Window Fashion Vision May/June 2014

WF-VISION.COM

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04/05.14 VOLUME 35 / NO. 3 Details from The Construction Zone in a vignette by Ann K. Johnson of Sew Easy Windows and Tammy Paradoski of Daisy Chain LLC. See more starting on page 26. Photo by Brandy Stoesz.

THIS ISSUE /WORKROOM WINNERS: INGENUITY COMPETITION & THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE THIS ISSUE 14 A New Form of Group Benefits

Off-line connections with the

social networks that really

matter to your business.

By Kelly Conklin

22 Getting Into the Film Business

A Q&A session with Darrell

Smith, president of the

International Window Film Association.

45

16

24 The Professional’s Guide

To Evernote

Ideas and tips for how to use

this popular tool.

26 A Show of Hands

IWCE:Vision’14 Review­

Highlights from The Construction Zone, always one of the most popular features of the show.

EVERY ISSUE

The Long Term Benefits of Starting Small Working hard to land “the big job” might not be the best strategy to win new business.

By Maria Bayer

18 Learning What You Don’t Know

Learning what you don’t know

about your business is as

important as what you do know.

By Gail Doby 20

Unleash Your Inner Artist If you’ve always admired Jackie’s illustrations—you now have the opportunity to learn her sketching secrets.

By Jackie Von Tobel, WFCP

38 Global Inspiration

Hilde Francq of the Belgium trend firm Box3 shares one of the company’s current trend inspirations.

40 Build a Basic Cornice

Jill Ragan Scully demonstrates how to make this standard design.

On the cover:

Rewarding True Craftsmanship The winning projects from the 2014 Ingenuity competition vary widely in style, but share a commitment to craft.

6 Viewpoint:

What We’re Loving Now

Comments from contributors.

8

Viewpoint: Our View President/CEO Grace McNamara

10 Viewpoint: InfoBar

Findings from the Better

Homes & Gardens Millenials survey.

12 Viewpoint:

I’m Officially Obsessed With

Cheryl Draa on the

craft revolution.

70 Product Showcase 72 What’s Next

These richly embellished draperies were inspired by Versailles and created by Alan Schatzberg, Schatzberg & Associates, South Hackensack, NJ, the 2014 Workroom of the Year. See page 46 for more details.

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Finally, something your customers can agree on Battery-powered, remote-controlled shades

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WF-VISION.COM WHAT WE’RE LOVING NOW …

Staci (Dope Tapes) I adore decorative tape trims—from Greek key to Moroccan-themed embroidery. They add a quick touch of pattern to simple linen panels, jazz up a knife edge pillow, or even mimic architectural details on cornice boards. I especially love the new Isabelle de Borchgrave collection from Fabricut, which features beautiful colors and even a few metallic embroideries.

Lisa (Talking Heads) I’m loving TED Talks. TED

WINDOW FASHION VISION MAGAZINE President & CEO • Grace McNamara • grace@wf-vision.com Vice President/Circulation Director • Peggy Yung • peggy@wf-vision.com Editorial Director • Susan Schultz • susan@wf-vision.com Managing Editor • Nichole Day Diggins • daydiggins@charter.net WFCP Director & Trend Specialist • Deb Barrett • deb@wf-vision.com WFCP Workroom Certification Director • Jill Ragan Scully • jill@wf-vision.com Business Manager • Gabriela DesRochers • gaby@wf-vision.com Office Manager • Belinda Pasquale Hanson• belinda@wf-vision.com SALES Director, New Business & Strategic Partnerships • Shannon Leclair • shannonl@wf-vision.com Director, Sales & Marketing • Susanne Young • susanne@wf-vision.com Senior Account Executive • Karen Griffiths • karen@wf-vision.com CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE Maria Bayer, Kelly Conklin, Gail Doby, Cheryl Draa, Hilde Francq, Jill Ragan Scully, Darrell Smith, Jackie Von Tobel

is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas in the fields of Technology, Entertainment and Design in the form of short powerful talks by the world’s leading innovators and thinkers. I’m reading a book called Talk Like Ted which shares public-speaking secrets of the world’s top minds, and it mentions so many amazing TED Talks to view at TED.com, that I’ll never be able to watch all of the ones I want to!

Colleen (Whitener) After years of beige and browns I love crisp white with high contrast colors. Nothing says fresh to me like crisp white with

turquoise,

pinks,

yellows, emeralds, and purples. Add a graphic

DESIGNERS & WORKROOMS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE Carla Ballman, Monique Becker, Terri Booser, Brandi Renee Day, Jackie Dell, Staci Faulkner, Lee Frew, Dian Garbarini, Elizabeth Gerdes, Terri Horton, Ann K. Johnson, Lisa Landry, Tammi LeNair, Symphony M. Moussighi, Tammy Paradoski, Judy Peters, Colleen B. Peterson, Olga Polyanskaya, Alan Schatzberg, Diane Shea, Susan Watson SPECIAL THANKS TO Brandy Stoetz, Josh Zerkel 2014 EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Donna Elle, Donna Elle Seaside Living John Fitzgerald, Comfortex Neil Gordon, Decorating with Fabric Joyce Holt Susette Kubiak, Drapery Connection Rory McNeil, TechStyles Window Covering Products Inc. Tom Perkowitz,Horizons Window Fashions Inc. Jane Shea, Blinds Unlimited SUBSCRIPTIONS 877-344-7406 • WFVision@pubservice.com

modern print for a drapery that makes me smile. The addition of white into any color scheme brings an element of light that makes it appear less heavy and more happy. Bring on the white!

Alan (Warming Up) I’m loving the fact that it’s finally spring. It has been a particularly harsh winter—the high amount of snowfall coupled with

We’re on Facebook twice! facebook.com/wfvisionmagazine and facebook.com/vision.iwce

Window Fashion Vision magazine makes every attempt to credit each person involved in the process of creating a window covering and will not be responsible for crediting any person whose name, company or participation did not surface during the informationgathering process. Crediting disputes between parties other than Vision magazine are solved at the discretion of those involved.

Keep up with all the IWCE 2015 Las Vegas tweets @IWCEVISION

Window Fashion Vision® (ISSN 0999-7777; USPS 708930) is published six times a year, by AIM Communications LLC, 4756 Banning Ave., Suite # 206, White Bear Lake, MN 55110; Tel 651/330-0574; Fax 651/756-8141. Visit our website at www.wf-vision.com. Periodicals class postage paid at St. Paul, MN and additional offices. Postmaster: send address changes and subscription correspondence with mailing label to Window Fashion Vision, PO Box 15698 North Hollywood, CA 91615. Allow 60 days for address change. Subscription rates: $22/yr. U.S. and possessions; $29/yr. Canada; $90/yr. Foreign (includes airmail postage). Single copies/ back issues $6 each, except for special issues, which are individually priced. (Payment must accompany order.) Copyright ©2014 by AIM Communicaations LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Canadian Publications Agreement Number: #40036514. Canadian Return Address: Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, ONT N9A 6J5

extended periods of below freezing

temperatures

made it extremely difficult for us to get to our clients and for them to get out shopping.

On the positive side, there was a lot of time spent in the home contemplating all the design projects we’re working on now!

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Check out our Pinterest Boards Follow us and re-pin pinterest.com/wfvision/

Looking For A Partner Who is Interested in YOUR Success?

Our Mission: “to create an enduring partnership with our customers by being their most responsive, effective and efficient supplier of interior fashions.”

Looking for a Partner who is interested in your success?

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For over 60 years, Lafayette Interior Fashions has developed partnerships and friendships with independent dealers. We start with the essentials: a comprehensive assortment of custom window fashions; quick order turn-around; and weekly delivery on our own trucks.

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VIEWPOINT

The Power of Collaboration Start planning now for 2015.

am pleased to announce that the International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) will be colocating with KBIS and IBS under the Design & Construction Week umbrella, Jan. 20-22, 2015, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The International Surfaces Event at Mandalay Bay will be joining the collaboration, making this the largest home and design event in the country. Our first foray into D&C Week in 2014 was a huge success but 2015 promises to be an even greater opportunity for our industry to showcase ourselves to a wide variety of related professionals.

I’m writing about this early in the year because of the timing of the 2015 event. January will just be seven months away when you read this issue. So although it seems early to be talking about an event that takes place next January, it is such an important opportunity that I want to be sure our readers have the critical information so you can mark your calendar and definitely plan on attending.

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Not only do you have the opportunity to visit all of the above shows with your IWCE badge but every attendee has access to special events, keynote presentations and educational programs. In terms of collaboration as an industry we have the opportunity to meet and talk with builders as well as kitchen and bath designers about the importance of window coverings and they are interested! Last year, over 4,000 attendees from IBS walked our show floor interested in new products and considerations they should offer consumers. This event and partnership offers huge advantages for our industry—for a great example see Kelly Conklin’s article about networking with her local builder’s association on page 14. Learn more about how IWCE will help build these relationship by signing up for our e-newsletter at wf-vision.com/newsletter_signup.php

winners of our Ingenuity Workroom Competition. Take a look at the amazing hands-on work that is necessary to create the beautiful designs that transform rooms into truly special places. Plan now to register for next year’s Envision Design and Workroom Ingenuity Competitions by visiting wfvision/show and I hope to greet you at the podium next year!

