Homemade Bead Curtains Using Straws

Create a retro beaded curtain using drinking straws

Retro decorating has hit a resurgence that shows no signs of stopping. Many retro home decor items can be made from items that were originally meant for something else. Make homemade bead curtains using straws. Straws are inexpensive and are available in a wide range of colors. They are easy to cut with ordinary scissors and one package is plenty to complete one standard size doorway. This is a wonderful DIY project for a teenager and can be completed in an afternoon.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• one-by-two
• Jigsaw
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush
• Cup hooks
• Drill, small bit, screwdriver bit
• 2 2-inch wood screws
• String
• Scissors
• 1 package colored straws
• 1/2-inch beads

Instructions

1. Measure the inside width of the door frame. Use this measurement to cut a piece of one-by-two with a jigsaw.

2. Paint the edges and one flat side of the one-by-two using an acrylic paint that matches or coordinates with your room's decor. Allow the paint to dry.

3. Center and screw in a cup hook every inch down the length of the painted flat side of the board.

4. Place the length of the board inside the top width of the door frame. Using a small drill bit, drill a pilot hole between the first two cup hooks on one end of the board and into the top of the door frame. Repeat on the other end of the board. Insert a 2-inch wood screw in each pilot hole and attach using a screwdriver drill bit.

5. Measure from the inside top of the door frame to the floor and subtract 8 inches. Cut a length of string for each cup hook using this measurement. These will be the base for each strand of straw beads.

6. Measure and cut colored straws into 2-inch pieces, using scissors. The amount you will need depends on the width and height of your door frame.

7. Insert 2 inches of a string end through the hole of a 1/2-inch bead. Tie the end of the string in a knot around the bead. Thread the 2-inch straw beads on the string to within 2 inches of the end. Tie the end around a cup hook to hang. Repeat for the remaining bead curtain strings.

Tips & Warnings

• Add additional 1/2-inch beads, within the length of strung straw beads, in a pattern of your choice.