This week on the blog it’s all about bargain-hunting. Today, I want to show you how to make your own bargain by customising a cheap blind.
Quality curtains and blinds are expensive, there’s no getting away from it, unless you’re able to make you’re own. I’m still not able to admit to anyone how much I paid for my own bedroom curtains! So, I want to show you an alternative, that won’t break the bank. The best bit? All you need is a cheap blind and your favourite fabric – the possibilities are endless. Anyone can do this; no sewing necessary, so no excuses.
I have lived in our flat for three years and I have not, until now, been able to find a blind for our kitchen. I have only been able to find plain roller blinds or very generic patterned ones. I decided to buy a plain white £6 Ikea blind in the interim and then realised that I could personalise it, without needing to spend a lot of money.
I saw a tutorial on the Liberty Craft Blog and fell in love with Cranston Liberty print that is part of the new Stile collection. I bought some and decided to attach it to my cheap Ikea blind. Here’s how I did it…
You will need:
– A very lightweight cotton fabric (if it’s too heavy or rigid the blind won’t roll smoothly). It must be pressed. You will need enough fabric to cover the width and length of your blind with 10cm allowance all the way around.
– Roller blind
– Fabric scissors
– Spray glue. I used Display Mount spray glue.
– Old sheet
Tutorial:
1. Unroll the blind and lie it on a flat surface (I did it on the kitchen floor) with the front of the blind facing upwards. Lie the fabric down with the wrong side facing upwards. You MUST put a sheet down as the spray glue will get everywhere otherwise.
2. Spray a layer of glue all over the front of the blind and the wrong side of the fabric. Make sure you spray right up to the edges. Leave the glue for 20 seconds until it becomes tacky and then place the blind onto the fabric. You must smooth the blind onto the fabric so there are no wrinkles. Do this quickly before the glue dries.
3. Use the fabric scissors to trim the 10cm allowance off the sides of the blind. Take your time whilst doing this so you get a perfectly straight edge. The glue will stop the edge fraying.
4. Spray more glue onto the bottom of the blind and the 10cm allowance of fabric. Turn the fabric over the bottom of the blind.
5. Once the blind is completely dry give it an iron and then hang (follow the instructions that come with the blind to do this).
I now have a customised blind for about £20. Bargain!
GENIUS! Why have I not done this yet?
I’m definitely going to try this – we’re renting a flat at the moment and don’t want to spend money on window coverings but at the same time can’t stand how bland the blinds are in all the rooms. Thank you!
so sweet
Another great idea! Looks wonderful!
Keep em’ coming!