Another form of collaboration that is the key to our industry is that between designers and workrooms. In this issue, we are proud to feature the

PS: I was thrilled to present Alan Schatzberg of Schatzberg & Associates with the award for Workroom of the Year. It’s always a special pleasure to meet the winners at the Awards Ceremony!

Keep up your skills and learn new design, business and workroom techniques with our on-demand and live webinarssee what’s new at wf-vision/ education and plan to become a Window Fashion Certified Professional in 2014. V

Grace McNamara President and CEO

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InfoBar

Millennials and Home Trends

The sixth annual Better Homes & Gardens suvey on home buying focused on more than 3,200 Millennials, asking their thoughts on home improvement spending and the importance of customization and personalization in the home.

79% of Millennials Believe Owning a Home is Part of the American Dream: In the next 15 years Millienials will outnumber Baby Boomers 78 million to 56 million and U.S. Millennials account for an estimated $1.3 trillion in direct annual spending.When it comes to home buying only 18% expect to purchase a new home, while 23% expect their home to be a fixer-upper and 35% want to start on home improvements immediately.

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VIEWPOINT

Cheryl Draa on the craft revolution

Officially Obsessed With Wandering the booths of the recent American Craft Council event in Atlanta is always a remarkable opportunity. This juried art exhibition of textiles, wood turning, pottery and glass allows me to meet wonderfully skilled craftsmen who execute incredible ideas; each turn of the aisle leads to more to explore. This is my fourth year attending and each year I discover something new. ¶ One of my favorite reasons to attend this event is the overall inspiration I feel examining the work of all these talented people—the fact that through an artist’s vision, something simple can be transformed into something extraordinary. ¶ This was also one of the themes I was reminded of at this year’s IWCE show in Las Vegas this past February, especially with the designs I saw in The Construction Zone. A simple pillow or window fashion is suddenly WOW when attention is paid to the details. That’s the difference between a skilled artist, and a homemaker trying to reproduce the art. Many times people say, “I could do that…” but the real question is will they? When looking at a truly skilled artist, whether in glass or window couture, most of us know the average homemaker can’t really do that. ¶ So what sets us apart from the DIYer? Skill, pride and a higher dollar amount

CLOSER LOOK

received for the art…no matter what the product. We can produce designs so incredible the reaction is, “I could never do that…” Which is why this one of the best marketing ideas I took away from the ACC event this year: Incorporate your own couture window works with extreme attention to detail, into your own room settings. Then have some people over, for a part and listen to them say, “I could never do that…” And then with a lot of pride say, “Well….I can.” V

Cheryl Draa cheryldraainteriordesigns.com Facebook: facebook.com/clddraa Blog: cheryldraa3451.wordpress.com Pinterest pinterest.com/clddraa

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: An important trend at the ACC event was wood, whether turned, pieced or otherwise mixed and transformed into truly beautiful works of art and furniture (and art furniture!)

The rocking chair was beautiful to look at, but extremely comfortable. Yes, it cost more than some other chairs but it is art. And no one who sat it in actually thought they could reproduce themselves.

OPPOSITE PAGE, CENTER AND BOTTOM: This year, the ACC had interior designers in the local Atlanta area set up a room scene of their choosing and then incorporate the art into their “room” to inspire using the art naturally in our own homes. Several trends shown in this room setting included recycling, extreme contrast in texture, glass, and pops of color. Each “room” provided at least one really great idea of how a simple area can be decked out with a piece of wow.

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Twitter twitter.com/CherylDraa3451 Houzz houzz.com/pro/ cheryldraainteriordesigns

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WF-VISION.COM | MAY/JUNE 14 | 13

VIEWPOINT

Network with a bigger purpose in mind

A New Form of Benefits

by Kelly Conklin, member of The International Window Coverings Exchange

love Facebook—I really do. I love Houzz and Pinterest and YouTube. I love social networks for my business. So it may come as a surprise that my favorite social network, hands-down, is the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Northern Vermont (HBRANV) and specifically the Remodelers Council (RC). Yep, a social network that requires me to show up, in person to participate. A social network that I can’t preprogram or engage with only when it is convenient for me. A social network that demands something from me. I absolutely love it.

So what do you gain by reading an article about why I love HBRANV? It is my contention that it will make you better, your business better, and if we, as window covering professionals, are committed to getting involved with the building industry, it will make our industry better.

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involved—from fundraisers to helping fix up peoples’ homes who really need the help.

How This Helps You We read industry magazines and fashion magazines and business journals.

We attend workshops and conferences. We do all of this to make us better at what we do. Joining a group like the Home Builders and taking part in a council like the Remodelers Council brings all of those efforts up a notch.

Most groups have educational segments at their meetings where you can get insight into your business, marketing efforts, etc.

These groups also offer the opportunity for you to tell everyone what is great about your business—what better audience could you ask for than a group of builders and designers?

Builders need to understand that window treatments are are not an optional piece of furniture—they can make a big difference in energy savings.

—Jerry Howard, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Home Builders

How This Helps Your Business It is easy to get tunnel vision in any industry, but it seems like we are even more susceptible to this in the window treatment industry. Being part of a group that forces you to take in the broader landscape is invaluable. The HBRA is made up of professionals who are all working with your clients.

Do you know who the most active builders are in your community? Do 14

you know what the designers in your community love right now? Do you know if the paint store down the road is hiring? Do you know if the Marvin distributor in your area is pushing the built-in honeycomb shades? This is the landscape of your community that will impact your business whether you’re aware of it or not. Being aware of it allows you to be proactive. You can reach out to the local builders so they know you are a resource, incorporate new looks into your line or your advertising, reach out to the hiring paint store with a potential partnership—the possibilities for your business are almost endless, but

you won’t even know they exist if you don’t get involved.

Another aspect of joining a group like the HBRA is that it opens up opportunities to help your community.

Being in business is not about being on an island. My company is part of a community and I firmly believe in giving back to the community that supports it. I love that, through my involvement with the Remodelers Council, I am able to get our team

Being a part of the HBRANV is not just about the leads I get (though they are a really nice ancillary benefit) it is about the relationships. Once a month when I attend the Remodelers Council meeting I get to sit around a table with the best of the best in the home remodeling industry here in Vermont.

I’m forging relationships with people who force me to up my game so that I feel I deserve to sit around that table. If you are the type of person who is 110% totally committed to your clients and

giving the absolute best value for their dollar then you are doing them a disservice by not joining a group like this.

How This Helps the Industry Just as important as knowing what is going on in the broader community is letting others know what is happening in our community—the window covering community. Joining, and being active in, the HBRA gives us a platform to better shape the future.

A group of us across the U.S. are now working together to get builders to include window treatments in their budgets, as they do appliances and flooring, and to help realtors understand the value of custom treatments.

How much more effective would it be if thousands of us were doing this rather than 30?

But we can’t just pay dues; we have to be active participants. Any social network is only as valuable as the ef-

fort you put in. With a living, breathing social network this is absolutely critical. The great news is that the payback is much more impactful than a couple of “likes.” V Kelly Conklin started her professional career with her own production company, traveling extensively creating educational videos for school systems. While producing commercials for her family’s company, Gordon’s Window Décor (GWD), she quickly found that working in the family business was her true passion. Since 2002 Kelly has come to realize that it isn’t just GWD that she is passionate about, it’s the window covering industry as a whole. Now, as chief operating officer Kelly’s focus is on standardizing business processes

that enhance every interaction a client has with GWD. She is a proud member of the International Window Coverings Exchange.

The International Window Coverings Exchange is a group of 14 leading window coverings retailers from throughout the U.S. and Canada. Founded in 1981, the group is active sharing ideas and supporting industry growth. If you would like to help the Exchange in this effort, whether you are a retailer or supplier, contact Nigel Brown at nigel.brown@ ruffell-brown.com.

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WF-VISION.COM | MAY/JUNE 14 | 15

VIEWPOINT

Getting the first yes

The Long-Term of Starting Small

by Maria Bayer

irst, let’s acknowledge that designers have a difficult task: their livelihood is predicated on the idea that they can get total strangers in many cases to hire them and spend a lot of money on projects that are driven by high emotions.

Handled the right way, emotions can get people to make decisions quickly.

But handled the wrong way, emotions can keep a client stuck and in an indefinite holding pattern.

What makes designers’ jobs even more difficult is that clients are often asked to make this decision before they see a design plan from the designer. So clients must base their decision on trust, and the sales skills of the designer. It’s not surprising, then, that people need time to make a decision, if they make one at all.

Try a Different Approach While much business advice is about the benefits of landing a big project, I’m recommending an approach that may seem unconventional—start small.

• I t’s faster. There are less decision points for the client if you keep the project small.

• It’s so much easier. Winning a small project is easier than winning a larger 16

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project, where the stakes are higher, and there are more things to consider.

