Creative Camp Day 3

Day one and day two were just warm ups for the busy day I had on day three.  My first class was “Headboards”, taught by Gillian Wendel. She had some very creative samples like this one that had nail heads and a faux iron insert by Tableaux in a black truffle finish that was donated by Amore Drapery Hardware.

We all made sample size headboards with buttons to take home.

Whew, a complete mini headboard in 4 hours, we were working fast ! A group photo at the end of class……

My afternoon class was “shaped specialty firmaflex cornices” taught by Karen Barnes. Here she is with some samples of shaped cornices.

I love this bendable fiber board and can’t wait to use it again. Once you heat it up enough you can curve and shape it.  It’s also lightweight and would be perfect for a large cornice. Here’s my finished sample……….

That evening we had a presentation about roman shade safety by Mary Ann Plumlee, she is working on a new shade system that will be available soon. After such a busy day we needed to wind down by swinging in the full moon……..

Just one more class left and then it’s time to go home !

Custom window treatments can be the single most important element in pulling together your decorating scheme. If you would like up to date window treatments that you are excited about send me an email.

Creative Camp Day 2

My box arrived yesterday with all my samples from Creative Camp. I already told you about Day One, so now onto day two. No, that’s not a box of candy (although there was plenty of candy at every class) those are made of ribbons !

My first class was on ribbon trims and was taught by Candace Kling, she is a fabulous ribbon artist that has studied embellishments of textile collections for 30 years. It was such a learning experience to hear her talk and see her manipulating the ribbon like playing an instrument. We all got to make our own sample boards with five different techniques. This is mine with looped diamonds, boxes, double boxes, diamond boxes and chevron.

I used colorful embroidery thread to make the center and now they look like flowers.

You get such different looks depending on the type and color of ribbon you use, these are my friend Ronica’s pretty pink ones.

After lunch, I took a class about headrails and lift systems by Peggy Morgans of Parkway Window Works.  We discussed the new standards and viewed all the different lift systems in person.

Here’s an example of all the approved devices in lieu of cords.

I really liked the look and operation of this one by kwik affix because of the fast raise option.

Next, I took Ann Johnson’s class on workroom techniques. We discussed all kinds of ways to be more efficient in the workroom. All of the classes were small enough for personal attention and the evening programs were for the whole group.

Our last event of the day was on Coronas, Crowns, Canopies and other Bed Treatments presented by Karen Barnes.

She spoke about the different types, planning, measuring and installation. These are some of my favorites……….

That was a lot for one day, congrats if you made it to the end. Tomorrow is all hands on fabrication classes so stay tuned !

Custom window treatments can be the single most important element in pulling together your decorating scheme. If you would like up to date window treatments that you are excited about send me an email.

Creative Camp Day 1

I just returned from a 4 day trip to The Custom Sewing Institute and it was amazing ! Susan Kostelecky started the hands on event in 2006 for medium to advanced level workrooms. Susan and her staff have it down to a science, everything has been prepped and ready for you to go to work learning and doing.

It is located in Navasota, Texas but there were “drapery ladies” from 20 different states in attendance. I had a great time meeting so many interesting and fun people and I look forward to seeing them again.

Day one started at 5:00 with a welcome ceremony and a wonderful presentation by Rebecca Day of Merrick and Day. She is a brilliant soft fabricator from England and we had fun comparing all the different terminology we use. I took her pelmet class on Sunday so I’ll go into more detail about her later.

And then…………. there was cake and spirits ! Donna Marie made this gorgeous ottoman cake that was almost too pretty to eat. (but we did and it was delicious !)

Stay tuned for day 2……… I learned so much that I may need to wait for the box with my notebook to arrive.

Custom window treatments can be the single most important element in pulling together your decorating scheme. If you would like up to date window treatments that you are excited about send me an email.