DIY

DIY ♢ CUSTOMIZING AN IKEA WINDOW SHADE

The Lakefront Cottage didn't come with window coverings when we moved in last November.  The clean look was tempting at first. I loved the craftsmanship that went into building the window frames.  But, while settling into our new home, we quickly discovered that privacy as well as keeping summer sun and autumn chills out was vital.

Years ago I found a Canadian company that make shades from your measurements.  Q Design Centre was going to be the go-to for all the cottage's window coverings.  Except, I didn't have the budget for it until later on.  In the meantime, I researched how I could come up with a way to duplicate the same look without sacrificing the quality because of my budget.

I was very familiar with IKEA's RINGBLOMMA blind from my days working as an interior designer.  I always loved its simplistic style and ease of install.  It can be mounted inside or outside of a window frame.  I purchased it to see how I could hack it into a custom looking shade.  It required a few simple skills and overall very easy to achieve.  

Supplies needed:
 - sewing machine

 - hand saw

 - scissors

 - pencil

 - straight edge

Remove all hardware from shade.  This includes the magnetic plastic strips, top and bottom plastic pieces and metal eye-hooks.  All you should be left with is just the fabric shade.

Measure the inside of your window.  This will be the measurement of the finished shade.  Allow for seam allowance.  Work out how much of the shade needs to be cut.  My measurement worked out to be 6.5cm.  You will only have to cut one side of the shade.  

TIP-cut from the side of the shade that has a solid seam...(keep the seam that has slits for the magnetic strips).  

Mark your measurement to be cut off and draw a line using your straightedge.  Cut and recycle the access shade.

Now it's time to hem the side.  I doubled my seam using 2x 2cm to match the rest of the shades seams.  Cut all plastic pieces so they slide back into the shade.

TIP-cut the magnetic strips from both ends, this way you'll avoid cutting the magnet!  

Sand off the edges to remove any sharp ends.  Place back together and hang with included eye-hooks.

I ended up saving $500 on just one shade!  And I am so pleased with the result.

What window covering hacks have you've done?  I'd love to hear from you!

xo

Jennifer

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DIY ♢ TABLESCAPE

Create excitement at your next culinary gathering for family and friends with the following tips:

1. Collect green stems from outside your door
2. Roll out Japanese washi tape to outline cutlery
3. Recycle fabric for a table runner or placemat, exposing raw edges
4. Stack dishes for visual height

Photography by Jennifer Kucherka

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