Here is the tutorial for my painted curtains!

I apologize for the lack of light in these pictures: downside of working after the little one goes to bed, no natural light coming indoors.
Materials Needed:
*Acrylic paint
*Fabric Medium paint {helps the paint adhere to fabric}
*Roller brush {I also used a stencil dabber at certain parts}
*Curtains of your choice
*Stencil
*Blue painters tape {or any preference of tape}
*Drop cloth or something to lay under your curtain
Let's Begin!
PREP PREP PREP!
*Acrylic paint
*Fabric Medium paint {helps the paint adhere to fabric}
*Roller brush {I also used a stencil dabber at certain parts}
*Curtains of your choice
*Stencil
*Blue painters tape {or any preference of tape}
*Drop cloth or something to lay under your curtain
Let's Begin!
PREP PREP PREP!
It may take a few minutes extra, but taking the time to prep and be sure you have everything secured down will help eliminate any errors.
I taped down the drop cloth so it wouldn't move and cause problems, and also taped down the curtain to prevent any slipping while I was moving the stencil around.

I bought my stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils and I LOVED the high quality and ease it made stenciling. I figure the investment for the stencil was worth it since I was saving money doing it myself anyways.
Let's Paint!

Fabric Medium is the secret to painting on fabric. You can buy it at Micheal's or almost any craft store. It helps keep the paint softer and adheres to the fabric better than if you attempted to paint directly to fabric without the medium. I just mixed the two together, and if you're using paint with color, it doesn't effect the result of the color either which is great.

I used a stencil dabber {see the paint tray for example} in the beginning because the grommets made the stencil elevate off the fabric a little, and I wanted to be extra careful. Using a dabber takes a VERY long time... so after about two rows when the stencil was more flat I used a soft roller {as pictured in Materials needed}.
After the first section was complete, it was ready to take a peak and see if it had worked... or if my attempt was complete failure.
Moment of truth.....
It worked!
Now it was time to move the stencil to the next section....simply {and very carefully} lift the stencil off the curtain and move to the new section to be painted. Remember to be sure to pay attention to the design and realign it correctly so there's no gaps, or changes in the stencil design.

As you can see here, I needed to lay the stencil back over a partly painted area to make the pattern continuous for the 3rd and 4th section. Just be sure to take your time and pay attention to the details.
Once your all done... sit back and look at your first completed panel. {HAPPY DANCE}
And trust me... I did my happy dance for a long time!
Once your all done... sit back and look at your first completed panel. {HAPPY DANCE}
And trust me... I did my happy dance for a long time!
I just let mine air dry for about three hours, but a tip on the fabric medium is to use a blow dryer on the back side of the fabric that you painted on to speed up drying time. I envisioned myself attempting to pick up the curtain and blow drying it and all I saw was a disaster so I let it be.. and patiently waited for it to completely dry.
Overall from prep to clean up one panel took about two hours (plus three more hours of drying) so plan ahead and be patient! It's a long project, especially depending on how many panels you have but the results are fantastic!
Hope the tutorial works for you and please, please let me know if you paint your own curtains! Link back to me with your post about your curtains, or even send me an email with pictures!
Happy painting!
Linked up with

Overall from prep to clean up one panel took about two hours (plus three more hours of drying) so plan ahead and be patient! It's a long project, especially depending on how many panels you have but the results are fantastic!
Hope the tutorial works for you and please, please let me know if you paint your own curtains! Link back to me with your post about your curtains, or even send me an email with pictures!
Happy painting!
Linked up with

