My back porch.......

[Deed]

Jack got some free storm windows from work, so he took out the full screening on the side that gets the rain and and old door we never have used and put them in. Still has to be primed and painted but I wanted to show you all what I did yesterday.

The sun beating in is unmerciful and making my kitchen super hot! So I had some old roller shades that I have been packratting ummmm I mean saving for years. Well I put them to good use! They don't match in color, 2 are white and 1 is creamy colored, but they were the ones I had that would fit the windows. LOL

I hung them up and then hung some old curtains I had that I made many many years ago. These curtains are actually the second time around for them. I bought the fabric super cheap years ago and made curtains for the spare room. Then a few years later, took them apart and made these jabots and what was left over of them, I added into a quilt for the spare room. They are a little sunbleached on the edges, but are perfectly fine for the porch.

Here are the pics

Before:





and After:

[lucie]

Looks great, Dee!

[Admin]

Wow Deed and Jack~~~ great job. and the curtains and shades how frugal. Love it Dee. Thanks for sharing with us.. Now the fur children can claim the porch once again.

[ellise]

Dee no matter if they don't match Paint them if you want them to match . Yes you can paint the roller shades. I did this when I lived in Hawaii and then stenciled kitties on the bottom of them, attached a bit of fringe and Voila! Instant decorator shades

Just be creative all things are possible with them.

[Deed]

Thanks gals.

Okay Ellise, how do I paint them? They are plastic so what, use that new paint for outdoor plastic furniture from Krylon?

[ellise]

You could, or you could use the craft paints that are used for plastics. Mine were the cloth type ones but I've seen them do it on the vinyl ones on HGTV, or Trading spaces or some show like that. Give it a try Dee and let's see what you come up with.

I think I am going to attach a piece of sheer material to the backs of my mini blinds (since I can't afford Plantation blinds right yet). Just for added privacy ;D

[Deed]

You're right, they are vinyl, very lightweight though. I may give it a try, I have plenty of craft paints around here. LOL

Great idea Ellise, bet that sheer fabric is just what they need. Don't forget to show us the results.

[Admin]

Deed, you can use interior latex paint, or craft paint to paint your shades. My son in law used an old shade and painted a stork on it and announded the birth of each of their children with it. Craft paints work well.
Sounds cute...if you paint them..Be sure to let us see..

[Heather]

Dee, you are so creative! Great ideas......I never knew that about painting blinds, thanks ladies.