Hanging up the wall tapestry went much smoother than I thought. I knew I wanted it as even and flat as I could get it, to provide the most believable effect. Fortunately, being indoors, I wouldn't have to deal with rough, bumpy surfaces like brick or siding, nor porous and/or uneven ones like fences or trelliswork. Neither would I have to deal with the many moods of Mother Nature, like wind, rain, snow and intense sun.
Just a helpful tip about the amazing Facebook page I belong to: Shower Curtain Gardeners(Indoors Too). If you get inspired to tackle your own project, or just want to browse, and join the group, you will be welcomed. We're a pleasant lot. But there are two questions I suggest you avoid asking unless absolutely necessary. Well, three really.
First, there is usually no need to ask the group members collectively where they buy their shower curtains. You will probably be at least the 10th person to ask that in a single day. Every single day. Every single week. Some of the more frequent members can, understandably, get a little frustrated having the same question asked, over and over and over and over, crowding the space with information that has been repeated since the launch of the group. Just take a few minutes to scan through the posts and you will find all the information you need. Or check under the Guides or Files tab at the top, where the kind administrator, and fellow members, have listed a number of popular sources. Unless, of course, you find your dream curtain in a post and want to ask where that particular curtain can be purchased. Then ask away in that individual's comment section! They will probably appreciate your interest!
Second. also cluttering up the Facebook page is the dreaded "How do I hang up a shower curtain on brick? Or a wood fence? Or chain link? Or an old shed? Again, scroll through the posts to see what others have done under similar circumstances. There is a wealth of information there, if you just look for it. Also check the Guides link at the top for helpful info. There is no single miracle solution for all. Some use nails, some heavy duty double-sided tape, some staples, some suspend like a curtain.... Some build a frame for support, others apply directly to the surface. Do what you think will work for you.
The third question has often been phrased as a query, but also as a comment, and it has become taboo. Please, under no circumstances, ask someone why they didn't iron their curtain before they put it up. It's best to stick to the policy "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
This issue has prompted the group administrator to issue periodic pleas to cease and desist. Some gardeners don't care about the creases, some are just doing a trial run. But rest assured, they can already see the fold lines. To some of the more anal folks like me, it would drive me bonkers to have creases ruining the illusion I am trying to create. But that's me, and everybody is different, right!?
So, let's go back indoors for a minute. The closet wall I am applying my fairy forest curtain to is your typical painted drywall surface, so pretty straightforward. I opted to use the heavy duty double-sided gel tape that is recommended by many on the Facebook page. You might be more knowledgeable about these things, but I had never heard of nano tape. Sold under various brand names, one brand appears to get the top reviews, which is what I purchased: Alien Tape.
For a more complete, scientific description of nano tape, I suggest you read up about it on Wikipedia, where you will learn about biomimicry, nanotubes, synthetic setae and how geckos are able to climb up walls. But for most people, it is enough to know that nano tape is very different from regular double-sided tape, which has glue on both sides to ensure a permanent bond. Nano tape uses no glue and instead uses nanotechnology, and they say, is completely reusable, can be washed and used again and again and will retain 90 per cent of its adhesion. It can be used indoors and outdoors, for crafting, to hold carpet in place, to secure your cell phone in the car, to hang pictures, holiday decorations, and yes, hang shower curtains on fences and sheds.
However! And this is a big "however", because I didn't discover this tidbit until after I had secured the tapestry on the wall. When applied to painted and/or drywall surfaces, it can be permanent. Ooops. All I can say is I am glad it's tucked away in the closet.
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