Happy New Year

I hope everyone is having a really Happy New Year. I have set some goals for myself, not resolutions that I will break, just goals to strive for. I took some advice from a book I'm reading and wrote them down. (Reading the book was one of my goals). I see them everyday. I even put dates on the deadline for getting them done. I'm constantly reminded that time is fleeting and I need to get my goals accomplished before the deadline. A lot of my goals were in the business arena. I'm making some progress but still have a ways to go. I'm excited about the new year, though and all that it has to offer.

One of the first things going is "The Next Cool Event" in Febuary. I'm making a 15 ft voodoo doll as the centerpiece for the Voodoo Bar. I'm excited about that. I've posted an artist rendering of it. Actually, the artist is a client who did me a HUGE favor by doing this. Thank you Eric. I will pay you back!!!

One of my goals this year is to learn how to smock panels. I'm looking forward to learning some new techniques. I found a sewing school in London, England. Now isn't that special. I can merge my urge to travel with education. Can you beat that? I'm also going to post some photos of things I love on here to share some design inspiration. I'm going to try to get most of my own house done this year as well. That will be a challange but I'm up to it.

Happy New Year everyone. Make the most of the days you are given.

Making Plans for Spring

Last weekend was unseasonably warm and gave everyone around a hint of spring fever. It made me think about spring cleaning and spring freshening up of my home. Most of all, it made me want to get rid of a lot of excess stuff and start anew. I've been boxing up for donations and cleaning out things. I threw away stuff that I couldn't believe I was throwing away. I'm the type that once I actually decide to throw something out, I find that I need it desperately within 2 weeks. It always happens that way. With fingernails clinched, though, I did get rid of much excess and still have a ways to go.

The older I get, the more I find that all the extra accessories and "frou-frou" doesn't really appeal to me as much. I really am liking a clean, sleek look. I just have a really hard time getting rid of things that I have had for years, or found at a really bargain price. The only things that are "safe" are my family heirlooms that mean something to me. Those stay no matter what.

Have you been looking around your home thinking of some changes that you would like to see made in the coming weeks or months? Maybe just some new throw pillows or new rug would make all the difference. You could also look for a fresh, funky light fixture or some art work that catches your eye. Changes don't have to cost a fortune. Just moving the furniture around and weeding out the unneccesaries can make such a big difference and give your home a new lease on life.

I'm really looking forward to getting much more use of my porch this year than I did last year. Birds this year are really popular and just make you scream for warmer weather and flowers. Enjoy the pictures.

Is it almost Febuary?

This month has just flown by personally and professionally. I guess it is because there was so much to do this month that it really became a blur.

Today was such a nice day that it really gave me a little bit of spring fever. I did a little house work and looked around to see all the projects that needed to be done or in my case, finished. I think our recent ice storm had the same effect on people because I had 5 new client appointments this week and worked up 3 new orders just today. I'm really excited to see the uptick in interest for custom work. I hope it continues.

Being snowed in for a week, not only here but while we were away for Christmas, really gave me time to reflect on the business, the art of sewing and where I want to be this time next year. I have a saying that if I don't write it down, it doesn't exist!! I made a list of all the goals that I want to achieve for the coming year and posted them on my cork board in the office. Seeing them everyday will remind me of where I want to go, or at least I hope.

We are working to play "catch up" right now and I figured today it will take 2 more weeks to get ahead. We are working on 2 master bedroom suites right now and lots of pillows. I love making pillows. We interline all of them and put zippers in that just makes them so luxurious. We use only down inserts which makes all the difference in the world. I just love how they look and feel.

The above picture is of panels we did for last years Atlanta Symphony Show home.

Hope you all have a happy weekend!!

Happy New Year

I know it's a little late for a Happy New Year but this is the first post of the new year. It started off with a bang.

The Christmas season was the busiest we have ever had. We worked up until, literally, the last minute. We got out of town for a relaxing trip to the mountains and came back to jump back in the fire.

We had a space at "The Next Cool Thing" event. It was a three day event which took place in Atlanta that was meant to bring the design industry and the movie industry together. In case you don't know, Atlanta is the new hub for movie making. Several series are filmed here as well as countless movies. I already do some work for the "Vampire Diaries" TV show and looking to expand a little more into the set design world. We had to pick a movie theme and we choose "27 Dresses" I made draperies with wedding dress details and Celeste Alexander of 7 Pillars turned real dresses into draperies. The whole event was a blast. There was so much going on. Music, food, Daniel Craig was there in the James Bond booth, Tyler Perry was there as well. Aerialists were swinging from the ceiling. Bond girls were standing on tables passing out caviar. It was crazy fun. We also did the draperies for Pat Shankle Interiors and Grayson Harris Interior Design. They did an interior space based on the movie Auntie Mame. The whole event was incredible. I can't wait for next year's show. I already have my idea ready to go.

