DIY No-Sew Cafe Curtains

<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/finibestclosed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/finibestclosed.jpg" width="355" /></a></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Every home stager wants to get as much natural light into rooms as she can.<br /><br />That means no heavy draperies or sun-blocking shades. There are plenty of possibilities – from lightweight curtains and sheer drapes to pull-backs and Roman shades.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>But what’s a stager to do </b></span>when there’s a view from the window that doesn’t exactly help sell the property? Neighbors with ugly yards, a factory, the back of an apartment building, a busy road, or a construction site are all common problems. <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">No one can make these things disappear, but a clever stager can minimize the impact by helping buyers forget the problem. Enter curtains that let in light but hide the view. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here is my spin </b></span>on café curtains that are DIY-friendly, even to someone with no sewing skills. The lower portion can be kept closed to conceal some outdoor unsightliness, and the top can be kept open, hopefully revealing blue skies, mature trees, or a distant view.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">What I like about these cafe curtains is that they are reminiscent of a natural sisal rug bound in black, or a traditional woven reed tatami mat used for flooring in Japan. The way I see it, anything classic in a staged home is a bonus. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The mats I chose to work with can be purchased dirt cheap in summer by the beach. Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dependable-Straw-Beach-Mat/dp/B0013QT0YW/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1291578395&sr=8-11">sells them </a>all year long for about $6 each. They are called beach mats, picnic mats or yoga mats, and they measure about 3 feet by 6 feet.  </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What You Need</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">2 straw beach mats </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Yardstick</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Pencil</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Scissors</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Grosgrain ribbon to edge the mats, 7/8 inch wide, about 6 yards for each mat used</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Grosgrain ribbon to make loops, 3/8 inch wide, about 2 yards for each mat used</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Hot glue gun and glue sticks</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Dressmakers straight pins or masking tape</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Dressmakers marking pencil or chalk</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Having a table large enough to accommodate the length of the curtain helps. It doesn’t need to be big enough to lay out the whole mat, because the mat folds over easily. Protect your work surface from hot glue drips if necessary. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Install hardware.</b></span> If you do not have curtain rods installed, do that first. I used spring tension rods that sit inside the window frame. I chose black because I liked the way it looked with the black ribbon loops. The curtain rods, top and bottom should match. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Measure for the curtain.</b> </span>Measure the distance from the top of the curtain rod to where you want the curtain to end. The lower curtain should end at the window sill. The upper curtain should end just below the lower curtain rod. That figure minus one inch is your curtain length. If your window has an upper and lower sash, both curtains will probably be the same length because the rod will fall in the middle.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cut the mat.</span> </b>First you'll divide the mat in two. Heat up your glue gun because you’ll need it as soon as you cut the mat in half. If there are cloth ties on the end to tie the mat as a roll, cut them off. Fold the mat in half crosswise. With scissors, cut on the fold. The mat will want to unravel, so run a bead of glue down the edge to seal the stitches that have come loose. Don't worry if you lose a long reed or two. You may have to scrunch some of the reeds back in place and stick them down with glue. The ribbon will cover your glue repair.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/1-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Glue the edge to prevent unraveling.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">If your upper and lower curtains are different lengths, decide if you are making the upper or lower first. With a pencil, measure and then mark the length on one of your grass mat panels. Draw a line across the width of the panel to the correct length, and with scissors cut on this line. Going in this direction, across the reeds, the mat does not unravel. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Measure the right curtain length and draw a line.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Cut on the line to shorten the curtain.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Attach ribbon.</b></span> Lay the mat right side up (both sides are probably the same, but one side may look better) on your work table. Lay a length of 7/8-inch ribbon along the edge that will be the length of the curtain. Cut the ribbon the length of the curtain, plus an inch on each end. You might as well cut the ribbon for the other edge at the same time. My curtain panels were 25 ½ inches long. So I cut two lengths of ribbon 27 1/2 inches long. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Cut ribbon longer than the curtain.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Glue ribbon onto edges.</span> </b>Secure one end of ribbon by placing a dab of glue in the outermost corner of mat. Both sides of grosgrain ribbon are the same, so there's no right or wrong side. Align your ribbon by placing the center of it directly over the glue dab, so that the ribbon is centered over the edge of the mat, allowing the extra inch to overhang the end. Press on top of the ribbon so it sticks well to the glue. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Add a dab of glue to the corner of the mat.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Press end of ribbon into glue, leaving 1 inch overhang</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Add an 8- to 10-inch line of glue along the edge of the mat. Pull the ribbon straight, lay it down on the hot glue, and press it flat with your fingers. You can feel where the edge of the mat is, so you can line up the middle of the ribbon with the edge of the mat as you go. The ribbon should look like a perfectly a straight line. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lay a line of glue 8 to 10 inches long.