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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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March 26, 2012

Duct Tape Trimmed Curtains

Howdy howdy friends! It’s the first day of Spring Break and we are so happy to have a week off!
My parents (a.k.a. “Nonna and Poppa”) are in town so if I seem a bit scarce around “b-town” you’ll know why. Oh, wait, what’s “b-town” you ask?
It’s Blog-town silly!
As in, “b-town is in da houzz yo”!
Ahem…I digress…

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I have realized that lately I am tackling projects in a “slow and steady wins the race” kind of way.
Which means that the mini-makeover I’m doing in my son’s room should be done by 2015.

Don’t go holdin’ your breath waiting for it, ok?

You may (or may not!) remember that the first thing I did was add some fun new lighting to his room with these Work Lights turned Gallery Lights!

He is into all things Electronic/Engineering/Lego-ing (that’s a word right?)/Gears etc.
So, I’m trying to incorporate some of his hobbies into his room and grow it up just a bit…only a bit mind you since I’m in no hurry for this room to be too “big boy”!

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I decided that the red curtains really needed to be replaced with something a bit more crisp and well, less red!
Oh, wait…ummm…can we tangent together for a minute?

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Do you see that horse lying there on the bed?
I would call him a “stuffed” animal but as you can see he has kind of lost his stuffing.
His name is Paco. Yep, Paco.
My parents gave him to our son for his first Christmas when he was only 6 months old.
Which means that Paco has been my son’s sidekick for 8 years (almost 9!).
He has been through a lot with my sweet boy.
Thrown up on, dragged around outside, blamed for disobedience.
(as in “no, mommy, it wasn’t me pushing the button to roll down the window, it was Paco!”)
If anything ever happens to Paco I will lose it.
When he is packed away someday I will lose it.
I will become a weepy ball of mommy goo and it won’t be pretty.
There will be ugly crying involved.
Just thought you all should know.

Now, back to the Mini-Makeover!
I decided we needed to neutralize a bit so I picked up this pack of 2 panels for $13 from Wal-Mart.

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But they were a bit too drab and I really wanted to add some electrical-y (that is a technical term by the way) character to them. Enter the red duct tape!
There are so many cool duct tape options out there right now, you know?
When I was buying it the cashier told me that her daughter’s friend makes hair bows out of duct tape!
To which I replied, “how does she keep it from sticking in her hair?”
To which she replied, “I don’t really know” and then gave me the “why did I bother talking to you” look.

I get that a lot.

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Now, the only thing I had to be careful of as I was doing this, was making sure that there was no bunching of the curtains as I went along and that the tape also didn’t get lumpy and bumpy.
This is hard stuff putting tape on panels. 
I thought about maybe doing a more extensive tutorial but I know you are all smart cookies and would somehow, someway be able to figure this out for yourselves!

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I finished off the ends by folding them over onto the backside.

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And that’s all she wrote folks!
What I love the most is that from far away it looks like a fabric trim instead of tape.

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Now, I was going to do something all cool and nifty and DIY-y for the curtain rod.
But, then I spotted this one at Lowes and loved how it had the feel of a pipe or a screw or something else kind of mechanical-y.
So, I bought it instead of doing something cool and nifty.
But, I hung it up myself which technically counts as a DIY project right?
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                         Before                                                                                        After
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My son thought they were super cool and that mommy was some kind of genius!
My hubby gave me a “did you know there was duct tape on our son’s curtains?” kind of look.

Of course, he then applauded my duct taping prowess and reminded me that the best part was that at least if we get tired of it all we have to do is rip it right off!

Hmmm…this has me thinking…maybe we could do seasonally related duct taped curtains…
Orange for Halloween!
Green for St. Patrick’s Day!
Pastels for Easter!

Oh the wheels of creativity are turning now folks!

Thanks so much for joining me at the Fence today,

1553F4F30A9801A6AFB3E9C624118E7B

This post is partying here this week:
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
Chatty Chics: Wild Wednesday
Ruby Jean: Sew Crafty Tuesday
DIY By Design: Swing into Spring
Savvy Southern Style: Wow Us Wednesday
No Minimalist Here: Open House Party
Imparting Grace: Grace at Home
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Redoux: “Redone” Friday Linky Party
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
It’s Overflowing: Overflowing with Creativity

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Comments

  1. Ange says

    March 26, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    Looking good! Love the genius idea of duct tape, perfect for his room and you really can just rip it off after he/you tires of it. The curtain rod looks cool too…this room is coming together s l o w l y but surely. 😉 Enjoy your visit with your parents!

