To make French script curtains you will need:
- White Muslin (about 2/3 a yard of 108 width)
- Washable Paint {Click here for the paint I used}
- Thin Brush
- Yard Stick
- Paper Towels
- Tape
- Sewing Machine + Thread
- Iron
- Printed Words (you can use an online translator to turn a phrase to French)
I used muslin, which is about $5 a yard at Walmart. The great thing about muslin is, it’s 108 inches wide, which is double the normal fabric width. I used 1/2 yard, which made two curtains, with lots left over.
I ripped the fabric 18 inches wide and 36 inches long. I did not sew the seams, because I wanted frayed edges. All fraying and beautiful… I turned 4 inches down for a hem.
Related links:
Make Your Own Grommet Top Curtains
Run a simple stitch across the top, so that there is a pocket for the rod, using that 4 inch turn down – you can do less of a pocket, but I have a thick rod.
Next, use an online translator to change your quote from English to French. Mine says “A house is built of bricks and beams, a home is made of love and dreams.” I printed it out on regular paper, using a downloaded font, using a 150 point font. Once printed out, tape them down to a flat surface in the pattern that you want to create. You will also need to tape your fabric down to the surface, on top of the print outs.
A long, skinny brush is the best kind to use for this project. The strokes closely mimic the old quill writing, which adds character. I used air brush paint, but you could use any fabric paint.
The particular brush I used was a #1 liner – long thin bristles.
Use one hand to slightly stretch the fabric, to make it smooth so the brush will glide easier.
After a few practice strokes, it’s easy to learn to move the brush to trace the print.
Once finished, let the fabric dry, then lay wax paper over the painted image, put paper towels on top, then heat set it with an iron for about 20 seconds on each spot. I do it a small area at a time.
Once finished, hang your curtains, then stand back and pretend you are in the south of France!
Sooo (sew?) cute!
You clever, clever girl! I love them.
You are so clever! Love the look! I know what you mean about the French thingy too. I would be like Gomez on the Adams Family when Morticia speaks french!
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing how you did it.
This is an adorable idea! You could truly use any language you wanted. Although, how do you iron over the wax paper? Wax side down or up?
Ooh la la! Love ’em!!
Very, VERY nice. I love these!!! I have burlap and will give it a try. Thanks for the inspiration!
Love it! What a fun idea to personalize your curtains. You’re such a smarty, Gina. đ
C’est tres bien!
Great job..you have the patience to paint by hand..I am in awe of you.
tammy
Wow… love it.
Did you see Cote de Texas’ post on that fab hotel in Capetown that had beautiful script handpainted on all the fabric i.e. upholstery, draperies etc.
It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.
After this project of yours, I think you’re ready to tackle some silk drapes ala Cape Grace!!!
~xo
Terri
Great ideal and a great job. Thanks for sharing.
Sandy
Thanks for the how to. I really love anything french as well. The writing on the fabric is so special and you did an excellent job.
Sissie
Wow! These look high end. Love them. Thanks for sharing the idea and the directions. laurie
This is totally cool!! Me too, into the french shabby chic thing!!
((Hugs)0
Marsha
I love the script and the fact that you traced it by hand instead of just using iron on…so much more personal and handmade.
Blessings,
Ana
Thanks everyone!
Amber – iron it with the wax side down, with the paper towel on top to protect your iron. It seals the paint in and makes it last through YEARS of washings.
Very creative and unique – you are so smart.
Sylvia
I love it, how pretty! What a neat saying you chose too.
I want these! I’m with you – anything French makes my heart melt! =)
Wow super fabulous–I might try to do a shower curtain this way!
Lovely!
Wow, that looks great. Thanks for the tips, I will try this sometime!
have a great week.
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
Such a fantastic idea! I may be trying it for my vintage recipe curtain in my kitchen.
Julie- It’s the Little Things
Very classy! I wish my Wally world sold fabric!
Absolutely love it!!
I love this. What a great idea and the phrase too. I also love all things French.
hmmm… 108″ wide, you say?? đ This has me thinking…. I need to go grab my tape measure, I think you’ve just sparked another ‘future’ project! (oh, yes.. there IS a rolling list!)
Thanks for sharing!
C’est tres bon!
OMG!!!! You are my hero!! Love that idea. thanks
These are so cute, what a great idea!
These curtains are precious!!! You are so creative. This idea would work great for pillows. I love the French words. Love & blessings from NC!
Okay, this is genius! I have a french inspired bedroom this would be perfect for.
How gorgeous!!! It is so beautiful…
This is such a inspired idea! Thanks so much for showing us how you did it! đ
What a very nice idea! Your curtains look lovely.
Very cute! I have some curtains just like that… maybe I should try!
Gorgeous! And what patience you must have to paint/trace the lettering. Thanks for sharing!
Tres fab!
m ^..^
That is so clever! I might try this sometime! đ
LOVE it!!
Those are adorable!!
What an incredible idea! Lovely..just lovely! Loved the sweet sentiments too! Your site is just the best, I enjoy visiting so much! Blessings, joy and sunshine, Terri from Dimples & Dragonflies
You have done it again….and why did I not know about the wax paper trick????
Love them! They look like something you’d find on the Ballard site!
Thanks for the tips, very creative. Its personal and handmade. One juste got to love it.
Best regards Anette
Adorable, love this idea. Thanks for showing us how to do it.
All I can say to all the posts is DITTO! I think in my kitchen on a pale, pale yellow a recipe in French would be so cute! Thanks a lot!
Soooo impressive. I only wish I had such a steady hand!
Absolutely awesome!!! I love that. Thanks for sharing your technique!
Sweet Jeanette
Brilliant curtain idea, I love hand lettering.
Adele
They turned out lovely!
Very hip! They turned out fabulous.
Paula Grace ~
I LOVE this idea. Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful idea! Thanks for sharing!
I adore this idea and your tips are so helpful. Your curtains turned out just lovely. Thanks for sharing!
Simply marvelous! Thank you for sharing.
Just found your blog, love these! I’m so making my own!
I love the quote-in english or french!
Love, love, love this! Will it make you mad if I totally copy you?!
OOOOOHhhhhhh I love this idea! If only I can get my dear hubby to hook up the printer! Please stop by for a visit!
Hugs,
Olivia
Great tutorial, even though I’m sure I’d buy some panels and then paint.
I haven’t tried that paint yet. I love trying out new products. When I worked at a craft store, I always got to experiment. So fun!
I’ve highlighted your great project on my blog today. Thanks for the inspiration!
Great idea! I love these!
aloha,
charlie
These are just too sweet! Really… I featured this in my project curtains post too today, well done!
C’est genial! May I ask what font you used? I’ve been looking for something just like that!
Genius idea. Love it. I live in Quebec Canada so I can hopefully find lots of sayings. I already have one:
Ma vie sans toi est comme un jardin sans ses roses. My life without you is like a garden without flowers.
I have always loved that quote. If you want to use this quote please verify my spelling first.
Thanks for sharing your ideas!!!
hi gina!!
love the idea!! which font did you use? i love it!!
http://www.dafont.com/jane-austen.font