Drapery & Design
PROFESSIONAL Volume 2014, Issue 4
Cathy Tucker,
A D&D Pro The Great
8-DECORATING Success Pointers
How To Make A
Zig Zag Pillow
Serving e Custom Home Fashion Industry Since 1993
From the Publisher
Curtain Makers of London
I
love London, its double-decker buses and vibrant red colors. I love the local pubs and historic architecture. It is my city of inspiration. I feel really athletic when I am in London because I have to run to catch a train or a bus to my destination. As a home fashion professional, my visit to the curtain makers of London is my favorite thing to do in the city. I am intrigued by the techniques I learn on each visit and the amount of time dedicated in producing a simple pinch pleat panel. Curtainmaking in London is in a class of its own. In a few days' time, Dana Schroll from New Jersey, the 2014 winner of the D&D Professional Subscribers Contest, will be heading o to London on an all-expenses-paid trip to Merrick and Day of London for a three-day learning experience. This international learning experience is just one of the new ways we plan to reward the loyalty of our subscribers. Next year, two winners of the Subscribers Contest will have the opportunity of sharing in this great learning adventure. Regards,
Khiki Eke-Spiff Publisher, DRAPERY & DESIGN PROFESSIONAL Magazine
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2014 D&D Professional
Editorial Board Jill Robson, Owner and Creative Director at Designs by Appointment, has an extensive background in the visual and textile arts and considers custom sewing for the home a facet of this field. As lead instructor for WT301 and Wt401 Advanced Drapery Panels for CHFA, education plays a significant role in her business (Jill also holds a teaching degree). She regularly attends business focused meetings, industry specific seminars and is a member of several trade associations, including: WCAA, D & D Professional forum, WFCP, and Drapery Pro. Jill feels strongly that education should be ongoing in order to stay aware of design trends, fabrication methods, new products and current industry developments.
Sandra VanSickle is an ardent entrepreneur, continuing education instructor, and life-long learner, with nearly 40 years of experience in the window fashion industry. Sandra’s newest “passions” are technology and social media. Using her technology “tools”, she is always looking for new ways to use mobile apps to optimize her business operations to increase her Return On Investment (ROI). She is the proud owner of Sew What’s New, a wholesale drapery workroom, and Cuddlebugs-n-Cocoons, an online, international retail business featuring her blanket and bedding designs.
Beuancha Jeffries, operates Sew Cozy Interiors, a custom drapery workroom in Snellville, Ga. It has served tail/wholesale clients since 2003. She holds an Associates Degree in Electronics from Devry. She is a Career Professional in Advanced Window Treatments and Bedding from the CHF ACADEMY. She is a member of WCAA and Designer Workroom Council. Visit our website at www.sewcozyinteriors.net
Michele Williams is the owner of The Scarlet Thread, LLC. She runs a successful Life and Business Coaching practice, offers business education around the country and continues to offer window treatment design and fabrication services. Prior to a career in coaching and textiles, Michele worked for Dun & Bradstreet Software as a development manager for financial applications. Michele serves on the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) National Board of Directors as Vice President and is a past president of the Atlanta WCAA Chapter. She is also a member of the Designers’Workroom Council in Atlanta, GA. Michele was formerly the Communications Director of the Custom Home Furnishings Academy and Drapery and Design Professional Magazine Editor-InChief. www.scarletthreadconsulting.com/
MAGAZINE ADVISORY BOARD Karen Barnes, Liz Hawkes, Greg Mohr, Judy Peters, Susan Scholl, Chrystal Younger
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Drapery & Design PROFESSIONAL A publication of CHF ACADEMY Drapery & Design PROFESSIONAL is a bimonthly trade publication speciďŹ cally for those who sell, design or create custom window treatments, upholstery, slipcovers, and related services. Contributions from readers are welcomed. We look for articles that teach new techniques, inspire readers to tackle new projects, and inform readers of current trends in fabrication and design. To request submission guidelines or a media kit, email editor@DDProNetwork.com.
Table of contents 7.
Cover Story - Cathy Tucker: - A D&D Pro
11. Are You All In? - Michele Williams
13.
Tips To Help You Celebrate 8 Years In Business - Roger Magalhaes
15.
Interview with Teresa Paul
17.
A Crash Course Making Laminated Lampshades - Judi Turner
23.
Redecorating A Bedroom, Concept To Completion - Donna Cash
28.
How To Make A Zig-Zag Pillow – Jan Newton
31.
Outside The Workroom -Jill Robson
35.
Your Success Starts When You Join -WCAA:
36.
Safety Update: -Linda Kaiser
38.
The Great 8 Decorating Success Pointers - JoAnne Lenart
40 . Custom Home Furnishings Academy 44.
Shutters on the Grill? -Deborah Lum
46.
Coopetition & the Solopreneur Installer -James A. Holloway
48.
From inspiration to fabrication - Karen Bunch
1025 Old Roswell Rd., Suite 101, Roswell, GA 30076 Phone: 704-333-4636 Fax: 704-333-4639 Scan the QR code to receive your master index list.
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Meet Cathy Tucker, CHF ACADEMY Instructor
C
athy Tucker has been married to James Tucker for 43 wonderful years, and they have 3 sons and 11 grandchildren.
Cathy started sewing with her mom when she was 7. Her mother made Mardi Gras gowns, and Cathy got all the cut offs to make Barbie doll clothes. During high school Cathy received her degree in cosmetology, and right after high school Cathy got married and moved to Ohio. Cathy taught cosmetology for about a year, then decided to open her own beauty shop and was in business for 9 years. Cathy was asked by a friend to make some draperies for her home and that, coupled with the encouragement of a friend who has over 30 years' experience working in a drapery workroom, started Cathy's desire to own her own drapery workroom. Cathy decided to start making draperies out of her home and started her ď€ rst studio in a 12 x 14 room in her basement. She started retail with a few customers and mouth -to-mouth referrals. After about a year, the business was growing so much she moved into a 700 sq. foot facility, and thereafter continued to grow to a 2500 sq. foot studio within 5 years with 4 employees in Toledo OH. She has been
in the window treatment business for over 30 years. In 2012, Cathy decided to close her drapery workroom business and focus on her passion which is teaching. She now teaches for CHFA and travels to different workrooms providing services for workrooms that are overbooked and need help. When Cathy started her business she had no formal training because at the time there was no CHF Academy, forum, seminars, or any other type of education. She attended the School of Hard Knocks and graduated with honors. Cathy attended a Cheryl Strickland conference at Ridgecrest, NC and during this conference she had lunch with Cheryl Strickland. Cheryl encouraged Cathy to share her knowledge and be a teacher. Cathy thought this was a wonderful idea, and thus her desire to teach came to life. Cathy met with a friend who was in the Detroit area, and she invited her to her ď€ rst WCAA chapter meeting. Within a year, Cathy became the President and also on the board for 2 years. Cathy has traveled and spoke at the CHF Conferences for several years and she worked several booths for vendors at trade shows. Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2014, Issue 4|
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After doing this for several years, she mentioned to a friend who worked for the school that she would like to teach at the school, and shortly thereafter she received a call inviting her to start teaching at the school. She has taught for the Custom Home Furnishings Academy for 7 years and has taught classes on Window Treatments, Cornices, Bedding, Pillows, Awnings, and Headboards. In 2013, CHFA promoted Cathy to the post of Senior/Lead Instructor and Instructor Liaison. Cathy's hobbies are riding motorcycles, spoiling her grandchildren, and helping others in need.
Dancing brought Cathy and husband James together, and after 43 years they are still having fun.
Me and my grandkids having fun in the sun.
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Cathy Tucker Photo Galleries
Getting my CCW Certication.
One of my students at the CHF ACADEMY. I just love going to a “you-have-turned-50 party!”
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Spending time with young girls from my geocaching The lady who started my love for sewing, my mom. At 84 she is still sewing beautiful projects for the world to enjoy. Bible class.
Cathy with two students from the CHF Academy.
