10-Minute Makeover of My 10-Minute Makeover

If you read my 10-minute living room makeover, you may recall that I mentioned hanging the drapes high, causing them to dangle a good foot above the floor. It was sort of hidden behind the couch, but obviously at some angles it was visible. If my house floods, at least my drapes will be safe, but aesthetically, not so great.

Then in my Target post , I hinted at an upcoming project with the bargain valances that I picked up. Perhaps you can see where this is going. The valances are 15" long, just right to add to the panels and make them the perfect length.

I decided to attach them at the top so the pattern is visible and not hidden behind the couch. I could've just as easily put them on the bottom. The valances, of course, have their own casing for a curtain rod, the edges are all finished, it's perfect. Nothing could be easier.


I actually used my sewing machine for this. It was just one straight seam. Both the panel and the valance are 54" wide, it says so right on the packages. A perfect match. This will be a breeze! I am a lazy seamstress and didn't even pin it, just held them together and sewed it right up.


Huh. That's weird. The panel is a good 2" wider than the valance. Somebody can't measure...oh, made in China. Well. That's what I get for not pinning. Okay, well it's a good thing that I used the biggest basting stitch with the idea that I may want to take these apart and use them separately one day.

No problem, I can fix this. I ripped out the seam, folded the two pieces in half to find the middle and matched them up at that point. This time I pinned. There was still a discrepancy at the edges, so I just folded the panel in and caught that fold in the seam.

Here they are hanging up. You can hardly tell in this picture, but the subtle pattern at the top is a nice touch. There's still a big blank space on the wall in between, but I have something I think I can use.


I've had this carved wooden clock for a while, but haven't been using it in this house.

I popped the clock out and took off the hooks, which were broken anyway. Then I printed out our initial and hot-glued it to the back.


And here is the whole package! I think the carved piece looks pretty good there. It may be a little small, but it'll do. Maybe I'll eventually find something that will work better. Misti emailed me and suggested plates. That would be pretty--I'll keep my eye out.

Oh, and I just must tell you, that floor lamp that I got brand new at Goodwill for $19.99? It currently sells at Target for $69.99! Oh yeah.

P.S. I should probably iron the curtains, huh? And clean my camera lens.