Here I would like to offer helpful decorating hints. 

After many years I've accumulated some ideas that might prove helpful and cost effective for you.... enjoy and have fun!

New Throw Pillows

Turn Your old throw pillows into new ones! 

Buy fabric of your choice and then cut squares 1" larger than the pillow (horizontally and vertically).  Turn fabric inside-out and sew three of the sides.  Insert the old pillow (cut off any fringe first), hand sew the remaining side using a "loop" stitch taking care to enclose any fray on the edges. 

If the original has a button or buttons in the middle of the pillow just clip the button(s) off, sew the pillow, then use extra thick thread to sew through to the other side several times (you will be able to feel where the indentation(s) were), sew a new button onto each side and secure.

The fun about doing this with throw pillows is not so much to save money but to use the fabric and colors that you have chosen yourself!

Painting

It's hard to find the time to paint a whole room, and everyone hates the clean-up.  For extended jobs, use your paintbrushes and rollers one day and then cover with plastic....they will stay fresh until the next day or even longer (no cleanup until the job is done).  I use sandwich "baggies" for brushes and plastic wrap or plastic grocery bags for the rollers.  Also be sure to cover the bucket or pan with plastic or a wet towel.

Remember to get a quart of paint and try it on the wall before starting your project. Many paint stores offer inexpensive "samples" for this purpose but don't be tempted to use them for the project.  They are lacking certain compounds and won't last like regular paint.

Easy "No-Sew" Window Treatments

Buy a length of lace twice the width of the window opening.  Use sharp scissors to cut out the raw edges on each end of the length following the design in the lace. 

Starting in the middle of the existing rod, drape middle section of the lace to the desired vertical length (like a "smile") from the existing rod. ("Smile" in front of the rod...excess on the backside of the rod).  Take the excess and wind around the rod or pole, drape a "smile" again, and wind again...continue until the lace excess hangs down on the side of the window frame at the end of the rod.  Repeat with the other side going from the middle to the outside edge.  Make sure the lace is covering the rod completely (You may have to spread and lift the draping sections, possibly making the fabric tighter in order to make it stay in place. 

The plus side of these valances?  You have a window treatment that is beautiful and inexpensive.  The downside?  You have to repeat the process after each washing.  This can be cumbersome if you have a lot of windows covered in this way. 

An added note:  Roller shades look great under this type of treatment especially if they have decorative trim and pulls at the bottoms.

Area Rugs

Choose a remnant from a carpet store and have it "bound" (usually at the cost of $2.00-$4.00 a running foot around the perimeter), which some flooring stores offer. 

If you dont wish to pay for the remnant to be "bound" then use binding tape (found anywhere where sewing supplies are sold) to seal the edges and keep it from raveling.  To do this, make sure the carpet is square, apply white glue to the edges, fold the binding tape over the edges (top and bottom) and staple in place.  Remove the staples after the glue has dried. 

For the backing, use a paint brush to "paint" white glue on the back of the remnant.  Smooth an old sheet over the back and cut off any excess. Let dry before using.  With the backing, the remnant won't scratch a wood floor or wear out the top of a "wall to wall" carpet, is less expensive than a store bought area rug and you've chosen the type and color that you want!

I will be adding more helpful hints as time allows....

In the meantime for more helpful hints, please use the "Contact Us" link at the top of the page and let me know what you are working on or what you need help with.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Colleen Benner

Owner

Stone Cottage Interiors

Stone Cottage Interiors 

541-882-4815

606 So. 6th Street

Klamath Falls, OR  97601