How to Make Hand Painted Native American Valances

Be true to your heritage by creating these valances that are hand painted with Native American Symbols.
This is a neat way to decorate your space and show your pride at the same time.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 1/2 yds. Indian print Fabric
• 1 1/2 yds. Tan Fabric
• 36" -2" suede look fringe
• 7 lanyard hooks
• 7 eye fasteners
• 7 jump rings
• #10 or smaller crochet yarn or cord
• Assorted beads(preferably wood)
• Symbol drawings or stencils
• Acrylic craft paint

1. 
    
   Butterfly Symbol-Everlasting Life

   You may need to make a cardboard stencil of the symbols first.
   Cut 1 piece of tan fabric and 1 piece of print fabric 38" long by 26" wide.
   Paint the 4 symbols onto the tan front, spacing them evenly across the panel.

2. 
    
   Sun Symbol- Happiness

   While the paint dries , make the loops for hanging the panel, from the left over fabric.
   You can also use plastic loops , but real ones will look more natural.
   Place the two panels together wrong side out. Sew a seam along both ends and along the bottom.

3. 
    
   Big Mountains Symbol-Abundance

   Turn the panels right side out. Straighten and smooth the corners.
   Then sew the top edge inserting the loops you made, as you go. Place one loop on each end , one in the middle, and two between the ends and the center.
   Sew the fringe along the bottom edge, using a zigzag stitch or a straight top stitch.

4. 
    
   Eye Hook Placement on Back

   On the back of the valance, hand sew the 7 eye hooks or you could use 7 small plastic loops. These will hold the strands of beads , so they can be removed for laundering.
   Place them in the same positions as the hanging loops, but at the bottom.

5. 
    
   Bead Strands with charm

   Create the bead strands. Use beads that have a good size center hole. Assorted color wood beads and a contrast bead look best.
   You will need 2- 15" strands; 2-12" strands; and 1-9" strand.
   You can add an Indian look charm at the bottom of each strand or just on the ends.
   Tie one end of the yarn to a lanyard hook, then add the beads. Tie the other end of the cord to a jump ring. Add a couple drops of glue to each knot to secure it.

Tips & Warnings

• Lanyards can be unhooked for laundering.
• Acrylic craft paint is permanent once it dries.