• There’s less risk for the client.

Smaller projects cost less, take less time, and don’t require your client to make a huge commitment.

• I t shows that you’re not desperate.

Pushing back on a larger project and offering to tackle a smaller project first shows that you understand their concern, you’re not trying to gouge them, and lets your confidence shine through. Amazingly, the less you appear that you need them, the more they’ll want to hire you.

other areas of their home that you can update.

The better you get to know them, the better you can give them what they truly want from their space. You’ll become their trusted advisor. That is how you build a long term relationship.

I realize that for many people, the glory is in winning the large projects.

But at the end of the day, getting your foot in many doors is always a smarter strategy, and will pay dividends for many years to come. Just ask any successful salesperson. V Maria Bayer, the Authentic Sales Coach for Design Success University, teaches interior designers how to win ideal clients quickly and make more money

And most importantly, it gives you time to build the most important element to any working relationship: trust.

Once they see that you don’t spend their money like it’s going out of style, you’ll build trust. When they see that they love your design, you’ll build more trust. And here’s the beauty of that: They’ll usually end up spending more money—because they trust you!

It’s so much easier for a client to hire you for the next project once you’ve completed the first project. And as you continue to wow them, you’ll have a lot of opportunities to discuss

without being ‘salesy’.

To learn more, register for a complimentary three-part series at dsu-id. us/idgethired. Upon registration, you’ll receive an invitation to my upcoming webinar where you’ll learn the role emotions play in helping your client make a fast decision to hire you, plus a complimentary copy of DSU’s Ideal Client Profile, valued at $79.

VIEWPOINT

The keys to business success

What You Don’t Know

by Gail Doby, ASID

o matter how talented you are, or how long you’ve been in the design industry, I’d like you to read the following with “beginner’s mindset.” Because as humbling as it may be, a talent for design is not enough to ensure that your business is a success.

The first step to success is to decide that you are a businessperson that happens to be a designer. It is a subtle shift in your thinking, but it changes your perspective to align with your goals for business and financial success.

When I went to interior design school, we had exactly one business class, and it was not adequate preparation for starting a business. I also had a business degree, and sales training with a Fortune 500 company, but it still wasn’t enough. Because when I decided to start my own business, I didn’t know what I didn’t know.

I knew how to set up a business entity, how to get a sales tax license, how to apply for an Employer Identity Number, accounting software, setting up a bank account, getting business collaterals printed, choosing a business name, etc.

But what I didn’t realize at the time was how to run a business that would generate profit. Here are the steps I should have taken, and what I teach my coaching clients to follow: 18

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1. D ecide why you are going into business for yourself. Is it because you can’t find a job working for someone else? Do you have a need to run your own business? Do you have knowledge about how to run your own business?

2. D o you have resources to pay your salary and your expenses for at least three to six months?

3. Do you know what makes you stand out from other designers so you can explain it to your prospects?

4. D o you have an ideal client profile that specifically outlines what you are looking for in a client, and what you aren’t looking for in a client?

5. D o you have sales skills? If not, you need to get them ASAP because you won’t be in business long if you don’t know how to close a client.

6. D o you have a financial model for your business? Does it include a budget for marketing, education (skills and knowledge that will help you grow your business quickly and easily)?

7. D o you have a plan for how you will attract your ideal clients?

8. Does your body of work look like the kind of work your ideal clients want?

9. D o you have processes and procedures for your business?

10. D o you have a group of consultants to help you run your business effectively—CPA, attorney, business coach, graphic designer, webmaster, social media consultant, SEO consultant?

Are any of these steps missing from your arsenal? If so, be sure to fill in the blanks and get the assistance you need to build a financially successful business. If you don’t have the skills, you can get them by enlisting the help of experts. It is the best money you can invest in yourself. V

Gail Doby is Chief Vision Officer and Co-Founder of Design Success University whose mission is to help you earn six figures doing what you love.

Get the 2014 Interior Design Fee & Salary Survey eBook at www. interiordesignfees.com.

VIEWPOINT

Shorthand sketching secrets

Unleash Your Inner

by Jackie Von Tobel, WFCP

hroughout my career, having the ability to produce both quick sketches and detailed color renderings for my clients has given me a competitive edge. I wanted to share this with other designers so I began to develop my

series of books, The Design Directory of Window Treatments, The Design Directory of Bedding and the Slipcovers Home Idea Book, to provide a go-to source for design inspiration.

Being able to draw a quick sketch to communicate visually with a client, your workroom, or other members of your design team, helps lock in the sale, helps to reduce the risk of costly mistakes, and really wows the client. The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is so true, and you could also say “a picture leads to profitable sales.” Learning to take your designs from your head to your hand is one of the most valuable skills you can add to your design arsenal.

I have drawn tens of thousands of sketches both in my design practice and for my books. Through that experience I have developed a step-by-step system of drawing that takes the guesswork and fear out of this artistic process. Using this system you will soon be able to draw accurate, informative sketches for your clients. No matter what your sketching skill level, you will benefit from the many secret tips and tricks that I have perfected over twenty years of drawing. You will be amazed at how easy this system is to learn and immediately put into practice.

Design Drafting Coaching Course During this hands-on, interactive, video coaching course, I’ll share a sketching system that combines simple, repetitive, and easy-todraw shapes together in specific combinations to create fabulous design drawings. Unleash your inner artist and create professional quality, to-scale drawings, quickly, and accurately. There will be fun weekly assignments and a final project to prove your skills.

Whether you’re a sketching novice or an avid artist, you’ll develop new skills.

Participants in this course will learn:

The rendering shown above of a Helser Brothers swing arm with a custom treatment was drawn by Jackie, using her unique design drafting system that you will learn in the course.

The nine video sessions of this coaching program will teach you how to use step-by-step combinations of simple shapes to create complicated designs, so that a finished rendering like this could become part of your repertoire.

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• Quickly retrain their brain to easily produce professional quality, accurate, to-scale, sketches.

• Overcome their fear of drawing or perfect existing sketching skills to produce simple sketches or elaborate color renderings using one, easy-to-follow system.

• Learn how to use these new skills to improve their bottom line with improved communication and increased sales.

I’ve also included dedicated office hours just for those in the course, as well as a 30-minute one-on-one session to discuss any specific questions or issues. Because all the segments are on-demand, you can work at your own pace, using a password-protected site to access the lessons at your convenience.

Here’s what we’re going to cover: • Introduction: Preparing Your Workspace and Gathering Your Supplies.

• Part 1: Learning to Use Your Tools • Part 2: Recognizing Common Shapes in Everyday Objects • Part 3: Drawing Common Shapes • Part 4: Drawing Combination Treatments • Part 5: Embellishing Your Designs • Part 6: Drawing Bedding

Jackie Von Tobel is an award-winning interior designer, author, artist and product designer with more than 20 years of experience. She is the author and illustrator of The Design Directory of Window Treatments, The Design Directory of Bedding and Slipcovers Home Décor Idea Book.

Jackie is a passionate advocate for education in design and has been teaching on a variety of design related CLOSER LOOK topics for more than eight years.

Sign up for the Design Drafting Certification program at wf-vision. com/quick-sketching and start sketching today!

Jackie Von Toble jackievontobel.com Facebook: facebook.com/jackie.vontobel Blog: jackiebluehome.blogspot.com Pinterest pinterest.com/jackievontobel WFCP Drafting Coaching Program: wf-vision.com/quick-sketching

• Part 7: Overlaying in Ink • Part 8: Coloring Your Drawings I am happy to share my many “sketching secrets” so that others in the industry can experience the financial and creative benefits that come with being able to clearly and quickly communicate their designs through compelling visuals. V

Shown here is one example of how the most basic strokes can be transformed into stylish window treatment sketches—the basis of Jackie’s technique.

WF-VISION.COM | MAY/JUNE 14 | 21

VIEWPOINT

A profitable category to explore

Getting Into the Film s part of the growing synergy between builders and designers when it comes to window treatments, Vision magazine had the oppotunity for a Q&A with Darrell Smith, the executive director of the non-profit International Window Film Association, with the goal of learning more about how designers can successfully specify and sell this product category.

block up to 84% of the sun’s energy which normally comes in through a window, reducing the energy costs of a building substantially. There are almost 300 individual window films which have their energy savings specification certified and published by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), the same organization which also rates the performance of windows, doors and skylights.

Vision: What do designers and window treatment retailers need to integrate window film into their product offerings?

In addition, even standard window film products offer some level of protection from the hazards of broken glass. And there are window film products that have been tested and have independent certification for enhancing the safety of glass for general breakage, human impact, blast protection and earthquake performance.

Darrell Smith: Window films could be offered as an upgrade and/or enhancement to their current window dĂŠcor and furnishings. Window films can be used to leave draperies or blinds or shutters open more, letting in more natural daylight (which is becoming more and more preferable) without the excessive glare which otherwise might occur with unfilmed windows. Window films, even clear window films, installed on ordinary glass will stop 95-99% of the UV radiation from entering the room. This may increase the useful lifespan of other window coverings and protect floor coverings and furniture from excessive degradation due to UV exposure, while also protecting the skin of people inside the building from the harmful effects of overexposure.