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lay ribbon in glue, feeling the edge of the mat underneath it.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Pull back the ribbon after each 8- to 10-inch run, so that you begin the next line of glue where the last line of glue stopped. This will prevent any gaps where the ribbon is not affixed. You should have a 1-inch overhang of ribbon at the end. Trim the ribbon to a ½- inch overhang. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Glue ends of ribbon to back of curtain.</b> </span>Let glue cool for a minute. Turn mat over. Lay a thin line of glue along the cut end of the ribbon. Quickly wrap the ribbon around the edge of the mat and press it down onto the back of the mat. It’s neater if you put the glue on the ribbon because you know it will be hidden behind ribbon.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Lay a thin line of glue along the cut end of ribbon.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Press the glued ribbon down on the back of the mat.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Repeat on other edges of curtain.</b></span> Glue the ribbon along the edge of the opposite end, first making sure you have right side up. Measure and cut ribbon for top and bottom edges as before, adding two extra inches. Glue ribbon to top and bottom edges. Wrap the ends around to the back of the mat just as you did to the first two edges. You should have all 4 edges trimmed in ribbon. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Turn mat over and glue end of ribbon to corner of mat.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Glue ribbon to top and bottom edges. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/15.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>This what the back of the curtain looks like at one corner.  </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b></b><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cut the ribbon loops.</b> </span>Calculate how long the loops should be by wrapping a piece of ribbon around your curtain or drapery rod. Add an extra inch. I wanted a 1 ½ inch long loop to show, so I needed 3 inches for each loop, plus another inch for gluing and slack. I cut my ribbon into 4-inch lengths. Cut your ribbon into the lengths you need, for example, longer than 4 inches for a fatter curtain rod. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/measuretab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/measuretab.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Calculate how long to make loops by wrapping ribbon around the rod. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">To figure how many loops you need, fold mat in half, right sides together. Using a dressmakers straight pin or a piece of tape, mark where the fold is on the back side of the mat. Open the mat, and working on the back side, mark where ribbon loops will go.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">My curtain width was 34 inches. I placed a pin on the fold, in the center, 17 inches in from each edge. Using a yardstick I measured and marked with pins points at 8 ½ inches in, and then at every 4 ¼ inches. In other words, divide, then divide in half again to determine points that are equally spaced. Or eye ball the placement, and mark with pins, figuring one loop at each end, one in the middle and the rest spaced equidistant. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/20.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Use pins or tape to mark where the loops will go.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Attach ribbon loops</b>.</span> Dab two small dots of glue on one end of each cut ribbon, then fold and press to make a loop. So that all the tabs will be the same length once they are glued on, mark with a dressmakers pencil a line 1/2 inch in from the cut end of each ribbon.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/18-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/18-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Mark 1/2 inch in from cut end of the ribbon loops.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>With your little mark facing up, align each ribbon loop with a pin or piece of tape, whichever you used to mark where loops should go.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Align each loop with a pin, and with the edge of the mat.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Be sure your mat is wrong side up. Align the little mark on the ribbon with the edge of the straw mat, and with the pin or tape you used to mark where loops should go. Place a dab on glue on the curtain, and press ribbon loop onto glue. Glue down all the loops, keeping them perfectly aligned, equally spaced, and at right angles to the top edge of the curtain. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hang your curtains.</b></span> When the glue has cooled thoroughly, remove one end cap or filial from each of the curtain rods. Thread the loops through the rods, and and replace the end caps. Hang the upper and lower rods, each with two curtain panels.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/closeup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/closeup1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The grass mat filters the sunlight and adds texture to a room. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Space the loops along the rod, and adjust the folds of the curtains so they hang evenly. It's true that some of the original cotton fabric trim will show on the reverse side. Unless you hang your curtain in a window that faces a porch where people sit close to the house, no one will notice. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />My cafe curtains for a 31- by 54-inch window cost me about $21.00 including the two tension rods at $2.60 apiece, and two mats at $2.50 each. If I had to buy mats from Amazon, my cost would have increased by only $7.        </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/tag.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Typical price for a beachmat, in season.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I paid $10.05 for all my ribbon, but you could pay less if you <a href="http://www.ribbonfactory.com/html/solid.html">shop online</a>. Purchased online, you can buy 20 yards of 3/8 inch solid color ribbon for only $2.65, or the same amount of 7/8 inch  ribbon for $3.90. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/finisclosed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/finisclosed2.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>My straw mat curtain lets in light but gives me privacy. I love it. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>My <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebook_02.html">eBook </a><i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar</i>, gives you loads of thrifty decorating ideas for making your home attractive to buyers, including how to arrange furniture you already own, how to choose paint colors that work for you, what to buy second hand, and how to use mismatched or out-of-date furniture. </div>