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ARE YOU
ALL IN? I
have a question for you: “Are You All In?” You may be wondering to yourself, “What in the world is she asking me?” Let me explain. By Michele Williams Alpharetta, Ga.
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I
n many creative businesses these days it seems it is quite simple to proclaim yourself “in business” and “out of business” without much difficulty. Anyone with a camera is all of a sudden known as a “professional photographer.” Someone who decorates their own home can be known as a designer in most states, and if you sew, you can have a custom workroom. Don't get me wrong; I started with a home Kenmore sewing machine and an ironing board (are those even used anymore?) along with a drafting table in the sitting area of my bedroom. After a year or so of sewing and fabricating for others I declared myself IN BUSINESS. Looking back, I wanted to be a business. I thought I was a business… but I was not running like a business. I was only “partially in.” I was blessed to be able to raise my kids at home while my husband worked outside of the home. The money that I brought in from my self-described business was extra money. We could live without it, but it surely made things easier. If work came to me by either word of mouth or referral, great. If it did not, I used the time to hang out with my kids and my friends. No worries. I was still a business. If a friend called and wanted to drop off her kids during a time I had planned to work. Okay! That would be fine. Since I was in business for myself I just counted that as a benefit – being flexible. We won't even get into my pricing structure – and I use that term loosely. I was willing to take whatever people wanted to pay me, and I had no idea about time studies. Recipe for disaster. But I was in business for myself! Fast forward. It was time to do taxes, and I had less than zero at the bottom of the Profit and Loss Statement for the year (that could also be called a loss or negative amount…aarrrggghhh). When I considered all the hours I had worked, the family and kid functions I had missed so that I could make pillows for my client's fourth home while I made NOTHING, the tears came. It was devastating. Totally devastating. I felt like a failure as a mom, wife, and business owner. I called my sweet husband who has always been so very supportive of me. His words of wisdom? “What are you doing? You are not running a business but a hobby. Come on comment Michele, you know what to do. You have a business degree and have run businesses for very large corporations. Do the same thing with yours! I love you and we both know you can do this.”
needed to hear. I was calling myself a business, but running it like a hobby. I did not have a firm grip on my cost of goods, my markups or margins, contracts, marketing strategy, financial plan, cash flow, etc. I could not even tell you until tax time what my gross sales were to date. I did not know! Instead of being crushed, I decided to BECOME the business I thought I already was. The questions I have asked in the prior three articles were where I started. Who am I? Am I afraid? Who is my client? Then the big question – “Am I all in?” Meaning – am I willing to do all that I know to do or learn to do so that this business has a chance for success? Am I willing to be educated on what I don't know? Am I willing to take responsibility for what I have been doing that has not been serving me well? Am I willing to draw boundaries so that I can be a business and not a hobbyist? Am I playing ''in business'' or am I IN business? Am I going to be ALL IN? Once I decided to be ALL IN the next steps became much more clear. It was time to create a plan for marketing, finances, and work hours. I became realistic in where I currently was and where I was going. Finding support in the industry was crucial. I became responsible: responsible for my work, my actions, my preparation, my marketing, my plans, and my company. I jumped ALL IN. How about you? Look over your business structure. Are you ALL IN or only partially in? What does ALL IN look like to you? Are you willing to do the hard things to be the business you think you are? “Disillusionment with yourself must precede enlightenment.” ~ Vernon Howard
Okay, not what I expected, but most assuredly what I
Michele Williams is the owner of The Scarlet Thread, LLC. She runs a successful Life and Business Coaching practice, offers business education around the country, and continues to offer window treatment design and fabrication services. Prior to a career in coaching and textiles, Michele worked for Dun & Bradstreet Software as a development manager for financial applications. Michele serves on the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) National Board of Directors as vice president and is a past president of the Atlanta WCAA Chapter. She is also a member of the Designers’ Workroom Council in Atlanta, GA. Michele was formerly the Communications Director of the Custom Home Furnishings Academy and Drapery and Design Professional magazine’s editor-in-chief. Visit her website at www.scarletthreadconsulting.com.
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Tips to help you celebrate
8years in business
by Roger Magalhaes
Positive Attitude –
Having your car broken down in the middle of the desert for 4 hours before rescue arrives is one thing. You really won't pay much attention to the mechanic's attitude. You just want to be out of there as soon as possible. When it comes to custom window treatments, the scenario is a bit different. For the most part, we are dealing with middle or upper-clas clients, and to be quite honest, window treatments are not exactly a “life or death” situation. Unless you show respect for the client and his or her property, you won't go too far in the selling process.
Opportunity Knocking – When I rst started my business, it was an installation-only company. After a couple of years I realized that several designers never offered plantation shutters or motorized treatments to their clients. After questioning them why, they all said “I don't feel comfortable with them.” or “It's too expensive if I make a mistake.” I saw an opportunity there and then started offering the products to my designers at a reduced cost so they would not miss an opportunity to offer and make some prot at the same time. Needless to say, I became “the guy” for those designers. Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2014, Issue 4|
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Never Stop Learning – I love learning new things whether it's a new product, some marketing tips, or a new business management trend. The bottom line is as you learn new things, you are opening your mind to new horizons and opportunities. Perhaps you will be able to close the sale because you now know of a product that will suit your client's needs. Perhaps you will save money by implementing new software to help in managing your business. Just keep your eyes and mind open!
Promote Yourself – At one point I was a member of SEVEN networking groups. Indeed, it requires time and effort to attend those meetings, but you are opening several doors for potential business. Maybe those people won't be your ideal clients, but they for sure will be able to connect you to their friends, family and clients and colleagues. And don't forget social media too, unless of course you are not planning to stay in business much longer.
Change What Does Not Work – The downside of being a small business owner is the fact that we don't have the budget like Google, Pepsi, or Apples does to do whatever we want for our business. The upside, however, is that we are much faster to adapt and change things that are not working. At one point in time I was offering window tinting and window treatment cleaning to my clients because I've thought these services were a good complement to what I was doing. However, because I was not doing enough of those jobs on a regular basis, I always took much longer to complete the ones that eventually were not bringing enough revenue to justify the offering. Instead I've teamed up with providers that do just that and now I simply refer them when my clients ask for tinting and cleaning services. In return those providers simply pass my name when their clients need new shades (or blinds, shutters, drapes…). The bottom line is that being a small company gives you a great edge over large entities when it comes to exibility, adaptability, and likability. If you use them on your side, you will weather any and all storms that cross your path. Stay on course and think forward….and you will survive!