    Reply
  2. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says

    March 26, 2012 at 2:11 PM

    That looks SUPER cool Vanessa, I love it!! The lighter curtains looks great and you were still able to add that touch of red.

    Reply
  3. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    March 26, 2012 at 2:22 PM

    You are too creative! I love the lighter look with the bright red duct tape accent!

    Reply
  4. Cindy says

    March 26, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    I love trim on curtains! I love duct tape! I love your quirkey sense of humor! Paco looks to be in pretty good shape! My kids all had “nighnies” Blankets with the satin trim. I would sew the trim back on a million times until I had baby #3 and I got smart and bought three “nighnie” blankets at one time and stashed the other two away for safe keeping. Terrible when you come home from vacation missing the blankie.
    XO Cindy

    Reply
  5. Shelia says

    March 26, 2012 at 2:36 PM

    Oh, you little smartie! 🙂 This is so cute and who would think of doing something like this? You did! I love the look and I’m sure you’re THE ONE in your son’s book. Thanks for popping in to see me.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply
  6. It's All Connected says

    March 26, 2012 at 2:40 PM

    Really cool idea! ~ Maureen

    Reply
  7. Cristina Garay says

    March 26, 2012 at 2:47 PM

    They look great! The best part is how easy they are to make!

    Reply
  8. Linda@Coastal Charm says

    March 26, 2012 at 3:00 PM

    What a nifty thrifty idea…love how you were thinking outside of the box!!!

    Blessings,
    Linda

    Reply
  9. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    March 26, 2012 at 3:32 PM

    Love the curtains. I think that is so clever and the rod is fabulous too. I need to browse through the hardware store more often. I had no idea that duct tape came in colors. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  10. Kristin says

    March 26, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    Loved your humor in this post! I’m the same way with projects lately – slow and steady! The curtains are super creative – love them!!

    Have fun with your family!!

    Reply
  11. Judy says

    March 26, 2012 at 4:10 PM

    I agree…I think you are a mommy genius. Such a great idea using the duck tape. My daughter uses pink with white polka dot duck tape to cover all of her folders. I just love your new use for it. Awesome curtain rod as well.

    Reply
  12. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here says

    March 26, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    Vanessa, Very cute and creative idea! Who would have thought..duct tape on curtains.
    Hugs, Sherry

    Reply
  13. toocolorcrazy says

    March 26, 2012 at 5:35 PM

    sorry – I think this is not one of the best…but looks like Im one of the ones so no worries.

    Reply
    • At The Picket Fence says

      March 26, 2012 at 7:41 PM

      Oh, I’m not worried! 🙂 I had fun with it and my son loves it! To each his own right?
      Vanessa

      Reply
  14. Merlin says

    March 26, 2012 at 7:18 PM

    What guy does NOT LOVE duct tape???? My hubby could bath in it…sounds bad, huh! Just so cool – nice “job.” franki

    Reply
  15. thistlewoodfarm says

    March 26, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    OK….I have to pin this 🙂 I don’t have a duct tape board…..maybe it’s time I started one. Saw this on twitter and I started giggling and saying…..”what will they think up next” 🙂

    blessings,
    karianne

    Reply
  16. Becca says

    March 26, 2012 at 7:49 PM

    BRILLIANT, friend !! What a super cool and fun idea … and, let’s not forget super budget-friendly !! You’re such a great Mom … love, love his room. xoxo

    Reply
  17. Mary says

    March 26, 2012 at 8:11 PM

    GREAT IDEA!
    i just saw some floral duct tape at wally world…just think of the cute girly curtains you could create! 🙂
    and if you got sick of it…no worries!
    good job, mama!

    Reply
  18. Fox Hollow Cottage says

    March 26, 2012 at 8:28 PM

    So fun! Perfect for a boys room too. Mine is crazy for duct tape and buys it in camo and other funky colors. I bet he would actually request this for his room.