DIY No-Sew Cafe Curtains

Every home stager wants to get as much natural light into rooms as she can. That means no heavy draperies or sun-blocking shades. There are ...

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How to Make a Jolly Holiday Topiary

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Need a seasonal decor item that's not pricey but looks fancy-schmnancy? Think DIY topiaries. Making your own is easy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm kind of a topiary nut. I'm fascinated by the big dose of style one little topiary adds to a room, a garden, a mantel, or a tabletop. And when there's a pair of topiaries, I'm swooning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030643.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You can make a topiary this attractive to use as a </i><br /><i>staging prop, </i><i>in an hour. I'll show you how. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Topiaries are perfect home staging props. They look fresh, and they look tidy -- just the impression you want your whole home to have. Technically, topiaries are plants that are shaped by careful pruning over time, but they can be artificial as well, and crafted from silk or real leaves, flowers, or fruits.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love the rosemary topiaries we see in garden centers every December. They have the added bonus of fragrance, and they are so easy to decorate like miniature Christmas trees, just right for a dining table centerpiece in the staged home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A topiary can be formal, whimsical, rustic, glitzy, shabby chic, or homey. It all depends on the container and the shape of the plant. I'm partial to topiaries with a visible central stem, but I'm smitten with cone shapes and spirals as well. What's not to love? </div></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://askmissa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/holiday-topiary-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="620" src="http://askmissa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/holiday-topiary-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Pyramid topiaries can be fashioned from cones of floral foam or cardboard, using </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>all kinds of materials, from candies to cranberries. Photo: Askmissa.com.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/9086/10h/origin-d1.scene7.com/is/image/ballarddesigns/AV473_main?$w400$" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/9086/10h/origin-d1.scene7.com/is/image/ballarddesigns/AV473_main?$w400$" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Even if of the greenery is fake, if the trunk or stem of a topiary is real, </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>the effect is more natural. Weathered pots help create a sense of age. Photo: Ballad Designs.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/10/p_rosemarytree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/10/p_rosemarytree.jpg" width="532" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A rosemary plant makes a beautiful and fragrant topiary that </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>can be planted outdoors in early spring. Photo: Meredith.com </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Although topiaries are decorative all year long, they're especially popular at holiday time. Real greenery or fake, they give us DIYers an opportunity to gussy things up without much work. Even those of us with no floral arranging skill can make festive topiaries suitable for home staging.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Make Your Own Topiary </span></b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Today I made a pair of topiaries. Watch how simple this is. Here is what you'll need:<br /><ul><li>A container. Almost any vessel will do -- small buckets, clay pots, vases, pitchers, ceramic planters, wooden boxes, metal wastebaskets, wicker baskets, or even cloth wrapped around plastic pots.  </li><li>Floral foam, enough to fill the container and make the form for the greenery to stick into.</li><li>Sharp knife to cut the foam. </li><li>Greenery. If you can prune your own shubbery, that's ideal. Some evergreen clippings like boxwood, cedar, pine, spruce, fir, rosemary, mountain laurel, and euonymous manage to stay fairly green for a month without water. If you can't get free greenery, there's always the florist or garden center. Or, use silk greenery.    </li><li>A stick for the stem or "trunk." If you don't have access to natural branches, craft stores carry suitable sticks. You can use a dowel, painted brown, black or gold, or a plain bamboo stick.  </li><li>Floral moss, also called sheet moss, not spaghnum.  </li></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1supplies.jpg?t=1291255590" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1supplies.jpg?t=1291255590" width="352" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>What you'll need.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/2trimfoam.jpg?t=1291256038" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/2trimfoam.jpg?t=1291256038" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Cut the foam.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cut floral foam to fill your container. If you make the foam fit snugly by stuffing additional wedges of foam into the container, you don't need to hot glue the foam into the container, and you'll be able to reuse the foam more easily.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/4shapefoam.jpg?t=1291256710" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/4shapefoam.jpg?t=1291256710" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Trim your floral base.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />If your floral foam is not a sphere (it's cheaper to buy in squares than spheres), trim the corners off a square of foam so you have a rounded cube.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/5inserttwigs.jpg?t=1291257675" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/5inserttwigs.jpg?t=1291257675" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Insert twigs into base.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Begin sticking the stems of greenery into the foam, starting at the top and working down. Face the leaves all in the same direction to imitate the way twigs would grow. Cover the cube with greenery. You can omit the back if it will be positioned against a wall, and you needn't cover the bottom of the cube unless it will be placed up high.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/6moretwigs.jpg?t=1291258084" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/6moretwigs.jpg?t=1291258084" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Continue adding  greenery.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Insert your stick into the bottom of the cube. Insert the other end firmly into the foam in your container.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/7addstem.jpg?t=1291258481" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/7addstem.jpg?t=1291258481" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Add the stem.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/th_8stemintopot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/th_8stemintopot.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Insert stem into container.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/10addmoss-1.jpg?t=1291260926" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/10addmoss-1.jpg?t=1291260926" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Add moss to container.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Cover the foam in the container with floral moss. This is when you get to see how professional your work looks! You can decorate your topiary with ribbons, lights, small ornaments, tiny toys, charms, or sprigs of holly with berries, as I did.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/twotopiaries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/twotopiaries.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I made a second topiary just like the first one. Using dry floral foam, the <br />little trees made of boxwood stay green for a month.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>If you want more reasons to make a topiary, visit <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/maktabtop.html">Save-on-Crafts.com </a>and be inspired by their topiaries made from nuts, pine cones, candies, orange peels, and flowers. I'm seriously considering the Jordan Almond Pyramid Tree! You can order all your supplies from them.<br /><br />My <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>,  <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar</i> tells you how to decorate tabletops and mantels, and every other corner of your home for a look that buyers love. And you don't need to spend a lot of money!<br /><br />A topiary -- or two -- could be just the ticket for giving one of your staged rooms some decor pizazz. Wherever you place these darling trees, they earn their keep. Now you know how easy it is to make a topiary of your own for staging.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr align="left"><td></td><td><br /></td></tr><tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: 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How to Make a Jolly Holiday Topiary

Need a seasonal decor item that's not pricey but looks fancy-schmnancy? Think DIY topiaries. Making your own is easy! I'm kind of a ...

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Decorating with Patterns 101

