First Challenge - Making free stuff work

My friend Christine and I began the $40 Design Challenge this weekend. Our goal was to take free stuff and make it work in my new apartment. I got four free drapery panels in the color of "Beach House Tan" from a woman off craigslist. The challenge was to make these panels work in my room.

It takes much longer to hang drapes than I thought it would. I figured it would take maybe 30 minutes start - to - finish. I was wrong. I've never in all of my 31 years hung a drape before so this was a new experience for me. And after all was said and done, I'm glad Christine was there to make it fun because the finished product was worth it, even though it took closer two hours. When you're with a funny friend, decorating is fun.

Initially, I had thought that I had two curtain rods (also from the woman who gave me the drapes) but I was wrong. Lesson learned, read the packaging. Instead of having two rods I have one super long. Initial fail. But luckily, Christine had two extra curtain rods to donate to my cause. She is moving and said she didn't have a need for them so I didn't feel too bad accepting the donation.

So after the free drapes and rods we needed brackets, which we found at Bed, Bath and Beyond for $8.00 each. We used Christine's power drill and steamer. It turns out that the $40 Challenge is easier if you have friends that have things like steamers and drills. I would recommend charging the drill before you use it. Regular recharging added to the total time.

My first attempt was a success and we still have $24 left to see what else we can do to maximize the free stuff.

After the drapes were hung I was so happy with the results. They looked great and really added to the room. They made the lights look warmer and the room look taller. The only downfall is the color makes me want a Milky Way bar.