Today's budget friendly tip is for all of us FABRIC lovers! I absolutely adore textiles! From rugs to upholstery to custom drapes and bedding, I just can't get enough. Located in Gastonia, NC is a little shop called MaryJo's. Talk about a fabric lover's dream! You could spend hours looking through breathtaking patterns, colors and designs. The problem with textiles is that some of them can be really pricey. Why is it that the fabrics I always fall in love with are at the top end of the scale? When I was a kid Mama used to say I had champagne taste and a Kool-aid pocketbook. Well years of experience has taught me some tricks to get the look I want without breaking the bank. Have you ever fallen for a pricey fabric? Well in case you have and walked away because of sticker shock here's a few ideas to help you out next time.
1. Buy only a yard of your "to die for fabric" and use it on pillows. To stretch your yardage, find a lower priced coordinating fabric for the back and finish off your pillow will pretty trims.
1. Buy only a yard of your "to die for fabric" and use it on pillows. To stretch your yardage, find a lower priced coordinating fabric for the back and finish off your pillow will pretty trims.2. Make a table runner or napkins. It's amazing what punch you can get from a designer fabric displayed front and center on your dining room table.
3. Make a throw. Buy some inexpensive lining and sew the fabrics together and finish with tassels or cording. Drape your new custom throw over the back of your sofa, chair or headboard.
4. Cover plain white drum lamp shades. Use spray adhesive to attach the fabric. To finish the look tie a tassel around the top finial of the lamp and allow it to drape over the front of the shade.
5. Another quick and easy way to display designer fabric is by creating cornices. These can be made out of lightweight plywood. Spray adhesive does that trick for attaching the fabric to the wood. Finish off by adding decorative molding. Use inexpensive window panels or sheers below the cornice to finish the treatment.
Beautiful fabrics really personalize your home. Being clever and using pricey fabrics sparingly allows you to acheive big designer impact for little $$$$.
These inspiration pictures are from Calico Corners. One of my favorite home decor stores. 
If you are a professional designer you can sign up for designer discounts and receive special-to the-trade offers on closeouts and sales.
With fabric the possibilities are ENDLESS! Stop by for tomorrow's tip - Decorating with Dishes!
Until I see you again,Keep on Decorating!
Live Life Beautifully,
~Alisa
8 comments:
Oh I love fabrics of all kinds and my favorite store is close-out designer fabrics at really reasonable prices. What a thrill. I could spend all day in there. Such fun. You've offered some great ideas. Thanks. Hugs, Marty
'Lovin' the 2nd to last photo for its colors and pattern!
Great ideas for the budget.
Melanie@Bella~Mella
I don't leave a comment everyday but believe me I read your blog "Budget Tips" EVERYDAY! They've all given me some ideas. I especially am using the one from yesterday on "reusing" things. I just found two shelves in the basement that have been down there since when we bought the house. They were so full of stuff that I didn't even notice them. Now they are in the garage ready for some paint.
Alisa, I am really enjoying your 30days series. Love all those fabrics from Calico Corners too. Fortunately and unfortunately we do not have the store here in Oklahoma City. I do, however, sit and drool over their website. Sigh..
When I redid my living room last summer I picked a fabric that was about $60.00 per yard. We covered one side of two pillows. I got my fix that way. :)
Those are great tips! I used the fabric I love on pillow slipcovers (fronts only of course) and then add little splashes of that fabric in my room too.
Sometimes, you can get designer fabrics in the remnants section for way discounted that is just big enough for some projects like that!
Dear Alisa,
It's great that you found so many fabrics you liked at Calico Corners--I love them too! For those who don't live near a Calico store, all of these fabrics (and swatches) are available on line or by calling the toll-free number (800) 213-6366. Here's the link to these collections on the Calico website--you can click through for detailed information:
http://www.calicocorners.com/category/designer+fabrics+for+the+home/newest+collections.do
Happy decorating to all!
Best,
Jan
Hi, everyone--it's Jan again, as I notice that the link I posted in the previous comment was cut off. To find the fabrics in all of these photos online, go to www.calicocorners.com, click on FABRICS, then click on NEWEST FABRIC COLLECTIONS. Each of these photos will be there, and you can click through for all the details.
Enjoy!
Hi, I'm your newest follower and just really have enjoyed reading your posts....so creative; I love it! I'm a Carolina woman too! I have not been to Mary Jo's in Gastonia yet, but have heard many people (and magazines) comment about it. I must make a point of getting there. Hope you stop by and follow me for some great recipes and gardening tips for Carolina living! Blessings, Roz (Bella)
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