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“Roger Magalhaes is a certied Professional Installer by CHFThe Custom Home Furnishing Academy, Hunter Douglas, Somfy and Norman Shutters, an active member of the WCAA, WAOA, CHF Forum among others and the owner of Shades IN Place Inc. Established in 2006, his company specializes in all types of window treatment installations and sales of brand name custom window treatments. Roger is known throughout the industry for his award winning installation techniques, attention to detail, window treatment custom design understanding, and superior customer service. He also attends international conferences and trade shows annually to keep himself current on new and improved products and techniques. He can be reached at roger@shadesinplace.com or visit www.ShadesInPlace.com" Business Description for Shades IN Place Custom Window
Interview with Teresa Paul Tell us a little about yourself. I'm a mom to an awesome 11 year old boy named Justin. He is in his first year of middle school…yikes! I have been married for 15 years to my husband Michael, and he's still my best friend. We moved from the DC area to the RaleighDurham area 8-1/2 years ago. We are avid Tarheels fans, particularly Basketball; we bleed Carolina Blue...go Heels! Meanwhile that awesome son of mine has stated that his intentions are to attend Duke. Sigh What do you like to do in your free time? In my spare time, I enjoy going to the beach; in North Carolina I especially like Wrightsville Beach. My son says he doesn't know why I like going to the beach since I never get in the water…hello, sharks! I'll just sit on land, breathe the salt air and read a good book…reading also is something I enjoy. I do like to travel … mostly to beach destinations…and my favorite is St. John in the USVI. I just breathe a little deeper there. However, there are some nonbeachy destinations on my bucket list: Alaska, Italy and Australia. Finally, I do a lot of non-profit work. I'm passionate about helping the community where I live, and so I work with various organizations that help economically challenged families and those impacted by natural disasters
(North Raleigh Ministries, Note in the Pocket, Harvest House). Do you have any hobbies? Cooking is my favorite hobby! My kitchen is my happy place. My first time dinner guests could expect an appetizer of Warm Brie with Apples and Cranberries, Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Sausage and Wild Rice Casserole and a Green Bean Salad. Dessert would be peach cobbler or coconut cream pie; I'm a southern girl after all – DC by way of Little Rock; but, no, not with the Clinton administration! : ) I also enjoy crafts of all kinds…I make and sell subway art. My friends come to me for their wreath designs. And, I love seasonal decorating…my Christmas and fall decorations take up the majority of my attic. How did you get involved in working with the interior industry? I owned a marketing agency in the DC area for 10 years. One of my first clients was a large furniture retailer (at the time, one of the Top 50 in the U.S.), Mastercraft Interiors. Their lead interior designer had decorated a room for the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Decorators' Show House 1999 (I can still see that Gentleman's Retreat in my mind)! Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2014, Issue 4|
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Well, the attendance was down that year for the Show House, as they were in a suburb in Maryland and not in a downtown DC house which was their norm. Mastercraft asked me if I would put some of my billable hours of their time to push the show house. Of course! I picked up the phone and called a producer at my local FOX affiliate. That phone call resulted in a live remote with FOX50 at the show house the following week. They must have shown over half of the show house during that two hour newscast; as a result, attendance soared the last two weeks. A week after the NSO Decorators' Show House closed, I was contacted by the Women's Committee for the NSO to talk about working as their first paid marketing professional. I became agency of record for the NSO Show House for nine years, and maintained my relationship with Mastercraft Interiors that entire time as well. The show house was a natural feeder for interior design clients for my business. One of those designers I represented was married to a C2 paint dealer and that's how I became involved with C2. That one phone call from Mastercraft Interiors helped me create a niche for my agency. I became well-known and regarded in the design industry not only in DC, but with national magazine editors, television producers, etc. What interests you in the field of design and window treatments? If I had not become a marketing professional, I would have no doubt been an interior designer. I was that seven year old girl who was constantly re-arranging furniture in my bedroom, fussing over my bookshelf decorations and sketching designs of what my dream room would look like. To this day, I still walk into a space and do a mental makeover. I can get lost for hours looking at fabrics and trim. And, with my past client experiences, I also am drawn to paint samples, interior design, furniture, etc. To put it simply, I'm just passionate about the field of design, and it's my privilege to be a part of WCAA. What would you say is your communication style? As a communications major, I can sum up a person's
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communication style pretty quickly. And, I'm not a hard puzzle myself. I'm what we refer to as “The Promoter.” That means I love people, and love to talk. I'm naturally sociable; I'm curious, enthusiastic and expressive. I may enter a room and not know a soul, but I won't leave that way! When you call the WCAA headquarters, let's talk about business but make sure you leave a few minutes to talk with me about you personally, too. As our new Executive Director, what are some of the first things you would like to accomplish? I want to see WCAA actively engaged with the chapters. I want National WCAA to be seen as a partner and a resource for the chapters. With all the different forms of communication we have today, it's not hard for us to share ideas, information, and experiences. Working together will yield better results for our members, and that is better for each and every one of us individually and as an organization. What are you most excited about in working with WCAA? I'm not sure I can narrow that down to one thing! I'm excited about utilizing my marketing background to help the association grow. I've got experience in strategic alliances, and look forward to using that experience to continue adding more Industry Partners to our organization. I'm looking forward to getting out to chapter meetings, regional meetings and national conventions so I can meet as many of our members as possible. How can we help you? Communicate with me! I want to hear from you. Tell me what you need and how you need it. Tell me what you like and don't like. Tell me what we are doing well, and where we can improve. I bring some industry experience and good skill sets to the table, but I don't know everything. I'm still learning. Every day I am open to learning more!
A Crash Course In Making Laminated Lampshades By Judi Turner
T
here are as many different ways to make lampshades as there are different types of lampshades. The two basic types that involve fabric shades can be a “sewn” lampshade or a “laminated” lampshade. The sewn lampshade (which I have never made personally) involves making a pattern for face fabric and lining, hand sewing the sections so that the stitching lines up evenly with the frame contour, and sandwiching the frame with face fabric and lining in the end. The type of shade I am going to illustrate is a laminated shade. The laminated shade is a good way to learn the basics, get a feel for working with a three-dimensional shape, and getting to know the terminology. My disclaimer is that the world of fabricating lampshades is new to me; my hope here is to give you a visual idea of the steps to making a laminated shade so you may want to try it yourself. There are many sources for instructions and supplies and I will list a few at the bottom. When making a laminated shade you can use any material as long as it is a natural fiber. Stay away from polyester and synthetic fibers as they will not remain stuck to the polystyrene over time. You can also laminate paper so things like maps, photo copies, and vintage cards all can be a suitable option. I have made photocopies of vintage postcards in order to preserve the image and use it again. Please consult other published instructions to see different variations for making a shade. As with most custom work, it is best to see some options and decide what gives you the desired results. My hope is that this quick visual tutorial will show you the basic steps and perhaps it will be illuminating for your creativity.
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STEP 1
STEP 3
Choose a frame. Outward curves or straight frames are best suited for this method of covering. Extreme “bell Frames” are not so good. Look at the sides for “trueness” in shape as some can be lopsided from the beginning. The frame comes in unfinished metal. It is recommended that the frame be sprayed in a clear coat polyurethane spray. I like to spray my forms with “white” metal spray paint and I mask off the bulb sections which are usually this gold finish already. I use painters' masking tape and sticky labels to mask the section I do not want to be white.
On the back “inside” of the sheet of polystyrene, trace each sec on. I like to use pencil. With this trapezoid shape it is OK to flip the frame around in order to make economical cuts of the polystyrene. You will trace the outside edge of a top, bo om, and one side and then the corresponding inside edge for the other side. This will ensure that you have a li le overlap but not too much. If these sec ons are cut too small they will not work to cover the frame. Lightly mark the corresponding sec on number in the corner; you will erase this number a er this piece is glued to the frame.
STEP 2 Number the frame sec ons. I use li le s ckers; their will not be on too long and you will want to peel them off in a few steps. The “back” of the frame is usually where the soldered join is located. I am fabrica ng two shades at one me; there shape is similar but not the same. I find it easier to do a few shades at the same me for the ease of produc on.
STEP 4 Cut out each section of polystyrene. Check for a good fit by putting the pieces against the frame and using bulldog clips as needed to prevent shifting. Clothespins can also be used to hold the sections to the frame. Be careful that the clips do not distort the polystyrene when you are using them for support.
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STEP 5
STEP 6
Lay out the polystyrene sec on on pressed and wrinkle-free fabric. Keep in mind the placement of the pa ern as it will move around your shade.
Flip the fabric to the wrong side and remove the paper backing revealing the s cky side of the polystyrene. Place and hand press the polystyrene to the fabric. Do not use an iron at any step with the polystyrene. It is possible to reposi on the shapes if you need to at this me. Try not to move them too much. Make sure there is no lint or strands of hair between the layers as this will show up in the illuminated shade.
STEP 7 Apply a thin row of glue (use “Quick Glue” from The Lamp Shop in Concord, NH – proprietary recipe and works great) along the metal frame on all four sides. Use bull dog clips to hold and secure the sec on to the frame. Angle the bull dog clips to prevent the polystyrene from buckling. I like to glue the front and back, let them dry a bit, and then I glue the side pieces. Con nue this process un l all the pieces are glued. A er completely dry, trim the polystyrene around all edges. Judi Turner has been owner/designer for Domicil Design in Dover, N.H, since 1992. Star ng business in Germany, global inspira on con nues to be an interest and influence. Domicil Design is a resource for clients looking for custom treatments, slipcovers, DIY supplies, and so furnishings. Judi is the current president of the WCAA virtual chapter.
