Petrushka and Silvia, thank you so much. I'm as shocked as anyone, because most things I make turn into scraps. Or as my mother used to say, "I spend the day making rags", LOL! The shades did their job yesterday. I was working in the back yard in the afternoon and I couldn't stop smiling because I'm so happy it actually works. Petrushka, if you go to the link in my very first post, it will lead you to the blog with the original (my inspiration) and the instructions. I used screw eyes (some people call them eye bolts but they are not bolts, they are screws) in the frames. I used screw hooks in the ceiling. Right now, the screw eyes are placed directly into the hooks. I did buy sisal rope to use between. The plan was to make some fancy knots and I may still do that... but it may take me awhile to get six sets of fancy rope knots made. :) I used a single piece of fence, 6' x 16', sold for around $25 at Lowes and Home Depot, and cut it into three pieces. Then I trimmed the sides of each piece of fence to fit the boards. The top boards are 1x4s and I have 1x2s for trim at the bottom. I still may attach the bottom boards for a more finished look. See the inspirational pictures for example. Here are a few more photos: These were temporary ropes until I could get the real ones cut and made. Then I tried hanging the eyes directly on the hooks and that is where I am today. If I could, anyone could do this project! Carol

Meany, thank you for the great link. She makes it look doable, and I have her same white heart-detail would-be-wrought-iron garden chairs. I don't have anyone to help me with the taping part -- DH and I fight when simply trying to place a rug on a rug pad! I live in northern Indiana. I need full-length ones, and it would be difficult to find a large, flat, clean place to cut such large pieces, and source some material that's 8 feet or so on the shorter side. Nonetheless, with help with taping, I think it could be done, even by me. I was originally looking for roller shades so I could leave them up all year round, but these are a good option, too. Here is the list of links I assembled to give visuals, prices, and ideas to DH. I've added your youtube link to his list as well. http://www.enclosureguy.com/residential/climate-control-patio-enclosures.html http://www.bestmotorizedshades.com/clear-vinyl-plastic-screens/ http://www.porchkeeper.com/custom.aspx?id=2 http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_nkw=clear+outdoor+blinds http://www.seesawusa.com/products/457 http://icovaflex.co.nz/outdoor-blinds (new zealand dollar is 85 cents) This post was edited by jamies on Fri, Mar 21, 14 at 12:43

I used BM Silver Cloud on our porch ceiling and love it with the sage (Nantucket Gray) of our house body, but for yours I think I'd be tempted to try something like the Pool Blue. It's hard to tell from my monitor though. Your house color looks great and your porch looks so peaceful :)

If you do sanseveria, add a spiller (like creeping Jenny? If that works for your zone. Sans by itself sounds a little plain for my tastes at least.