Late yesterday afternoon I decided I should probably take some pictures to serve as a visual aid for my pouf tutorial. I can say with all certainty that it was the poorest assortment of photos that have ever been taken and would have shown nothing other than what a horrible photographer I am.
For example:
I don’t even know what step I was attempting to photograph.
Honestly, I don’t even know that I have a clue what I’m doing or if my poufs will stand the test of time. They’ve only been up less than a week and could fall down at any moment. One good tug and I might have myself a drapery house of cards.
And I have to give one more shout out to The Nester who is the founder and inventor of window mistreatments. She has so many great, creative ways to mistreat windows that go way beyond what my limited decorative sensibilities can comprehend. Also, I was inspired by the pouf achieved by Katie at Harrington House. She made me aspire to heights of great poufiness after I saw her beautiful mistreatments. Lastly, I have to thank Holly for writing a great post full of links for great drapery tips.
Seriously, did I win an Academy Award or just make some cheap curtains? Maybe I should get over myself and my homemade draperies.
Anyway, after my poor attempt at documenting the process in photographs, I decided I was going to have to do a video tutorial even though I semi-swore to myself that I’d never do another one after the scarf-tying video. It’s just too painful to hear the way the camera makes me lisp combined with video evidence of how flat my hair looks by the end of the day. But because I love y’all, I recruited an amateur videographer to help me out.
Disclaimer: If you’ve never suffered from vertigo, you will after watching this video.
The Pouf from Big Mama on Vimeo.
A few things:
1. The camerawoman could not be cuter is spite of her tendency to interrupt and put in her two cents. She also doesn’t really get the concept of holding the camera steady or not getting your own feet in the video.
2. I don’t have a lisp in real life. It’s the camera. I promise.
3. However, my hair is that flat.
4. If the poor quality of the video isn’t enough to guarantee I’ll never be featured on HGTV, then the chip clip sealed my fate. Also, my Doritos are now stale.
5. I had to cut the video short due to uploading difficulties (most likely due to user error), so I’ll explain the final steps as best as I can. Continue to clip the fabric across the top, making sure you have all the folds in the ring clip (or chip clip) until you get to the other side. Then fold in the outer edge like you did at the beginning and clip it. Carefully, CAREFULLY, hang the rings on your curtain rod and then just gently pull out the folds of fabric to make the poufs. There is really no scientific method, just pouf and pull until it looks like you want it to look. It definitely works better if you have some fabric with a little bit of substance to it because the linen stuff I used in the video would have given me virtually no pouf at all since the fabric is so flimsy.
6. There is a very good chance that I have no idea what I’m doing. In fact, I’d say it’s 70-30 that there’s a better way to make a pouf, but my lack of knowledge has never really stopped me from sharing information.
7. If you really want to do this on a budget, then check out how cute The Nester made these draperies look without even using a curtain rod. Oh, and she also hot glues trim to her edges on occasion which looks beautiful but is beyond my skill level unless I decide to give myself second degree burns one afternoon.
8. I have nothing else to add. Carry on.
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With an inquisitive tone, “And… who’s Holly?”
With a reaffirmative tone, “Oh they know who Holly is…”
You two are precious and crack me up! I just adore y’all in a creepy, I stalk your blog kind of way
omygosh, i love your video!!! so, since your last post about the nester, i have been LIVING on her site, reading all her back posts, and in general neglecting my personal hygeine (and home cleanliness) in the process. i am learning and will be hitting the fabric store soon. yea!
-erika
theurthmama.com
oo you are adorable!!
way to hard on yourself..i love how the camerawoman keeps butting in:):)
lol
YOU LIKE ME YOU REALLY LIKE ME!:)
I could watch videos of you daughter ALL day!!!! She makes me laugh so hard that tears roll down my face!!! I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for her!!! Priceless!
Patty from TX!