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STEP 8 Apply 3/8” grosgrain ribbon to all vertical edges (“white” ribbon shown on this shade). A small thin line of glue at each edge of the ribbon is best. Do not apply too much glue as it may mar your fabric. Next apply 5/8” grosgrain ribbon along the top edge. I put one line of glue around the bottom edge of the ribbon and glue in sections by sides. Use clips to hold in place if you need to, especially at the beginning. Continue around all four sides, I cut a diagonal line for the join. Glue the top edge of the ribbon and press it inward to cover and conceal the top metal frame edge. Clip the ribbon where it intersects with bulb hardware. Repeat this process for the bottom edge also using 5/8” grosgrain ribbon.
STEP 9 Apply another trim on the top, bottom, and vertical edges, remaining on the face of the shade. I simply fold over the raw edges of the trim and I always begin and end on the “back” of the shade. Make sure you begin and end your trim on the same side for both the top and bottom of the shade. On these shades, I left the vertical edges with just the grosgrain ribbon. You would want to put bias trim on the vertical edges before applying it around the top and bottom so that those pieces can cover your raw edges. You can make bias trim using scrap fabric and you can experiment with layering different types of trim. This is a good time to go through your trim scraps such as soutache, rickrack, traditional velvet ribbon, and other dressmaker trims.
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Resources:
Butterfly Fabric shown here “Butterfly Parade” by Christian Lacroix from Designer's Guild.
Complete source for supplies, instruction manuals, lamp finial, and all the parts you would need to make your own lamps and shades. “The Lamp Shop” ; Concord, NH 603-224-1603 www.lampshop.com (They offer a wholesale discount with a minimum $$ order and you need to be set up as a business prior to ordering.) Terrific inspriational book – by Judy Lake. Check her out on Facebook and Etsy. She has a cute little shop in Vermont where she will periodically give workshops. Her books will inspire your own creativity in the world of lampshades, and she has many more resources listed for finding vintage fabrics, trims, and lamps. It didn't take me too much time to get hooked on making shades. You can order Nightlight kits to make a custom “Thank you” gift for your clients using their small remnant scraps. It doesn’t get more custom and personal than that, and you can create a niche while reminding your clients of personal service.
REDECORATING A BEDROOM, CONCEPT TO COMPLETION STEP-BY-STEP
F
Part Four – Fabrica ng S tched Flanged Pillow Shams By Donna Cash Flowery Branch, GA
or this issue of Drapery & Design Professional we will be adding custom pillow shams. These queen size shams are unique with a contrast boxing strip and a s tched flange between the face of the sham and the boxing strip. An invisible zipper is inserted on the back side of the pillow close to the bo om. I like to make pillows and shams reversible whenever possible. This value added feature in custom products gives two looks for the cost of one. Who wouldn't want that? The finished size of the queen shams is 30” x 20” x 2”. A custom size, 90/10 feather/down boxed pillow insert was ordered from Harris Pillow in the size of 31” x 21” x 2 ½”. This will fit inside the queen sham but not so ghtly that it looks too full.
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The pillow face is cut at 31” x 21”. I don't have a template this size so instead I placed rulers around the measured size to be sure I liked the way the patern fell within the finished size.
Fabric Cuts Cut interlining for the pillow front, pillow back, and zipper strips.
The pillow back is cut at 31” x 19 ½”. A zipper strip is cut at 31” x 2”. (My zipper strip contrasts from the pillow back, not as a design feature, but because I ran out of the pillow back fabric.)
Two boxing strips are cut at 31” x 4'' and two boxing strips are cut at 21” x 4”.
Serge face fabric to interlining for each of the pillow cuts.
If using zipper tape, cut a zipper 31” long. Put zipper pull on zipper. S ch over both ends of the zipper to prevent the zipper pull from falling o ffwhile sstching the pillow sham.
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Insert the invisible zipper between the botom of the pillow back cut and the zipper strip.
S ch the boxing strips to the pillow front. At each corner, stop s ching with the needle down right between the seam of the boxing strip as shown. Pivot, turn the corner, and con nuesstching unun he next corner.
The pillow back will now look like this. The zipper will be about ¾” above the pillow botom once the sham is completed.
The boxing will look like this at the corners.
S ch the short ends of the boxing strips together in this order: A top piece of 31”, side piece of 21”, botom piece of 31”, side piece of 21”, and back to the top piece, forming a boxed frame for the pillow sham. Note, start and stop s ching ½” from each short end of the strips. Press seams open.
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S ch the pillow back to the boxing strip as in the previous step. Be sure the zipper is open so you don't sew the pillow closed! Turn the sham right side out.
The pillow front will look like this.
Turn the corner and place the sham back under the presser foot about ½” a er the corner. Begin s tching again to the next corner and repeat.
With the seam of the pillow body and the boxing strip at the very edge, s tch the flange in the pillow body and boxing. With the pillow body down and the boxing strip up, s tch a ½” seam.
Don't worry about the break in s tching at the corners. Once the pillow form is inserted, this will not be no ceable.
This gets a li le tricky at the corner of the boxing. Stop s tching about ½” before the corner and back tack. Remove the sham from under the presser foot.
Next issue we will con nue on crea ng custom pillows for the newly decorated room. Un l then... Donna Cash owns Designs by Donna, a so furnishings design and fabrica on studio, opened in 1989. The studio is located in Flowery Branch, GA, and serves the Atlanta Metro area. In addi on to working with wholesale and retail clients, Donna conducts private training on workroom fabrica on techniques in her workroom or yours. She also presents group seminars on many workroom, design, and business topics for the home-décor industry. Donna is a regular contributor to Drapery & Design Professional magazine, and conducts webinars for the Window Fashions Cer fied Professional program. She is a member of Designers Workroom Council and Window Coverings Associa on of America. Donna is president of the WCAA Atlanta chapter.
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esi gn y&D L r e p a Dr IONA
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Subscribe and win a trip to London Keep an eye out for the 2015 Drapery & Design PROFESSIONAL Network Membership Subscription Drive coming soon. We will be offering (2) all-expenses-paid trips to London and their curtain makers.
D rapery & Design
PROFESSIONAL
Zig-Zag Pillow
Jan Newton
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've always wanted to try to make a zig-zag pillow for a while. West Elm has cute a pillow in this style, and it was my inspira on. Recently I found this great striped fabric, and decided to try to make one. I knew that matching all of the stripes was going to be tricky, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Here's how I ended up making the pillow.
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How To Make A Zig-Zag Pillow
Don't fold and cut as shown below! (This is what I did the first me.)
Materials needed for a finished size 9” x 15” pillow: 10" x 16" pillow form 3/4 yard of a striped fabric Thread
Instruc ons: First of all, I have to tell you that I goofed when I first cut out my fabric. I just quickly folded my two pieces of fabric on the bias without really thinking about how the stripes would match up. Luckily, I had just enough material to cut out two more pieces the right way. So, I don't have any pictures of that part of the tutorial, but I did find another piece of striped fabric to show you the right and wrong way to fold and cut out the fabric. That's why you'll see two different colored fabrics in the pictures.
3. Seam together two of the bias cut pieces, choosing the two pieces that will zig-zag the stripes. This will be the face side of the pillow. In order to make sure that my stripes matched up, I glue-basted the seam first, and then sewed it. Repeat this step for the other two pieces of bias cut fabric for the reverse side of the pillow.
1. Cut fabric in half.
4. A er seaming the first two pieces, cut out your pillow face. My pillow was going to be a finished size of 9" x 15", so I cut my fabric at 10" x 16". 2. Fold and cut each piece of fabric on the bias as shown below. Folding the fabric this way will give you the zig-zag effect that you want.
