Unique Valances

Materials:

paint (Cinnamon Sprinkle #SW1348 for base coat, Rare Wine #SW1279 for middle coat and Leatherleaf #SW1167 for top coat)
paintbrushes
2" x 2" pine piece
table saw
3" drywall screws
3/4" thick pine boards for sides
brad nails
hammer
drill

Steps:

1. Apply the base coat by starting at the slat edges on about 10 rows of slats. Brush across to fill in the slats. Do a final stroke across to lay them off nicely. Paint the shutter frame carefully and let dry.

2. Apply the second color sparingly using little paint and a dry brush. Don't cover the base coat completely as this is a highlight color.

3. Apply a heavier layer of the top coat. In order for the other colors to show through, don't paint over some of the areas.

4. Make a cleat to secure the shutter to the window and to establish its pitch. Cut the 2" x 2" piece to the width of the window. Rip it on a vertical bias at a 45-degree angle using a table saw. Attach the cleat to the wall just above the window frame with screws. Put the shutter in place and temporarily secure it with a single center screw into the cleat.

5. To create the side support pieces, hold the 3/4-inch thick pine painted in the same manner to the side of the shutter and trace a profile of the side angle. Cut out the triangular shape and repeat for the other end.

6. Remove the shutter and attach the side supports to it with brad nails. Then secure the entire assembly to the cleat with more screws.

Tips:

• Be careful that the angle is sloped enough in corners where two shutters meet to avoid hitting each other.
• Mount the shutters high enough so that people won't hit their heads on them.

Materials:

measuring tape
wood
sandpaper
stain
double-point staples
S-hooks
toggle bolts
hammer
drill
rawhide lacing

Steps:

1. Measure the length of the window opening. Cut the board to length and soften the edges with sandpaper.

2. Stain the piece to match the other wood in the room and let dry.

4. Use toggle bolts to securely mount the board to the ceiling above the window.

5. Hang pots, pans and utensils on the hooks as desired. Drill holes in wooden utensils and hang with rawhide lacing.