I'm doing master bedroom redecorating. I removed the hardware for old venetian blinds and curtain rods on two side-by side windows and found a drywall mess above the windows! :confused:

Previous owners never patched holes when they changed hardware, and over the corner of one window (where two walls and ceiling meet) there are multiple holes, including one large round hole almost 1 inch around and 1/2 inch deep. Of course there are seven other holes around the big one, some made by anchors. This area is my BIG problem. The other holes across the top of the windows can be filled and painted. :)

The damaged area is 4 inches high, starting at the top of the recessed window and extending right to the ceiling. The width of the damaged area is about 3 inches wide and starts where it meets the right angle of a wall.

Is there any way I can repair this area without trying to replace the drywall?
I am reluctant to try replacing the drywall itself -- it would probably mean removing the window -- :eek:

I know there are folks here who can help -- I've been lurking and reading questions and answers for quite a while. I look forward to your suggestions.

Use durabond and papertape . Durabond is a quick setting joint compound and papertape is tape used for drywall joints. You can ask for these at your local hardware store. Also note the drying times for the compound. It can be purchased from 5 to 90 min setting times. You should probibly use 45 min so you have plenty of time to work but if you can mix and apply it quickly I find that 5 min mud mixes smoother and cleans easier than the others. Be sure to clean all tools used for mixing and application each time you use them as this mud will dry hard and is very hard to clean. 1. Mix a half a cup or so of the joint compound or "mud" with a little water to a cookie dough consistency. Lightly blow loose drywall dust into hole and fill the hole with the compound using a 2" putty knife. Pulling the " putty knife. Pulling the " upwords into the hole usually works best. Pull it tight and try not to spread the mud to far from the hole. You'll want to keep the mud in the smallest area possible and tight to the surface. If you create a hump you'll have to sand the heck out of it or you'll see it but don't keep pulling the mud out or you'll go crazy. Depending on the setting time of the purchased " upwords into the hole usually works best. Pull it tight and try not to spred the mud to far from the hole. You'll want to keep the mud in the smallest area possible and tight to the surface. If you create a hump you'll have to sand the heck out of it or you'll see it but don't keep pulling the mud out or you'll go crazy. Depending on the setting time of the purchased " you'll have to wait a while until it completely dries before you move to the next step. Make sure to clean tools promptly after application because they'll dry quick and it could ruin them. 2. Sand or scrape with sharp putty knife until the mud is even with the surface, if the hole is still recessed repeat step 1&2. 3. Cut a 2" Square out of the roll off tape with scissors. Mix up more mud but to a wetter consistency, not sloppy runny but quite a bit wetter. By now the hole should be gone but to prevent cracking out dip the piece of tape in the mud and place it over the hole. Use your finger hold the tape in place while you use you putty knife to wipe the mud out from underneith the tape. Not to tight there should be a small layer of mud aprox. 1/16 of an inch between the tape and the wall so the tape will stick. 4. Cover the tape with a film layer of mud with a 4" you'll have to wait a while until it completely dries before you move to the next step. Make sure to clean tools promptly after application because they'll dry quick and it could ruin them. 2. Sand or scrape with sharp putty knife untill the mud is even with the surface, if the hole is still recessed repeat step 1&2. 3. Cut a 2" knife. Taper the edge(Hard unless you know what your doing) or put multiple coats of mud pulling the mud off almost completely each time and letting it dry completely until it looks good and you cannot see the tape. Sand the edges of the mud tapering them to the surface and lightly sand the middle but be careful not to over sand the tape or you'll have to start over from 4. If the wall is textured or you wan't it to be perfect I would call an expierienced patch man. Matching texture is an art. If not, paint it. For the small holes just make sure that all the material is behind the surface by tapping the ancors in and rubbing in the loose paper with the butt of you putty knife, fill the holes and sand. Hope this helps its something you kind of have to have the knack for to do it well.