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://0.tqn.com/d/quilting/1/0/9/J/-/-/eight_hands_around.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/quilting/1/0/9/J/-/-/eight_hands_around.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Prize winning quilters do it. Dapper gentlemen do it. Good interior decorators do it. You can do it, too.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">I'm talking about</span></b> mixing patterns. Done well, an interesting mix of prints in a fully furnished home looks layered, interesting, finished, and subtle.  Done poorly, it's tacky and chaotic, the kiss of death for a home on the market.<br /><br />But it's simple when you know a few basic -- and I mean really basic -- steps.<br /><ul><li>Mix a small with a large with a medium print. It's all about scale.</li><li>Mix prints that share colors. It's all about the palette.</li><li>Mix rigid prints with curvy prints. It's all about design.</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;">The quilted sample above is an example of mixing small, medium and large prints. This quilter used some of each, and they are all based on a blue and green palette. Most of the patterns are curvy, but the edges of each piece provide the straight edges that balance and structure the design. </div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">My favorite</span></b> fashion blogger, Angie, over at You Look Fab, gives <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2010/03/30/pattern-mixing-for-beginners/">similar advice</a> about mixing patterns. Angie is never wrong about what looks good!   <br /><br />To help you translate wardrobe suggestions into home decorating suggestions, here are some examples:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.horchow.com/products/mj/HCF01TW_mj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.horchow.com/products/mj/HCF01TW_mj.jpg" width="510" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="text-align: start;">Animal prints and floral patterns look rich together. In this example, the cheetah print </span></i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="text-align: start;">is small compared to the larger floral designs on the floor. Notice how </span></i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="text-align: start;">the colors in the chair are repeated in the carpet. </span>Photo: Pottery Barn.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.horchow.com/products/mj/HCH53PR_mj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.horchow.com/products/mj/HCH53PR_mj.jpg" width="510" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">Geometric prints and floral prints are famous friends. In this photo the two </span></i><br /><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">floral pillows have different scaled designs, one large and one medium. </span></i><br /><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">The lattice design on the side of the settee is your geometric pattern. </span></i><br /><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">The color palette is pretty much confined to two colors -- a soft teal and </span></i><br /><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">a muted brown. Some solids finish the look. <span style="text-align: center;">Photo: Horchow Collection.</span></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.onsugar.com/files/ed2/192/1922794/45_2009/b069f0bb7c39c4a9_folk-living-room.xlarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media.onsugar.com/files/ed2/192/1922794/45_2009/b069f0bb7c39c4a9_folk-living-room.xlarge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">When your patterns are bold and varied, the color scheme needs to be what </span></i><br /><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">holds things together. This color scheme -- based on black and cream </span></i><br /><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">and yellow -- keeps the assortment of beautiful patterns from going in all </span></i><br /><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">directions at once. <span style="text-align: center;">Photo: Horchow Collection.</span></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ehomee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/205455xaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://www.ehomee.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/205455xaw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do you have a large room to stage? Staging it with some oversized patterns </span></i><br /><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">is one sure way to bring everything down to a friendlier scale. </span></i><br /><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">These stripes are big, but some of them are thinner than others, </span></i><br /><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">adding interest and rhythm. Windows this tall demand some </span></i><br /><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: small;">dramatically scaled patterns, like this floral print. <span style="text-align: center;">Photo: HousetoHome.com.</span></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: large;">Although a drop-dead gorgeous </span></b>room can be put together with all solid colors, it's especially handy for shoe-stringing home stagers to know how to mix patterns. Knowing about what prints work with others means you'll be able to use more of what already own, and keep your staging budget in bounds.<br /><br />Review the patterns in your home. Then use these steps to stage rooms that speak to buyers. Buyers feel good in rooms that look pulled together and stylish. Layering with patterns helps you achieve that look.<br /><br />In my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast for Top Dollar</i>, I give many more decorator techniques to make use of the furniture and accessories that you already own when you stage your home for sale.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v127/lars72/733blog%20design%20images/WAW_BUTTON.png" /></a></center>

Decorating with Patterns 101

Prize winning quilters do it. Dapper gentlemen do it. Good interior decorators do it. You can do it, too. I'm talking about mixing patt...

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What Home Sellers Can Learn from Todd Smith

