Bargain hunting is great for the pocketbook, not always so great for style. We got this beige summer shade umbrella super cheap at the Target end of season clearance last year but it was way too boring. Beige is just NOT something I would normally buy. I love color too much. But the price was right and our old one was totally worn out. So we bought it. And it works great! But it’s boring.
I love a little bling: Rhinestones, Glitter, Chrome, Gold. Anything that adds just a bit of “umph” to an otherwise ordinary something and so I’m shaking it up with tassels!
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I think it all started with Pinterest, as almost all DIY projects do these days. Beautiful romantic hammocks with blankets and pillows and fringe caught my eye, and I knew I needed fringe. Fringe and Tassels!
It then came to me that maybe an umbrella with tassels was the way to go, and so I searched Pinterest for ideas.
And the plan was born. I was immediately off to Ebay to find some suitable trim to add to my umbrella.
I started pinning it on, just to get an idea of how it would look.
My sewing machine has never been set up since we moved in our house over five years ago. Sigh… Indoor work is only for bad weather days and we have a lot of sunny days in Alabama.
So I decided to go with Fabric Glue. It takes a while to dry though, so I would glue a section and then weight it down for an hour or so before moving on to the next section.
I gathered up a couple of bricks, some bookends and a few clothes pins to hold it. My fingers are crossed that the glue will hold up to the weather this summer.
*UPDATE*
The glue has held up perfectly fine through 3 summers now and my umbrellas stay outside in the sun & rain from March until October or November.
I love the way the blue looks on the beige and it has also helped me to decide what color outdoor furniture I want to get for the new deck. Anything that helps me make up my mind about something is a blessing. ha!
I sort of wish I had just sewn the trim onto the umbrella, because it took a while to get all of it glued on. Since I was working on one section at a time in the evenings after work, it took about 5 days to get it attached. Most of that was drying time, and in the end, it was totally worth it.
I think it adds a perfect personal and fun touch.
Now I just have to find the right outdoor sofa and this outdoor lounge area will be complete.
I’m with you – beige is boring!! I have to say WOW! I can not believe how much better than umbrella looks. I love that blue you choose. It’s so interesting now and really looks nice. Good job! 🙂
Thanks Lisa! And I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I want a beige cushioned outdoor sofa now! I never thought I’d say that! I’ve been researching blue ones and yellow ones and green ones for a couple of years now and they are more expensive! But I was thinking if I got beige it would tie in the umbrella AND I could use wild & colorful pillows! (with tassels!) 🙂
The blue tassels bring so much life and fun to the beige umbrella. It looks much better, now. Great job!
Thank you Carol. I do like it now and I didn’t before. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
That really looks so much better! Who knew? Now I’m looking around my house to see where I could add tassels, lol. (visiting from Grammy’s Grid)
Aren’t those tassels fun, Jas? I have lots left over, so I am looking for somewhere to use them. Maybe on pillows when I get an outdoor sofa. 🙂
Yes, that’d be cute!
Love this idea! It really took your umbrella from run of the mill to looking high end. I love it!
Thank you Jennifer! 🙂
Love it! The tassels also bring a fun element to it that I am really loving. So cute!
Thanks Christine! I am really liking it. And as I sat there gazing at it over the holiday weekend, I got to thinking that I might need to put some along the top air vent flaps too! 🙂
I agree the tassels are fun and bring a wonderful ‘pop’ of colour! Thanks for sharing this #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty .
Thanks Donna. I am loving the tassels. Thanks for the Grandmothers party! 🙂
Love this! I’m pinning this one to remember – I’ve got a boring brown umbrella that could use some fun additions! Thanks for sharing for the Home Matters Linky Party! #HomeMatters Party
Tassles look so effective don’t they and I love the ones on the umbrella. Thanks for sharing with us at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. It is great to have you link up with us and look forward to our next link up. I’m sharing on social media.
Sue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
I love how the tassels made the umbrella unique and not like every other beige umbrella that Target sold! haha Thanks so much! 🙂
Love how fun it made your umbrella. Great job!
xo Dianne
Thank you Dianne! Fun is good! 🙂
Beige is a dull color! But this umbrella is gorgeous now!!! I love tassels and if I could I would add them everywhere!
I so agree Christina! I even thought about dying the umbrella. Adding tassels was much easier. 🙂
Great job!!! That pop of blue was just what that beige umbrella needed. Thanks for sharing with us at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I am sharing on social media. Clearissa from Clearissa Coward’s Command Center.
Thanks Clearissa, I am happy with the way it turned out! Even Mr. Menace said it looks good (without me asking him) !! 🙂
Nikki this is a FABULOUS makeover! You’ve achieved the unthinkable … CLASSY TASSELS. I’m featuring your umbrella transformation at this week’s link party 🙂 xx
Oh Thank you Kate! This is exciting. And I am giggling about “classy tassels” 🙂
Congratulations! Your post was my feature pick at #ThursdayFavoriteThings this week. Visit me at https://www.marilynstreats.com on Wednesday evening and to see your feature and grab your badge! All hosts choose their own features so be sure to return to my blog. I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon.
Oh Thank you Marilyn! I so appreciate you and your comments and your party. 🙂
Looks great! Thank you for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty
Thank you Lori. 🙂
Looks really nice, great job! Thanks Nikki for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared this post.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Grammy. 🙂
I can’t get over what a difference the tassels made! What a great idea, it gave the umbrella some real pizzazz. Thanks for sharing this idea at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty!
Your tent looks fabulous with the embellishments. I love the pop of blue against the tan. Thanks for partying with us! Pinning.
Thank you Beverly. I am loving it too. Thanks for visiting and pinning. 🙂
Love the blue tassels. I will say I have never had good luck with fabric glue but I hope yours will be better. I wouldn’t have thought of looking on eBay for the trim, husband always goes to eBay first. lol.
Well, it lasted all last summer, but I haven’t put it out yet for this year. Fingers crossed! Thanks for visiting with me Victoria. 🙂