of 30 this is gonna hurt. I’m pretty sure I’ve lost permanent feeling in my leg below my knee. If you’re in denial about your body break down then here are some signs that this project will need a pass.

You should shop it if:

a. Your knees go crackel-lackin’.

b. If you make a sound when getting up from the seated position.

c. If you do the hobble walk in the morning because you “slept wrong”.

You should stencil it if:

a. You’re cruisin’ for a bruisin’.

b. You are young and physically fit.

c. You’re crazy.

Okay, just kidding on the last part. In addition to my license to drive I have a license to be dramatic.

With that said, it’s go time.

Get yo’ stencil. I bought mine at Hobby Lobby for about $8 (they’re still available in stores) and I believe it’s called Moroccan.

Choosing a stencil will be VERY important.

I chose mine based on the fact I already owned it and I didn’t want to buy another one. For you, I recommend going with a stencil with a much bigger pattern. I ended up using a lot of craft paint because I didn’t think it through.

Get the right tools.

Before stenciling these curtains I had never stenciled anything before so I went with some Martha Stewart products. Big mistake. Sorry Martha but your sponge roller stinks. I noticed right away that the sponge seemed to be playing hide-n-go seek with my paint and the handle was flimsy. I actually broke my roller in mid roll. I went out to Michael’s and bought the cheap one with the blue handle from ArtMinds.

Based on other blogger’s recommendations I added some textile medium with my acrylic craft paint. The textile medium will decrease the crunchy paint on a drop cloth effect.

I actually didn’t use the Martha Stewart paint either. I showed 3 color samples to Big Daddy and he liked the brightest one and at the last minute I chucked the dark blue for FolkArt Cayman Blue #513. I’m in love with this color. I didn’t realize how much this color is everywhere in my home’s accessories.

Even though I don’t know much about design, I do know that you should surround yourself with things you love. Thankfully, Big Daddy and I love blue.

stenciled curtains7

stenciled curtains6

I began at the top center of my 9ft x 6ft drop cloth (purchased at Lowe’s for $10) and stenciled down. Days and hours later I was done. This is what my drop cloth looked like.

stenciled curtains4

It’s pretty devastating to see that one misplaced stencil can affect the whole she-bang. That’s the risk that you take with a stencil like mine. Fortunately, I knew I was going to cut my drop cloth in half to use as two curtain panels so I was hoping with some strategically cut curtains, all would be hidden.

And because I didn’t want the huge curtain rod to run the length of my windows I opted to follow this tutorial from Karianne to make my own curtain rods.

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You probably could tell from the photos that I stenciled this on the floor. Even with a sheet underneath my drop cloth I got this…
stenciled curtains2

So, after spending hours on my knees stenciling, I had to get back down and scrub my wood floors. Thankfully, my craft paint is water based. I can only imagine the trouble I’d be in otherwise. 🙂

stenciled curtains1Big Daddy is a precision kinda of guy. This characteristic is somewhat annoying to someone like me who hangs everything using push pins. For this project I was so glad he was willing to help, otherwise my stencil wouldn’t be the only thing off.

I can’t show you the full curtain yet because I’m still deciding on whether to go back and make pocket holes or just leave the clip and hang.

Until then, I’d love to know about your stenciling experience. Anyone stencil a curtain before?

 

About The Author

41 Responses

  1. Luisa Chandler

    Too funny Christine. I have contemplated doing this in the past, but quickly changed my mind!!! You’re like me…if I put a lot of time and effort into doing something, you better bet I will be putting it to use…imperfections and all!

    Reply
    • ccleahy

      Luisa, you’re much smarter than I….actually, I’m going to post some other stenciled curtains that I used for inspiration. I think if you have a different kind of stencil then it wouldn’t be that bad!

      Reply
  2. Virginia Megin Gallagher

    Looks great! I’m thinking of trying this… need a stencil. Thanks for the tips!

    I found you today at
    the Sumo’s Sweet Stuff Linky. I hope
    you can stop by my blog and leave a comment, too!

    ~ Megin of Vmg206

    http://www.vmg206.blogpsot.com

    Reply
  3. Cara-Lyn

    I like the idea of stenciling them! I was just going to use them and hang them on my back patio, but now you have me thinking I need to stencil some palm trees or something! Thanks!

    Reply
    • ccleahy

      OH! I bet that would be so cool! There are so many stencils out there to choose from! Let me know how it goes!

      Reply
    • ccleahy

      Thanks! While I was stenciling I realized I had some fabric in the same color and pattern (almost)…I guess I really do like it too!