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5. Lay the seamed face piece right side down onto the right side of the seamed reverse side piece, matching the seams and stripes. Again, to make sure that all of the stripes would match up, I glue-basted. This me, I glue basted around 3 sides of the pillow, leaving the 4th side open. Then I cut out the reverse side, using the face side as pa ern.
I love how the two side seams turned out too.
Each of them is dierent.
6. Sew front and back sides together. 7. Insert pillow form. 8. Hand-sew pillow opening closed. I was thrilled with how cute the pillow turned out.
Jann Newton, owner of Newton Custom Interiors, has operated her home-based retail and wholesale workroom in Bloomington, IL. since 2000. Jann is a Window Coverings Career Professional from the CHF Academy, and a member of WCAA. Learn more about Jann and check out her blog at www.newtoncustominteriors.com.
The top and bo om seams matched up.
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“One person's junk is another person's treasure� is a familiar phrase that sums up a passion for three workroom owners. As you read their perspective on antiquing you can hear their love of the hunt, the joy offinding another treasure cinna and the appreciation of the history that lies within. Perhaps they will inspire you to go on your own treasure hunt! Take a trip to Brimfield Market with Kim Chagnon owner of Kim's Upholstery in Greenfield, MA.
C
reating beautiful things for my client's homes gives me great satisfaction. I love the reaction when I return a family heirloom with a fresh new look, or a highly functional piece that has been brought back to life. I help the client create a home that makes them feel warm and cozy. But what do I do to bring that same feeling into my life? Well, I am a junk-oholic! Yes, I admit it. I find great pleasure in refurbishing those great treasures from the past. It's not only the thrill of finding that perfect piece, it's the hunt that keeps me going. Sometimes I don't even have a specific item I am looking for, but when I see it I know it's going home with me. One of my favorite places to do this is Brimfield Flea Market. It's a gigantic flea market that is held three times a year: Mid-May, Mid-July and the beginning of September. It is an event that literally takes up the whole center of the town. Fields and fields of eyecatching stuff. Woohoo! I put on my comfortable walking shoes, load my cart in which I will carry my found treasures, pack some snacks, and have cash in hand. I am up and out the door by 7:00 AM as I don't want to miss a thing, and I'm usually not home until 7:00 PM. It's a long day filled with eye-catching treasures to satisfy my junk-o-licious obsession!
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Outside The Workroom - Jill Robson
S
earch through antique stores around the country with Michele Williams owner of the Scarlet Thread, Alpharetta, GA.
My love of antiques only started a few years ago back in 2010. Before that, I would go if invited but antiquing was not something that was on my to-do list. In 2010, my grandmother was being moved from her home of four decades into a nursing home and we had to clean out her house. Since I live in Georgia and she was in South Carolina, by the time I came in most things had been selected and removed from the house. Up in a dark cabinet was a collection of green glasses and a green pitcher. I asked if I could have it since it was being boxed up to go to charity. This started my love of green glass. Honestly, I am not sure it would really count as “antique” since it is Anchor Hocking, but the older I get, the more things from my childhood are now considered antique! Anyway, this began my hunt for items that were the same color green. I now have a wide variety of green glass and can even fill my china cabinet with all green glass for display. The thing I love about this green glass is that it is beautiful to use every day – and I don't have to change it out for Christmas. It totally matches my Christmas china that I use from November until January (I call it winter china). My mom has been my best antiquing buddy followed by my husband. We plan trips by way of antique malls, and they always support me when we visit a new area and I do a Google search on the closest antique places. We have antiqued all over South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. During our glass search I have also collected a few other items such as antique sewing boxes and cast iron match holders.
What I love most about antiquing is the tie to years past. Seeing items that were once used and loved and thinking of the families that owned these items is intriguing. I love to remember my childhood and then to hear about my mom and her mom and grandmother as items allow her to recall memories from long ago. Antiquing with my husband is a bit different. The items that draw him are different from mine, but again they are attached to memories. I am able to get a better understanding of his childhood and what is important to him. It opens conversation and allows us to share. This really is a neat time of growing closer as we just walk through an antique shop. My sons Harrison and Brantley, both in their late teens, enjoy going with us on occasion and hearing our stories, seeing how things have changed, and understanding the history behind what they see. Antiquing is so much more to me than searching for green glass. It is a reminder of the love and family that was before me and that will come behind me.
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F
ollow Scot Robbins of Scot Robbins & Company, Hermitage, TN, as he feathers his nest.
Flea markets, junk stores, and yard sales have always been a part of my life. As long as I can remember my dad would frequent these places to find collectables and antiques to furnish our home. He later turned this hobby into a business of nearly 30 years, called The Robbins' Nest. For me, visiting these places has always been the fascination with the “art of the find.� We have always heard the old phrase “one man's junk is another man's treasure,' and my dad and I have proven this statement to be true! After 20 years in the same house, my life changed and I found myself living alone. With these personal changes, the house needed changes also. This was the opportunity to put my love of collecting into action! Each room has taken on an individual unique style, bringing in the treasures from the past and the occasional mix of what's in now.
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few of the rooms have taken on a theme that required hours of shopping to find just the right item. For me, everything has to have a “look”. It has to hit me! In our business, we work with so many beautiful fabrics and trimmings, but when it's ours, we are our own worst client! One of the rooms titled “The Gentleman's Antique Bath” has walls and ceiling that are “wallpapered” with brown torn paper and covered with vintage photographs. I framed each one and arranged them floor to ceiling on all 4 walls! In the eating area of my kitchen you will find “the wall of trays,” each one has its own unique shape, design, and personality. Recently on an outing with my son, we spotted a yard sale with some old green luggage lying on the grass. Today, those pieces are neatly arranged as a table display in my dining room. You just never know what you are going to see in my house. I am constantly moving things around for a new look created from the old objects. When my dad closed his store, I took over his store name, so “collecting the past,” has a whole new life here at “The Robbins' Nest.”
Jill Robson, Owner at Designs by Appointment, has an extensive background in the visual and tex le arts and considers custom sewing for the home a facet of this field. As lead instructor for WT301, Advanced Top Treatments and WT401, Advanced Drapery Panels for CHFA, educa on plays a significant role in her business (Jill also holds a teaching degree). She regularly a ends business focused mee ngs, industry specific seminars and is a member of several trade associa ons, including: WCAA, D & D Professional forum, WFcp, and Drapery Pro. Jill feels strongly that educa on should be ongoing in order to stay aware of design trends, fabrica on methods, new products and current industry developments. Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2014, Issue 4|
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Your Success Starts When You Join
T
he Window Coverings Association of America provides professionals with networking, educational opportunities, and business resources. WCAA is run by members to benefit members. Let's take a look at some of the experiences WCAA members have had.
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trade association like WCAA can offer something for everyone when it comes to member benefits. Typical benefits can include discounts, free subscriptions to magazines, and access to local networking. For Ellen Salkin, owner of The Elegant Window in New York, NY, she describes her WCAA experience, “Besides the wonderful discounts I receive from being a member of the WCAA, it never ceases to amaze me how much I learn every month, which has helped my business grow and develop. My business is bigger and stronger because of the chapter meetings. I am inspired by other chapter members and have learned from them as well. “ So there you have it— WCAA offers all kinds of benefits, but one of the biggest benefits is the chapter experience to help in growing your business. But what about growing your business? How can WCAA help grow your business?A ccording to Rose Mary LeBlanc of RML Custom Home Creations, and current president of WCAA Charlotte Chapter, “WCAA brings so much to my business – resources, info. on new products and technology, camaraderie and support through the local meetings and Yahoo group, the knowledge to enhance my business techniques, a professional image through membership in a national organization, and industry partner discounts among other things.” There are the tangible benefits of being a WCAA member. Bob Hansen, of Bob Hansen Interiors explains, “The WCAA National website with its listing of members geographically is a wonderful tool for potential clients searching the web for industry professionals. One can then, after the search results are achieved, find detailed information and some photos from the web page that each WCAA member has available to promote their businesses.“ Of course, being a WCAA member can lead to other things, according to WendyA ppleby, owner of Your Home by Wendy, “WCAA has created a confidence in me I did not have before becoming a member. Knowing any questions or insecurities that come with running a business are shared with others made me realize I was doing a pretty good job! And, it's just fun to talk to people who are as obsessed with decorating as I am. “ WCAA has a robust chapter program where WCAA members can meet and network on a local
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level. We, at WCAA, believe that this is one of the best benefits of WCAA membership—the local chapters. For WCAA Chicago President Barb Pakeiser,“Our local chapter has provided a constant source of support and camaraderie to the members. They have helped each other overcome obstacles in many different ways: technical, educational, tactical and physical. Our monthly meeting exposes our membership to business practices and development, innovative workroom techniques and design challenges and solutions. Our local conferences have brought together members from 5 states for an exciting and informative event. “ And chapters continue the WCAA experience on a local level with lots of activities, training and camaraderie. Bob Hansen, President, WCAA DFW North Texas Regional Chapter describes, ''The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter offers chapter members the opportunity to network with industry peers. We are truly blessed to have members willing to share information and help each other without a feeling of being 'threatened' about their own business being in jeopardy. Much planning is put forth to arrange monthly meeting topics to enlighten and educate design and workroom members in many aspects of their business.” Belonging to an association like Window Coverings Association of America provides networking, educational opportunities, and business resources to help grow your business and become successful. Consider joining today!