Depending on the product chosen and the type on window on which it is installed, window film use can also 22

| VISION

for energy control or safety or UV benefits are dependent on the building occupant utilizing them properly.

Window films, on the other hand, are a passive system; they are always there, permanently in use and always working or on standby as needed.

The other major difference is that

Vision: Woven solar screens shades have recently become more popular as a glare and UV radition control product.

Are films a replacement for solar shades? Or can they/ do they work in conduction with each, thereby amplifying benefits?

Darrell Smith: Unless the building has a computercontrolled climatic system, woven solar screens are operator controlled. This means their effectiveness

With many new advances in window film, consider reaching out to experienced suppliers/installers in your area to add this potentially profitable category to your offerings. It should be as simple as adding any other type of subcontractor to your projects.

solar screens reach their maximum published energy reduction numbers by reducing the percentage of visible light admitted, which, traditionally, is also how window film used to work. However, today’s window films can admit high levels of visible light (50% or more) and still stop substantial amounts of solar energy (60% or more), if so desired. These specifications are certified by NFRC and the products are labeled as such.

If one already has woven solar screens installed, the addition of window film would further enhance the property by adding some mitigation of damage from glass breakage, increasing UV protection by at least an additional 20 percentage points (max 75% with screens to min of 95% with films), giving technologically proven visible light transmittance and solar energy reduction without dependence on an operator to achieve them.

Vision: You mentioned some changes in window film technology, but what are some new advances—in glass technology, in film technology—that will have an impact on the near future regarding the use of window film?

Darrell Smith: Solar energy that impacts windows and buildings is being considered for harnessing rather than simply being rejected from entering a building, so photovoltaics and other technologies are in testing and trials.

Uses of new framing materials for windows, lower u-value window films, adding coatings to more glass surfaces in insulated windows, and more use of triple pane windows are actually happening already.

Electrochromics, thermochromics, and photochromics are either already in products or in various stages of product development in the glass, window, and film industries as well as in both private and public energy laboratories around the world. Combinations of surface

coatings applied using different procedures with dual and triple pane constructions and “active” framing systems that work with the glazing/ coating substrates to give various performance parameters make for an infinitesimal number of possibilities.

However, suffice it to say that fenestration products of the future (glass, windows, door, skylights, tubular daylighting systems, window films) will all be more “responsive” to conditions, or “dynamic” as the term is now used. Even building constructions are changing. In some parts of the world, there are dual curtainwall buildings where the passive solar heat collected between the two curtainwalls is circulated from one side of the building to the cooler side of the building, balancing the heating/cooling loads on the facility.

Vision: In general terms, how profitable is window film? Are there any industry measurements that track or detail this? Is it sold by the square foot, plus installation?

Darrell Smith: Companies in the decorative window coverings industry will find that window films will fit nicely into the same general revenue/cost models as many of their other sale/furnish/install offerings.

It is generally priced by the square foot installed by the installing company but quoted to the consumer as a single total price.

By subcontracting with a local window film company to furnish and install the window film, a designer/ retailer would only be adding the selling and general administrative fees to their cost structure. That would leave the full profit from the job to be negotiated in some arrangement with the installing window film dealer.

The marginal profit for both parties may

be very attractive and it would give the designer/retailer an opportunity to assess whether or not to keep it as an offering only or to put in the infrastructure to support it as an ongoing business within itself.

Vision: What information does your organization offer to non-members who want to know about window film, how to find a company that would be willing to furnish and install, etc.

Darrell Smith: To see what is happening with window films and the window film industry and catch some of the latest news, go to the “News” section of the IWFA website at iwfa.com.

On the website you can also contact one of our window film manufacturers through the direct links to their websites provided under the “Business Locator” tab across the top of the page. If you would rather speak with one or more local dealers first, they can be found through the use of the “Locate a Dealer” feature under that same “Business Locator” tab.

There are several technical guides that are available to those who are interested and, if there are specific questions about the industry, IWFA staff is available through info@iwfa.V Darrell Smith is the executive director of the International Window Film Association (IWFA) and has more than 30 years experience in window film industry, including positions in marketing, sales and distribution. While with the IWFA he has authored or co-authored many of the generic educational materials used for industry training and for consumer information purposes.

WF-VISION.COM | MAY/JUNE 14 | 23

VIEWPOINT

A visual database and so much more

The Professional’s Guide to ne of the most popular additions to IWCE: Vision’14 was the Design Tech Summit. Representatives from many of the top digital tool and app developers were on hand to demonstrate, explain, answer questions and even troubleshoot. It was a remarkable opportunity to gain “insider access” and learn firsthand about how these technologies can be used to improve all aspects of your business.

images, text and the URL from any website in your own customized database. These are saved as notes and these notes can then be tagged with keywords like the product type, color,

nitely adaptable tool. Photos you take with your phone or digital camera can (and should) be added to Evernote. Audio notes, sketches—whether manual or digital—handwritten notes and magazine clippings, can all be saved. These can be filed in project notebooks to be shared with clients and/ or team members. Notes and comments can be added to images and shared. It makes organizing and sharing all the product-related bits and pieces of a project easier and faster.

Marketing Create a shared notebook for “before and after” project shots and use it with potential clients. Use it to create mood boards for client projects by pulling from your tagged images or searching the web for fresh inspiration. If you’ve received press coverage or accolades, if you’ve been an instructor or have other professional associations, use Evernote to organize and file those materials—from PowerPoint presentations to PDFs— ready to access at any time for a credibility boost!

One of the Design Tech Summit speakers was Josh Zerkel, a business developOne of the comments that came up in the Evernote discussion was that the key to using ment director Evernote effectively is to commit to it. If you just use it for a few isolated tasks, it will at Evernote. He seem “clunky” compared to other apps, but once you start using it as your default bookmark/webclip app, notetaker, recipe box, repository of all your reference material,etc.—it’s walked the auamazing. You can have all the information you need indexed and searchable across every dience through single platform you have. a design project, demonstrating how Evernote can material and style. Then, of course, all Schedules be used to source, share, communciate these notes are searchable on your Use Evernote to create to-do lists in and more. smartphone, tablet or computer, no a note for yourself and other team synchronizing necessary. members. Tasks get checked off as they Sourcing are completed, and can be prioritized Most people may know Evernote as But as useful as that function is, it’s a as needed. Create basic schedules and a “web clipper,” allowing you to save very limited use of this almost infi24

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timeframes for each project to keep the team up to date. Use Reminders to pin these notes for quick access. On the day you need to deal with something, the note pops up at the top of your Evernote list, allowing you to access any files or information that need to be dealt with. Optional email notifications give you another way to stay on top of these reminders. By combining some of Evernote’s other features, you can create a “hot list” to prioritize tasks, eliminate distractions, and meet deadlines.

Finances Business receipts, whether from working lunches, for materials or from subcontractors, can immediately be captured. Add a note about the nature of the expense, assign it to a project if applicable and make a reminder if it needs to be paid. Add tags by project, type of expense, month or other identifier. That way, if you need to refer to receipts for specific categories, they are all easily seen in one spot.

By adding project budgets to Evernote you’ll also be able to track ‘project creep’ by attaching change orders and updated estimates and invoices directly in the project notebook. This makes it much more likely you won’t be on the hook for any “unauthorized” or unapproved expenses due to the revised nature of the project.

Other Uses The discussion around Josh’s presentation also came up with a range of other uses audience members had for Evernote: • Save articles in case they vanish from the internet.

• Use the Clearly app for reading articles.

• Track conversations with potential and current clients.

• Store business cards of people, resources and vendors you’ll want to have handy, but that you don’t want

or aren’t sure they belong in your main phone database.

• Create templates for repetitive conversations.

• Take snapshots of schedules and agendas; shipping labels, packaging or any other reference material.

• Use it to store IT information, anything that may help save time and make it really easy to get your business back up and running (like your router settings) • Use Evernote’s mobile app to record audio notes of ideas you may get while driving, or to record “agenda” items you want to remember to discuss with someone—whether your coach, a vendor, a client, or your assistant.

• Store types of information you’ll need in a rush: the best place to park for your favorite shops or showrooms; what to look for when evaluating antique furniture; the lightbulb type for your outside lights.

On the desktop view a series of snapshots of recent notes can be seen on the top, with tabs for main categories directly below. The Evernote mobile version drops the snapshots but is otherwise very consistent with the desktop, making learning to use the app simpler than ever.

Are you an Evernote user? How do you work with it? We’d love to know and share your feedback with Josh and the rest of the Design Tech Summit participants to make next year’s event even better! V

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IWCE; VISION’14

Sharing secrets

A

of Hands

If there was a “most popular” award at IWCE, it would undoubtly go to The Construction Zone, an ever-busy center of activity.

