I Had an Idea...
by
Pat Ruge
4 Materials
$15
2 Hours
Easy
This door leads to the backyard and is directly to the right of my crafting desk. The problem is it also faces directly west with the full sun of the afternoon. This is a night time shot, so you just have to imagine the sunlight pouring int. It just so happens that today, of all days, the temperature reached 107 degrees outside.
I wanted this project to:
1. Block the afternoon sun
2. Be aesthetically pleasing
3. Create functionality to my crafting area
It's a tall order.
So I had this idea....
Insulfoam comes in 1-in x 4-ft x 8-ft' panels and sells at Lowes for around $12. I happen to have a piece large enough for this project leftover from an earlier project where I created custom valances for my upper windows in the same area. That's another project, for another day.
Insulfoam cuts easily using either an electric knife, or with a serrated bread knife. I highly recommend the electric knife for smoother more steady cuts.
After cutting down the size to a 2'x4', I covered with a sturdy outdoor fabric and added the zebra print to form a pocket. I lightly used modpodge to adhere the fabric. The side I modpodged was the Styrofoam side, as I wanted the aluminum side to face the outdoors. Warning: I tried to use the 3M spray adhesive but it ate away the styrofoam. After experimenting, I discovered any adhesive with a petroleum base will have the same effect.
To mount it to the door, I used Velcro with adhesive backing. This is the outside view which reflects the sun and adds the benefit of insulating against the heat.
And now my "Idea Board" is complete. Please take note of that adorable quilters art piece, I acquired after this project began. I use this board to pin my ideas and various piece I want to use in my upcoming projects. The pocket I created is used to hold pictures and printed materials
It is hard to see because of the lighting, but I pin all my scrape pieces of ribbons and lace to the bottom edge. It creates a wonderful rainbow effect of colors at various times of the day.
It is a rather unconventional window treatment, but I do think it met all three of my goals. Best part is: I really love it every time I walk into the room.
It is hard to see because of the lighting, but I pin all my scrape pieces of ribbons and lace to the bottom edge. It creates a wonderful rainbow effect of colors at various times of the day.
It is a rather unconventional window treatment, but I do think it met all three of my goals. Best part is: I really love it every time I walk into the room.
Comments
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3 of 7 comments
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The before picture actually scared me alil bit. Was someone outside when you took the photo?
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LOL, no, you must be seeing my reflection. I took the pic at night because the sun in this window is otherwise intense.
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