Last month at Good JuJu I stumbled across the perfect curtains for the new addition. They are not what I was looking for, and I hadn't even planned on curtains. I thought I'd go with shades covered by lace sheers (I'd bought a boxful of vintage ones at an estate sale for $6, that just needed a little repair and hemming to fit).
But when I saw a pile of these, perfectly faded, soft colored, old barkcloth panels in great condition, I fell in love. I've had a thing for barkcloth since I was a kid and spent time in my Grandma's cabana room on the side of her Sarasota trailer. She had curtains and seat covers, all in mismatched tropical patterns, in that nubby, old material. Later on, when I discovered that cool, old fabric was made in ROSES too, I was enamoured with it.
Silly me, I debated the purchase of these for about a half hour of dithering, and almost walked away. I wasn't quite sure if they would fit the windows, and fabric wasn't on my shopping list that day.
Then, I came to my senses and realized that 6 long panels and one extra length valance of beautiful, vintage fabric for only $150 was a deal I should never walk away from. Even if they did not fit the windows, I could make pillows and slipcovers, it was a lot of material.
And I was right, they didn't fit the windows. Though, there is a deep hem, and with some finagling, I can make them work.
Once I had the curtains, my plans for the room changed up a tad. I needed a coordinating something or other for over the mantel and I decided to paint some pink roses in the style of old postcards to hang up there.
And the picture should have a bird in it.
Here are some of the steps of the work.
And here is the finished painting.
Trouble is, it was too small and too busy for the giant frame I had in mind. I needed an enormous anchor piece on that 15' stone wall, and this needed to be closer to eye level to enjoy, not up so high. I'll still use it on the mantel, but will set in directly on the mantel and lean it against the larger painting. I'll post about that one later.
PS- Before this gets framed, I hope to get some copies made for my shop. I'll let you know.
OMG! Your paining is drop dead GORGEOUS!!!
How nice of you to take the time to say that, thank you, Cathy!
WOW! What can’t you do Karla?!! Your painting is just beautiful and I love the curtains/fabric you found, so pretty.
Your new room will be stunning!
Love the painting. I used to do decorative painting and your picture is lovely!!!
Beautiful painting Karla!
Thank goodness you “came to your senses” and purchased this. I feel in love with barkcloth at my grandmother’s house, too. She had pillows and cushions of many patterns in her sunroom.
And, I love, love, love your painting.♥♥♥
Thanks, Rhonda, Im hoping to get started on the curtains soon, but have been a bit intimidated so far. Such beautiful fabric in the hands of a poor sewer doesnt seem right!
If anyone can make those gorgeous vintage drapes work,it’s you.
You will have them up and they will be perfect
They are up, but far from perfect. But the fabric is so nice, it isnt noticeable.