DIY Project Diary

Week 31

Well, not much was done during the last week. We had a guest and we couldn’t really do DIY. So I decided to go shopping instead.

I bought the material for the feature light in the sitting room – which we actually made this week. It wasn’t easy to find the right material, as I wanted something that had texture yet was translucent i.e. during the day it could be an installation or painting – at night it could light up. I ended up getting some white fluffy material that’s meant to be used as a glamorous net-curtain (though quite inexpensive). It’s kind of sexy and very Hollywood.  We used the existing wall light electrical supply for a net-light, which we stretched out to create a rectangular shape. Then we created a simple wooden frame, around which we stretched the material and stapled onto its back. Then we hung the "painting" on the wall on three nails – one in the middle at two at the corners. That’s it.  It’s not the most stable installation, and I would certainly not recommend creating something like this with kids around, but it’s an easy way to create an interesting artwork.

I also ordered the material for the curtain panels. I needed to find something thick ( so that it can hang dead straight) so ended up getting some faux suede. I bought two different colours – chocolate and caf?-latte – I’m going to make two sets of panels of each colour.  But first I’ve made some covers for the sofa cushions – as the beige cushions are not washable. This took a couple days, mainly because I had to do things twice – I just kept doing everything the wrong way. Then I started on the panels. I’ve spent two days already on just cutting out the right shapes & sizes! Another two on making just one panel! I also had to make a lining to make the panels more heavy. Then everything had to be sewn by hand – I tried using the sewing machine but the stitches were still visible even on the secret stitches. No wonder, when I enquired about getting these made by professionals, I was quoted £800.00 per panel!    It takes almost a week to make one panel! Anyway, one is ready… three to go. It’s boring and painful on the hands.

Then I’ll have to make a couple of Japanese style cushions for the low bench.
The hallway on the ground floor still needs to be finished. I’ve ordered some bamboo runners – I hope they will look nice on the oak parquet tiles!