I met so many people there and can't wait to see what this year holds. I already went to an event tonight at the Chastain Horse Park. They were having an open house for clients. I met them at the event this weekend. I was so honored to be included. The owners David and Sheryl are so nice. I wish them the best.

It's been a while

You know it has been a while since I updated when I couldn't remember the password to get into my blog. lol. I finally figured it out, though and here I am.
It has been an amazing couple of months. I am writing a column for the online magazine http://www.simplystylishlife.com/ I am under the home section. Please check it out. I got to do work for the TV series "The Vampire Diaries" too. We made a velvet patchwork quilt for a flashback scene from the 1400's. When I say we made it, we actually made all the pieces and hand sewed all the quilting. It was crazy. We only had 3 days to get it done. When we delivered, the set designer, Karen Bruck, gave us a tour of the sets. It was really neat to see behind the scenes.
I also gave a trunk show to the ladies of the Bradshaw Farms Womens Club. It went so well. They asked so many questions and I got a lot of feedback from them. I was really feeling 'under the weather' but their great response gave me so much encouragement. I have my next trunk show next Saturday at an interior design shop in Snellville. I have a few more ideas and samples to make up. I want you to be able to come to everyone of my shows and see something different. I have my third show schedule at the Towne Lake Hills Golf Club for January. I measured the club last week for draperies and am really excited to be doing this for them.
We were also able to do some work with Pat Shankle Interiors in the Atlanta Home Show at the Cobb Galleria. It was a really great show and we were so glad to help them. Pictures are posted on this post.
I am so thankful for all the doors that God has been opening up. I am so humbled.
We are getting booked for the holidays so if you need any draperies made, call now.

Looking Ahead!!

It has been an exciting couple of days here. Good and bad. We have had several meetings with interior designers that we have met at various functions. They have all been so nice and we have really enjoyed spending time with them.

We are also excited about some opportunities that could be opening up for us to do work in the film industry. It would be so incredible to be watching a movie and see window treatments that we made. LOL. How exciting.

The basement bathroom that we are working on is almost complete. We can't wait to post pictures soon of the finished project. It has a paris theme but not too much that it goes over the top. It is done in soothing greys and blacks. It is really coming along.

We have a big project to finish this week and some smaller ones to finish and deliver. We also are upholstering some custom sofas for a designer in the Atlanta Home Show that I hope get finished this week.

We are also turning in our article this week for the first addition of the "Simply Stylish Life" magazine. We will link to it online as soon as it is available. We are really excited about this new adventure.

The photos above are of the Cedar Grove Bed and Breakfast in Vicksburg MS. Lovely house, I just hate that they added wallpaper border (which I seriously doubt they had in 1841 when the house was built). I love period treatments, in period houses!!

Happy Labor Day!! (or what's left of it)

This has been a pretty busy weekend. The cool fall air always makes me want to purge all the clutter in my life and home and begin the "nesting" process for winter. We have loaded bags of trash and boxes and boxes for donation. Hopefully my "trash" can be someone else's treasure.
Speaking of donations, Cherry Lane Drapery is donating 10% of it's proceeds for all orders placed until 10/31/2010 to the Susan G Komen Atlanta foundation. We are really excited about this!! So, for everyone out there, get your draperies done for the holidays and donate to an amazing cause all at the same time. What could be better?
I hope all of you had a great Labor Day weekend and were able to spend quality time with your families. During some of my down time, I watched 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'. What an amazing gift to have such a large loving family. To know that no matter what, they have your back. I hope and pray that for each one of you.
We are coming into the cool, fall weekends full of garage sales, pumkin patches, apple picking, festivals, and of course, the southern favorite....FOOTBALL!!!! I think I have already lost my husband and sons. While they are sitting on the sofa, watching the game, take out your girlfriends or daughters and do a little window shopping. See the new trends and styles that are out there. Go to an open house or showhome and get some ideas. Make your home a place to "hunker" down this winter and enjoy your loved ones. The Atlanta Home Show is taking place this month on the 24th at the Cobb Galleria. Check it out!!! Meet some of the vendors and just relax and enjoy.

