Support System

Just like on television, you may see people on the screen, but it takes a lot more than those people to actually put a show on the air. It takes a whole crew - a support system of sorts.




In my workroom, even though I may be a "one person" workroom, I have a support system that I could not live without. My support system is my husband, Scott. He is my carpenter, and without him, a lot of what I do would not be possible. When I'm working on drapes or pillows, I don't need a carpenter, but cornices - now that's another story. We do a lot of cornices in our workroom, and Scott makes them possible. I hand him a work order with a sketch and the measurements and just say "here - go make this". When I get it back from him, it's ready for the fabric to go on. He takes care of all of the math, measuring, drawing, cutting - in my mind, it's all of the hard stuff.






Here are some of the examples of cornices that would not have been possible without him.

This is one of the most difficult cornices that we have ever done. Not only did it go in a bay window, but each section had to be arched. The math that this treatment involved was unbelievable. Normally, you have to have some sort of straight board across the back to hold the angle irons for mounting. In this case, those boards had to zig and zag up and around the window so that you would not see it from the outside. I could not have begun to figure out how to make this one work!

This is a cornice that went into a bay window. Even though the drapery panels that are attached didn't have anything to do with the carpentry, and the cornice was just a flat board with nothing fancy, the angles in any bay window need to be figured and cut at the right angles, taking the fabric and padding into consideration so that when it's time for installation, it all needs to fit perfectly into place.

This is a cornice with a swag and cascades that are attached. The cornice is a huge part of what makes this treatment successful. On the center of the face of that cornice, the wood base needed to be routed out in order for me to place that cording on top of the fabric. Not only did it need to be routed, but it had to be drawn out according to the work order, and then the routing needed to be free-handed in order to get the proper shape. If it would have been up to me, I'm sure I would have lost a finger or two in the process!

All of this to say thank you to my support system. I love my hubby and don't know how I could ever enjoy what I do without him!

The Difference is in the Details

In the window treatment industry, we hear these words all the time - "the difference is in the details". It is so very true. Not only can a detail make a difference in the overall look of the treatment, but it doesn't always make that large of a difference on the price.

Here's an example of a very simple and plain rod pocket valance. It is lined and would be made to fit the exact dimensions needed for a client's window.

Not that there is anything wrong with this valance, and for a client that is working with a very tight budget, it might be all that you can do.

However, with a minimal addition of a contrast fabric and a small amount of trim, this can be changed to this.

Look at the difference that was made in the overall look of the valance. Most of the time, a small detail like this isn't enough to break a client's budget. If you're looking for a custom window treatment, then you should be willing to look at the option of adding some character to that treatment, just like you add your own signature to other areas of your home.

A workroom should be able to show you options that will allow you to get out of the box without breaking the bank. Use them as a resource - that's what they are there for!

Creative Camp

Last week at this time I was in Houston, Texas for Creative Camp. This is an industry learning event that is organized by Susan Kostelecky of the Custom Sewing Institute.

It is a wonderful opportunity for any in the window treatment industry. We took classes from 6 industry leaders, who are all workroom owners themselves. We learned everything from hand sewing techniques to draping fabric. The fabric draping class was actually based on a book that was written back in 1889 - new fangled isn't always the best!

There are already great plans in the works for Creative Camp 2011. One speaker that has already been confirmed to teach is Rebecca Day of Merrick & Day fame. She is actually coming all the way from England to teach! This tells you that not only does she think that Creative Camp is a worthwhile event to place on her busy schedule, but it also speaks to the forward thinking of Susan Kostelecky as she organizes these events and helps keep our industry on the cutting edge.

Thanks to Susan for providing us all with a wonderful event!

New Territory

Well, it seems as if everyone has entered the world of blogging, so I thought it was about time that I jumped off of that proverbial bridge as well.

To introduce myself, I am Annie Davis. I own a custom drapery workroom in the Omaha, Nebraska area and make custom window treatments and bedding.

Feel free to stop by my website and look around. It can be found at www.artisandesignsomaha.com

I am also on Facebook, so feel free to become a fan on my page there.

I'm looking forward to this adventure, and to see where it takes me.