“The Construction Zone is the highlight of the entire show,” said attendee Judith Ellis. “I love all the demonstrations and the tips—as a workroom operator it is a must for me!” ¶ This year’s roster included sessions on working with specific types of trims and materials, methods for classic looks such as ripplefold and smocking, several different types of special pleating techniques and much more, all organized by the indefatigable Terri Booser. In addition to the demos, where the practice fabrics, forms, tools and materials were donated by generous sponsors, the amazing vignettes draw visitors to examine, inspect and review. It’s no wonder that The Construction Zone is consistently busy! IWCE: Vision’14 thanks Terri and all the volunteers that help make The Construction Zone an annual success. V THIS PAGE LEFT: Kelly Mueller instructs a quick 20-minute Shirred Sunburst Pillow.

THIS PAGE LOWER LEFT: The hands-on approach of The Construction Zone was a draw for attendees from KBIS and IBS as well.

THIS PAGE BELOW: The how-to instructions included techniques in almost every type of custom home decor that uses fabric and the expanded repetoire proved popular with attendees.

OPPOSITE TOP LEFT: Ann K. Johnson demonstrated a mitered banding technique.

OPPOSITE TOP RIGHT: Terri Booser shared a light moment during her session on Pleated Edge Options.

OPPOSITE BOTTOM RIGHT: Vignette fabric sponsors, including Catania Silks, had the opportunity to display their latest collections in The Construction Zone.

OPPOSITE BOTTOM LEFT: Elizabeth Gerdes discusses one of the elements from her nursery display as part of her demonstration.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO Vignette Sponsors: American Down and Feather Catania Silks Faux Iron Solutions Greenhouse® Fabrics Hanes Fabrics Helser Brothers, Inc It’s Oksana™ LA Fred’s Fabrics M’fay Patterns Orion Ornamental Iron, Inc. Rose Lace and Braid Rowley Company Sunbrella Trend® Fabrics Unique Expressions Wesco Fabrics Supply Contributors: Adaptive Textiles Rowley Company Jackie Von Tobel

Construction Zone Demonstrators Anita Boetsma Helser Brothers, Inc. Ania McNamara Smartroll, Inc. Jill Ragan Scully Impressive Windows and Interiors Kelly Mueller Scarlet Poppy Interiors Vignette Fabricators and Demonstrators Carla Ballman,Monique Becker, Terri Booser, Elizabeth Gerdes, Terri Horton, Ann Johnson, Tammi LeNair, Tammy Paradoski

WF-VISION.COM | MAY/JUNE 14 | 27

CHINOISERIE CHIC: Designed and fabricated by Carla Ballman, Spring Creek Designs, LLC, Dennison, MN and Terri Horton, Puget Sound Draperies, Enumclaw, WA. This collaborative effort was inspired by Carla’s latest trip to China and combines several elements they shared in their IWCE seminars. The design features four drapery panels with tuck pleat details at the top and bottom of the panels that conceal Velcro so the bottom skirt panels can be changed out. Additional design elements include the fan-bottom Roman shades in between the drapery panels and the soft cornice for the middle window. The Chinoiserie element comes in the form of the four small Pagoda cornices adorned with drapery jewelry and large gold finials. Special thanks to: Wesco Fabrics, Rose Lace & Braid, The Finial Company, Curtain Bling, Hanes Fabrics and Rowley Co. 28

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LOOKING FOR AN EXCITING CAREER IN CUSTOM DECORATING?

BRING YOUR TALENT HOME TO JCPENNEY Custom Decorating demand has been steadily rising. JCPenney offers an unmatched assortment of window treatments and a free in- home customer consultation with the recognition and trust that only JCPenney can provide.

We’d love to hear from you! JCPenney is looking for talented designers and installers across the country to join our Custom Decorating team.

Besides a rewarding career, we offer a competitive compensation package that includes: • Comprehensive benefits.

• Aggressive marketing.

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To apply, visit our career website at jobs.jcp.com (select the source code “VISION”).

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VIVID VERANDA: Designed and fabricated by Terri Booser, Studio of Drapery & Fabrication Arts, Houston, TX. When Jill Ragan Scully commented during planning meetings that no one had done an outdoor vignette, Terri Booser jumped on the opportunity. She chose a color scheme that worked with her own marketing materials so she could reuse the display in her showroom and played with the idea of using grommets in various ways—as a leading edge and as pillow decor. Special thanks to: Unique Expressions, Sunbrella, Helser Brothers Inc., Rowley Co., American Down and Feather.

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Imagination. Integration. Innovation.

Motorized Honeycomb Shades

Advanced Controls

Motorized Roller Shades

Expect the unexpected. In the pursuit of true perfection, QMotion’s uncompromising engineering brings a whole new level of innovation and design to the industry. Imagine your window interiors in a whole new light.

QMotion Advanced Shading Systems sets new standards of excellence in automated shades. Whether it’s Roller Shades or Honeycombs, experience a system so quiet and elegant you won’t believe it’s motorized.

QMotion created the first automated shades featuring a patented manual override and is the only automated window treatment offering products that can be operated by hand, remote or smart device. But that’s not all, thanks to QMotion’s intelligent interface called Qconnect you can communicate with industry leading building and home control systems, giving you and your customers the ultimate in convenience and flexibility. Automation is meant to make life easier, so take full advantage with the system designed to sync with your home or office A/V system, just one of the many benefits of our solutions.

Experience the difference today.

877-849-6070 QMotionShades.com © 2014 QMotion Advanced Shading Systems Made in the USA.

A TREND SETTER: Designed and fabricated by Ann K. Johnson of Sew Easy Windows, Avon Lake, OH, and Tammy Paradoski of Daisy Chain, LLC, Bloomfield Township, MI. The bold geometric of this pattern from Trend Fabrics inspired the colorblock approach. Ann K. Johnson, who had recently learned to weave two swags together, was interested to see how that technique would work weaving a swag into a panel. “It required a bit of planning to pleat the panel as much to pattern as possible to enhance the geometric print, and then design a swag pattern with the same number of pleats,� Ann explained. The pair combined colorblocking, banding and decorative trim with the weave technique to create a deceptively simple-looking design that showcased the geometric prints. Special thanks to: Trend Fabrics, Rowley Co. and Hanes Fabrics.

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PLUM PERFECTION: Designed and fabricated by Monique Becker, Becker Window Fashions, Inc., Boyertown, PA. The elegance of this design evokes the grand apartments of Paris.

The interlined and contrast-lined Italian-strung drapery panels are the epitome of old world luxury, enhanced by the passementerie detailing and the gilded hardware.The motorized draperies underneath added another layer of contrast color and functionality while the addition of the Tableaux created the feel of the exterior wrought iron scrollwork. Special thanks to: LA Fred’s Fabric, Orion Ornamental Iron, Inc., Rose Lace & Braid, Rowley Company, Faux Iron Solutions and Hanes Fabrics.

FLIGHT OF FANCY: Designed and fabricated by Tammi LeNair, Couture Window Fashions, Ephrata, PA. Tammi LeNair was interested in using silk in a contemporary, fluid manner, rather than the traditional way of lining and interlining. That sense of fluidity carried through in the design of the drapery and cornice, with an abstract bird in an iridescent taupe silk layered over a softly curved base in pink silk. “I departed from my usual ‘more is more’ style in that I didn’t use any trim at all, nothing to encumber the flight of the bird,” Tammi said.

She worked with Oksana Ambroz for the feathery, lasercut tieback while a hand-blown glass holdback gently restrains the shimmering top panel. Special thanks to: Catania Silk, It’s Oksana, Remy Lemoine, Rowley Co. and Hanes Fabrics.

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CRIB ABOVE THE REST: Designed and fabricated by Elizabeth Gerdes, Stitch Above the Rest, Atlanta, GA. For this sophisticated nursery ensemble Elizabeth Gerdes worked with graphic black-and-white patterns set against different weights and prints in coral pink. The draperies, seat cushions, pillows and custom throws all work beautifully within the setting, but can also transition easily to a juvenile room setting or other rooms in the home. “We have access to more information about nursery safety than any other generation before us,” Elizabeth said. “Cribs can look beautiful and be safe, all at the same time. It just takes effort, knowledge and educating our clients. Displaying a nursery set allows for open communication about nursery safety issues once again, and I think this is something we should never stop talking about or striving for.” Special thanks to: Greenhouse Fabrics and Rowley Co. 36

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CALL FOR ENTRIES! Join the prestigious list of awardwinning designers and workrooms that have earned these coveted awards, designating them as the best in their field! Present your winning designs at the Design and Workroom Competition Awards Ceremony, Wednesday, January 21st, during the International Window Coverings Expo in Las Vegas.

Who Can Enter?

Professional designers, design firms and workrooms who design and fabricate exquisite window fashions.

Why Should you Compete?

You will be recognized as one of the most talented professionals in the industry.

Your winning creations will be featured in Window Fashion VISION magazine, on the wf-vision.com and IWCE websites. Past winners have acknowledged that winning the competition has helped their business grow – their customers are thrilled to be working with a nationally recognized professional!

In addition to national recognition, the Designer and Workroom of the Year will receive a FULL design pass to attend the 2015 IWCE (up to $500 value). Winners of specific categories receive FREE passes to attend the exhibit floor.