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5G7c7M-Ln1vtG9VBNugTCODCRASD19z-FanhOpCOuWJSA2e-Jgydl-5mMgit8XlHNluedX786WBvsNuQ3HV70uz_qfTgPr5JH62ZlGmF5FUNyfbvOdwR4gy2fP9sNZjxC_REk4TVAl88/s1600/first+thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5G7c7M-Ln1vtG9VBNugTCODCRASD19z-FanhOpCOuWJSA2e-Jgydl-5mMgit8XlHNluedX786WBvsNuQ3HV70uz_qfTgPr5JH62ZlGmF5FUNyfbvOdwR4gy2fP9sNZjxC_REk4TVAl88/s640/first+thanksgiving.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Since it's Thanksgiving Day, I wanted to share a post from blogger, author, and entrepreneur, Todd Smith. Todd's <a href="http://www.littlethingsmatter.com/blog/2010/11/23/give-thanks-with-a-grateful-heart/">comments</a> have to do with cultivating a grateful mind, an important habit for all of us, and especially for people who have a home to sell. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's Your Position?</b></span><br />Many home sellers are simply wanting to get out from under a mortgage they aren't able to keep up with. Others might be a few steps away from foreclosure. I hope you are not one of those. I hope you have decided to sell your home for all the best reasons -- a new job, a more suitable home, a more desirable neighborhood, better schools, or purely for the adventure that a change brings.<br /><br />When you visit Todd's site, <a href="http://www.littlethingsmatter.com/">Little Things Matter</a>, be sure to read "Meet Todd," because he has an interesting personal story about how he worked to become a successful real estate agent. Whether you are an agent, or someone who works with a realtor, you'll be impressed with his attention to detail as formula for success.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Start Small Because Small Matters </span></b><br />While I've designed my site to give you advice on staging your home to sell faster for a good price, Todd offers up an abundance of smart information on all kinds of life skills, from managing your time and your money, to building better relationships and losing weight. His stress is always on the small but important details.  <br /><br />Home staging and decorating share that same need for attention to detail.  <a href="http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/">Eddie Ross</a> said that one of the things he learned while working for Martha Stewart was that details are what make the difference in crafts, table settings, decor...whatever.     <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't Let D.O.M Spell Doom </b></span><br />Paying attention to details, and keeping a thankful mindset are especially helpful when your home has been on the market for a longer time than you expected. I talk about the challenges of living in a home that's seen too many days on the market in my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/11/perfect-diy-headboard-for-staging.html">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar.  </i><br /><br />I hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving, counting your blessings. My readers will be among the many blessings I count.

What Home Sellers Can Learn from Todd Smith

Since it's Thanksgiving Day, I wanted to share a post from blogger, author, and entrepreneur, Todd Smith. Todd's comments have to d...

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Ten Ways to Rock the Global Look