Coffee and Ideas

Today was a really great day!!! I had a coffee meeting with Karran Gloer of Simply Stylish Life. She is starting an online lifestyle magazine on October 1st. Cherry Lane Drapery will be writing a monthly design column. We tossed around so many ideas. It was a really great meeting and I am looking forward to this new opportunity. You can go to their homepage at http://www.simplystylishlife.com/ The magazine should be up and running on Oct. 1 so please check it out. Let's make this so successful that she can go to a print version as soon as possible.

My mind has been ablaze last night and this morning with opening new directions for the business. I made some email contacts and are excited about the possibilities.

There is a new business opening up in the morning in downtown Woodstock called Pineapple Park. They are a home interior store and design business. Competition, yes, but I really wish them success. I would love to see the downtown Woodstock area shops all rented out. It is really a great area.

I am looking forward to the Labor Day weekend. It's always nice to spend time at home with the family. I do hope we can get the downstairs bathroom finished so I can post pictures. I had some of my prints I bought in Paris framed and really excited about getting them up. Can't wait to share.

Another Milestone for Cherry Lane Drapery

Today we made another milestone for our business. We had our first article published in 'Around North Fulton' magazine. Check it out at http://www.aroundnorthfulton.com/ We are so excited. Thanks to all our family and friends who have supported us.

We have been busy on several really big projects the past several weeks. They are coming along really well.

Last Saturday night, we went to a party for the Georgia Production Partners. We met several designers and movie industry personnel in regards to being a supplier of draperies and upholstery for the television and movie industry. Very exciting stuff. We would really like for that to work out.

We also have an opportunity to be at the Atlanta Home Show. We will give more information about that as we get it. It is coming up September 24, 2010 for the weekend at the Cobb Galleria.

We also have found a retail space that we are interested in. It really is a big step and we are not quite sure if we are ready.

We just have a lot of things going on right now and are very grateful for all the opportunities.

Thank you all for following our blog.

The above picture is of roman shades that were installed last week.

Back to a Routine

Well, school is back in session, dance and karate lessons are back on and I'm slipping back into a routine with work.

We took a well needed trip to Vicksburg, Ms and New Orleans, La. In New Orleans, we were able to go see the Southern Living Magazine's Idea House in the Terra Bella subdivision in Convington, La. It was beautiful. The subdivision has the theme of living, working and shopping all in the same place. Parking is in the back of the house with each home having a front porch, sidewalks, city squares, grocery stores, schools, deli, post office. Eveything you need is in one place and within walking distance. The developer told us that they want you to park the car after work and not have to get back in to it again. WOW!!! I would love that. That is a dream come true.

We are also looking for a retail space for rent. Trying to decide if it's the right thing to do right now. We did find a place, in the area that we want so it wouldl just be working out the details with the owner. It is an older building that needs a lot of work.

We have several projects in the works right now that we are excited about. I also have an article that will be in the "Around North Fulton" magazine starting in September. I have so many great ideas but just trying to concentrate on one thing at a time.

On our trip to Vicksburg, we stayed at the Cedar Grove Mansion bed and breakfast. We really enjoyed our stay there. If you ever have the chance, you have to go. Make sure you have dinner at the resturant there. Above are pictures from the inn. You know I had to take pictures of the window treatments. Thank you Kami for loaning me the camera.

Anatomy of a Redesign Part 1

I spent the weekend chillin' out watching HGTV for some inspiration. At some point, the station changed from decorating and design to real estate shows and "do it for 100.00" shows. Some of these shows are pretty good but their budgets are not realistic in that, no one pays for labor. The show does it for free. So a 2000.00 budget, really is a 4000.00 budget because labor is usually the same price as the materials. The problem comes in when clients are under the impression that they can get all the bells and whistles done for the same small budget. It really doesn't work that way. It got me to thinking. I am going to start a series showing the design and remodel process for a master bedroom. It is a pretty middle of the road redo with some items being very budget conscience but some upgrades made as well that a lot of clients not needing or wanting. The budget for this client was $5000.00. We will try to stay as close to that as possible so some concessions will have to be made. I will take you through the process as it progresses step by step and explain what is being done as well as the cost incurred and the savings that were or could be made.
Unfortunately we don't have any before pictures but the room started as a rectangle bedroom with white carpet and a set of triple floor to ceiling windows as well as another single floor to ceiling window. This master bedroom is on the main floor of the house and the owners have small children who come and go. They decided to pull up the white carpet verses having it cleaned. They had already installed wood flooring on the whole main floor and decided to continue it into the bedroom for ease of cleaning. They also wanted a fireplace but having a gas fireplace installed would have run around $2500-$4000. They opted instead for an electric fireplace insert that has 4 flame controls as well as a heater that can be used in the winter. It also came with a remote control. The 40 inch unit cost around 700.00 with construction cost for the fireplace wall and adjoining bookcase as well as electrical for tv and cable running another 800.00.
Five thousand sounds like a lot, and it can be for sure but when you are looking at having things done custom and paying the labor and materials, it can really add up fast. If you are considering a design or remodel, you really need to sit down with a budget and be willing to forgo some items that you can live without in order to stay within budget.
More pictures of this remodel coming soon so check back with us. Until then, have a great week.