    Reply
  19. Lakeshore Cottage Living says

    March 26, 2012 at 8:47 PM

    Us no sew girls HAVE to be creative and I think you are a genius. Just think…when they pull those curtains shut with their dirty little paws…you can just wipe that tape right off! and if you want to change the color, there are so many to choose from…even zebra stripes! Duct tape can be used for everything. You could even cut out dots with a different color and add those to curtains! wouldn’t that be fun?!

    Genius. Pure Genius.

    Reply
  20. Debbiedoo's says

    March 26, 2012 at 11:24 PM

    That was so clever my friend. LOVE it.

    Reply
  21. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    March 26, 2012 at 11:42 PM

    OK…now this should be a nominee for the Oscars of Blogland…!!!…I thought I have seen every use for duct tape, but now you have hit it out of the ballpark!..with duct tape on the bat! I love it!!

    Reply
  22. NanaDiana says

    March 27, 2012 at 12:20 AM

    Oh- What a cute use for duct tape. My granddaughter called me this morning and she was making herself a pair of SANDALS out of duct tape. No kidding- Age 9! She was so serious about it, too!

    You will bawl your eyes out when you pack Paco away someday. Trust me- I packed Mikey away with tears in my eyes and teared up again when I unpacked him to give to my son- who is expecting HIS first son- God is sooo good! xo Diana

    Reply
  23. Chatty Chics says

    March 27, 2012 at 12:33 AM

    wow! Who knew?! They look fabulous! Great job! 🙂 Never would have guessed duct tape!
    Melody
    One Chatty Chic

    Reply
  24. Stuff and Nonsense says

    March 27, 2012 at 12:46 AM

    what a fun and simple
    (and cheap) idea

    i’m gonna go buy me
    some leopard print duct tape
    for trimming out curtains!

    alison

    Reply
  25. Deidre Miles says

    March 27, 2012 at 3:11 AM

    Totally stealing this for my son’s room! Any idea of the brand name of the curtain rod? I love it but couldn’t find it on Lowe’s site. Thanks! Deidre

    Reply
  26. Debbie says

    March 27, 2012 at 11:01 AM

    I think that’s a brilliant idea and looks perfect, especially for a boy’s room. It adds a sort of quirky boyish texture.

    As as for Paco? Yep. You’ll cry.
    Of course, I only suspect that because my daughter has yet to pack up her little nimmie. Hers is called Baby because apparently the creative naming gene wasn’t passed to her. Baby is (well, used to be) a mouse puffalump and is currently enrolled in college. He even went on foreign exchange to Germany. Such an accomplished puffalump he is.

    Reply
  27. Maria Elena says

    March 28, 2012 at 1:59 PM

    What an awesome idea! You just made some simple panels look custom made!Love it!

    Reply
  28. Richella says

    March 29, 2012 at 12:56 PM

    I just love this. How cool to have something so custom-looking for just a little money and a little time. But I must say it took a lot of imagination! (Actually, you’re just being a good role model for your son, right?)

    Thanks so much for joining Grace at Home!

    Reply
  29. Jennifer @ Spend Less, Shop More says

    March 29, 2012 at 5:33 PM

    Just found your blog from the Grace At Home linky party. Love this idea for freshening up some old curtains!

    Reply
  30. Good Time Charlie says

    March 30, 2012 at 12:37 AM

    My kids make duct tape everything, but this brings it a whole new level. Genius!!

    Reply
  31. Donna says

    March 30, 2012 at 2:34 AM

    Looks great. I like the new lighter look.

    Reply
  32. Good Time Charlie says

    April 5, 2012 at 4:28 AM

    I love this project so much, just wanted to let you know I am featuring it tomorrow! Thanks!

    Reply
  33. Peggy says

    April 10, 2012 at 5:55 PM

    I love your duct tape trim but I am afraid I am bearer of bad news…. duct tape does not normally come off nicely after being applied to fabric for long periods of time. It has a tendency to leave behind a very nasty sticky surface…. 🙁 but on a much happier note… It will last a LONG time and it keeps the edges of curtains from fraying or getting all dirty as it wipes clean. (yes I’ve had experiences with duct tape especially with 3 teenage boys.) Here’s hoping your duct tape comes off cleaning with no stickiness or tearing of fabric. Oh wait… if it does leave a sticky surface then you will have better adhesion when you place the new color, right?! Love the lights and new curtains!!