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/Sb/5-smith-0409-xlg-49844584-72550895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/Sb/5-smith-0409-xlg-49844584-72550895.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Vibrant colors, fascinating details. </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><i>House Beautiful photo.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>I usually advise against ethnic decorating for staging, but the global look is so handsome that I wanted to find a way home stagers could use it.<br /><br />Global decor is characterized by its cultural diversity, its love of color, texture, and pattern, as well as its emphasis on items made by hand from natural materials.    <br /><br />From a staging point of view, though, global decor has problems.<br /><br /><b>Earthy colors.</b> They tend to be dark or muddy, with undertones of browns, not crisp and clean. <br /><br /><b>Third World image</b>. Some demographic groups prefer a more red-white-and-blue approach, more Ralph Lauren than Pier 1.  <br /><br /><b>Eclectic edge.</b> It can give off an artsy look that's not understood or appreciated by less sophisticated buyers. Unique objects can be distracting and confusing to some people.<br /><ul></ul>But if you want to make your rooms memorable for people who are looking at multiple homes, the slightly exotic flair of global decor might be the way to do just that.  Global design is more likely to resonate with buyers in more metropolitan areas than in small towns, and more with younger buyers than older ones. Still, some elements appeal to everyone.<br /><br />To make global decor appropriate for staging, here are tips:<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Limit the wild and crazy things. </b></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3850702401_90e31c966b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3850702401_90e31c966b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Photo: Elle Decor</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This San Francisco room belongs to Monelle Totah, who is vice president of design at Williams Sonoma. It manages to capture the fun vibe of global design and still look sophisticated. For home staging, one zebra rug is gonna be enough for the whole house! Go easy on the bizarre. Not only is it distracting, but you want buyers to relate to you in a positive way, not wonder what the heck kind of person lives here. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Keep the color scheme simple. </b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/an-eclectic-dining-room-xlg-59150375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/an-eclectic-dining-room-xlg-59150375.jpg" width="499" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>Even though this room uses modern materials like glass and steel, the look is ethnic because it's accessorized with bold, handmade objects. The room is grounded by a simple color scheme of white and browns, and the accents use saturated colors. With plenty of wood and touches of deep tones, the effect is one of comfort and richness. Simplicity's important to keep house hunters from feeling overwhelmed. <span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Accessorize with whimsy. </b></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.styleathome.com/img/photos/biz/Style%20at%20Home/turquoise-4-monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.styleathome.com/img/photos/biz/Style%20at%20Home/turquoise-4-monkey.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Photo: http://www.styleathome.com</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Touches of lightheartedness make a room more friendly to buyers. While global style often counts on bold carved or painted masks to create that well-travelled look, a home stager will get better mileage from whimsical and abstract art. Also on the list of what to pack away: paintings of saints, statues of buddha, crucifixes, krishna shrines, and other religious artifacts. Buyers can have emotional reactions to the connotations these items carry. <b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Buy from fair trade sources. </span> </b><br />You can purchase decor items lije trays from the importer, wholesaler and retailer, <a href="http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/">Ten Thousand Villages</a>, a nonprofit fair trade organization that markets handcrafted products made by local craftspeople from more than 130 artisan groups in 38 countries.  Through their website and stores, you can purchase decorative and useful items from around the world and know your money is going to the people who make them. <b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Collect your own</span> <span style="font-size: large;">props.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img4.sunset.com/i/2010/05/shell-collection-l.jpg?400:400" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img4.sunset.com/i/2010/05/shell-collection-l.jpg?400:400" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Photo: Sunset Magazine</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>When you travel and when you are out and about in nature, you can be staging your home at the same time! Be on the lookout for found objects and souvenirs that fit with a global look.  This could include a Navajo blanket from your trip to the Southwestern U.S., or the acorns you gathered on your walk in the woods. Of course, shells are always a favorite decor prop, whether collected or purchased.    <b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Use natural materials, but nothing too rustic.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><br />Global style -- also called tribal style --  focuses on natural woods and fabrics, and other organic elements. Think tropical woods like mahogany, teak, walnut, and other dark stained woods. Textiles should be silks (or silk look-alikes), cotton, and linen. Wicker and rattan are perfect, and not expensive. Bamboo is one green product that's currently showing up in all kinds of ways, from flooring to fabrics to cutting boards.<br /><br />An area rug of sea grass, jute or sisal would set the tone for a room built around natural materials. The danger here for someone staging her home for sale, is veering too far into rustic territory. Most buyers feel more confident when they see familiar objects. They prefer to be surrounded by what they consider to be luxurious rather than what they see as unrefined or primitive elements. It helps to know your market, who your most likely buyers are.