Thanks! Thank you to all who have left nice comments on my bedroom reveal. I really appreciate your kindness. I am a little behind in responding to your comments, but please know I read each and every one.
When I bought my quilt, they did not have any linens or window treatments to go with it. They were all sold out. I looked for some valances and they were about $17.00 each. Having three windows and doing the math, I wasn’t too keen on paying all that money. I started looking for some sheet sets. I found a set at Burlington Coat Factory for $20.00. It was a full set that included two pillow cases. I started cutting up the fitted sheet into several projects. I snipped the elastic where the pocket is so that it would lay flat where I could utilize every square inch!
I started with the window treatments/valances. I knew I didn’t want curtains, but I wanted something to “soften” the room. I saw this . . . .
. . . . at Lemon Tree Creations. I liked the way it looked. However when I tried tying the ribbon, I decided I liked the plain look best for my room. Well, actually I sent that first picture with the ribbon both ways to Jamie to ask her which she liked best.
The finished size was slightly wider than the window and about 21 inches in length.
I used some more of the sheet to make three pillows. I made the square one first, using a scrap piece of drop cloth to cover the button kit thing. I had never done button tufting before. I like the way it turned out.
I wanted to make some rectangular pillows. I had some ribbon left over from the valances, so I decided to use it on the pillows. I would have preferred to do two pieces on each pillow but I didn’t have enough ribbon left.
The two pillows in the very back are simply bed pillows with the pillow cases that were included in the sheet set. The other two pillows I purchased. They were not cheap, but I just couldn’t help myself. You know how you justify such purchases in your head. You sort of have this conversation with yourself about how you’re saving so much money by not buying ready made window treatments, etc.
This is the lamp I got last week for about $4.00. Too much shiny brass going on.
I wanted to protect the glass from the spray paint, so I came up with this little system. I put a piece of painter’s tape on a piece of copy paper.
I then placed the tap on the glass right at the base and wrapped it around the lamp. It actually took two pieces of paper to make it around the entire lamp. You can see I taped the cord right at the base to keep the paint off. I also put the rest of the cord in a baggie. I use those fold over type baggies because they are so cheap.
I placed a plastic grocery bag over the top of the lamp to keep the paint off of it.
I’ve explained before that I always set my things up on something to get a cleaner look around the base of the piece I’m painting. I spray painted it with el cheapo primer.
And you know what I did next, right? Yep, Heirloom White.
Here it is in the bedroom on my $7.00 nightstand.
When I showed you how I decided on lampshades for my ceiling fan, this is the shade that I tested. It is old and dirty, and I’m sure a little too petite for this lamp. But I’m all about being frugal and using what I have.
This was my first attempt at covering a lampshade. I learned a lot. That’s what this is all about for me, learning new things. I used the same technique to tape off the top of the shade.
I was about to use this spray adhesive, and you do not want to play around with this stuff. If there is anything nearby it will be sticky forever! I was not sure how I wanted to continue with the material due to the striped pattern. I only wanted to adhere the very bottom of the material. I chose to use the part of the sheet with the hem already done for me! I sprayed and immediately ripped the paper off and started putting the fabric onto the shade.
The bottom looks pretty good. I went inside (because I was about to melt in the heat). I decided to work on this in the bathroom because I have a skylight and it is so well lit.
I switched to a glue gun.
I dabbed a dot of glue at each of the wire pieces. I did this because I was trying to keep from messing up the stripe as I worked my way around the shade. All of that went really well.
This is where it gets ugly. I should have snipped the material or hemmed it or something! I don’t know, I’m flying by the seat of my pants people! Remember I’d rather be outside using the table saw. I just sort of kept gluing it (and my fingers, ouch) all the way around until it looked decent.
Here it is in my room.
I am glad I did not use the adhesive for the entire shade. I don’t think I would have liked the look of it being slicked down like a bad hairdo.
Overall I’m pleased with the way it looks. I should have probably taken it apart to spray paint the rod inside the glass, but I was getting impatient, and did I mention I was melting? This weather is about to get on my nerves. The spiders are taking over my garage because I haven’t been out there enough!
So, there you have it. Many projects out of one full fitted sheet. I still have a few small scraps left. Plus I have the flat sheet! If you do the math, all of these projects cost me about $12.00 for the material. I had the square pillow form. I purchased the two rectangular ones at Hancock Fabrics for 50% off.
There will be another giveaway announced later today. I am posting them separately so that the comments don’t get all jumbled up. You won’t want to miss this one! It’s a goody!
gail
KasiaJ says
August 1, 2010 at 3:49 amWonderful- I’m all about using sheets for projects like this. So much cheaper than buying that much fabric. I love the color!
Tammy@ Not Just Paper and Glue says
July 30, 2010 at 2:31 pmI love your pillows and curtains! I cannot sew so I am really impressed! Everything you made is just gorgeous. I like the frames on the wall as well.
Anonymous says
July 30, 2010 at 4:10 pmWow, you made great use of that sheet! Great job!
thrivingthrifter at gmail dot com
Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic says
July 29, 2010 at 10:47 amYou did a great job on all of them.
I love the tufted pillow the best.
Never would have thought to leave the lampshade fabric loose! It makes a softer look.
ShellyRaeWood says
July 29, 2010 at 1:36 amGail,
What great projects you made from your sheet set!! Great job!! Love the lamp, especially!! 🙂
Shelly
http://www.artfulsalvage.blogspot.com
Ron and Connie says
July 29, 2010 at 1:12 amIt all turned out sooo pretty! Fabulous makeover.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
July 28, 2010 at 6:15 pmway to get some serious bang for your buck and tie everything together! love the lampshades!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
July 28, 2010 at 6:15 pmway to get some serious bang for your buck and tie everything together! love the lampshades!
Jeralee says
July 28, 2010 at 3:38 pmYou have been getting a lot done! The bedroom is a huge improvement and is coming together really well.
Denise says
July 28, 2010 at 3:13 pmGreat job, you can do so much with sheets besides sleep on them!
Amanda@The Hand Me Down House says
July 28, 2010 at 1:40 pmOh my gosh, Gail! What a fantastic idea! And SO much cheaper than buying all that fabric at the store. LOVE LOVE LOVE that lamp — and the pillows too, okay, all of it. 🙂 Great job on the details in Jamie’s room!
Suzanne says
July 28, 2010 at 1:08 pmBeautiful job — that’s quite a project. It must feel wonderful to have it finished!
Granny J says
July 28, 2010 at 11:13 amYou did a great job on the lampshade. I agree, it wouldn’t have looked as nice all slicked down.
Proper Prim says
July 28, 2010 at 9:41 amGail it all looks wonderful. You sure were a busy girl… love how that lampshade turned out. I love the curtain material… great idea to use the sheets, so much cheaper.
Great job Gail.
Hugs, Deb