    Reply
  34. شركات النقل بجدة says

    September 28, 2014 at 2:41 PM

    If some one desires to be updated with most recent technologies
    therefore he must be pay a visit this site and be up to date all the time.

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I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consumin I’m never.going.back to stressful, time-consuming seasonal decorating. When I think back on the years where I would feel all of the pressure to come up with something fresh and creative I’m seriously embarrassed. Truly. Because it was such a waste. A waste of my time, my energy, my resources. Something clicked with me a few years ago. I was just done. I needed to simplify. I needed to not spend an obscene amount of time looking at fireplace mantels on Pinterest and trying to figure out how to make mine look amazing. I needed to put it all in the proper place in my heart and my mind. Which meant, it had to go waaaaayyyy down on the priority list. So far down it almost wasn’t on it. And I needed to confess to the Lord that I had allowed it to become an idol. 

Yes, I want to have a home that I enjoy. Yes, I love pretty things. But something really amazing happened when I finally released it all. When I decided to not give into the pressure and panic I would feel when I would scroll through my Instagram feed. When I just laid it all down and said…enough. There was this incredible irony in it. Because, the less time I took to decorate my home for each season, the more I found myself loving the results. I think that all along I had just been getting in my own way. It’s really taken a lot of time and prayer for me to finally be at a place where even though I still struggle with insecurities and I still have doubts from time to time, I’m becoming increasingly more confident in who God created me to be. And, just like my home, I’m finding that as I relax into myself, letting go of the comparisons and the pressure, the more I can actually lean into the calling He has placed on my life. 🍂

Leave a comment if you can relate! 

#wearethehomemakers #homemaking
“As the alluring song of September begins to whi “As the alluring song of September begins to whisper in my ear, my passionate spirit yearns for the splendor of its promise.” (Peggy Toney Horton)

Happy September dear friends! While I’m not quite ready to let go of summer and I plan to make the most out of the lingering, warm days, I’ll admit to starting to think about my fall decor this year. And one way to get inspired is to take a look back at previous years. Here’s just a glimpse at some of the ways I’ve welcomed Autumn to my home! 🍂

#september #falldecorating #falldecor #falldecoratingideas #wearethehomemakers
Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning Labor Day weekend might mean that we’re turning the corner and getting closer to fall but I’m not quite ready to let summer go. So I’ll just be over here continuing to whip up some super simple summer meals for my family that frankly can be enjoyed in any season. These shrimp rolls I made the other night were definitely a hit and would be great for any of your upcoming holiday weekend gatherings!

Shrimp Rolls 🍤

Ingredients
1-2 lbs of shrimp that is peeled, deveined and tail off (If using frozen make sure it’s thawed completely)
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1/2 of a lemon
2 Tbsps chopped scallions
1 Tbsp chopped dill
1 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 Tsp of Old Bay seasoning (more if you like!)
pinch of sea salt and pinch of black pepper
Hoagie Rolls
Softened butter

Directions: Gently pat the shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop the shrimp and place in a bowl. Add mayonnaise, squeeze half of lemon and stir to combine before adding in the scallions, dill and parsley. Stir to combine and then add the additional seasonings. Spread butter on hoagie rolls and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Pile on the shrimp mixture and enjoy! 

#shrimproll #foodie #weeknightdinner #easydinner #seafoodlover
Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. W Today has been a very Monday-ish kind of Monday. We woke up to the sound of chainsaws and rushed downstairs to find that our backyard neighbors were having two of the huge trees that line our shared fence removed. These trees have been here longer than the neighborhood and no, they weren't dead or causing damage to roofs, foundations, etc. They were beautiful and gave us wonderful privacy. We had no notice of this happening so this came as quite a shock. Because we were given no notice, we didn't have the chance to cover our outdoor furniture or plants and everything is now coated in a thick layer of sawdust including the fresh bark we recently put in the garden beds. And now our lovely privacy is gone, replaced by a direct view of an above ground pool and RV. I know, I know, it's totally a first world, privileged kind of problem to have. But, now we have to spend thousands of dollars on plants to try and recapture some semblance of privacy. Now we have days worth of clean up to do after we had JUST done a massive freshening up of our backyard. My overarching feeling has just been weariness at the way our world is today.

