Tyler Uebele

In my home I have some simple paper blinds.  In order to "open" them I have to tediously fold the paper back and forth a few dozen times.  I imagine this used to be easier when they were fresh and un-crinkled, but they aren't new anymore.  Because they are so inconvenient to open, we usually don't.  We have been talking about replacing them with something equipped with a draw-string, but new blinds are so costly.  Before we sunk money into new blinds, I wanted to see if I could make better use of the paper we had.  I wanted to add a draw-string.

The plan

... was simple:

1. Run a string through each fold of the paper
2. Fix something at the top to act as a pulley
3. Leave enough slack to pull on

The Details

1. Add an eye hook (or something like it) to the top of your window frame, on each side.  Place them a few inches in from the side of the window, like typical draw-string blinds.  I used the closed loop type and screwed it directly into the top of the wood window frame.  A very small one would suffice.
   
2. Bore a hole through each fold in the paper blinds.  Fold the paper blinds up one last tedious time; it is easiest to do this while they are completely folded.  This also ensures the holes line up.  I had planned to use a small drill, but this mini screwdriver didn't require recharging, and worked well enough.
   
3. After both ends have hooks and holes, pass the string up through the holes in the side opposite the intended draw-string and through the eye hook (toward center).  I used fishing line (rated 17 pounds) because it will slide easy, and I already had it.
   
4. String the other side:
1. Pass the string through the other eye hook, on the side intended to have the draw-string, from center to the outside, 
2. through your draw-string weight (I used a small washer), 
3. back through the eye hook to center, 
4. and finally down through the holes in this side of the paper.
5. Tie the end of the string to something that will not allow it to slip out of the holes (again, I used a small washer).  
   
5. Set string length:
1. Lower the blinds, feeding in as much string as needed to accommodate the full extension.
2. Pull out additional slack to provide draw-string desired length.
3. Cut other end and tie it in similar fashion to prevent it from slipping.
   
6. Test by pulling on the draw-string.  Action should be smooth and easy.