Safety Update S
ince Parents for Window Blind Safety filed a pe on with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission last summer, seven children have died and five have been injured by window covering cords. You might tell yourself, “I sell compliant products, that won't happen to me.” Don't be so sure. What you post online, whether it be a DIY video, instruc ons on how to sew balloon shades, or how to accurately measure a bay window, can have an impact on a child's life and even result in an accidental death. The most recent death has caused quite a s r at news sta ons and doctor's offices. A physician in the U.S. Army lost his 2-year-old son to the inner cords of a custom Roman shade. The product was fabricated this past fall, well a er the new standard was implemented. So what happened? Why were there exposed inner cords on this product? It's easy to see, without even having to interview the fabricator, that she had no idea about the newest standard.
of the hazard. These are not people who have hidden under a rock for the last 30 years. They are inves ga ve reporters, doctors, city officials, police officers, poli cians, and so forth. So many people are unaware that this problem exists. Consumers think the window covering industry solved the problem years ago. The industry believes they have solved the problem. The reality is, based on recent data, the problem will con nue to exist as long as the industry bases safety on a standard that does not address the most hazardous area on window covering products-opera onalcords. The problem will con nue un l a universal safety message is broadcast, not a list of dosand don'ts that consumers don't have the me to read. That message: Live safe…Go cordless!!
A er interviewing the mother, I was able to understand what happened and how the li le boy gained access to the cords on the shade. The mother took all the safety precau ons she could. The product was sold on a very popular website. Sonow what? What is the solu on? How can we prevent these preventable deaths? This cause has a cure. How do we get the safety message to fabricators and parents? We need to stop playing the blame game and start thinking about how we can prevent future deaths and injuries. The bo om line is that everyone, from the fabricators to the consumer,needs to understand how deadly these cords are. Right now, there is a serious disconnect between safety and reality. It's been over 30 years since the industry and the CPSC began an educa onal campaign on safety. Children are s ll dying the same way they did 30 years ago.A er eleven years of educa ng the public on window covering safety, I s ll meet people who have never heard
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Drapery & Design Professional Volume Se rv in g t he C ust om Ho me Fu r nishings Issue 2 Ind us try s i nce2013,1993
1
To advertise with D rapery & Design
PROFESSIONAL Contact | editor@ddpronetwork.com
3 The Great
g n i t a r o c e D 8 Pointers Success
autiful rooms ge of creating be ile iv pr e th d honored have ha 30 years. I am er ov l el w r fo for a living r my clients' the backdrop fo e m co be s rt fo my ef untered the ars, I have enco ye e th er ov , er lives. Howev t in the way of ocks that can ge bl g in bl u don't um st same rves. Even if yo se de nt ie cl y h om m m yourself wit creating the ro ting service, ar ra co de a s nt ie to e offer your cl ibility and valu build your cred to rs te in po e thes your clients.
I
Creativit y, Not M oney Is T our famil he Key. G y had no rowing u t hing. Ye always d p t, my m oing thin o m gs to add was long befo beauty t re Pinte o our ho rest prov rememb me, id ed inspir er her w ation. I ashing b walls in u r lap bags my broth to cover er's room rail, she the . Above decoupa t h e chair ged the torn from walls usin atlas boo g old ma ks free fr What rea ps om gas s lly make tations. s a room it is crea fabulous tivity. Fo isn't mo r you as this in m ney, a professio ind when nal, keep working Allow yo with a n ur custo ew clien mers to services t. t a ke advan at differ t age of yo e n t levels. small bu ur Today's dget ma client on y be you no-holds a r fu t ure clien -barred b t with a udget. E beautifu veryone l space t d e s h e a rves a t suits the Turn up ir curren your cre t ative juic budget. see phot es. I wou os of you ld love t r creativ a future o e ideas t article. S o showca end them joanne@ s e in to thedecor atingand staginga cademy.c om.
Don't Build A R oom Around The Paint Color. Peop are so eager to ge le t paint on the w alls but then th let that decision ey impact everythi ng else. Begin w the core pieces ith of the space, up ho lstery, or textile These are the pi s. eces that will ha ve the longest lif the room. If my e in clients know th at new upholstery on the horizon, is but their budget doesn't allow it I encourage them ye t, to pre-shop. We then select pain color based on th t at future decision so we are buildin a room they can g grow into. A ve ry easy color rule is this: Honor the background and undertones of th color. If an unde e rtone or backgr ound of a color very crisp and cl se em s ear, then pair it with other colors with the same ba ckground. If th e background an undertone is mut d ed and soft, then look for elemen with that tenden ts cy.
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are becoming a solitary Placement For People. We glazed staring at that society. Heads down, eyes furniture to encourage flickering screen. Arrange one another. Bring conversation and enjoying lls to create a furniture away from the wa 8 feet that encourages conversation zone within kids talking? Use interaction. Want to get the g as a group not as technology for game playin s love playing Heads Up, individuals. My grandkid ghing. The furniture and we always end up lau interact. Remember placement makes it easy to what is important: family.
iration Decorating. Insp Toss The Theme or passion is tion, hobby, style, derived by a loca overdone the room becomes en wh t no t bu t grea a room that elements. Create with theme-driven e a room without feeling lik e em th e th to s play . Every room any times before you have seen m ecial. deserves to be sp Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2014, Issue 4|
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Anchor The Conversation Group With a Rug. The big question, feet on or off? You have three options, all on, all off, or front feet on. When deciding your rug size allow for the option you prefer but never smaller than 5 x 8. The rug should extend beyond the widest piece of furniture in the grouping. Rugs help not only with the aesthetics of the space but also the acoustics in today's trend toward laminate or wood floors.
Find The Personality Piece. Every room needs elements that make it special. A beautiful custom window treatment with added details, a fantastic chair covered in unique fabric, a one-of-a-kind paint treatment, something that makes the room special and unique to the homeowner. My goal with every space is to hear "I never would have thought of that.” When you hear that, you know you have scored. Create A Unifying Element. In today's open concept floor plans, it is important to create spaces that flow together and not just a series of different vignettes. Find a color or element that ties the spaces together and use that color in varying amounts in each space. Who Drives The Design?
