Materials: Fabric ( Waverly Concello in Cabernet 666611 and in Sage 666613 from the Bella Tuscany Collection were used in this project) Trims, ribbons or decorative tacks Pink Foamular board (Owens Corning insulation, available in home centers) Wood lattice strips (enough to frame edges of each panel) Medium-loft batting (for each side of panels, available by the yard) Spray adhesive, such as Spra-Ment by 3M or white household glue Wood-to-foam adhesive (Hold the Foam or Craft Foam Glue) or 1"-wide heavy-duty double-stick tape (3M Clear Mounting Tape) or Liquid Nails and caulk gun Folding screen hinges Wallpaper knife with snap-off blade Hand saw Staple gun and staples Straight pins and pushpins Upholstery tape or strips of firm plastic bundling tape Framing square Yardstick or 4' ruler Scissors or rotary cutter and mat Air- or water-erasable marking pen Awl or seam-ripper Glue gun Optional: 2 "feet" per screen (ball dresser knobs or flat felt-bottomed feet) Optional: plastic drop cloth or tissue paper Optional: seam sealant - Determine approximate size and number of panels for screen. Cut Foamular 250 boards (figure A) to the panel size determined. If a shaped top is desired, make pattern on paper, transfer design to top edge of panel and use saw or wallpaper knife to cut the shape.
- Cut strips of lattice to cover each side edge of the screen. Don't apply wood to the top if a curved shape has been selected. Strips need not be mitered at corners since they'll be covered by the fabric.
- Adhere wood strips to the side edges using the glue or tape. Lightly mark the center of each side of each panel on the wood frame (figure B).
- Cut a piece of batting for each panel so it fits within the wood frame. Use paper or plastic to protect spraying area and work in a well-ventilated room. Lightly spray foam board and wrong side of batting with spray adhesive. Position batting in place, but avoiding pressing flat. If you prefer, white glue may be used by sparingly applying drops here and there and then lightly positioning batting. Let dry.
- To center any design, cut a fabric panel for each side of each panel adding a 2" margin all around. Mark center of each side using an erasable marker.
- Center a fabric panel on the back of one screen. Pin in place, pulling taut, top and bottom, then from side to side, lining up center marks to wood center markings (figure C). Stretch fabric and staple in place at the middle or near the front edge of each side strip around all sides. Fold in corners neatly or cut away excess bulk if necessary. Use long pins to hold the top edge of a curved style. Trim excess fabric even with the front edge of the wood strip.
- Use pushpins to fasten the front panel in place the same way. Before stapling in place, trim excess so there will be a 1/2" to 1" seam allowance beyond the back edge. Cut strips of upholsterer's tape or bundling tape (figure D) to the length of each side. Insert the tape within the seam allowance and roll fabric around it so it forms a straight edge at center or back edge of each side. Work corners neatly, trimming away excess fabric. Staple in place.
- Apply a decorative trim to cover the staple lines and outline the screen. Two rows of cord roping, handsome ribbon or a continuous row of upholsterer's tacks ( figure E) could be used. If desired, screw "feet" into the bottom edge of each screen.
- Screw hinges into sides of panels so they are evenly spaced from top and bottom. Use 3 sets for each joining on screens over 5'. Use an awl or point of seam-ripper to make a small cut through the fabric where screws are to be inserted. Apply a drop of glue or seam sealant to the fabric edge. When applying hinge to first panel, fold and position hinge so larger hole is on top as you screw through the two holes into the wood.
- When that panel is complete, unfold hinges and screw remaining hinge side into the second panel.
Products: Available at Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse (www.lowes.com . Waverly Fabrics for consumer info: 800-423-5881 or www.waverly.com . Fairfield Processing: www.fairfieldprocessing.com .
RESOURCES :
The Folding Screen
Model: 084782179X
Author: Mark Aldbrook and Charles Hemming
(October, 1999)
Rizzoli
The Art of Japanese Folding Screen
Model: 0834803895
Author: Oliver Impey
(September, 1997)
Weatherhill Books
GUESTS :
Maureen Klein
80 Old Pond Rd.
Great Neck, NY 11023
Phone: 516-482-7790
Fax: 516-482-2714
Email: getklein@optonline.net
Editor, Good Housekeeping Do It Yourself magazine
Viewers may contact magazine at Hanley-Wood:
www.hwspecials.com
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