these are fabulous! *visiting from tip junkie*
ReplyDeleteThat's really cool - I love the stencil design, great work!
ReplyDeleteYou did an AMAZING job!!! I am SO IN LOVE!!!
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS!!!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love these curtains. They came out amazing!
ReplyDelete@bnfunky
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Now to get the energy for the last two panels...
@Stephanie @ Home
ReplyDeleteThank you thank you thank you! I feel honored :)
Great project, they turned out gorgeous!
ReplyDeletethis came out so gorgeous! thanks for sharing the stencil source! :) found you over at blue cricket, stop by for a visit sometime
ReplyDeleteJackie
http://jaclyndesigns.blogspot.com/
Beautiful! I would have never guessed that you made them yourself!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Just found you and that's all it took to be a new follower! Thanks for sharing, you did a great job! Never would have known you made them!
ReplyDeleteThese turned out gorgeous! I love the pattern!
ReplyDelete~Jessa
www.jessajill.blogspot.com
Ah-mazing job!!! I'm dying to stencil some now!!!
ReplyDeletePatience
http://whitelacquer.blogspot.com/
@Alicia @ Sweet Ava Kate
ReplyDeleteThanks for the follow and love of the curtains! Gotta love when projects inspire new people!
@White Lacquer
ReplyDeleteThanks! Let me know if you stencil any curtains! :)
What an amazing job you did! I'm wondering whether or not I could do as good a job using dropcloths as the curtains. Thanks for sharing your technique and the source for your stencil.
ReplyDelete@Alpha Banners
ReplyDeleteI bet it would work! In fact originally I was planning on using either drop cloths or burlap but just ended up using curtains I had.
My advice would just to ensure you tape everything down to prevent shifting since drop cloths have a rough texture to them. please let me see if you end up making them!
These are SO GREAT! I haven't been able to find patterned curtains I like at the right price, and after seeing your tutorial, a DIY project is definitely in order. Thanks for all the tips...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful curtains and they look every bit as good as the store bought one. Thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteMonique
Beautiful you brave girl you!!!
ReplyDeleteso great!! makes me want to go get my stencil on! thanks for the tutorial - it's going in the favorites. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your curtains!!!! If you don't mind, where did you get the curtains? I love the gray.
ReplyDelete@tara
ReplyDeleteThanks!! I liked being favorited :) Thanks for following with Google Friend too! I have a feeling, I'm gonna become an avid follower of your adorable blog too!
@Julia
ReplyDeleteOh gosh! Part of me is a little embarrassed to admit those were hung prior to any stenciling as actual suitable decor! They were $10/panel from Kmart... yah that's right. I said it. I'm almost positive they are this brand and kind: http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_070C123467120000B?prdNo=25&blockNo=25&blockType=G25
But they didn't have the grey color I have.. BUT they are on clearance for $5 now! Can't really beat that. Obviously I didn't use the valance either.
fabulous job!
ReplyDeletecame from Beckie's Knock Off...I LOVE this - totally pinning it for my to do's :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE THEM! Excellent JoB!
ReplyDeletecinsarah.blogspot.com
I love these. You are soo brave for doing this. I would be nervouse but I have been looking for a stencil so thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteladeedacreations.com
Following you now
@La-Dee-da crafter
ReplyDeleteJust a hint ;) but check back on the blog on Monday!
such AMAZING CURTAINS!!! even prettier than store bought. I am working on my blog (a whole 1 post in), and was wondering if it would be okay if I linked this tutorial off my blog? Please let me know.
ReplyDelete-Allison (www.norelleandco.blogspot.com)
@Allison
ReplyDeleteI'd be honored! Just be sure to link back to the tutorial here! Thanks so much, and hey you already have your first follower ;)
okayyyyyyyy. amazing. this is incredible. it looks LEGIT!
ReplyDeleteThese panels look Fabulous!! You made it your own and they look amazing. Inspiring us all to change the curtains around our homes. Who would've thought... a stencil, tape, paint and patience! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSure Fit Slipcovers
wow I am so impressed! I am bookmarking this for the future!
ReplyDeletethat is amazing!!
ReplyDeletehttp://suburbsmama.blogspot.com/
Where did the stencil come from?
ReplyDeleteHi Pamela I featured these ib my blog check them out:
ReplyDeletehttp://cinsarah.blogspot.com/2011/06/favorites-friday-61011.html
Amazing! I've been looking for new curtains but can't justify spending the outrageous amount for custom drapes...this is a great idea! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am SO excited to try this! Love!
ReplyDeletePS: What type of fabric are your curtains?? I love the sheer look!
Gorgeous!!! I need to do this. Thanks for the inspiration. I'm also your newest follower! xxoxoxo Angie @ 221vision.com
ReplyDeleteBeautiful - I featured this in my project curtains post too today, well done!
ReplyDeletelove, love, love those curtains! do you know if you could use latex wall paint, along with the fabric medium, to paint the curtains?
ReplyDeleteJil
www.reflectionsinteriordesigns.com
Gorgeous!!! I need to give this a try.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE these. Simple and chic! I never would have guess they were DIY. Keep up the great work!!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love these! I'm featuring in my post tomorrow. Great tutorial and loads of tips - thanks!
ReplyDeleteThese look soooooooooooooo good! I would love to put them in a post tomorrow if that is cool with you!!! I am putting this on my list of things I need to do. Gotta go find the fabric first :)
ReplyDeletewww.ckminteriors.com
These are so great!! I love the white on grey!! I featured them on blog today, check it out: http://vixenmade.blogspot.com/2011/09/stenciled-curtains.html
