Colorful Crystal Finial DIY

I have to say that before this project I never really thought much about curtain finials. Obviously, pretty much every curtain rod and tieback hook has some sort of knob or something-or-other on the end of it, but I never paid much attention. When it came time to think of an idea to doll up the curtains in Elsie's new office, I was a bit stumped, to say the least. After much thought (and a few failed ideas), I was passing a bowl of crystals in the studio entryway and thought, "That's it! Crystal finials!" Sometimes you just can't foresee when and how an idea will come along…

Supplies:
-curtain rods or curtain tiebacks (do just one, or both!)
–crystals (at least about 1 1/2" big)
–copper spray paint
-flat head screws
–epoxy glue
-embroidery thread (several colors)

Most rods or tiebacks that you buy at the store will come with finials already attached that can simply be unscrewed. You'll want to find out what size screw your new finial will need to screw back into the rod or tieback. I just took the existing finial (with screw still attached) to the hardware store and matched the screw size to a package of new screws with large flat heads. Once you have your screws, use your epoxy glue to attach the screw to a flat area of the crystal and allow the glue to dry. You can either use a clamp while the glue dries, or you can simply prop the crystal upright (with the screw on the top) until it dries.

I bought a fast-drying epoxy that mixes itself as you use it, but I would definitely suggest using one where you have to mix the two parts yourself instead. Almost as soon as you stop pushing out the pre-mixed epoxy, the glue will set in the opening of the tube, and by the time you grab your next screw and crystal, your epoxy will be hardened and unusuable for the rest of the finials. Having the parts in separate tubes means you can mix as needed.

Use the copper spray paint to paint your rods and tiebacks in light, even coats until fully covered. Make sure to give it ample time to dry before picking it up, or you may have fingerprints in the metallic paint.

When the glue is dry, screw your finial back into your tieback. Wrap your embroidery thread (changing colors every so often) across the first few inches of the metal to add a little personality. I like to tie the old color to the new color and leave the ends a little longer so I can wrap over those ends as I go. Once your thread is finished, you can install your hardware and you're ready to hang your curtains!

This finial update was pretty easy to complete, and the result is a fun splash of personality for any room. Can you think of some other fun objects to use for a updated finial? xo. Laura

Credits // Author: Laura Gummerman. Photography: Laura Gummerman and Janae Hardy. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.