First DIY of 2012: Curtains

Well, here we are. Eighteen days into 2012. And, what do I have to show for myself? New skillz...that's what.

Sewing skillz to be exact. I've officially graduated from my no-sew phase and I have to admit: it's pretty awesome. So far I've made aprons, a market tote and living room curtains. I'll admit, there's been some bumps along the way. Like completely sewing the top of the tote shut (Couldn't even squeeze in a bottle of wine banana!). But, I'm working out the kinks and humming along just fine!

I started with some curtains for the living room. Here's a dark picture of the before (you get the idea, right?).

I bought the fabric for about $40 on clearance...I think I bought about 13 yards, which I cut into 6 panels (with some left over). I didn't do any fancy stitches...or even a top stitch, since I hadn't even learned that one yet. It was my first project. I was excited just to sew in a straight line. I sewed a hem around all sides. No grommets or tabs. Again, happy not to sew my finger to my new drapery.

Then, I ran out to Target and picked up some curtain rods and clips. Which actually was more expensive than the fabric. But, I got over it.

And...Voila!

They definitely give the room a more warm and dressed feeling. I'm hoping to get rid of the white blinds soon. Obviously, I hadn't taken the sewing machine to the pillow in the picture yet (she's all better now, though).

Since then, I've graduated to bigger and better things. Like this:

Super cute, right? I've got my eye on a vintage grain sack to do something like this from rebeccasaix:

Baby steps, though. I did sew the first tote closed. Even Martha had to start somewhere, right?

DIY Antique Mercury Glass

Before the holiday season completely draws to an end, I wanted to share some of the mercury glass pieces I made recently. You've seen it in Pottery Barn and all of your friends are pinning it. Why not try it for yourself? It is super easy. Trust me. If I can make it after having 3 glasses of wine sugar cookies, you can easily do it.

First, head to Hobby Lobby and get yourself a can of this:

Don't forget your 40% off coupon! This little guy is expensive (Editor's note: This is the actual size of the can). I may, or may not, have actually cursed when I saw the $11.99 price tag.

Then, go around your house and collect all of the glass containers you have sitting around. Don't forget all those vases that come with the flowers Mr. VB gives you. Oh, and also grab that spray bottle you use on the dogs to get them to sit down and stop barking. Don't you just love being able to shop in your own house? Hoarding really does come in handy some times.

Next, mist the inside of the glass vase with the water. Then, spray with the Looking Glass spray paint. Wait for it to dry and do it again. Or, if you are impatient, spray again right away. The paint won't stick to the misted areas.

Toss in a candle and Voila!

I used a scrubber in some of the vases to wipe off some of the paint. Mine have a very light coat of the Looking Glass...be has heavy or light handed as you want!