I would love to have a screen to divide up the large open area in our loft apartment, but they are difficult to find and the ones I have seen cost the earth. I'm sure you have instructions on how to make one.
Moira, NY, USA
Hi Moira;
Screens are not a new thing. They have been around for generations, but were at their most popular with the Victorians. This was probably because there were no dressing rooms in those days, so a lady would coyly undress behind a screen. They are so easy to make; the simplest is to attach three hollow core doors with hinges and paint a favorite color. Try varnishing with high gloss for a thoroughly modern look. In the picture you can see a really high end screen that is created with decoupage. You can make a good replica yourself.
This stunning screen features a series of urns photocopied from an art calendar and glued over a painted background. Four individual panels were cut from fiberboard and shaped on top with a jigsaw. The base coat is black latex paint. Metallic gold spray paint was applied sparingly to produce the mottled antique background for each of the inset panels. (Use tape and paper to protect the surrounding surface, and remember that spray paint is airborne, so wear a mask.) The edges were also painted gold.
For the decoupage design, choose a series of motifs that you like for the inset pictures. Use a photocopier to size the pictures and cut them out neatly. Glue each image into position with Mod Podge (decoupage glue) and let dry. For a professional finish, apply 4 coats of high gloss varnish, allowing each coat to dry, and sand in between coats.
The exciting design aspect of a screen is that it is viewed from two sides. You can create a different story for each side. This is a great weekend project. Have fun and let me know how it works out.