Grizzly Project

Okay - so we have a couple of problem windows in the house. The first problem are the 2 front doors. They both have windows and the previous occupant had installed mini blinds on both doors. YUCK! I despise mini-blinds - DESPISE them. These blinds were old and dirty and one was gray, for goodness sakes. The next problem is the breakfast nook. Dark and Dreary. We need some energy in that space. Yet another dirty, musty, stained mini-blind on that window. The 3rd problem, as identified at that time, is the window in the upstairs bath. You guessed it, another nasty, old, dusty, crusty mini-blind and a sad looking valance that should have been installed with a 3" rod and wasn't. This window is right next to the hopper and I don't like sitting on the throne with those dirty slats staring at me.

What is a Grizzly Mama to do?? Why - search the internet for a solution of course! I found a wonderful place called Wallpaper for Windows. I ordered Everleaf etched glass for the two front windows - piece of cake to install and down come the mini-blinds. I ordered Grapevine (clear) for the breakfast nook and Rhapsody (privacy) for the bathroom window.

I installed Grapevine on the breakfast nook today. Quite easy - it's just that I had to measure for each individual pane of glass and make sure that it was centered the way I wanted with the middle grapevine going straight up the middle pane of glass. That required me to start 1 5/16" in from each edge of the roll. I duly calculated and recorded all measurements on the back of my beloved Weekly Standard bill envelope.



I needed to keep this close by throughout the project, because my nerves were bad and I had to verify the measurements constantly. It's crossing the Rubicon, folks, the minute that single edge blade starts cutting.

Here is my work surface. The kitchen floor is protected by a broken down packing box and my straight edge is the Wallpaper for Windows box itself. Don't want to razor up those old planks.



The first cut is the scariest. But it seemed that all was well...



I had to do a bit of trimming once I got the vinyl cling on the window pane itself. Those bad girls have bubbles and wrinkles in them - old glass. That's okay. It's the way I like it. After a slip of the razor blade, I finally discovered that using a straight edge while trimming on the pane makes the prospect of trimming a lot less anxiety provoking. Just like any red-blooded American, I learn from my mistakes.

Here's the beginning: (I forgot to take 'before' pics...)





And here is the end:







This little piece of glass above the door to the garage - which is right next to the breakfast nook - is going to need some work. Gross, isn't it? I'll need to scrape it, clean it and then I have just enough of the grapevine vinyl left to apply a vine going across. I think it will be pretty.





Now, if that doesn't look Grizzly - I don't know what does.

I can hardly wait to get to the bathroom window - now that I know what I'm doing I'll have the girlies do all of the measuring. When it's done, it will be either frightening or beautiful. No matter what, it will slap you in the face when you walk into the room.

Goodbye mini-blinds!! Woooo-hoooo. All of the nasty mini-blinds will be stored in the cubby next to the fireplace. They came with the house and they're staying with the house.