Drapes from a Shower Curtain???

Thanks to Susan, from Between Naps on the Porch, for hosting another Metamorphosis Monday.  The weather has been fantastic here in Florida and the air conditioning is getting a well deserved rest.  Windows are open, breezes are blowing and I've been busy!  I'm still working on my bathroom that was painted blue last weekend.  I bought fabric to make a shower curtain so look for a complete before and after in a few weeks.  

This weekend I did something I have been planning for months now.  Our entrance way was still looking pretty boring.  We added an area rug.  Still boring.  Added a light fixture (you can read about that HERE).  Close but not yet.  There is a large transom window over the front door just screaming for some attention.  Please ignore the frog footprints on the window.  If you wash the window with salt water it will keep the frogs away but you have to do it every week or so.  Obviously, we are overdue for a cleaning!  At first we thought the frog was cute, hanging out on our porch eating bugs, but he's a messy little guy.

What if I tried a drapery panel hung above the window so it doesn't block the light but adds interest and color?  The room has 11 foot ceilings and some nice architecture with arches leading to the other spaces.  I thought if I added color up high it would draw attention to the best features of this room that's the first thing you see when you come in and the last thing you see when you leave.

 I found a shower curtain that matches (not exactly but close) the "inspiration" fabric I have in the rest of the house.   I considered making some kind of cornice box (not that I've ever done that!) but I didn't have enough width in the fabric.  I would have to do something in 2 pieces.  I went with my old standard,  two panels hanging from a rod. 

I could get a width measurement but it was too high to get a height measurement.  I just decided to wing it and for that price it wouldn't be the end of the world if I screwed up.  I cut the curtain in half and folded all the ends over gluing them with my trusty fabric glue (read about it HERE).

 After pressing the panels, I hung them with curtain rings that I had left from another project ($2.99 for 7 at Old Time Pottery).  I purchased an oil rubbed bronze rod at Ross and put it all together.  My husband braved our rickety old ladder to hang them for me.  It's really just an accident waiting to happen!

Oops!  Too long.  It's always better to be too long than too short.  He took them down, I turned the hem up and glued again.  I didn't even have to remove the rings (I'm a bit lazy!).  Tried it again.  My husband fussed with them a bit and then he gave me a long stick so I could fix them from the ground.  I still need to play with them but all in all I'm very happy with how this turned out. 

How about with my "Pottery Barn Knock Off" light on?

They coordinate with my Dining Room curtains and my Breakfast Area curtains (I made these with drop cloths from Home Depot).

Here is my take on this whole project.  Of course they can't compare with true custom made window treatments, but while you are waiting to be able to afford them why leave your windows bare?  This whole project cost under $20!  If I can do it, believe me, anyone can!  If you are going to try this make sure your fabric is heavy with some weight to it and not sheer.  Also when you are buying rings and rods try to get them as big as you can.  Tuesday Morning has great curtain accessories especially tassels for good prices.  Ross has some nice rods and metal tiebacks.  I've gotten good deals on clearance at Bed, Bath and Beyond.  If you are at all handy, you can make rods from wooden dowels.  My Dad made my rods and brackets in my Breakfast Area.  When we moved here I spray painted them and my husband cut them down to fit. 

Be sure to stop by Creating Wonderful Spaces and see what my sister Elaine has going this Monday.  Have you made your own curtains minus a sewing machine?  I would love to hear about it.  I'm also looking for advice on making a shower curtain from fabric.  An I the only person who turns their shower curtain into drapes and fabric into a shower curtain?

I am also joining Debbiedoo's Newbie Party, come take a look there too!
I am also joining Wow Us Wednesdays.