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love the color and thanks for sharing the DIY1
ReplyDeletePamela, these curtains are gorgeous!! You must be VERY patient to have done this! Impressive!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! You are fearless!
ReplyDelete~Tina
Wonderful, wonderful...........where did you get the stencils please? Can't wait to try! thanks.
ReplyDelete- Meg
please email me at mbernard102@comcast.net
Love this! Where did you get the base drapes that you used?
ReplyDeleteOh gosh! Part of me is a little embarrassed to admit those were hung prior to any stenciling as actual suitable decor! They were $10/panel from Kmart... yah that's right. I said it. I'm almost positive they are this brand and kind without the valance: http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_070C123467120000B?prdNo=25&blockNo=25&blockType=G25
DeleteThe color I choose was the grey color, I don't know the exact color name.
No way! these are awesome!!
ReplyDeleteCan the curtains be washed in the washing machine afterwards?
ReplyDelete- Sherie
Sherie -- I haven't actually tried machine washing with the fabric paint yet. I would suggest doing a test on a smaller piece of fabric first and running it through the wash to double check.
DeletePamela
Curtains look fab, but ... what's the name of the paint color on your walls? It's a nice, soft gray. I likey! :)
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteLOVE your panelsI just did my room in grey and did my walls in a similar stencil with the opposite -light centers with a silver pattern.
These curtains would be perfect for my room. where did you find the plain grey?
Thanks
janet
Janet,
DeleteOh gosh! Part of me is a little embarrassed to admit those were hung prior to any stenciling as actual suitable decor! They were $10/panel from Kmart... yah that's right. I said it. I'm almost positive they are this brand and kind without the valance: http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_070C123467120000B?prdNo=25&blockNo=25&blockType=G25
The color I choose was the grey color, I don't know the exact color name.
Wonderful job! Where did you find the grey panels?
ReplyDeletethanks,
Janet
Love these! I was wondering if you knew if you could mix the fabric medium with regular wall paint? I am all set to start this project, and came across your blog...the fabric medium is a great tip, and would love to use it to soften up the panels..Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for asking a great question!
DeleteFabric is made for acrylic paint as it's a water-based paint and it makes it more soluble.
Wall paint is typically either latex (water based paint) or an oil(alkyd) based paint.
While latex is a water based paint, it is not an acrylic paint which is what the medium interacts with as a binding agent.
If the wall paint is an oil based paint it will not work as it will fight the medium and not dissolve and blend as well. (to my understanding, I haven't actually TRIED this, but with the chemical components it is made of this is what I believe would happen).
To the best my knowledge, the medium will only correctly interact with acrylic paints and would not work as well with any typical "wall paint".
I hope this answers your questions and feel free to contact me via my contact page with any further questions.
Pamela
here are some curtains that look a lot like yours... but yours are way cheaper and just a cute! >>> http://www.zgallerie.com/p-10837-mimosa-panels-charcoal.aspx
ReplyDeletehere are some curtains that look a lot like yours...but yours are way cheaper and just as cute! ...http://www.zgallerie.com/p-10837-mimosa-panels-charcoal.aspx
ReplyDeleteThese look great! Can you let me know where you found the gray panels at. I have been on a search for these and it is always the wrong color gray but these look like the ones that I have been looking for. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing! I can't wait to try them for my house!!!
ReplyDeleteCheck it out www.cali-landchic.com
Thanks!
<3 Erin
This design are so creative. I'm wondering where did you get your stencil. Is it DIY also?
ReplyDeleteSome interesting ideas and deigns to look out for. New innovations are always welcomed.
ReplyDeleteThat looks awesome! I linked to your post in a post on my blog via your image! http://www.hypheninteriors.com/2012/09/20-things-you-can-paint.html
ReplyDeleteLove this! I hope you don't mind that I included a photo and link in a post I did on stencils.(I'm new to blogging and unfamiliar with linking etiquette). Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteGenevieve http://turnedtodesign.blogspot.com/
These are fantastic!! Love them. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, this is so brilliant. You just brought more life to these curtains. I am pretty sure that several homeowners will be inspired to do the same or think of other creative ways to add more twist and style to their homes. Thank you for sharing this post!
ReplyDeletedid you use the large stencil version from Cutting Edge site? Or the small or medium one?
ReplyDeleteI don't believe they have it in different sizes, the original stencil I used was this one: http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/moroccan-stencil-design.html
DeleteI love this proyect!!You are such a talent girl. I will try this for my breakfast nook area.I alredy boughtthe curtains ,but my cuestion is if it does not matter the type of fabric. mines are 80% polyester and 2% cotton. They look a little shine and are energy saving. It was a JCpenny special. Im worrien about the shine. the color is abyss green. Thank in advance!
ReplyDeleteI love this proyect!!You are such a talent girl. I will try this for my breakfast nook area.I alredy boughtthe curtains ,but my cuestion is if it does not matter the type of fabric. mines are 80% polyester and 2% cotton. They look a little shine and are energy saving. It was a JCpenny special. Im worrien about the shine. the color is abyss green. Thank in advance!
ReplyDeletesorry 20% cotton
ReplyDeleteare they machine washable once painted? and does the paint make the fabric crispy?
ReplyDelete