1 x Handmade Curtain Tie Back

This tie back was handmade from offcuts of recycled curtain fabric, those left after I've made alterations to make items ready for resale. 

I have adorned this one with small button with a fancy metal edge and created a cluster of beads using metal drops underneath, so they hang and move when the tie back does. To the top, I've knotted and hand sewn the suspension cord which is a pale creamy yellow. This has two loops, whipped, bound and hand finished, with clear adhesive added for extra strength.

I created the tassel from a variety of offcuts - wool, lace fabric strips, metallic and embroidery threads. The drop has four beads to finish.

Find out more below about how I make these curtain tie backs, but in short, everything is recycled, handpicked and sewn by me. Each one takes hours, but I love doing them. The best thing is that these let me unleash my creativity whilst making use of offcuts and scraps, an outcome of making and repairing recycled curtains!

Measurements: 

A diagram as to how tie backs are measured is featured on the last image above to help you decide if the listing meets your needs. All are approximate, but as accurate as possible:

• Heart Width (slightly pressed down to measure at the widest point): 11cm [1]
• Heart Length: 12cm [2]
• Bead Drop: One wooden, one white, one light blue and one metallic disc bead[3]
• Tassel Length: 12cm [4]
• Tie Back Drop Length: 26cm [5]
• Loop Length: 2cm [6]
• Cord Diameter 0.6cm [7] 
• Cord Length (from left to right, pulled straight): 43cm [8]. This may stretch with use, it has some natural "give".

Tassels vary greatly in size, so I have given very detailed dimensions above so you can ensure prior to purchase if this tie back is wide/small enough to gather your fabric effectively. I do create a variety of tie backs with various length cords to try to provide for different projects. There is a lot of information online to help you decide if this is suitable for your needs but it is easy to check by just using a piece of string to measure the length and seeing if this works with your curtain. 

Flaws:

None noted.

Work undertaken: 

• All heart curtain tie backs are handmade by me, in Derbyshire, UK. Each single one, or pair is a complete bespoke one-off. I do not repeat my designs. You may find something similar but not the same unless requested for a commission
• I use reclaimed cords, scraps, threads etc. from curtain fabrics, linings and damaged tie backs to make the main structure. 
• Tassels are often made completely from scratch using salvaged threads, fabrics, ribbons, chain etc. 
• Hearts are either hand sewn or machine stitched - depending on whether they have been made at home, or off-site - then stuffed with preloved cushion inner filling. 
• Tie back cords are either recycled from damaged tassels, or made from scratch using strips of hand-cut material, twisted and braided into place by hand. Tie back ends are whipped/bound using curtain cord offcuts, string or other reclaimed thin cord.
• Hearts are hand embellished with decoration hand picked from an array of vintage and preloved salvaged sequins, beads, broken jewellery pieces etc. 

Colour:

• I've done my best to show the shade correctly, but your screen may be set up/display differently to mine. To help you determine if the shade/colour is suitable for your needs before purchase, I can include a photo of an international colour standard chart RAL K7 Classic against the item if this is useful for you. Let me know if so and I'll snap a picture and send it through to you.
• Alternatively, you can send a sample of fabric/wallpaper/paint etc. & I will photograph it next to the fabric. These services are offered as a kindness, without charge. Sadly as a tiny business I cannot afford to offer a "borrow my item & return it if it is not quite the right shade for my room" service.

Terms of Sale:

• All textiles/items are preloved, reclaimed, end of rolls etc. Handmade items such as curtain tiebacks or bespoke curtains are created from preloved materials and/or gathered recycled objects. Many are vintage so there may be small or superficial marks from previous use which might be noticed on unpacking, but not usually noticeable during use. Items are checked & significant imperfections are photographed/described.
• I measure as accurately as possible but figures are approximate. Width measurements are taken with material unpleated & laid flat. A metal tape is applied above hems/across the item. An online converter is used to change to inches, note not 100% accurate. 
• Auction items are not ended early unless absolutely necessary. 
• Fabric is cleaned using gentle methods - steam treatment/machine hand wash prior to listing, unless otherwise stated (except tassels/fringing/trims). Your item/s may benefit from more intensive treatment on receipt but beware of following old label info - textiles deteriorate over time, so you may cause rips/tears/holes by using out of date washing instructions (I have accidentally done this myself!).
• Where curtains have been remade & the label removed during the process, I will photograph it & reattach with a safety pin.
• Please ensure you have enough to finish your project, dress your door/window & if purchasing a tie back, please measure (using string perhaps) to ensure the cord length works for the gathered curtain fabric. There are guides online to help calculate. I do not accept returns because your item doesn’t fit or you've calculated wrongly and found on receipt that there's too much/not enough material.
• Tassels on curtain listings are for photography purposes only.

Shipping:

• Recycled packaging will be used.
• Items are dispatched within 2 days of auction end. If faster shipping is required, please message & I will do my best.
• Items will be sent by Royal Mail or courier depending on the size. My small town doesn’t have access to all carriers, so I can’t guarantee use of a specific service.
• I add a small amount extra to pay for purchase of tape, paper, label ink & fuel to drop off as well as packing/drop off time. 
• If you live in the UK but off the mainland, (including NI, Channel & Scottish Isles), please contact me before bidding/purchase for accurate shipping costs - these are often lot more than standard courier rates. I cannot afford to absorb this extra cost on your behalf. I will do my best to get a good quote & amend the listing for you if necessary. If you do not do this & expect me to send using quoted UK mainland prices, I may cancel the order.
• I will ship internationally but only using the Ebay Global Platform. 

Returns:

• Simply contact me within 14 days of receipt explaining why you want to return your item along with photos of the identified discrepancy. If I made an error, it will be a genuine mistake. I'm not perfect, & take full responsibility for anything accidentally missed or overlooked. 
• I may accept returns for other reasons, but only if customers are pleasant & honest about why they don't want the item.
• If agreed, items must be returned in the same condition with all packaging within 30 days. If my error, I’ll pay the postage. If a return is accepted for another reason the buyer pays return postage costs.
• Sadly, occasionally buyers request returns unfairly insinuating an "item is not as described" when it actually is & the information provided has not been read properly by the buyer. I offer free complimentary services for colour-matching, & spend hours measuring, photographing, creating diagrams, checking for flaws & writing detailed product descriptions. Returns cost small sellers a great deal in time & money. If you have not read the product description properly & request a return unfairly, it will be raised with customer services as an issue & a report submitted. Ebay is a kind place & we should all treat each other respectfully to keep it a safe place to buy & sell.