You can’t win if you don’t enter!

Enter online until August 15, 2014.

To enter and for complete guidelines and terms, go to wf-vision.com/Shows

651.330.0574

TRENDS

Global Inspiration Adventurous travelers influence design

“Over the past decade or so interior design has seen a drastic color evolution,” explains Hilde Francq, the chief forecaster for Belgian trend company Box3. “More and more people are combining different color schemes and integrating mixed materials to boost the personality of their interior.”

Francq references the growth of younger-skewing design media, but believes the key factor in this change is the fact that people are traveling in a more engaged, active manner than before. “The increasing stress of everyday life contributes to why many consumers are eager for satisfying vacations and new experiences,” she says. “They love to explore and they are inspired by what they find.” This quest for unknown cultures offers a different view of the world and triggers the urge to integrate new-found influences into the homes.

“Where we go on a vacaction affects our choice of colors, fabrics and materials,” she continues. “Even those who only travel for relaxation are unconsiously returning back home with a colored mind. They love buying accessories and taking holiday pictures.

These items are then carefully placed in their home, giving it a more personal attitude. Sometimes even a small outof-place item or a piece of furniture can give a home a more personal look.” V Travel inspiration can range from a riotous mix of color and pattern (above) to more subtle “collection-influenced” design (below).

CLOSER LOOK Box3 en.box3.be Facebook: facebook.com/Box3ColorWorks Twitter: @Box3_ColorWorks Blog: box3colorworks.tumblr.com

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WF-VISION.COM | MAY/JUNE 14 | 39

HOW-TO

Build a Basic Cornice Simple steps to fabricate this key design In another how-to Jill Ragan Scully, director of the WFCP Workroom Certification program, shows how easy it is to create a basic cornice. V Step 1: Basic construction: Use 1x1’s for the top and legs and OSB or FirmaFlex™ for the front. Make the top and the front the same width.

Step 2: Subtract the width of the top board from the length of the legs.

Attach the legs to the underside of the dustboard with flathead screws.

Pre-drill the holes to avoid splitting the wood.

Step 5: Center fabric pattern on front.

Step 6: Wrap the face fabric around side legs onto the back side of the front face. Then secure it temporarily with push pins.

Step 7: Staple inside when you are satisfied with placement.

Step 8: Staple on to the top of the frame.

Step 9: Cut of all excess fabric. Then staple underneath the front facing.

Step 3: To attach batting, flip the cornice frame face down onto the batting and trace outline with a magic marker.

Step 10: Use the side tuck method to hide excess fabric on sides.

Step 4: Cut with scissors. Use spray adhesive to secure.

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Step 11: To finish the dustboard, cover it by placing a piece of fabric slightly larger than the width of your cornice over the top of the dustboard, right sides together. Make sure there’s enough fabric to wrap over and inside the top of the cornice.

Step 12: Use a piece of tackstrip to achieve crisp corners. Clip away a slight angle at each corner to assist in tucking in the bulk, then staple all the way across the front.

Step 13: Wrap over top of dustboard into the inside.

Step 14: Close up the covered top of the dustboard with the excess fabric tucked in at the corners. Use push pins to secure the fabric tightly to the back before stapling to ensure fabric is positioned correctly.

Step 15: Line and staple.

Step 18: Notice the perfectly matched stripes from the front fabric to the finished dustboard. These basic design and fabrication steps can then be embellished as needed for more detailed cornices.

Jill Ragan Scully is the owner/operator of Impressive Windows & Interiors, a fabrication and design studio located in Hastings, MN. She is also the WFCP Workroom Certification Director, managing the online workroom certification program. Scully has extensive education and experience in fashion, apparel, textiles, and design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities. She holds several certifications such as Certified Professional Decorator (CPD), Certified Color Consultant (CNRCC), and Window Fashions Certified Professional (WFCP) Expert for Design and Workroom. She is also a member of many industry organizations such as Workroom Association of America (WAOA), the immediate past President for the local chapter of Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA)-Twin Cities as well as a current member of the Window Fashions Advisory Board.

To see additions to the WFCP online workroom certification program go to wf-vision.com/ workroom.

Step 16: Cover staples with gimp and secure with a glue gun.

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Step 17: I place one of my labels inside every finished piece.

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2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

REWARDING TRUE

CRAFTMANSHIP It’s well known in the the interior design industry that crafting beautifully constructing window treatments is a specialty all its own, requiring skills not easily acquired in standard classrooms. Fortunately for our industry, the allure of gorgeous fabrics and challenging concepts attracts many amazing artisans. Congratulations to all the 2014 Ingenuity competition winners, including

ALAN SCHATZBERG, the 2014 Wokroom of the Year.

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2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

ALAN SCHATZBERG, ALAN SCHATZBERG & ASSOCIATES, INC. 2014 WORKROOM OF THE YEAR & FIRST PLACE, CURTAINS & DRAPERIES PROJECT DETAILS Each window in this formal dining room required a combination of 12 different fabrics and trims. Approximately 250 yards were required to complete the treatments for these three windows, a fitting indulgence for designs inspired by the wonders of Versailles.

“Our biggest challenge was keeping track of the incredible amount of detail and layering in the designer’s concept,” explained Alan Schatzberg. “A series of design and production meetings, both in the workroom and on site, were necessary to ensure precision and the desired results.”

Although Schtazberg was working with the design firm on all the rooms in this Long Island estate, the intricacy of each design meant the rooms were handled one at a time. “We consulted, executed and installed, and only then moved on to the next room,” said Schatzberg. “The result was worth the wait—an outstanding example of superior workmanship and attention to detail.”

DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom: Alan Schatzberg, Alan Schatzberg & Associates, Inc., South Hackensack, NJ. Designer: KAC Studio, Inc., Nyack, NY. Installer: Alan Schatzberg & Associates, Inc. SOURCES: Swag, jabot and tie-back panel fabric: Stark. Trim: Houles. Fabric rosettes: Brunschwig & Fils. Stationary panel fabric: Nancy Corzine. Leading edge details: Ralph Lauren silk velvet, Christian Fischbacher, Houles. Curtain and Austrian shade fabric: Corragio. Shade trim: Passementerie. Miscellaneous: Passementerie Custom Cross Rosettes WF-VISION.COM | MAY/JUNE 14 | 47

2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON STACI FAULKNER, ALEXANDRA’S CUSTOM DRAPERIES, LLC FIRST PLACE (TIE), SPECIALTY WINDOW FASHIONS PROJECT DETAILS To showcase a set of three arched windows and doors in a spacious music room, the designer specified a lush balloon-swagged valance over stationary side panels.

The deep window casings allowed plenty of room for installation. “All three layers of the treatment were mounted on Firma-Flex boards,” Staci Faulkner said, “and the drop of the balloon swags was controlled with cord adjusters. This allowed the installer to set the treatments during installation, so they hit at exactly the correct spot on the window.”

Stationary silk stripe panels were banded on the leading edges with a solid taffeta. The sheer panels were very narrow, but installed at the edge of the banding, creating an illusion of another full layer.

DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom: Staci Faulkner, Alexandra’s Custom Draperies, LLC, Houston, TX. Designer: Mickey Bufalini, Collaborative Design Group, Houston, TX. Installer: Mark Browning, Houston, TX. 48

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SOURCES: Silk stripe: Kravet 27292-916. Sheer: Fadini Borghi, Smeralda 20331. Panel banding: Fabricut Topaz, 367. Bullion fringe: Fabricut Nessa, 08. Firma Flex: Rowley Co. Linings: Fabricut

SECOND PLACE (TIE), TOP TREATMENTS PROJECT DETAILS A series of upholstered cornices and simple panels over Silhouette shades are both architectural and minimalist. The cream fabrics used for the window treatments help brighten a dark room, while the design complements the uniquely detailed ceiling.

The designer wanted to add dimension to the room, so the cornices were double-batted. The extra batting gave the cornices a slightly tufted appearance when the staples were applied, creating a channel for the trim. The braided trim, anchored by center medallions, is all the emphasis needed for the upholstered cornices.

The color of the braided trim repeats the color of the embroidery on the stationary panels, and emphasizes the simple geometric design. The room needed softening without being overwhelmed by pattern, and this simple, bold design manages to be functional and appealing.

DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom: Staci Faulkner, Alexandra’s Custom Draperies, LLC, Houston, TX. Designer: Amy Salazar, Woodlands Interiors, The Woodlands, TX. Installer: Marc Gray, Houston, TX. SOURCES: Drapery fabric: Fabricut, Temple in Parchment. Cornice fabric: Fabricut, Wrangler in Ivory. Trim: Fabricut, Soutache in Cement. Hardware: The Finial Company.

