We have a sliding glass door in our house, and if you have pets you know regular hanging curtains will just become a hassle with pets (or small kids) pulling them down (and with cats they like to claw at hanging curtains). So big shout out to my cousin for this idea!
We found a huge bolt of lace at the local thrift store for $6. That and some corn starch and foam paint brushes… and we have some beautiful window treatment that are pet (and kid) friendly! Not to mention non toxic lol.
First we cut the lace (you could use other material if it was thin enough I suppose, but we wanted lace) to fit the glass part of the windows. Then we painted on the cornstarch goop (more info on how to make that below) and stuck the lace to the window… trimming any excess lace around the edges, with a small pair of embroidery scissors. Then we “painted” on another layer of cornstarch goop on top of the lace. The cornstarch acts as a glue… without messing up your windows should you decide to remove the lace later (either permanently or to wash and reattach it) . It easy to clean up š so don’t worry about dripping it on the floor unless you are on a carpet area lol (we have wood floors so no issues with wiping up drips later).
This is also great for a window that you would like a bit of privacy but still want the sunlight to come thru. We used white lace but honestly you could use any color you desire. It reminds me of the Japanese paper doors or room dividers in a way š so lovely!
So we went thru 6 batches of cornstarch and used foam paint brushes to apply the cornstarch goop. The basic formula for the cornstarch goop is exactly the same as is used to make handmade crochet lace Christmas ornaments nice and stiff. 2 Tbls of cornstarch mixed in about 1/4 cool water. Then add that to about 1.5 cups boiling water… which should immediately turn into a thick gravy like goop. ****Let this goop cool before placing it on your window!!!! Hot liquid on a cold glass (especially in winter) could cause your window to break!!! So no hotter than room temperature is the goal. We placed the metal pot (floating/holding the handle, so it didn’t scorch the sink) in the kitchen sink with an inch or two of cold tap water to help it cool down faster and continued to stir to also help it cool down as well as keep it from getting clumpy.
The next step is easy… now just let it dry! A fan can help with air flow if needed. If you need to touch up any loose spots just make another batch of cornstarch goop and give it a dab. We let everyone in the house know the sliding glass door was drying and to please not use it till it was dry… a sign might be handy if you need one to remind everyone not to use the door until it dries completely.
Conestoga Chuck, lil Bit, miss kitty and all the humans LOVE our new window treatment! So this is inexpensive, easy to do, could be easily done in a rental unit since it is easy to clean up and remove, and is pet, kid and adult approved! What’s not to love? ā¤ļø
Conestoga Chuck 