Window Valence Project Done... almost!

Like I mentioned here, I have been wanting to try out making my own window valence for a while now! I live in a very tiny apartment with one very plain window that was just screaming for a little TLC! Im so glad I did it, I LOVE the end result! It wasn't the easiest of projects but I think that was more due to the fact that I was super eager to get it done and see the end result so I kept bugging Marshall (my handyman for the day) to move quicker! Heres a picture of how it turned out!

I ran out of ribbon before I could finish the trim on the second curtain so it looks a little wonky at the moment but you get the idea! I need to go back to the store tomorrow to pick it up so that it will truly be done!

Heres a close up of the ribbon I used! The craft store here in Auburn is really big but the selection of ribbon and fabric is less than ideal (lets just say LOTS of pink camo...) so I was thrilled when I found this pretty pink and red pattern ribbon that was the perfect width! 

Heres a step by step How-To:

1.) For the materials, I bought two packs of plain white curtains (4 panels total), padding from the craft store (I think the material is normally used for quilts), ribbon, a staple gun, a pack of L brackets, a cheap curtain rod (your not actually going to see it in the end), ply wood, and fabric glue. 

2.) You could of course buy fabric and make the curtains from scratch (or Ive even read that some people use bed sheets) but I personally despise sewing! I bought the second pack of curtains to use as the fabric for the valence! I ended up with one left over curtain panel at the end, but the curtains were so cheap and it saved me so much time that it was worth it!

3.) For the ply wood, you need three pieces. The front piece needs to be 10 inches tall and 6 inches wider than the width of your window (so that there is an extra 3 inches on either side of the window). The two side pieces are the same size and need to be 5 inches wide and 10 inches tall. 

4.) First, with the fabric glue, adhere the ribbon to the edge and bottom of the curtains. Save some ribbon for the valence later. 

5.) Hang the curtain rod and the finished curtains. 

6.) Nail or glue or staple the three pieces of wood together, depending on the density of your wood, so that they make the box.

7.) Lay down your fabric (or left over curtain) and then lay the padding over that and the valence over that with the face against the padding and the two side pieces facing up. 

8.) Pull the fabric and the padding around the wood tight and staple. I started with the face and put my first staple in the middle. Then wrap around the edge pieces and make sure the edges are all tucked in and hidden. 

9.) Then secure the one side of the L brackets to the valence and the other side to the wall and VOILA, you have your very own window valence! 

I don't know if I exactly explained these directions the best so if you get confused, check out these other instructions! Let me know if you try it out and how it goes!