Tuesday, October 22, 2013

DIY Fabric Strip Valance


fabric strip valance, DIY valance, make a valance
Fabric Strip Valance
I needed a valance for my sliding glass doors off of our kitchen. I didn't want to block out any light, but it really needed something. A valance at least.

Strips of fabric, in various lengths, and colors make an easy, rustic DIY valance. I've seen these all over, and I LOVE them! I'm drawn to that whole shabby/rustic look. So I set my mind to making one.



I don't sew, so I don't have a bag full of nifty fabric strips. Nor did I want to spend money buying fabric, just to rip it to shreds. However, I DO have a closet! And like most of us, I had a few items that didn't fit anymore I didn't want to wear anymore. Where there's a will, there's a way.

I found a couple of brown dresses and a white shirt, and threw in an old pillow case and some burlap. Voila! Fabric strips. (I had to pinky promise my husband that I didn't use any of his shirts - man, he's suspicious!)

To make the strips, I used scissors to start the rip, and then tore the fabric about 18" long and 2" wide. Some were shorter, some were longer. (I wanted the sides and edges to look a little frayed, so I ripped, instead of using the scissors to cut the strips.)

The burlap was cut a little differently. I pulled individual strings every 2 inches, and then cut along the lines. It naturally looks very frayed.

 

Once I had a million or so strips, I tied them onto a tension rod, and hung it up. (The tension rod doesn't show at all, so no need to spray paint it to match décor - yay!)



All and all it was an easy DIY.  It only took me about an hour, and I didn't spend one penny, as I already had the tension rod. The only downfall was that there were burlap fibers all over me, and the kitchen! I don't recommend you wear black when you work with burlap! I know this, and yet I do it every time..

Anyway, I like it a lot!
 
 
 
Here's the valance, showing our sad looking back yard - patio and/or deck - coming soon (to a theater near you...).
 
 
I love the rustic look of the valance. But if you want to make a fabric strip valance that isn't as "shabby" looking, you could certainly use ribbon, or buy pre-cut fabric.

10 comments:

Amy@BuffaloRoam said...

I like this a LOT!

Miranda @ Someday Crafts said...

What a fun idea! I love the colors and the different fabrics. We'll be featuring this over at Someday Crafts tomorrow, so come on over!

Lynn Blaylock said...

This is very cute and simple. It really gives that fall feeling. Thanks for sharing on the Porch.

Susan at TheBoredZombie.com said...

Very cool! You could make them super long and have a 60's love nest vibe. hahahaha, I'm so funny. :)

Unknown said...

Susan, how did you know? That's what I'm totally going for! A 60's love nest vibe! Big A will love it! Julia

Thank you all for stopping by!

Feet Grounded on the Earth said...

I saw your comment on my blog and I had to check out yours! I love that you used fabric/materials that you already had. I am trying to think of a place I could try this out in my house!

Unknown said...

Rhonda - I'm thinking of making one for our bathroom. The next one I'll put the strips on jute to hang more like a banner.. Let me know if you try it! Julia

Allison @ Dream a Little Bigger said...

Simple DIYS can have the biggest impact sometimes, can't they? I love the simplicity and it looks great in your home!

Jill said...

I LOVE this idea Julia - the fact that you used what you have, it cost nothing, it is unique and stylish!! Brilliant!!


Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a fabulous week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Thank you all for stopping by! I'm happy with the valance. I am going to make another one soon :) Julia