      Reply
  4. Selene Galindo

    Very pretty! Love the color and design!
    Selene @ restorationbeauty.com

    Reply
  5. the cape on the corner

    that looks great, misstep and all. this is something i definitely would like to try! someday! oh, and i love your bio, too funny.

    Reply
    • ccleahy

      You should definitely try it! Oh and send me photos when you’re done!

      Reply
  6. MaytagNMom

    Thank you for a painfully TRUTHFUL tut on stenciling, because man, you are right on the money, Christine! Thanks for the charming read!

    Thanks for sharing this project with the rest of the world!
    Visiting from Sugar Bee Crafts – Take A Look Tues Linky Party
    Smiles,
    Suz in NW Illinois

    My Linked Project This Week

    Reply
    • ccleahy

      Suz thanks for stopping by!!! You might not get perfection here but you’ll get the truth! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Shaffer Sisters

    They are beautiful even though you had the little shift. Thanks for sharing even though it didn’t quite work out. Way to be real!

    Reply
  8. Donna Wilkes

    Okay, I fail (or pass?) the do not stencil drop cloth test. Thanks for the warning. I do stencil furniture, but it is firm and will stay still. I will pass on a cheat sheet tip: If I go off course when stenciling, I add another color with a layered pattern to cover the mistake.

    Reply
    • ccleahy

      Thanks for the tip Donna! I’ll have to try stenciling furniture. That sounds like a great idea!

      Reply
  9. Julia Forshee

    This is SUCH a great Idea!! I love this!! I know our readers will enjoy your perspective, too. We have a Thursday (today) Link Up Party at allthingswithpurpose.com and I’m sure our readers would love these tips, too!! We hope to see you there!! We are your newest Like!!

    Reply
    • ccleahy

      Oh my goodness! I just linked up at your party and you have some DELICIOUS looking treats linked up…making me hungry! Thanks for the invite!

      Reply
  10. Jen @ Through My Creative Mind

    This is so fun and that is my favorite color too! Thank you so much for sharing on Thursday Favorite Things at Katherine’s Corner. I’m Jen, the co-host this from Through My Creative Mind. I’m your newest follower…I’d love it if you stopped by and did the same 🙂
    Make sure to come back every Monday for Creative Show and Tell!

    Jen @ Through My Creative Mind

    Reply
  11. Carol

    I haven’t tackled anything that big for stenciling and would only be able to do a large project if I could do it on my kitchen island — I would truly be the woman in the old commercial who had “fallen and can’t get up!” I think once all is said and done, no one but you will notice the “oops!”

    Reply
    • ccleahy

      Thanks Carol! Yeah I wish I would have thought about that before I started! I’m always in a rush to just start that I really don’t think things through! Oh well 🙂

      Reply
  12. Charlene@APinchofJoy

    Is that the same pattern that is on your blog side panels? Pretty close! lol

    I’ve had problems with the understatement of time and energy requirements too! My kitchen island has had many a project cross it’s uncomplaining top and that helps a lot! Thanks for sharing on Busy Monday!

    Reply
    • ccleahy

      OMGosh Charlene the pattern is close! I realized that I’m obsessed with this look when I pulled out some fabric I used to line the shelves of a dresser….the pattern and color were exactly the same!

      Reply
  13. Michelle

    This turned out lovely! I always use the Amish point that Only God is perfect and they would purposely make a mistake in the qulit. For me, I never need to do it on purpose! I definitely have some of those knee issues, so I might need to shop it~

    Reply
    • ccleahy

      Michelle, I didn’t know that about the Amish quilt…pretty cool and useful for someone like me. Somewhat of the black sheep always making some mistake!

      Reply
  14. Kammy's Korner

    Looks AWESOME – love your sense of humor. I didn’t stencil my curtains, but I painted wide stripes on them and the title of that post was “NEVER AGAIN!” Haha!

    Reply
    • ccleahy

      Thanks! I’m going to go back and read your post…we so get each other! LOL!

      Reply
  15. Anne @ Domesblissity

    Gidday Christine. I’ve seen people using dropcloths for curtains but never stencilled them. This is such a great idea and one that I’m going to try. Thank you so much for linking this up at Thriving on Thursdays. I’ll be featuring this at tomorrow’s party. Hope to see you again. xx

    Reply
  16. Tricia Flake

    Those turned out fabulous! The pattern and color are perfect! Thanks for sharing at MOnday Funday!

    Reply
  17. Camila

    This is so cool! I can imagine all the things I could make with these tips and idea! Awesome!!! It would be great if you join my Link Party today with this!!!

    Hope you are having a wonderful weekend

    Hugs
    Cami @ TitiCrafty by Camila

    Reply

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