Back to Work

Getting ready for a busy week next week. We have a fairly big order due next Friday for a new client. We get the opportunity to do a few new things. I spent the day getting everything together.
Today was Eva's birthday as well. I have to give her a big "Happy Birthday" to my five year old. I started this business when I was pregnant with her. She has spent her whole life around fabrics and trims. I love that she can really appreciate it when she sees beautiful windows.
Monday we installed some ruched panels for a client. They are a soft, romantic heading that works great in bedrooms and dining rooms. They have a cloud-like feel and work really well when the fabrics are light weight, such as silk. We have made them several times and I love how they turn out.
The picture below is a closeup of the ruched panels.

Not your grandma's pinch pleats

There are so many different pleat styles these days, one doesn't have to settle for the traditional pinch pleat if they don't want to. Even though the traditional style is timeless, some customers are opting for a more clean, updated pleat. Enter the euro pleat. Instead of being tacked at the bottom of the pleat like the traditional pleat, these pleats are tacked at the top of the pleat. It adds a bit of sophistication to custom drapery panels. These pleats can be made long (4-5 inches) or short (2 inches). Either way, they allow the customer to get the panels they want with a modern twist.

Tonight I had dinner with one of my designer friends, Anne. We have such a good time when we are together. We have a lot of common interests besides work but it is always fun to sit and talk to someone creative. I hope you enjoyed my little informative spill. I always like to educate my clients on all of their options.

What a fabulous day!!!

I really took a day off today. My friend Lisa (not my assistant) and I got a sitter for the kids and went to Camilla's Day Spa http://www.camillasdayspa.com/ and had a 1 hour massage and a 1 hour facial. It was awesome. Lori (not me) the owner and her staff were so nice. I think I fell asleep during my facial. We were so relaxed. We went out to lunch and went shopping afterwards. Since we had a sitter, we took full advantage. I even had my phone turned off. Those of you who know me know what a major step that is. I did have a few crisis calls but took care of those when I got home.

Congratulations go out to Pam of PS Interiors and Anne of Rosehall Kitchens and Baths. They are two decorators that I work for. Both of them got signed contracts today for design work. I'm so happy for them, not because I will get work from it, I will, but because I think it's wonderful to be able to do what you love to do for a living. I'm glad they have that opportunity. I'm thankful all the time that I get to do what I love. I loved nursing when I was doing it but when it was time to change, it was time to change.

I do have to do a few things while I am off this week but they are not big projects so I should be able to knock them out.

The above picture is a modified london shade over a master bathtub.

Just Now Sitting Down

It has been a crazy week. The last few weeks of school are just so hectic around here. Between class parties, field trips, award ceremonies, etc. It is all I can do just to get those things done. I really enjoyed every minute of it though. We even had a surprise trip to the ER because one the girls got hit in the head with a baseball bat. There is never a dull moment around here.

I had a really big install this morning. A master bedroom and bathroom. My husband went out of town, so did Lisa, my assistant. My oldest daughter had the other three kids but I had to take Sarah to the install. She really had a good time. The client pulled out all her daughter's old toys and they had a blast just playing Barbies.

I had my first measure for plantation shutters this weekend. I am so excited about starting to carry them. I really want to expand my product line. I am carrying Norman brand shutters. They are the best out there. I am running a summer special for 16.50 per square ft. That is an awesome price. Most places sell them for 18.00-22.00 per square foot. WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America). They had the business listed in Canton, OH instead of Canton, GA. No wonder I could never find it. Glad it's fixed now.

The above picture is from today's install.

Last Week of School

I always dread the last week of school. There are so many activities going on that I end up over scheduling myself. Ballet and baseball are over now, whew!!! I have 3 end of the year parties this week and then we are done with school. I really like it when the kids are home. It gets a little messy around the house but I like the relaxed schedule. The kids end up sleeping a little later and we just relax around here. I am taking a day or two off a week this summer to spend much needed time with the kids. There are a lot of things around Atlanta that we haven't done yet and I'm hoping to enjoy the time with them. Matthew is going into junior high this coming school year. It really makes you stop and think that time flies. It seems like yesterday, a foggy yesterday that he was born and we brought him home. Now junior high, tomorrow, high school. I'm going to enjoy it while I can.
I took some time off this weekend and have to go back to work tomorrow with 2 appointments, possibly 4. A busy day. I have 2 orders to finish up this week. I'm hoping to be able to squeeze some of my own stuff in this summer. I need to get all this finished up around my house.

