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!
Melissa @ The Inspired Room says
Sooo (sew?) cute!
pk @ Room Remix says
You clever, clever girl! I love them.
The White Farmhouse says
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!
Rene says
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing how you did it.
Amber @ Two Nuts in a Shell says
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?
Amy {The Red Chair Blog} says
Ooh la la! Love ’em!!
Cindy says
Very, VERY nice. I love these!!! I have burlap and will give it a try. Thanks for the inspiration!
Tricia says
Love it! What a fun idea to personalize your curtains. You’re such a smarty, Gina. đ
Kate @ That's What Living Is To Me says
C’est tres bien!
Tammy at Tattered and Timeless says
Great job..you have the patience to paint by hand..I am in awe of you.
tammy
La Dolfina says
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
Sandy says
Great ideal and a great job. Thanks for sharing.
Sandy
sissie says
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
laurie @ bargain hunting says
Wow! These look high end. Love them. Thanks for sharing the idea and the directions. laurie
Marsha (Sassy Mini Dolls) says
This is totally cool!! Me too, into the french shabby chic thing!!
((Hugs)0
Marsha
Ana's House Dressing says
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
Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage says
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.
Sylvia says
Very creative and unique – you are so smart.
Sylvia
Delightful Dwelling says
I love it, how pretty! What a neat saying you chose too.
One Cheap B*tch says
I want these! I’m with you – anything French makes my heart melt! =)
bec4 says
Wow super fabulous–I might try to do a shower curtain this way!
Beth says
Lovely!
Heidi says
Wow, that looks great. Thanks for the tips, I will try this sometime!
have a great week.
XO
Heidi – Heart and Home
Julie Johnson says
Such a fantastic idea! I may be trying it for my vintage recipe curtain in my kitchen.
Julie- It’s the Little Things
Hattie says
Very classy! I wish my Wally world sold fabric!
Stephanie says
Absolutely love it!!
Millie says
I love this. What a great idea and the phrase too. I also love all things French.
~ RM says
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!
elizabeth says
C’est tres bon!
Dee@FrenchBleuVintage says
OMG!!!! You are my hero!! Love that idea. thanks
Shannon says
These are so cute, what a great idea!
Tales From My Empty Nest says
These curtains are precious!!! You are so creative. This idea would work great for pillows. I love the French words. Love & blessings from NC!
Ashleigh says
Okay, this is genius! I have a french inspired bedroom this would be perfect for.
Aimee says
How gorgeous!!! It is so beautiful…
Jenni @ nest to keep says
This is such a inspired idea! Thanks so much for showing us how you did it! đ
Marianne@Songbird says
What a very nice idea! Your curtains look lovely.
Thankfully Thrifty says
Very cute! I have some curtains just like that… maybe I should try!
Jessi @ Yankee Belle Home says
Gorgeous! And what patience you must have to paint/trace the lettering. Thanks for sharing!
tales from an oc cottage says
Tres fab!
m ^..^
Lizzy says
That is so clever! I might try this sometime! đ
Katie says
LOVE it!!
Craig, Blair and Turbo Skousen says
Those are adorable!!
Terri Smith says
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
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says
You have done it again….and why did I not know about the wax paper trick????
Denise says
Love them! They look like something you’d find on the Ballard site!
VÄr sekelskiftesdröm says
Thanks for the tips, very creative. Its personal and handmade. One juste got to love it.
Best regards Anette
Robin says
Adorable, love this idea. Thanks for showing us how to do it.
C.J. says
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!
Embellish-Vintage Home Embellishments says
Soooo impressive. I only wish I had such a steady hand!
sweetjeanette says
Absolutely awesome!!! I love that. Thanks for sharing your technique!
Sweet Jeanette
Adele says
Brilliant curtain idea, I love hand lettering.
Adele
Lei says
They turned out lovely!
Paula Grace Designs says
Very hip! They turned out fabulous.
Paula Grace ~
barbequethministry says
I LOVE this idea. Can’t wait to try it!
Thanks for sharing.
Kerrie says
Beautiful idea! Thanks for sharing!
Amber says
I adore this idea and your tips are so helpful. Your curtains turned out just lovely. Thanks for sharing!
The Floppy Cow says
Simply marvelous! Thank you for sharing.
MaryJanes and Galoshes says
Just found your blog, love these! I’m so making my own!
Brittney says
I love the quote-in english or french!
Sarah Robbins says
Love, love, love this! Will it make you mad if I totally copy you?!
Olivia~ says
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
Colleen @ MuralMaker&More says
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!
Attempting Aloha says
Great idea! I love these!
aloha,
charlie
Inspire Me Heather says
These are just too sweet! Really… I featured this in my project curtains post too today, well done!
Jenny says
C’est genial! May I ask what font you used? I’ve been looking for something just like that!
Barbara says
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.
Barbara says
Thanks for sharing your ideas!!!
rahel says
hi gina!!
love the idea!! which font did you use? i love it!!
Gina Luker says
http://www.dafont.com/jane-austen.font