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If you are the professional creating the design, get to know your clients. The best compliment a client ever gave me was, “This looks just the room I would have created…if I only knew how to create it.” Design for the people who live there, not what the magazines and decorating shows claim you should do. Showcase their collections, family, and hobbies while creating a room that has function and flair. Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2014, Issue 4|
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For questions or comments, contact JoAnne here: joanne@thedecoratingandstagingacademy.com. JoAnne's Bio: JoAnne Lenart-Weary, Master Professional Interior Decorator Educator, Innovator, Motivator JoAnne has been creating beautiful rooms professionally for over 30 years. She has appeared on HGTV, ABC affiliate WJET-TV for five years with a long running morning segment, and various other TV stations around the country. She developed a training program in 1997 that led to The Decorating and Staging Academy, offering professional training in redesign, one day decorating, home staging, professional interior decorating, and the confident color system. JoAnne's forte is a practical, systematic approach that arms the student with real skills that can be implemented in a client's home immediately. She is a frequent speaker at industry trade shows, and author and journalist who believes strongly in fostering an industry spirit of camaraderie not competition. Whether you spend one hour, one day, or one week with JoAnne, be assured you will walk away with practical knowledge that will improve your business and bottom line. Some of the industry tools she has created are the Confident Consultation, the Confident Color System Color Profile, Decorating in the Zone, the Confident Color System, and much more. On a personal note, JoAnne is a wife, mother, and grandmother of 13 with a constant curiosity about how to help others grow successful businesses while creating beautiful rooms for selling or dwelling.
Custom Home Furnishings AcademyAcademy Campus at Roswell Georgia
Custom Home Furnishings Academy is the only training facility of its kind dedicated to educa ng individuals with the professional skills necessary to serve the home decora ng industry. Custom Home Furnishings Academy began as a school for drapery educa on and today offers training in a wide variety of home based business opportuni es, focusing on all aspects of the window treatment, upholstery and interior decora ng industry. Custom Home Furnishings Academy offers the exclusive Career Professional Program with courses in custom window treatments; draperies, curtains, and shades; pillows and bedding, slipcovers, upholstery, and window covering installa on. Custom Home Furnishings Academy is the learning ins tute of choice for individuals interested in star ng a drapery workroom, upholstery workroom or window treatment installa on career. Established business owners a end Custom Home Furnishings Academy to improve their skill-set and to achieve a higher level of educa on for increased success in their chosen field. Our online training programs are the perfect fit for busy individuals unable to a end in-person, allowing for a flexible at-home learning opportunity. Students a ending Custom Home Furnishings Academy experience a suppor ve and engaged environment learning hands-on professional techniques used for drapery and upholstery sewing, window treatment installa on, and home decora ng. The accelerated course structure prepares students to put their skills to work as soon as they walk out the door.
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CLASS SCHEDULE: CALL PEGGY BREWER FOR INFORMATION AND TO ENROLL – 980-254-5385.
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September 8-12
- Professional Window Treatment Fabrica on I
September 15-19
- Professional Window Treatment Fabrica on II
October 2-3
- Deep Tu ing Upholstery
October 6-7
- Motoriza on and Professional Blind Installa on
October 6-10
- Advanced Slipcover Workshop
October 6-10
- Advanced So Shades
October 8-10
- Professional Drapery Installa on
October 13-14
- Headboards
October 13-17
- Professional Upholstery I
October 27-31
- Professional Upholstery III
October 29-31
- Professional Pillow Fabrica on
November 3-4
- Upholstery with Leather Workshop
November 3-7
- Professional Bedding Fabrica on
November 5-6
- Upholstered O omans
November 10-14
- Advanced Top Treatments
November 17-21
- Advanced Drapery Panels
December 1-5
- Professional Window Treatment Fabrica on I
December 8-12
- Professional Window Treatment Fabrica on II
A CHF Academy
Do you want private training in home fashion? Do you have a passion for sewing or selling custom window treatment? With professional training at CHF Academy, you can turn your passion to a profession.
Contact us for more information Call: 980-2545385
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Shutters on the Grill? By Deborah Lum Faye eville, GA
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utdoor living spaces have boomed in recent years, offering homeowners every imaginable creature comfort - from outdoor kitchens, draperies, furniture, rugs, televisions, and everything in between. Whether the project is large or small, there are numerous opportuni es for custom home furnishing designers to expand their crea vity in this growing niche. One such opportunity presented itself when my husband and I wanted an outdoor grill island added to our deck. He dra ed plans for the island and began the process of construc on beginning with the steel frame to applying lathe. (Note: Our deck is approximately 4 feet off the ground, and required extra support underneath before star ng the project.) During construc on, we s ll had to decide on the type of doors we wanted for the storage area under the grill. While stainless steel doors would match the stainless steel grill, some prices did not match the budget. An “ah ha” moment brought another idea. Several years ago, I a ended a seminar sponsored by Eclipse Shu ers. Several examples demonstrated exterior uses for condominium balconies and porches. So, I thought, 'why not use them for the grill island?’ The inherent characteris cs of Eclipse Shu ers met the criteria needed for exterior doors. They are waterproof and the colorfast design does not fade or turn yellow from ultra-violet exposure. In addi on, they are fire-retardant and carry a 25-year warranty. With the shu ers open, ven la on circulates inside the island's storage area while the grill is in use – an added benefit. We chose manufactured stone for the island's exterior with every inten on of installing it ourselves. The more we looked at the huge pile of stones, with all of its various shapes, sizes and colors, the less enthused we became. It did not take long for us to come to our senses and hire someone to do the job. What a job! It took three professional brick masons three days to install the stone. That was an investment worth saving our marriage! Before the stone was installed, I ordered two double -panel shu ers with 3” louvers and hidden lt wands. The shu ers were Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2014, Issue 4|
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completed and delivered within 10 days, and installa on was easy. A search of the Web finds stainless steel doors to be the norm for grill islands. Now we know weather-appropriate shu ers can offer an aesthe cally pleasing alterna ve. For this project, the color (Sandstone) was a perfect match for the stone finish, as well as the home's exterior. Now, two years a er the grill island was completed, the shu ers show no wear from the weather, including Atlanta's hot summers and the infamous 2014 ice storm. They s ll func on beau fully. Design inspira on is all around us. Some mes a spark of crea vity comes instantly, while others simmer in the recesses of our crea ve minds. Thinking outside the box is o en just the right spark to ignite an idea. Gra fica on is the reward we receive when an idea becomes reality. For me, a seminar inspired not only a solu on to a crea ve challenge, but also, more outdoor design op ons to offer my clients. Deborah Lum is the owner of Chic Unique Designs, LLC in Faye eville, GA. Since 2004, her company has specialized in custom home couture and commercial window solu ons, primarily for the retail market. She is a graduate of the Window Coverings Professional Career Program at the Custom Home Furnishings Academy. Her prior career path included 25 years in television broadcast news before re ring. In 2012, she had the dis nct honor of being selected to decorate the White House for Christmas. Deborah is an ac ve member of the Window Coverings Associa on of America (WCAA), and the Atlanta WCAA chapter. www.chicuniquedesigns.com
Coopetition & the Solopreneur
Installer James A. Holloway
O
kay, before you accuse me of making up words, let me give you a couple of definitions.
Coopetition is a blending of cooperate and competition. It refers to people who team up with others in their field (typically competitors) and work together (cooperate) toward the completion of a specific project. Solopreneuris a recently coined phrase to describe the entrepreneur who is not only the owner of the business but the only employee. So what does “coopetition” have to do with being a “solopreneur”? Simple.Solopreneurs simply can't do everything themselves (I should know, I have been one for more than five years!). Sometimes we have to get outside help to provide the right level of service to our clients. Sometimes the best type of help we can get actually comes from those against whom we are already competing. Look at it this way... If you have a reputation as a quality installer, chances are there are at least one or two other installers in your area who are equally as effective and efficient as you. Who better to hire on a temporary or contract basis to assist you on a project? You don't have to spend time training them because they probably already know 85 to 90 percent of what you would teach them. Plus you may pick up a technique or two from them that you can use in your business. You don't have to supply them with a vehicle. You don't have to supply them with tools. And (usually) you don't have to deal with massive amounts of paperwork for tax purposes since they are not employees. You do need to make sure everyone is on the same page as to who is responsible for the various aspects of the project. Keep the game-plan simple and keep everyone updated and you should be fine. For example, say you are installing a whole house of draperies and blinds. Maybe you need to save time and complete the project in one day instead of two. You can contract out the installation of the blinds to another installer while you install the draperies. Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2014, Issue 4| 46
“But I can't afford to hire another professional installer, they charge too much.”
certain amount of client loyalty, but there are no guarantees: You have to keep the relationship with the client strong.
