create a valance

How to Create an Easy, No-Sew Valance in Just 15 Minutes

Here's an easy way to create a beautiful, elegant valance with no sewing in only 15 minutes. See an example here: http://myhomeredux.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/shawl_valance.jpg

Shawls are in right now - for more than just your shoulders. Now, you can take two, three, or more shawls to create a lovely valance. Follow these simple steps.

1) Buy the number of shawls needed to cover the width of your window. A general rule is to have one extra shawl for the number of windows together. So have two shawls for a single window or three for a double-window unit. Select the color based on your décor. Choose a light fabric. Fringe adds a nice touch.

2) Install a drapery pole (wood, iron, painted or stained) above a window., mounted either on the trim or on the wall. If you mount the pole holders on the wall, be sure to use drywall anchors.

3) Pinch pleat the shawls by hand in order to create gathers and soft folds. You may want to pin the pleats together as you wait to hang the valance to keep it together.

4) Hang the pleated shawls over the pole, equally distant from each other, overlapping as necessary to make the valance the proper width.

5) To prevent the shawls from slipping off the pole, pin the back of the shawl carefully to the front folds, watching to keep the pins hidden.

Now step back and enjoy your new valance. What a beautiful fashion statement!

Julie Lohmeier is the veteran of numerous home remodeling and building projects. From working hands on and doing much of the work herself to hiring contractors and construction managers, she has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement. She shares her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and other various rants at http://www.myhomeredux.com. Subscribe to her free newsletter at: http://myhomeredux.typepad.com/blog/2005/09/get_my_home_red_2.html