<br /><br />When in doubt, you can always count on lemons in a wooden bowl to be the finishing touch when you need something fresh and natural looking for a kitchen counter, a bar, a hallway table, or almost anywhere. The good news is that imitation fruit like this isn't expensive. I like lemons and limes because, unlike apples, no one is tempted to bite into one!<br /><br />I'm aware of the ridiculousness of my suggesting you use all natural materials, and then  plugging fake fruit. No one will bust you for good imitations. Your props have to work for staging. This means that faux finishes, if convincing, can help you create the natural look. Perhaps you'll choose to <a href="http://www.truelooksurfaces.com/">turn a laminate countertop into one that looks like stone</a>, or paint a group of picture frames to imitate ebony. That's just good staging.<br /><br />Don't forget that greenery, real or silk, is one of the best ways to give a room some life. For the style we're talking about here, tropical plants with big leaves, as well as wild grasses, will contribute to the look.     <br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lay on the textures.</b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/14-kincaid-0509-xlg-91588392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/14-kincaid-0509-xlg-91588392.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Photo: House Beautiful</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>Although this foyer has a bit more personality than I generally recommend for staging a home, the variety of textures make the room look interesting. The pale wall, the varied lighting sources, the massive artwork, the pairs of pillows, the almost clashing textile patterns, and the rich colors all add up to a room that  makes buyers want to stay a while. The more time house hunters spend in your home, the more likely you will see a purchase offer. Retail stores and online sites know this rule, and they make the most of it, so do likewise, and encourage lingering.<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dress things up with handmade accessories. </b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>Look for one-of-a-kind items like bowls, baskets, sculptures, rugs, and tapestries.  Many retail stores and boutiques offer unique collections of decor accents like pillows, frames, and candlesticks. Thrift stores can be a treasure trove of unusual, ethnic props. Online sources include <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/">World Market</a>,  <a href="http://www.islandwoods.com/">Island Imports</a>, and <a href="http://www.thetravelledhome.com/">The Travelled Home</a>.  Avoid anything crudely fashioned because it could cheapen the look of your house.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XZwbCyjvu7M/Swao1xbQ07I/AAAAAAAAAHI/7hetrqE7p2w/s320/seagrass+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XZwbCyjvu7M/Swao1xbQ07I/AAAAAAAAAHI/7hetrqE7p2w/s640/seagrass+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Source: Windsor Smith living room via House and Garden.blogspot</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: large;">Don't Get Too Informal.</span></b><br /><br />Incorporating some formal touches will add elegance. Many Americans, especially older ones, tend to equate quality with poshness and formality. To keep the global look from looking too casual, add formal flourishes like pairs of chairs or pairs of lamps. Some shiny surfaces like glass, metals and mirrors push a room towards more formality. In the above photo, the matched chairs and sets of pillows, plus the sparkling chandelier, all the mirrors, and a glistening silver tray keep this room from looking too informal. <span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Add authentic items. </b></span> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8r4pTwm-XxIbhWU68eXgjS_M3-ukSze3YZFzARgRui0F2pWb7U7A3w5le0kLm9kYv600ZcqqbBRk4QrjjB86mtH7xwNBI2XiRyK32ZOi_-jOViDkQwrDzcAquAduaCc_WtS31C0SjnpM/s320/batik+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8r4pTwm-XxIbhWU68eXgjS_M3-ukSze3YZFzARgRui0F2pWb7U7A3w5le0kLm9kYv600ZcqqbBRk4QrjjB86mtH7xwNBI2XiRyK32ZOi_-jOViDkQwrDzcAquAduaCc_WtS31C0SjnpM/s640/batik+1.bmp" width="496" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Photo: http://www.featheringanest.blogspot.com</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Pulling off the tribal look with aplomb isn't difficult when you mix in some traditional arts. One example is batik, a distinctive fabric print made by painting designs with hot wax before the fabric is dyed. It has a look all its own.    <br /><br />You can count on the traditional arts and crafts of any country, including Native America, for decorative elements.<br /><br />You can even mix pottery from Mediterranean countries, textile wall hangings from India, wooden picture frames from Bali, lacquer ware from Japan, punched tin from Mexico, painted tiles from Morocco, and bark paintings from Africa. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lafuente.com/images/main/mwa09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://www.lafuente.com/images/main/mwa09.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Photo: http://www.lafuente.com</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>These painted metal wall ornaments are almost a foot tall, and cost less than $55 each. This kind of authentic art will add a bit of frisky character to any room.<br /><br />I talk about what styles of interior decoration work well for home staging and which ones don't in my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar. </i><br /><br />The appeal of global decorating is its richness of textures, variety of patterns, and saturation of colors -- techniques you can incorporate into almost any home. Frugal DIY home stagers can easily imitate this warm and relaxing style because they can find many of its characteristic elements at flea markets and second hand stores.<br /><br />So, pretend you're taking a trip around the world, and have fun with this approach to staging. Adding some international flair will inject the kind of style that will make your home the one that buyers remember. <br /><center><a href="http://www.atthepicketfence.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPb4tk38W7cxFHCEfSwOoAkdXU67Q4n12uW4Xt4VKjDU6pagdNjKOqnaWhXWS7JtMVNdbr9XQRqFnYM1ErQDoK93a21k8TNTNUr9xAVyYigrAB5mmPYTzLGZt1HCivgeY_Br7qSLIbJBk/" /></a></center>

Ten Ways to Rock the Global Look

Vibrant colors, fascinating details.  House Beautiful photo. I usually advise against ethnic decorating for staging, but the global look is ...

Read more »