I think about how often we try to do right by people, to be respectful and courteous. To be thoughtful and considerate. And it’s not reciprocated. How its starting to seem more and more like people have just given up on those seemingly small niceties. And my soul just feels heavy. Because I feel like so much of what used to be common courtesy is not so common anymore. Drivers on the roads are angrier and more reckless than ever before. Red lights being run are an everyday occurrence around town. On our recent family vacation, I heard more people using the F word out in public than ever before even while around children. Where are manners? Where is kindness? I'm finding myself being surprised when someone is thoughtful because it seems like a rarity. And that's just all on a micro, local level. Don't even get me started on the insanity in our world/culture. After I returned from grocery shopping (which can also be soul crushing), I found myself desperate for a reminder of the truth. 

*Part 2 continued in the comments.*
How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully How often is it in our lives that we don’t fully grasp our strengths or our weaknesses until we are put to the test? Little did I know how much I would love my role as a wife, mother and homemaker until I became one. And that in my endeavor to do those roles to the best of my ability, it would bring to the forefront gifts and talents and blessings that I use outside of these walls.

As I water others, I’m watered too because it brings such joy to care for those around me. But it can also make me see more clearly the areas in which I’m lacking and be a very humbling reminder of how much I still need to grow and learn.

Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Have you done any ‘watering’ of others this week? How has it blessed and ‘watered’ you in return?
“Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you “Mom, this is one of my favorite meals that you make.” Statements like this from my kids fill me with so much joy and such a sense of assurance that my role as the maker of this home is one that makes an impact on them in both big and small ways. It’s not just sheet pan shrimp boil. 

It’s nourishment
It’s time together around the table
It’s laughing as we try to get the butter sauce out of the pan
It’s a memory
It’s an imprint on their lives 

The ordinary act of making a meal becomes EXTRAordinary. And I try to keep that in mind as I do this task day in and day out, year after year. 

***

Ingredients: 
1 pound baby red or yellow potatoes
Green beans or corn (4 ears cut in half) whichever you prefer
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt and pinch of black pepper 
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
Crusty bread for dipping 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Put potatoes, shrimp, sausage and green beans or corn on baking sheet. Pour butter over top. Sprinkle with old bay seasoning and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Bake for about 12 minutes or until shrimp is pink. 

#shrimpboil #sheetpandinner #sheetpanmeals #homemaking
Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and lig Temperatures in the 100’s call for fresh and light cocktails! My husband is my own built in bartender and he put this together the other night. 

2 jiggers of gin (you could also use vodka) 
*you should do a jig when using a jigger 😉*
Crushed ice 
Grapefruit tonic 
Squirt of lime 
Sprig of mint 

Easy and so refreshing!! ☀️

#cocktails #summercocktails
There is something magical about the late summer e There is something magical about the late summer evenings. Maybe it’s because we have a greater sense of the fact that these long days are slowly shortening and we want to savor them as much as we can. I know I intend to do just that. 

I hope you’re having a wonderful August so far dear friends!
Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our hou Variations of this recipe are on repeat at our house all summer long. We’re big on the ‘build your own’ method of making dinner especially on very hot days. Simplicity for the win! 
#recipes #easydinner #easydinnerideas #homemaking
In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grou In music, rhythm is a regular repetition or a grouping of beats. No matter what else a piece of music has in terms of its pitch or tone, the rhythm never changes. Its the stabilizing force and brings order to a composition that would be completely chaotic without it.

The same can be said of rhythms in our lives and in our homes. When everything else feels out of control, rhythms and patterns provide us with stability and something that we can rely upon to give us a sense of security in a very insecure world. But, too often, we associate the rhythmic things we do in our lives as merely tasks to be gotten through rather than gifts which provide much-needed balance.

Whether it’s making the coffee every night before we go to bed or doing my devotional in the morning before the rest of the house wakes up or watering my garden, these simple tasks provide a rhythm to my day that is truly grounding. 

What’s something that you do that you would classify as a rhythm or pattern in your week?
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