Invisible Window Hanging Trick

Hmmm....I am an actually an APPLE person !

However, I do love the windows in our house.  

I love that many of our windows don't need to be covered.  The clean look of big tall gridded windows is something I love.

That is especially nice in the kitchen.  It is far enough away from things that privacy is not an issue.

But...and you knew there would be a BUT in there....that bare window sometimes calls for a little decoration.

Hanging things in the window without damaging the wood can be a challenge.
I have solved the problem in a pretty elegant and inexpensive way.
Of course....a tension rod would work....but I think you might agree that this looks even better.

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best!

We took two little cup hooks....and screwed them to the underside of the upper window frame molding!
They can easily be removed and filled with a bit of wood putty and covered with a bit of stain!

Then Mr. S  went to work and cut a piece of stainless steel tube/rod that he had in HIS "stash".  
It slips into the cup hooks to make a sturdy bar to hang "Stuff" from!

 Even better would be to purchase a wooden dowel and stain it to match the woodwork.

I have been "just gonna do that" for a couple of years now.....













Here is the rod holding up the birch branch Heart...

The tutorial for making this is here:  How To Make A Birch Branch Heart

When I use this trick....it makes the wreath look like it is floating on the window.









The other nice thing....
If you don't have something to put in the window...the rod sort of disappears.

Now I am off to the store to buy a dowel so that it will match the window trim.
HMMMM....maybe I should do one for the front living room window too!

And some final window thoughts for you....

 

Have A Wonderful Day!

Simple Almost No Sew Custom Shower Curtain

A Long Long Time Ago.....
I posted about the no sew shower curtain in the guest bathroom.  The complete tutorial for how to do this can be found on the link.
This curtain really doesn't look bad.....but heavens....it has been hanging around for over 7 years!  GASP!

 The dark brown walls will be staying for awhile.  We are redoing the master bath later on this month....and energy and budget for the guest bath just won't happen.

My challenge:  Find some way to freshen up the room with out spending too much time and little or no money!

If you are a regular reader, you know that for me, many projects start with a fabric inspiration!
Fabric stores are my happy place!
Speaking of happy....don't these little birds just make you smile?

I love the clean white background.
I love the multiple colors on the birds.
The green is bright and cheerful.
We can pretend the branches are brown...until we have time to paint!


 Here are the simple directions for an almost no sew shower curtain:

To make a shower curtain you will need 2 Lengths of fabric (typical drapery fabric is 54-60 inches wide).
1.  Four yards of fabric will give you enough fabric for a full looking curtain.

2. Cut the fabric in 2 pieces and seam them together (straight seam on the machine or fusible webbing will work...never tried to glue gun....but why not)

3. Cut a piece of fabric that is 8 inches wide from each of the pieces.....I cut this from the long sides of the fabric.  You will have 2 pieces that are 8 x 72.  Fold the strips to make tabs.  I don't sew these...it has never seemed to be necessary.  Cut the folded strips into 8 inch pieces for use as the tabs.

4. Turn both of the sides of the big square in to make a smooth edge.  You can stitch or use fusible web for this.

5. Fold the top of the square down to make a 2 inch "hem".

6. Fold the tab pieces over and pin them to the top.  Space them 5 inches apart with a 3 inch "loop".

7.  Stitch across the top of the curtain at 1/2 inch down and 2 inches down.  This will secure the tabs.
I imagine you could do this with a glue gun too!

8.  Measure your curtain to make sure you know how long you want it....then turn up the bottom for a nice hem.

9. Hang the curtain by the tabs on a tension rod.  I have a regular shower rod with a liner behind the decorative one.

There you have it!

Then it was just a matter of "shopping the house" for some art and accents to fit the new decor.

I changed the mats on these little pictures to white for a brighter look.

This canvas has just the right color scheme for the new room.

The ceramic birds look right at home with their "friends"!

The new update was worth the couple of hours spent.
Even with new towels...I think the total cost was around $50!
My kind of decorating!

Have A Wonderful Day and Stay Warm!

 

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Do You Hygge ?

I keep coming across this word. I have a basic idea of the concept, but thought I should research it some more.  I sure don't want to miss out on the latest "trend" :).

Pronounced "hoo-ga," this word from the Danish is a concept that cannot be translated exactly to one single word.  It is a bunch of words: cozy, contentment, well-being and, enjoying the simple things in life.

According to the BBC, hygge is a means to cope with those brutal Nordic winters. Denmark can go dark for up to 17 hours a day during the worst of the season, and the average temperature is frequently around 32 degrees.
Wow! 32 degrees sounds like a heat wave! The temps here in Minnesota have been hovering around 0 degrees all week.
The holiday decor is put away for the most part.
I have a lousy cold!
Seems like a great time for some Hygee around here!

 It would be tempting to just pile up a bunch of stuff and make some nests!  That really doesn't embrace the style.  The goal is to create a serene but cozy atmosphere.  If you are like me....clutter  and serene are pretty much opposites!


In the spirit of "Use What I Have",  I decided to look for ways that we naturally do to embrace Hyggee.  Then I "shopped" the "stash" for things to use that will add more elements of Hygee to Sweetwater.  

PictureQuotes.com

Coffee is pretty much a staple around here.
Well that is one staple....

http://www.signs-unique.co.uk/

And then there is wine!

This concept is truly one that embraces Hygee!







Throws and Pillows.....there are lots of these around here already.  A pile of couch pillows always call to me to come sit and relax with a magazine or a book.  There is usually a cat to add to the cozy feeling! I think the addition of the handwoven tapestry on the back of the white couch adds some texture.  The sofa pillows are the softest velvet....also pretty cozy!

Twinkle lights and candles....I was going to put my battery powered twinkle lights and candles away after the holidays.  I am so glad to have a reason to keep them on display!

Natural elements....Taking the obvious holiday items off the mantel and just leaving the natural greenery brings a touch of nature into the room.  This grapevine wreath with some touches of greenery is a leftover from the holidays that still looks nice.

Wardrobe...leggings, woolen sweaters and fleece lined slippers may not be the most elegant outfits...but they certainly embrace the sense of comfort that is Hygge.

Finding your spot....the photo below might just be the epitome of Hyge!  I found a bright sunlit window with a cozy throw and a special grandboy to spend some quality reading time with!  True joy!

Here is wishing you Hygge in your life!
I would love to hear how you find "comfort and a complete absence of frustration"!  Here's to a calmer 2018!

 

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