Seriously, aside from the vertigo, those were incredibly helpful instructions. I read the Nester’s tutorial the other day and just couldn’t figure out what exactly I was supposed to do with all the folding and what-not. This made it very clear, albeit somewhat dizzifying. Thanks to you and the lovely videographer!
Big Mama, you CRACK ME UP!
Love the curtains, love the video and videographer more–thanks for sharing and I think they (and you!) look great! 
I believe you have it wrong. No Academy Award for you (although your performance was excellent). Clearly the award would have to go to Caroline for cinematography.
Now you’ve really got me wanting to try the poufy curtains. And I’ve been reading Nester for a while!
Thanks Big Mama and Caroline for the helpful video! I’m a visual learner so this is just what I need!! I am going to fabric.com right after I post this comment and do some shopping!! You girls have a great day. See you tomorrow!
Hey…I’m an idiot when it comes to understanding what video tutorials are trying to teach me, but I TOTALLY got your’s. Go figure. All I had to do was take a dramamine the next two times I watched it! Thanks for this very helpful explaination of window mistreatments. Now would you explain why they are called “mistreatments”? Or is that self explainatory?
Your videographer is precious!
Caroline is adorable, and I always love your easy way with her:-) I think it is just precious that you let her film in her own way, without barking out directions the way I am afraid I might. You remind me to relax and enjoy the ride or parenting… it’s such a gift to be the mom, even with a dash of vertigo:-)
Y’all are just too cummulatively cute that I can’t even stand it. LOL at your hair, I happen to love it! I see where Caroline gets “it”!! And she was so funny with her feet and her cut off blue jeans peaking into the camera…. You could just tell that she wanted to make sure she was part of it too, and it was so sweet how you encouraged her….
Love the tutorial! I had seen the poufy curtains on Nester too and have been comtemplating doing them! But what I really want to know is WHERE DID YOU GET THAT ADORABLE SHIRT YOU ARE WEARING?????
How do I love this video?
Let me count the ways.
1. I could totally use the title for my on video on How to 1980s Pouf Your Hair, which, incidentally, may help you since you were concerned about your lack of hair volume. We may both have the same lack of hair volume. Mine may even be flatter. Digressing.
2. The cameraman (camerawoman? camerachild?) was not only delightfully cute, but she beckoned Sophie over to watch the video. I’m certain Sophie will insist she can film as well. I love how Caroline interjects. Throughout the video. Like a lot. Wonder where she learned all that?
3. I like to call my son-in-law my Redneck son-in-law. We could be kin. Do you know what noodling is? If you do–you just might be a Redneck.
4. I’m thrilled over this insight on curtain mistreatments because now I can do my own curtains as well without revisiting that ugly period of my life called Home Ec.
5. Your temporary lisp is very endearing. Makes me feel better about those times my face decided to twitch while being filmed. What is that about?
I think that Caroline’s best work is in FRONT of the camera.
That said, I really did like this video b/c I have a hard time with photo tutorials…seeing you actually go through the process (even if Caroline’s knees were in the shot) was helpful. Two thumbs up! I’m nominating you both for an Oscar. 
Are you kidding? I love the video. Plus, the instructions are very easy to follow. Thanks so much! Gives me hope…
Hey this actually looks possible! Thanks for breaking it down!
loved this video! Having just redone my own curtains (HEY INTERNET – I BOUGHT CURTAINS) not for $28, I am now jealous, but I will get over it because I’m a big girl.
No drapes for me, thanks. But the video is darling.
Loving Caroline’s pedicure and her trying to find a way to film while crossing her legs like a true Southern lady. That little girl is a gem!
I am dying over the camerawork…I love it! The occasional foot….hahahaha! Highly entertaining….
)
I do not possess an ounce of creativity, BUT I loved watching both of you display yours! Thanks for sharing.
I thought she was pretty good! She even closed up on the dots when you were talking about them! You guys are adorable! AND you look fabulous!!!
Well done! I enjoyed your video!