Linings: Fabricut WF-VISION.COM | MAY/JUNE 14 | 49

2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

STACI FAULKNER, ALEXANDRA’S CUSTOM DRAPERIES, LLC

2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

COLLEEN B. PETERSON, SEW STYLISH FIRST PLACE (TIE), SPECIALTY WINDOW FASHIONS

PROJECT DETAILS A combination of three arched windows that overlooked a yard needed to be treated as one unit in order to best preserve the view while highlighting the unique shape. As Colleen B. Peterson was the designer, workroom and installer, she knew from the start the many issues that needed to be addressed.

A traversing sheer is the underlayer, topped by a cornice that follows the curves of the windows and covered in fabric that blends with the parchment-paper faux finish of the walls. Scalloped stationary panels in crinkled bronze are hung from rosettes, framing the window and adding a color that ties in with some of the darker wood and metallic accents in the room.

Because of the overall size of the cornice, it was fabricated in sections and assembled onsite. Metal tie plates were used on the back side to connect 96" pieces of wood, and the installation required a team of four. “Because I was involved in every step of the project, installation—even with such a large piece—was fast and efficient,” Colleen explained. “The header board was simply attached into the ceiling after the traverse rod was installed. Then the side of the cornice was nestled tightly to the wall with l-brackets.”

The result is a treatment that showcases the unique window and balances the large, 115" sofa. As an added bonus, the window treatment’s neutral colors lend versatility to most color schemes the client may desire in the future.

DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom and designer: Colleen B. Peterson, Sew Stylish, Pueblo, CO. Installers: Kurt, Colleen, Chari and Cami Peterson, Sew Stylish.

SOURCES: Fabrics—sheer, cornice and velvet: Wesco Fabrics. Rosettes and holdbacks: The Finial Company. Traverse rod: Kirsh. Tassels: Tuesday Morning.

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2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON LISA LANDRY, DECORATING DEN INTERIORS FIRST PLACE, COMBINATION TREATMENTS PROJECT DETAILS The windows in this dining room had two major problems—they were too short in proportion to the wall, leaving an awkward space above to the ceiling, and they looked out to a relatively unattractive view.

The walls were painted crimson to pick up on the colors of the host dining chair. Transluscent honeycomb shades filter the sun and obscure the view, while floor-to-ceiling drapery panels add height to the somewhat undersized windows.

To create a faux transom and fill the void between the top of the windows and the ceiling Lisa added a large mirror. “I love the sparkle that the mirror adds to the room, and it’s perfect for reflecting the amazing chandelier,” she said. “Sometimes challenging architectural details creates the best designs!”

A series of repeated trellis patterns—the chair backs, the panel fabric, the mirror—help to further tie all the design elements together. “I feel like the finished dining room is really graphic and dramatic, but still so approachable and functional for their lifestyle. It’s the perfect combination for lounging with friends over good food and good wine.”

DETAILS

CREDITS: Designer: Lisa Landry, Decorating Den Interiors, Arlington, TX. Workroom: BerBon Street Workroom, Grand Prairie, TX. Installer: Lamar Griggs, Argyle, TX. Photographer: Edie Ellison, Accent Photography, Greenville, SC. SOURCES: Honeycomb shade: Hunter Douglas: Encore in Flowering Cactus. Drapery panel fabric: Kasmir, Padonia Trellis in Domino. Drapery hardware: The Finial Company. Host chair: Cox, 1275. Host chair fabric: Fabricut, Corduroy in Cardinal. Chandelier: Elk Lighting. Mirror: Uttermost.

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2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

JUDY PETERS, PALMETTO DRAPERY FIRST PLACE, DECORATIVE PILLOWS PROJECT DETAILS The goal for this outdoor area was to visually separate a raised open dining area (not shown) from a conversation area covered by a semi-open arbor. The existing furniture was incorporated into the design in order to maintain the character and patina the space had developed.

Working with a total of six outdoor fabrics, including the bold stripe used for the drapery panels, Judy constructed nine fully reversible seat cushions and accent pillows.

“We did not want the space to look as if it had been newly decorated.”

Judy said, referencing a discussion with her client. “The eclectic mix of fabrics gave the impression that the pillows had been collected over time.” From the same mix of fabrics, she made eight seat cushions and accent pillows for the dining area (not shown).

A pair of simple, self-lined panels were installed at the entrance to the dining area. Held by clip rings to wrought iron rods mounted to the arbor, Judy used black plastic chain to create whimsical tiebacks to secure the panels without damaging the fabric. “Everything was deliberately left simple and unadorned,” she said, “with the exception of pieced accent pillows fabricated from remnants.

These cushions were a surprise for my detail-oriented client, and she loved them!”

In this project, the decorative pillows did far more than simply support the overall design—they effectively transformed an ordinary, seldom-used deck into a true outdoor room.

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DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom, Designer and Installer: Judy Peters, Palmetto Drapery, Anderson, SC. Photographer: Patrick McGinnis, JPMcG Photography, Anderson, SC. SOURCES: Fabrics: P Kaufmann, Kingsway, Robert Allen, Mill Creek. Welt Cord: Perfect Fit. Cushion and pillow filling: Cushion Source. Drapery hardware, decorative lights, votive chandelier: Patio and Fireside, Seneca SC. Plastic chain for tiebacks: White Jones Hardware, Anderson, SC.

2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

JUDY PETERS, PALMETTO DRAPERY SECOND PLACE, COMBINATION TREATMENTS PROJECT DETAILS The pencil-post bed is the obvious focal point of this master bedroom, but the husband and wife differed on the idea of adding fabric panels. The husband was worried he’d be “sleeping in a cocoon,” but the wife was insistent.

A compromise was reached by using half-widths for the panels and the top of the frame left bare. The panels were casually tied to the tester with tabs, providing a more open feel. A matching box-pleated bed skirt completed the bedding ensemble, while an assortment of custom accent pillows brings together some of the other colors in the room.

A contrast-lined portiere panel from the main fabric softened the opening of the hallway leading to the master bath. The tie-tab header echoed the bed panels, and an iron tie back bracket pulled the panel slightly to the side, creating a pleasing shape. Because this panel was visible from the front and back, hand-applied tassel fringe was used on both sides of the leading edge.

The double window was dressed with traditional swags and cascades, on top of already existing blinds. The cascades were contrast lined with chocolate brown, and the interlined window treatments were trimmed with coordinating onion fringe. The main fabric used throughout is a subtle beige cotton with a chocolate and cream floral motif. A total of six accent fabrics and nine trims in a pleasing mixture of weights, textures, sheens, patterns, and colors added warmth and an inviting layered look to the space.

DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom, Designer and Installer: Judy Peters, Palmetto Drapery, Anderson, SC. Photographer: Patrick McGinnis, JPMcG Photography, Anderson, SC. SOURCES: Fabrics: Jay Yang, Covington, Robert Allen. Trims: Parisia, Conso. Linings: Hanes Classic Sateen, Hanes Interlining. Portiere hardware: Homestead House.

Blinds: Hunter Douglas, existent.

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2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON SYMPHONY M. MOUSSIGHI, SYMPHONY HOME DÉCOR FIRST PLACE, CUSTOM BEDDING PROJECT DETAILS To create the bed ensemble she calls Secret in Nile, Symphony used 11 patterns, including stripes, floral tapestry, jacquards and brocade, and six different textiles—a sateen, a polyester blend, a silk, and a velvet.

The main colors were gold and blue with accents of deep red, mustard and cream.

“Deciding which colors and patterns to combine was the key consideration,” said Symphony, “because I wanted to create a a finished design that was more unisex that my usual distinctly feminine style.”

The duvet itself is reversible. In addition, finished with a corded trim that picks up the blue, cream and gold colors. The shams and decortive pillows are also very detailed, with double layers of ruffles, pieced designs, reversible elements and more. For example, the two euro shams are composed of three different fabrics with trim and a box pleated ruffle finish.

DETAILS

CREDITS: Designer, Workroom and Photographer: Symphony M. Moussighi, Symphony Home Décor & Design, La Jolla, CA. 56

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2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

LEE FREW, LEE FREW CUSTOM DRAPERY STUDIO FIRST PLACE, TOP TREATMENTS PROJECT DETAILS This shimmering, multi-layered window treatment features a padded, banded cornice with multiple trims, traversing sheers with contrast cording on the leading edge, and traversing blackoutlined panels with decorative banding on the leading edge.

The cornice was created by wrapping the sequined sheer over two layers of 7 oz. batting. Strips of the solid fabric were placed to hide the seaming created when the sheer was cut and postioned for centered pattern repeats.

The solid banding bottom detail was drawn to the shape of the bottom edge of the cornice, and the decorative cording was sewn on before cutting to prevent stretching along the curves. A delicate shell trim was stapled to the shaped edge, then the corded banding was stapled on through its seam allowance, worked tightly into the angles and curves.

The sheers feature contrast micro-cord on the leading edge, a detail constructed using beaded weight chain to help control the flare of the somewhat stiff fabric. The patternless selvage was used for the side hems and hand-stitched at a narrow 1/2" to avoid shadow effect and bleed-through of the solid micro-cord. The 3/8" Euro bottom hem with beaded weight chain was constructed in the same manner.