Run, Run as fast as you can....

Today, I just went non-stop. I had to take cupcakes to Ben's class at lunch, then come back, do some work, go pick up Eva, bring her home. I then had to go to Norcross and pick up linings, then to a decorator's house to drop off pillows, then to one of her customer's house, then to another decorator's shop, then finally to my last appointment of the day at 6pm. I stopped by to try and get a belated birthday present for Ben but they were out as well. So, home I went.

We have been trying to get some orders knocked out this week. Lisa got a lot done while I was running today. I'm so glad she was here.

The appointment tonight was for arched panels.....yes, arched. I guess the last set was just practice. These will have an attached valance and the arch is a little more pronounced. It ought to be pretty interesting. The dining panels are going to look really pretty. We have done the tab top with cuffs before and they look really nice. I hope the fabric she picks out looks good.

The above picture was of the valance and panels we hung yesterday. It was around feet long and very heavy. It took two of us to get it up there. I thought it turned out really nice though.

Exciting Week's

It was really an exciting week here at Cherry Lane.

Lisa and I went to the International Window Coverings Expo on Thursday. I have to say that I was just a tad disappointed because it was smaller than in years past. Some of the vendors that I was looking for were not there, but some of my favorites were such as Award Fabrics. Mark was on hand making bloody mary's for everyone. (we took the bottled water). We opened accounts with LA Freds for a new line of fabrics and we also ordered and new line of trims. We are also carrying Norman plantation shutters now. Very exciting. Can't wait for my first order.

We visited the "Custom Home Furnishings Academy" booth and ooohhhed and aaaahhhed at all the samples that were hanging. We also went to the Dofix booth and found the most amazing iron. It was definitely something to save for and purchase next year. I renewed a lot of my subscriptions as well. I wasn't thinking and I wore new shoes to the show. The day ended when my feet screamed, "ENOUGH ALREADY".

We also got several orders finished last week and tried to keep as much to our schedule as possible. Keeping up with who, what, where and why is really working out for us. Lisa and I did work late on Thursday night to make up for being at the show.

The show got me to thinking and doing some self examining. I really want to take the business to the next level and I'm just trying to figure out what and where that is. I've been doing a lot of soul searching this weekend (in between company, ballet, baseball, etc).

The photos above are from the Expo. Hope you enjoy. It really was a good show.

On Schedule

I'm so surprised. Monday, we made a schedule of everything that needed to be done, everyday. We are sticking to it and it's working our pretty good. I have some paperwork to be done in the evenings but I'm not in the studio working every night. I could get used to this.

We got an order out today and then worked on some pillows and got some ordering done.

I had an appointment this afternoon to work on some panels and roman shades. I think it is going to turn out really nice.

I love doing window treatments. When you love what you do, it doesn't ever seem like work and you could find yourself "working" all the time before you realize what is happening. I have to be careful about that. I do love it, though.

The above picture is of the nursery for the first grandbaby of one of my favorite clients. I made the bedding and window treatments but they are so talented to decorate the nursery like they did. It is such a serene place to sit up nights feeding a sweet little baby. It's the kind of room you just want to go in and sit down and rest. Prayers and best wished go out to the Horne family on their pending arrival. They didn't find out if it was a girl or boy so double the excitement.

Today Was an Awesome Day!!!

Today was great. I got up this morning to find and email stating that I was chosen as one of the "Citizen Blogger" positions for the International Window Coverings Expo in Atlanta next week. It is a venue for vendors, designers, workrooms to come together and show off all the new products and technology for the industry. All the big names in the business will be there. Vendors come from as far away as China to market their new wares. It really is like "Disneyland" for the drapery professional. I'm really excited about the opportunity.

I hung the massive 2 arched panels today. They look great. The customer was so happy as was I. I had had nightmares about these panels. They really did complement the space.

I went on a new measure, guess what? Arched panels. Can you believe it? I guess today was just a practice run. Too funny.

I have an install tomorrow as well and those panels are in pieces on my work table. I will get them finished in the morning and delivered tomorrow afternoon. Then off to a measure tomorrow night.

I'm still working on the packet for the big house up in the mountains. I really want this to look good.

The picture above is from the install today. Hope you like it.