Inspiration boards

Hands-on time: One day.
Skill: Moderate.
Cost estimate: Approximately $45.00, depending on how much you pay for the window frame.

Materials & Tools

• An old window frame with at least one broken pane (available at flea markets, antique dealers, or garage sales)
• Sandpaper, sanding block, steel wool, and paint scraper
• 1-inch (2.5cm) bristle brush (for varnish), 1-inch synthetic brush (for latex paint)
• Lint-free cloths
• Latex paints in black, apple green, light blue and dark turquoise
• Satin-finish varnish
• Painter's tape
• Rigid cardboard
• Craft knife
• Quilting batting
• Scissors
• Decorator fabric with leaf patterns to co-ordinate with the paint colours
• Glue gun or double-faced tape
• One 1/4-inch (5-mm) decorative ribbon
• Decorative upholstery tacks (available at hardware stores)
• Spray adhesive
• Picture-hanging wire, finishing nails and hook

When one of my windows had a broke pane, I had the idea to turn it into an inspiration board made with decorative upholstery fabric. My favourite part of projects like this one is the expedition for the finds at garage sales and flea markets.

Start by cleaning your frame and window thoroughly. With a scraper, remove any old paint from the window's surface. If your frame has several coats of old paint, you can sand its edges down with sandpaper or steel wool to make the colours of the underneath layers visible. You can also achieve the vintage look by painting on 3 to 4 layers of assorted colours, letting dry between each coat. Then, with the sandpaper or steel wool, sand the frame until parts of all the coloured layers are visible. Use a scrapper in a few areas to give an extra-weathered look.

With a bristle brush, varnish the window frame with a satin-finish varnish avoiding the glass panes by using painter's tape to protect them. Then, peel off the tape once the varnish is completely dried.

Using the craft knife, cut out the cardboard to fit in the broken pane space area. Trace the outline of the cardboard on to the quilting batting and cut out.

Trace the outline of the cardboard on to the fabric, including a 3/4-inch border, and cut. Using the glue gun or double face-tape, make an "X" shape on the cardboard and fasten the quilting batting on top. Place the fabric over the batting and secure it at the back of the cardboard with the glue gun; pull the fabric to make sure that is tightly in place.

Position the decorative ribbon on top of the fabric at a diagonal angle and secure with hot glue at the back. Make an "X" pattern with the ribbon (or several if space allows), gluing at the back to secure where the ribbons intersect. Add the decorative upholstery tacks by pushing them into the areas where the ribbons cross over in the front.

Place your covered board in the pane opening and fix firmly in place with small finishing nails or tape. Cut out the leaves or desired accent design from the decorative fabric. Spray the surface of the design with the adhesive, apply it directly to the inside of the panes and pat down.

Affix a hanging hook and wire at the back of the frame. Always measure the placements of the wires for best hanging results.

Variations

• Larger windows also work well for this project and they are perfect for a wide office or workshop wall. You can even make a screen room divider with a few old doors, perfect for a garden for a little extra privacy from your neighbours.