Do-It-Yourself

The Artist in You

Buying framed artwork can be pricey. If you like non-representational art, why not paint your own canvas? Don’t be intimidated—find a colour scheme and modern design that appeals to you from any magazine or art book borrowed from the library. Acrylic paint is inexpensive and deep-framed canvasses don’t need decorative framing if you paint the outside edge to blend in with the front of the canvas.

Fabric Fun

Make your own curtains and wall hangings. You won’t be limited to ready-made choices, and fabric stores often have clearances on end-of-bolt items.

Curtains can be simple rectangles, hanging from rods with clipped rings. Although a sewing machine is faster, you can sew by hand while watching television. All you need is a good pair of scissors, straight pins, a needle and thread.

A piece of beautiful fabric can be stapled-gunned to an easily made wooden frame as a wall accent.

Buying Bargain Fabrics

Check fabric carefully for quality when you buy at a discount. If you are buying seconds, look out for loose threads, crooked edges and other flaws. Make sure the colours of separate items such as towels are a good match.

Many sofas and chairs come with an indication of how much fabric is needed for slipcovers. If this information isn’t provided, take measurements with you so you don’t buy too much or too little.

If you particularly like a fabric and think you might find various uses for it, buy more of it than you need—you ‘re unlikely to find it again.

Choosing Cheap China

Almost Perfect

Items marked as seconds often have imperfections that are almost invisible. But still examine pieces carefully for chips and cracks before you buy.

Buy in Bulk

Boxed sets of china or glassware usually cost less than buying individual pieces.

Check on Replacements

If you're buying a matching set, check whether it is being discontinued. If so, you may still be able to get replacements through a china-matching service, though these can be expensive, especially if shipped a long distance.