Tree Branch Curtain Rod

You may remember about a year ago I shared a picture of an aspen tree (gnawed down by a beaver), tied to the top of my truck.  Or maybe not, since you probably have a lot better things running through your head!  Anyhoo, I've been collecting branches and well, trees, to use as curtain rods in my master bedroom.

My curtains are the aina curtains from Ikea.  I kept moving this project to the back burner because I couldn't envision a solution for sewing tabs on the curtains that were large enough to fit through the tree.  Due to the curve of the tree and branches, I was trying to think up ways to accommodate various sized tabs so the curtains would be evenly touching the floor.

 I decided to just thread the parts that would fit through the hidden tabs on the back of the curtains and go from there.  Lo and Behold the whole tree fit (although some places felt like putting on my 'going out' jeans on a saturday night).  I prefer a step by step approach when decorating, especially when faced with a decision or predicament.

The branches are held up by plant hangers from Home Depot.  I had a couple to choose from and decided upon the ornate design.  I spray painted them white and distressed them with sand paper.

All 'rods' dip down in the middle and I had planned to wire them in way that would support the 'rod' so that it curved out into the room, but after placing the curtains in their spot for a week I decided to leave them as is.

To secure the 'rods' in place, I drilled holes on both ends of the wood.

Then I threaded small gage wire through and around the plant holders, twisting them together in the back.

This is pretty important step.  We left ours in place without being secured for too long and I'm surprised there weren't any casualties.

I love the natural element they bring to the design of the room.  

You can see the curtains are longer in the middle of the tree then on the sides, but it doesn't bother me enough to hem.  And how bout that mosquito netting around my bed?  Pretty slick eh?  More on that one here!

P.S.  My son loved the idea so much he carried a huge branch for over a mile while on a hike with friends.  "It's for my mom...." Isn't he cute?  Honestly it was way to big around to use as a curtain rod, but I have it leaning against the wall in the corner of my room cuz I don't have the heart to part with it.

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