Post #700915 by TikiAno on Sun, Dec 1, 2013 5:46 PM

Jon, ha- let me know when you're in town again, maybe it'll be ready by then.

It was time to make the room dividers. Part of the garage will remain a garage, but I don't want guests to be looking at my toolbox, storage shelves, or washer dryer when having a drink. I purchased an 8' wide bamboo shade from the Depot and hung it from the framework of the garage ceiling- but it wasn't long enough to span the garage. I wanted/ needed something that could be opened or closed to divide the space when necessary. I decided to make X-Large sized z screens (shoji-like) that were a little more tropical.

First I built a simple frame out of 1x2s.

Then I gusseted the corners for strength:

Then I skinned the frames out with fabric. I used a staple gun and tape. I used to stretch materials off frames for years when I was in the film business, so used the same technique. I didn't want to cut the fabric down any more so measured out the frame to fit the fabric. If you secure the "middle" of each side you can then pull the fabric out to make it taut. Depending on the material, it's a good idea to put a tab of duct tape, which will prevent the staple from slowly tearing through the fabric- almost like a lock washer for the staple. I chose particularly bold aloha print fabrics- they can always be changed if I get tired of my choices. The frames are large- one is 5' x8', the other 42" x 8'. They are hinged together and they will stand upright if they are opened at a 45 degree angle (or so), just what I need to divide the space. Here's a close up of the two frames hinged together:

I had bought some additional fabric to highlight other areas, and used one small piece to put behind one of the wooden pieces I cut out (and stained). I shot pieces of dark bamboo around the edges to frame the fabric (this is on the opposite wall of the bar, which I haven't shown yet).:

Worked a little more on the lighting in the ceiling. It was a tough decision to hang lighting for the garage door being up or down- obviously I lose a lot of options with the door open/ up (you can see the channel in other pictures). It's pretty cold in San Diego in the winter (okay, warmer than a lot of other places) but there's no reason to spend time at the bar with the garage door up. I decided to hang lights tight to the ceiling. I had bought some small metal shaded lamps that I always wanted to hang above the bar. I couldn't put them at the height I originally wanted, so attached them close to the ceiling. I put a dimmer in line with them so I can play with the light levels. I also took a strand of 100 LED white dome lights to act as stars in the ceiling. It doesn't cover a lot of area but gives off quite a bit of light. They're almost a little too blue, so might add a dimmer for these, too- though not sure if I can dim XMas lights...

Thanks for looking!