Ohmyword, that’s it! You sound like Sandra Bullock! I hope you don’t hate her because I mean it as a definite compliment. She’s (a little bit) my girl crush. Which maks you my blog friend crush. And she, my friend, IS an Academy Awards nominee. Maybe she should take awards speech lessons from you. On top of drape making (impressive!), you can add that to your list of talents.
LURVE Caroline! She is precious even when you can’t really see her!
And I saw no problems with your hair, nor did I hear a lisp.
Okay, so I watched this video thinking I was learning how to pouf curtains, but what you taught me was how to be a patient and loving mom. I admire you.
Why did I hit the button? I dunno. Anyway, I’m too gripy and expect them to be little grown ups. I would want her to be still. And seeing Caroline made me sad because she is such a sweet little girl with cute little painted toenails–just like my daughter, but I’m so impatient with mine and she doesn’t deserve it. She deserves a mom who will be super-calm and lovingly dismiss her being a 7-yr. old.
Thanks so much for the instructions. I am a bit motion sick right now but I am sure I will recover. hahahaha
I really do appreciate the instructions. I am going to try this asap.
You’re adorable! And your video was very helpful! Thanks for doing it. : )
Love Caroline’s toenails! Made me wish it were warm enough here for bare feet and shorts…I am SO jealous. We have been cramming our wool-socked feet into boots for like, about 6 months now. Okay, maybe that is a slight exaggeration. I may just have to go get a pedicure with pretty polish so I can pretend that I live somewhere warm!
That was dizzyingly hilarious!
Great job, Caroline! Love the little crossed legs and toes!
What flat hair…..oh yea, you’re from Texas…big hair is the closer to Jesus thing!
hehe!
That video was priceless! Love the camera woman. I think she needs her own show!
-FringeGirl
Love how natural this video is. You know without all the pretense. Love that you had your lil’ helper with you who seemed to know much about your project. And, yes, I do understand the flat hair.
Ginger
Caroline is just hilarious. This was the first video I’ve watched on your blog and I love it! If there wasn’t a year between their ages, I’d swear that Caroline and my Emily were long-lost twins…especially with all the drama.
And your hair looks great!
You have an award at my blog!
Your videographer is quite good. Keep this up and she’ll be an expert by the time she gets to double-digits.
I just have to say that although I don’t see myself making drapes in the near future, the best part of the video was Caroline’s commentary. She should look into directing or something! Definitely a gift.
Loved your video! I think C prefers to be in front of the camera. I love how she was giving her two cents:) Cute! And great job explaining!
I have never commented before although I am a religious reader. Today as always you made me LOL and today I really needed it. So thanks for being you, because you crack me the heck up!
That was pretty darn cute and funny…..love the orange (is it orange?or orange-red?) hoodie you had on.
Good job Caroline!
You are too stinkin’ cute and absolutely hilarious!
Caroline was so cute and professional when she zoomed right up close to the circles in the “matching up” portion of your video! She clearly is a budding camerawoman(although if she makes it into the real world, she might want to consider not interjecting her own thoughts quite as much. “Excuse, Mr President? Where did you get your tie? And who’s that person standing behind you in the black suit holding that big gun?”)
Please feel free to make video–with you in them–anytime you want!!
Also,your outfit: CUTE. Your hair: PRETTY. You: BEAUTIFUL.
I have nothing else to add. Carry on.
Love the video. Love you, love Caroline, love the tutorial. I second the comment someone else wrote about your calm parenting style.
I love that fabric! So pretty.
And you are gorgeous! So tiny! If the camera adds 10lbs, you must be a waif in person! Go eat something!
Love the video!!! It made me a little sea sick but after a dose of dramamine I was FINE!!! I was wondering how you got the pouf. So glad I know how to do it now!!!! Caroline is adorable and your parenting style is so great!!! I have to learn to be more patient with mine. Where did you get the adorable shirt? LOVE IT!
AWESOME! Not only do I know how to make those cool curtains but I was hugely entertained. Next time thought, please give us the full shot of what you’re wearing cuz I too like your top, want to know more about the jeans and need to know what those boots look like. Thanks.
