| Oilcloth Cafe Curtain |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-303 |
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Q: I found this great vinyl fabric at the fabric store. What kind of project can I do to use it in my home? A: (Nancy Golden, Ask DIY decorating and design expert) I have a really cute project to make today: an oilcloth cafe curtain for a window. Note: Oilcloth is an "old" fabric. A long time ago oil (or different substances) was used to make fabric waterproof. Many believe this was the precursor for vinyl flooring. Tip: Oilcloth can be used for curtains (as we'll show you today), tablecloths, place mats and cushions for outdoor furniture. Materials: Oilcloth material (be sure to measure the window and allow approximately 1-1/3 more fabric to create the draping effect)
Scrapbooking scissors
Decorative hole punch
Grommet kit (figure A)
Hammer
Piece of wood (as support for using the grommet kit)
Regular scissors
Shower-curtain rings
Shower rod - Cut a perfect rectangular piece of material -- and be sure to cut it approximately 1-1/3 larger than the actual size of the window.
- Use scrapbook scissors (or any scissors with fancy edges) to create a decorative border (figure B) on the oilcloth material.
- Using a decorative hole punch, create some holes in the oilcloth material (figure C).
- Measure along the window/material for equal-distance holes for the grommets. Following the instructions included with the grommet kit, use a hammer to make the holes. Be sure to use a piece of wood under the oilcloth. The grommet-kit hole-puncher requires a strong slam from the hammer, which means be careful. If there's a small piece of the material that hangs on, simply snip it with scissors.
- It's time to build the grommet. Place the bottom piece on the piece of wood, followed by the next piece (be sure to see the instructions that come with the grommet kit) (figure D). These two pieces go inside the hole that's punched in the oilcloth. Complete the grommet with the top piece and the steel piece (figure E) that's used to hammer the grommet together (once again, see the kit for complete instructions).
- Once the complete grommet is together, continue until all the grommets are assembled and in place on the oilcloth. Note: Golden suggests that you don't make too many grommets because it's hard work. Get by with as few holes for the curtain as possible.
- Be creative with the shower-curtain rings. If you can't find matching rings, try hot-gluing some magnets, ornaments or whatever you desire to plain plastic rings.
- A simple tension rod was used for easy installation of the oilcloth curtain.
More Questions for Nancy:
Q: What would be a good treatment for two skinny windows on either side of a floor-to-ceiling fireplace? Should I do a valance?
A: I wouldn't do valances. You'll bring attention to how skinny and tall the windows are. I'd do drapes on both windows, and I'd pull them in opposite ways so the fireplace is the focus with the draperies pulled to the side. If you don't like draperies, then I would do wide louvered blinds.
Q: How do you paint with rags using glaze?
A: You have two choices: - Positive painting: Get the base coat on the walls. Whatever color the base is, that will be your dominant color. Take the rag, dip it in the glaze, squeeze it out and dab over the wall with the rag.
- Negative painting: Put glaze all over the wall with a roller. Take a "clean" rag and dab the wall to gently lift the glaze off.
Q: I would like to decorate my child's small bedroom with trains and tractors. Do you have any suggestions?
A: I have a cute idea. At chair-rail height, why not draw a train track across the entire room, then take some plain wooden shelves, paint them in different colors, place them in a line next to each other and place wheels on each one. The entire assembly will look like a train going across tracks.
RESOURCES :
Curtains: A Design Source Book
Model: 1841721727
Author: Caroline Clifton-Mogg
(May, 2001)
Ryland Peters & Small
A Portfolio of Window & Window Treatment Ideas
Model: 0865739560
Creative Publishing International, 1995
Oilcloth Curtains
Oilcloth International
Phone: 323-344-3967
Website: www.oilcloth.com
ITT Technical Institute
Special thanks to the ITT Technical Institute for providing the personnel for the Ask DIY Web site video.
ITT Technical Institute
Website: www.itt-tech.edu/
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