First, if their rates are more than 20 percent higher than yours, and they are staying as busy as (or busier than) you, then you need to raise your rates.
You have to keep the lines of communication open. Second, talk to them about the project in advance. See if you can negotiate a flat fee or hourly rate that is acceptable to both of you. As a professional installer they know what it is like to be under the gun and trying to find a way to complete a project on time. If you end up working together and things go smoothly, they may be calling you in the future to help them out. If they do, extend to them the same level of courtesy and professionalism they extended to you. Last, sometimes you have to “man-up” and pay what you have to pay to get the job done. After all, what is the long-term value of a satisfied client? If you do what it takes to make them happy and complete their project on time, they won't even remember the name of the other guy you brought in to help. I would rather lose $50 on one project in order to have a happy client that will send me a $500 job next month. “But what if the other installer tries to steal my clients?” If you plan on being in business for any significant length of time, at some point, somebody is going to try to take one of your clients. Chances are, at some point, even your client was someone else's client before they met you. In all honesty, repeat clients don't get “stolen.” They replace you if you don't provide the level of service that they want. That being said, there are some ways to develop a
You have to provide the highest level of service you can at a fair and reasonable price. You have to give your clients reasons to keep you as their installer. You have to do what you say you will do, when you say you will do it. You have to do everything you can (legally, ethically, and morally) to make sure a competitor can't get his or her foot in the door without your permission. At times in my business, I've had clients given to me by a competitor who didn't have time to work with them, and I have likewise referred people to others when I could not accommodate their needs or timetables. Does it hurt to watch money walk out the door? Absolutely. You never want to "leave money on the table," so to speak. But by the same token, if you are unable to provide them with a quality service in a timely manner, they are likely to go somewhere else anyway. If you are the catalyst and provide them with a referral to a quality alternative, the goodwill that is generated will come back around and be of benefit to you at some point in the future.
James A. Holloway is project manager and owner of South East Installation Solutions, an “installation only” business he started in 2009. He has worked fulltime in the window treatment industry since 2001. In 2013 he launched TraVerseBlog.com, a blog that focuses on issues within the window coverings industry as well as general business ownership concepts. In 2014 he was recruited to teach the Installation curriculum at CHF Academy of Design.
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From inspiration to fabrication Karen Bunch For the past 11 years since The Window: Inspired Ideas for Framing Your View (Becky Charton and Belinda Brolo; Li le ock, Arkansas; Leisure Arts, Inc. 2003) was published, I wanted to make the design showing a London shade with inverted-pleats using three contras ng abrics as well as several embellishments including a faux skirt at the botom. The colors and design pop! Since the ar cle did not describe abricaa on I u ed several resources, mainly the CHF Forum, to get underway. My project consisted of three sta onar, inside-mounted shades with a finished size of 38.5"W X 35" L. The faux silk embroidered face fabric had a flower design. A linen/poly fabric was used for the contrast inverted-pleats. The pleats were outlined with micro wel ng using old silk fabric. Lastly, there was a faux skirt made from a silk diamond patern with a tassel trim aat the boom edge.
through the small holes created by the embroidery or the holes created by the shroud tube. As it turned out, the face fabric had this extra "lining" on the back. I guess it was intended to be used for upholstery? This was all COM. We used white sateen lining, and I thought that this choice, along with the face fabric's extra "lining" was enough to provide fullness and sun protec on.All of the sec ons were sewn together and lining a ached. I hid the lining seam underneath the pleat. I created double 1.5" side seams. From the lining side I used my tag gun (where the straight pins are shown) to hold the pleats together
There were two main threads from the CHF forum I found extremely useful: h p://orums.chfindustry.com/showthread.php?t=75033&highligh t=ginny+connor+london h p://orums.chfindustry.com/showthread.php?t=81220 The first thread explained a formula for "chaining" a London shade. The second thread provided varia ons using moe than one main swag sec on or "pou," depending on window width. For the 38.5" width here are my marks, le o right: 1.5" return + 4.25" space + 8" pleat + 30" center sec on + 8" ple t + 4.25" space 1.5" return.
This made it so much easier when I went to dress the shade. I created a 2.5" double hem. Before sewing Rowley's Encased Li Cord Shroud Tube ™ I placed safety pins ver cally every 5 inches in the middle of each pleat.
As a side note, if your face fabric has a dis nct p aern, you might need to change the math to make the spaces a bit wider or narrower to give a mirror look. Detour #1: Please note that I originally did not include returns in my calcula ons. This turned out o be a mistake. Here's a link to the original thread when I panicked and wrote to my forum friends: h p://orums.chfindustry.com/showthread.php?t=82292. I went back and added 1.5" each side for the returns. It looked fine, and I quickly forgot about this mistake. Repeat of floral fabric was 15.5" so I made each cut length 62". I wanted four folds to make them look full and rich because they were being installed in a formal dining room consis ng of 1foothigh ceilings in an 1800s Victorian home. Detour #2: For the microcording (Rowley's 3/32”) the fabric was cut on the bias. It was stretching and rolling so I used Rowley's R-Tex Fusible Stabilizer. This corrected the problem immediately, and I made 20 yards of micro-wel ng. Be ause of the embroidery design of the face fabric we needed to use a lining(s) where sunlight would not shine Drapery & Design Professional Volume 2014, Issue 4|
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Then I stapled one shade to a 1" X 2" moun ng boad, clamped the board to my table, and used cording to e the pins ogether to create a mock shade. Detour #3: When I looked at the middle swag por on I s w that it was curving too much because the skirt at the botom would have been hidden once it was atached. It was evident that I needed to angle my ring placement from the bo om up. Ul tely I sewed the encased cord shroud from the botom going up at 6.5", 6", 5.5", and 4.5" from the outside edge. This flaa ened out the b om folds and provided enough space so that the skirt would be seen. To keep in compliance with the guidelines, I also atached the encased cord shroud to the fabric about five morre mes un l ieached the moun ng boad.
*** Detour #4- A er I a ached the skirt to the shade and let it hang I saw that the skirt fabric was sagging. I put Rowley's Skirtex S ffener inside and that corrected the problem. I a ached the skirt with the tag gun at the shade's bo om hem. As the shade was raised the skirt went with it.
A covered weight rod was placed at the second row. Although I seldom use cord locks anymore, I had read of someone on the forum who uses them for sta onary shades and adjuts length "on site." This was an outstanding p. The skirt as easy to make and when completed was 38.5" W X 9"L. I made a pocket for an inexpensive, flat conn n tal rod and placed this at the top of the skirt
This rod was needed to keep the skirt s ff horizontally
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My least favorite task is drilling holes in the fabric & moun ng board for an inside-mount. I do this at home, score the fabric, and make sure the screws are in place before installa on.
Given the height of the windows, I knew I needed another person to help me. Once installed, the lengths of the shades were adjusted, tag gun plas c as removed, the cording wwas knoed, and then the cords were cut about 4" from the cord lock
I am amazed how smoothly it went. Client was thrilled, and she almost started to cry, so I gave her a hug. In addi on o the hug, this project was so rewarding for me because I learned a new design
Brief Biography
Karen Bunch 50 Prospect Street Reading, MA 01867 Cell: 617-417-7324 karenbunchdesigns@ gmail.com www.karenbunchdesigns.blogspot.com
Karen Bunch owns and operates Karen Bunch Designs, a oneperson workroom in Reading, MA. Karen's mom taught her to sew when she was ten years old. A workroom owner for 10 years, Karen has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A er leaving the medical ďŹ eld Karen decided to turn her love for sewing into a business. She is a Cer ďŹ ed Window Treatment Consultant. Her website is
www.karenbunchdesigns.blogspot.com
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