#26 & #27 Carlisa Rogers! Cut yourself some slack, girl. You’re right: we all need to be patient with our little ones and I bet you’re doing better than you think. Now you’ll be thinking about it and maybe that’ll help you be and feel more successful. I bet you’re a really good mom. Now go have a glass of wine.
love the video, the camerawoman/young lady, and especially the lisp!
I had to say that, cuz I’m a Speech Therapist!
I’m pretty sure I was supposed to be doing something here – but that was too enticing a video of this woman who I’ve been chatting with! Even though I am indeed suffering from vertigo, you are too darn cute! I loved listening to you – you should definitely do more videos. Perhaps with a tripod, or not. (I loved how she crossed her legs and then realized… lol)
Thanks!
Girlfriend, you are looking mighty thin and young in your video. Sadly, we can no longer be friends. My self-esteem can’t take it.
Super cute and informative – even if i am a little nauseas and slightly dizzy. My daughter is 18 and has the same exact video – tapping skills. I am proud of your curtains – what’s next?
I just checked out Nester, and I love the whole mistreatment idea! It’s perfect since I’m in a rental and don’t feel like putting all the effort of “real” draperies into it. Okay, let’s be honest–I’ll never have the motivation for the real thing! Anyway, keep the good blog material (HA HA–a fabric joke!) coming!
I have the same fabric you were using there in my dining room, wish I had seen the poof before I rigged mine up… and you’ll be proud to know that the curtain only has fringe on part of it… ran out and never have finished up that issue.
This is just so awesome. The scarf-tying video changed my life and now this . . . bless you.
Love the video!!! You both are soo cute.
I hope I am as sweet of a momma as you are! However, I am not even a tad bit funny/witty so I think I maybe it is a lost cause
Hey! I think I have the same fabric on a side round table in our living room! I LOVE that fabric!!! I’m not 100% positive it’s the same…I kept trying to bounce my head up and down to focus clearly…
Seriously, though–keep the videos coming! They are so fun!
hilarious…..man i love that bosporous toile..it would be so cute on a chair….you are rockin the frye boots…
caroline..so funny..”anddd whooo is Holly?” lol!
thanks Melanie..this is actually very helpful aside from being very cute!;;
Yeah for referencing the scarf tying video!! I found it and can’t wait to try it! Maybe I should pray for some more cold weather so I can put it into practice.
I wondered why I’d missed that post and when I looked at the date, it made me smile…it was posted on the day Brennan was born…January 16, 2009.
I so enjoy your blog! Too bad I didn’t learn how to “mistreat” sooner!!! I could have saved a fortune. The only thing that has been “mistreated” is my bank account.
Love the camerawoman. She’s a cutie!
i just have to thank you for spelling “pouf” right! brings peace and harmony to my soul.
I want to make these curtains not just because they’re cute, but because the video is SO STINKING FUNNY!
What an awesome video! Not only did I learn how to make sweet drapes with an awesome pouf, but I got to witness an amazing mother-daughter relationship. I love Caroline’s personality and how you are so patient with her! You never stifle her one little bit. I love it. Thanks for a sweet look into your world!
Is it odd that I am intrigued as to why you’d have a lisp on a video and how that translates to your Real-Live voice?
Yeah, I thought so too so nevermind.
Holy moly, that video is awesome and hilarious. Please show that at her wedding one day. Or college graduation. Or any other time she does something to warrant that kind of worthy display of her awesomeness.
Also, my hair goes flat as soon as I step away from the bathroom mirror and I generally include a final number on my lists telling me I’m done, too. We have so much in common. : )
Finally! I get it now. I have been a long time lover of the pouf, but have been unwilling to try it because I just didn’t understand how it worked and I was too lazy to try. Thanks Big Mama!
This was just precious!
That’s the cutest how-to video I’ve ever seen! Good job! I love your accents, btw. ? Celeste
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