A pretty corner of my home (& an easy how-to)

May 13, 2009

This weekend I finally took down the last Christmas decoration. No wait, I still have gold stars on the tiffany fixture but those don't look explicitly Christmasy. The red, white and green quilted applique wall hanging, with "Welcome" written on a scene with a sled pulling cut evergreens, stayed well past its welcome but I just wasn't sure what to put up in its place. 

The creative juices were really flowing on Mother's day, I had the day off to do whatever I wanted and I mostly did photo related computer stuff. But at some point in the day I decided I wanted to make something beautiful with my hands for my home. Something other than taking a pretty photo that might someday get printed and then might someday be framed and then might someday be hung on the wall. I'm calling it my easier-than-easy heirloom wall tapestry. Or maybe I'm calling it my new favorite wall hanging. Either way it is now gracing a previous blah corner of our living room and just looking at it makes me happy. Maybe I've seen this idea in a blog or magazine, though I don't recall.

My grandmother, who is now passed away, made this linen tablecloth many years ago. I think she gave me a note with it but I can't find it right now. But I'm guessing the tablecloth is at least 60 years old. She embroidered the flower design and hand crocheted the lace edging. I can't imagine making something so beautiful. Its beauty in fact was why I didn't use it as a tablecloth. What with 3 kiddos and spills and stains... I'm so happy I've found a way to display it and make a pretty corner in my home. 

How-to make a very easy wall hanging:

Everything I used to make this was already existing in my home so it was very easy & cost nothing. I challenge you to do the same but the supplies wouldn't cost much if you can't find them around home, especially now that it's yard sale season.

1. Find a dowel of appropriate length, fancy button and nice ribbon.
2. Screw a screw (sounds redundant) into the wall - you should probably measure first to center and such. I had an ugly screw already existing in the wall and part of my inspiration for this decorating project was to cover it up.
3. Using a hot glue gun attach the pretty button to the screw. I think this works better on a screw than a nail head because a screw head is bigger. Viola! You have a pretty hook.
4. Attach ribbon to either end of your dowel, with your handy dandy glue gun. I used the prettiest ribbon I had and this was the exact amount left on the spool. I didn't have to measure one thing for this project - yeah!! I hate measuring.
5. Drape tablecloth, light blanket or other fabric you desire to hang over the dowel. This part required some fiddling to get the sides mostly even. This was the most difficult part of the whole project.

I can't say enough how pleased I was in making this. It took me maybe 15 minutes, including ironing the tablecloth. (And this project was double the fun because I was equally pleased with the photos I took of it this morning.) And now when I'm sitting at my computer desk (as I am right now) or knitting at a chair or helping my kids with a craft in the learning room I look over to that corner and smile... and remember my wonderful grandmother. And isn't that what an heirloom is for?

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