It takes some patience and time, but the results are well worth it! Embellishment!

I'm currently working with a client that is very colorful, fun, and full of life, and so is her beautiful home.

We completed her home a few years ago, but she's ready for new drapery in her living room. Instead of the basic plain drape, I'm producing one of a kind beauties that will be colorful yet simple.


 
We purchased some fabulous Belgian Linen Drapes that are on sale now at Restoration Hardware. They're discontinuing the "Straw" color so they were a steal. 


 
Next we found an embroidered curtain panel at Anthropologie. It is beautifully embroidered yet much too busy for the already colorful living room that we are working on. One of these panels would be just what we needed (to take apart). It has enough embroidery work to edge 4 large solid linen panels However you can use any vintage piece of clothing, Suzanis, or anything else that is beautifully embroidered.


 
The first thing I did was identify those parts of the embroidery that I was going to use and carefully cut it out of the material. While cutting, leave at least 1/16th of an inch of fabric past the embroidery so as not to risk cutting through it. It helps to have a pair of small sharp scissors on hand to get into the corners and around the tight curves.


 
Next apply small dabs of Aleen's Stop Fraying Glue to all the edges with the aid of a small bristle brush. It helps to squeeze a bit into a small bowl to easily dip your brush into.


 
After allowing the Stop Fray Glue to dry, place your embroidery work on the surface you are attaching it to (in my case, the top left corner of the drape). I placed a towel under the drape and spread it on a large table. Then proceed to pin the piece to your fabric using long ball tip straight pins that just go straight through the fabric into the towel. This secures your design to the fabric.


 
Once your placement is correct you can start hot gluing. My favorite glue gun is the Aleen's Ultimate Glue gun. It has several nozel attachments including an elongated small tip which works well for fine embroidery work.

Time to glue! Start glueing from the center of your piece and work your way out. Leave the small petals, curves and edges for last.

Once your piece is dry you can gently brush over it with a toothbrush to remove any of those fine glue strings that are left behind. It's as easy as that!


 
I plan to add a few more embroidered flowers across the top of the curtain panels and then down the side. I'll be sure to take a picture for you when it's all hanging!

This technique can be used on pillows, lamp shades, and roller shades as well. You can even use ribbon for a more tailored look, with or without the embroidery.