porch? This screened in porch faced due west, so the sun was unbearable in the late afternoon. We used copper pipe for curtain rods as a unique touch. Admittedly, the price of copper has gone up since 2009 when this project was completed, so you might use regular curtain rods or even spray painted PVC pipe instead of copper, but it gives it a unique look. We added rope lighting around the top for night time ambiance.

Tools needed for this job:

cheap 9x15 canvas paint drop cloths

a few packages of Levelor curtain ring clips

lengths of copper pipe found in the plumbing section of Lowes

copper endcaps, curved 90 degree and straight connectors to give the pipe a finished end

curtain rod hangers

screws

rope lighting

tassels or lengths of rope for tiebacks

Screw the curtain rod hangers at a length so the curtains will barely skim the floor when pulled back. Assemble the copper pipe and cut down to size if needed using a tube cutter if you have one, or a hacksaw/ table saw. If you make curved curtains that wrap around your porch you can use 90 degree connectors for a continuous length of pipe. Or just use two straight runs and make it easy. Hang the dropcloths using the curtain clips, then tie back with tassels.

You can see the full tutorial at my blog: http://unskinnyboppy.com/2009/06/drop-cloth-...

Perennials are a vital part of a flower bed. #gardening

landscape.

One day while visiting a local nursery, I saw a really cool circular pattern in the gravel made from small square stones. That's when I knew those granite blocks weren't going anywhere...they were going to be my new patio!