Materials:

primed canvas
painter's tape
paintbrushes and paint (three shades of any desired color)
polyurethane finish
glue gun and glue
pencil
ruler

• Canvas Valance
• Fence Window Valance
• Layered Valances
• Swag Window Treatment
• Window Toppers

Steps:

1. Determine window size, decide how wide the valance will be and make diamond grid accordingly. For example, the featured window was 36" wide and the valance has a few inches to spare on each end so it was marked every 7-1/4 inches to fit six diamonds . The horizontal marks were made every eight inches. Leave extra canvas at the top to make the tabs later.
2. Draw diamonds by connecting the lines diagonally from corner to corner.
3. Mask-off the bottom row of diamonds with painter's tape, then choose three colors that coordinate. Use one of them to paint the bottom row of diamonds and let it dry completely.
4. Apply tape as above to the next row and paint with the second color. Let dry.
5. Repeat for the third row, paint with the third color and let dry.
6. After the entire canvas has dried, add an antique wash by watering-down a dark color of acrylic paint and lightly brushing over the entire surface with it.
7. Cut the bottom of the canvas so that the bottom halves of the last row of diamonds hang freely. Cut them directly on the line or leave a little for a bordered look.
8. To make the tabs, fold the top row of diamonds in half. Determine where the tabs will be, then cut out strips and paint any areas that aren't painted to match the top row of diamonds. Fold the strips over and glue them to the back of the valance. Slide curtain rod through the tabs.
9. Apply two coats of polyurethane for protection.