The traversing blackout panels tent back when not in use, with the blackout lining hidden by a fabric lining. Additional beaded weight chain was basted inside the bottom hem to give control to the beautiful draping of the tenting.

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DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom and Installer: Lee Frew, Lee Frew Custom Drapery Studio, Arlington Heights, IL. Designer: Katherine Wozniak, Katherine Elizabeth Designs, Barrington, IL. SOURCES: Fabrics: Fabricut Topaz in Optic, and Duck Egg, Fabricut Shimmering Lattice in Silver, Fabricut Stay in River, Duralee 32172-120. Trims: Kravet T30447-35; Robert Allen Library Ribbon in Oasis, Highland Court 78031H-172 Lining: United Supply, Trinity.

Traverse rodL B. Berger Easy Pull double traversing rod. Batting: Rowley Company.

2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

BRANDI RENEE DAY, BRANDI RENEE DESIGNS FIRST PLACE, INGENIOUS INSTALLATION

PROJECT DETAILS For a newly built master bedroom, Brandi Renee Day’s client wanted to recreate a look from a modern hotel—an upholstered headboard treatment where the side panels were installed in a recessed area of the ceiling, resulting in a clean, minimal look.

“We were fine with the concept until the client called, right before construction of the panels were to start, to let us know that the builder had failed to put the pockets in the bump out above the bed area,” Brandi said.

After trying several different approaches, Brandi came up with the idea of a ripplefold drapery jig, custom cut from wood. “On the fingers created we installed Velcro™ and then applied the Velcro to the drapery in a way that did not show any seams on the outside area. The jig was installed directly to the bump out, and the side panels look as if they are coming right out of the ceiling above the bed. Our client was thrilled and we’ve come up with a new way to install modern designs with no visible hardware.”

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DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom and designer: Brandi Renee Day, Brandi Renee Designs, Southlake, TX. Installer: Antonio Salazar, Bee and Bee Enterprises, Mesquite, TX. Photographer: Samantha Day, Brandi Renee Designs.

SOURCES: Bed drapery face fabric: Softline, Sumatra in natural. Drapery fabric and bed drapery lining: Home Secrets.

Headboard fabric: Kaslen, Shadow Line in grey-silver.

2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

BRANDI RENEE DAY, BRANDI RENEE DESIGNS SECOND PLACE, SPECIALTY WINDOWS PROJECT DETAILS After the installation of boardmounted Empire swags in this living room, the client was unhappy. Even though he had approved a detailed computer rendering of the design shown on his own windows, it wasn’t what he wanted. The swags covered the deep crown moldings and reminded him of a design from his grandmother’s home. Instead he wanted a version of a design that was already in his dining room.

“He asked that we redesign the upper treatments in the family room to make each door section look separate,” Brandi said, “and use the same scroll hardware that he loved from the dining room design. We used a McFay pattern we bought at the IWCE show in New Orleans; our entire team fell in love with the look and it works perfectly in this room.”

Fortunately, the client was willing to pay for rework and everyone—client, designer and workroom—were happy with the final result.

DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom: Brandi Renee Day, Brandi Renee Designs, Southlake, TX. Designer: Gayla Nakamara, Brandi Renee Designs. Installer: Antonio Salazar, Bee and Bee Enterprises, Mesquite, TX. Photographer: Samantha Day, Brandi Renee Designs.

SOURCES: Swag fabric: Softline, Abuzzo in merlot. Drapery fabric: LA Fred’s. Trim: Expo International. Drapery hardware: Galaxy Designs.

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2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

OLGA POLYANSKAYA, DRAPERY EXPRESSIONS AND BLINDS SECOND PLACE, (TIE) TOP TREATMENTS PROJECT DETAILS The teenage daughter of a long-time client was upset about having to move to a different bedroom in the house— giving up a lovely custom bed canopy and window treatment that Olga Polyanskaya had created for her just a few years ago. With the main color, a soft pink, already determined, Olga wanted create something wonderful, but definitely not childish. Mirrored furniture added a sophisticated feel and made the selection of the second color, silver, an obvious choice. “My client’s daughter studied hard, and she wanted her new bedroom to give her an escape to a different world, ‘perhaps to heaven,’ she told me,” Olga said.

An arched cornice gave shape and movement to the window in the room, with a sleek silver band, accented with Swarovski crystals, a look that is repeated for the header of the canopy. The swag treatment on the canopy is given dramatic flair by interlocking the two colors with a crystal accent as a centerpiece. Another crystal accent is a hidden surprise—a constellation of gems that can only be seen when lying on the bed looking up into the canopy.

Custom pillows and shams, with ruffles, hand-stitching and beaded trim complete the design without overwhelming the bed.

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DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom and designer: Olga Polyanskaya, Drapery Expressions and Blinds, Colorado Springs, CO. Installer and photographer: Grigoriy Polyanskiy.

SOURCES: Fabric: Hancock Fabrics, Wesco Fabrics, Decorative trim and tassels: Interior Fabrics. Hardware: Rowley Co., Nomad decorative grommets. Cornice and canopy material: Rowley Co, FirmaFlex fiber board and Skirtex. Lining: Angel’s Distributing Inc.

2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

OLGA POLYANSKAYA, DRAPERY EXPRESSIONS AND BLINDS SECOND PLACE, (TIE) INGENIOUS INSTALLATION PROJECT DETAILS For her initial project with a new client Olga faced several challenges. First, the client wanted a window treatment and bed canopy using the Fortuny fabric from a pair of draperies that hung in a previous home. Second, the box window in the basement room was more than 50" wide and went straight to the ceiling. There was no place to install any center bracket supports for the cornice she wanted. The right side of the window had a soffit located perpendicular to the window, which also left no room to attach any brackets.

The solution was to use the cornice itself to address all these issues. “We had to fit two layers of panels under the one cornice, with a minimum 8"return,” explained Olga. “However, the longest brackets I could order had 5 7/8" projection and I needed at least 6 3/4" to make sure the sheers would operate smoothly without touching the front panels. So we used wood blocks to make up the difference.”

All of the positioning of the necessary supports for the cornice were determined by the installer, pre-checking the position of support studs and joists in the walls and ceilings. “On the right side where there was no wall space we secured the cornice through the return side and fastened it straight to the soffit wall,” Olga said. “On the left side, there was only 2" of wall space which would fit only one bracket.”

For the bed canopy, the client wanted the panels attached with Velco™ so they could be removed for cleaning. To accommodate, Olga created the canopy with two boards. The canopy valance was attached to the top board. The second board was cut 1 1/2" shorter on each side to be able to feed the panels with velcro to the side of the board.

“There were a lot of tricky aspects to this project,” she said, “but I knew that with careful planning from the beginning, precise calculations and a skilled installer, it would all come out fine!”

DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom and designer: Olga Polyanskaya, Drapery Expressions and Blinds, Colorado Springs, CO. Installer and photographer: Grigoriy Polyanskiy.

SOURCES: Fabrics: COM and Wesco Fabrics. Sheer fabric: Creative fabrics. Decorative cord and trim: Jo Ann Fabrics. Hardware: Rowley Co., R-tracs. Cornice and canopy material: Rowley Co., FirmaFlex fiber board and Skirtex.

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2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

DIAN GARBARINI, DESIGNS BY DIAN SECOND PLACE, (TIE) INGENIOUS INSTALLATIONS PROJECT DETAILS This beautiful open courtyard in Newport Beach, CA, felt exposed and uninviting, and for over a year the client had searched for someone to help with a shading solution. It was the landscape designer who recommended Dian Garbarini as “the gal who could come up with an ingenious solution.”

The client wanted to make the space more comfortable with protection from the intense sun and UV rays. But they also wanted a manual solution—no motorization!

Dian proposed Phifer Suntex 90 Design Series solar shading in Coconut, a selection that played beautifully with the tones of the stucco. Then came the logistics. Many elements had to be considered: the hardware configuration, how to secure the hardware for aesthetics, finished width, the span, the number of spaces between grommets, the “relaxed” drop when pulled across, the stacked drop measurement and clearances between shades. Working closely with her installer, all these details were worked out prior to any fabrication—three panels with grommets would be strung on a highly tensioned stainless steel cable system spanning the 17-foot courtyard.

Once the hardware was installed, the grommeted panels were fabricated with Tenara® thread with a “stay stitch” hand-sewn to keep the draping between grommets consistent. As for the operation, a long-handled, wide squeegee is used to push the shades open and closed—and the clients were thrilled with the result.

DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom and Designer: Dian Garbarini, Designs by Dian, Mission Viejo, CA. Installer: Mike Rudar, DMR Under Tension, Westminster, CA. SOURCES: Tension cable support: DMR Under Tension. Shade fabric: Southland Shade, Phifer Suntex 90 Design Series in Coconut. Grommets and shade stiffeners: Rowley Co. Tenara thread: Plumridge Inc. Squeegee: Lowe’s.

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Education, Certification, Expertise.

WFCP!

We’ve made industry certification simple, easy and stress free.

We bring you all the tools to be a successful window covering pro–to raise the bar of professionalism in this industry and help you reach the consumer with our message of building “passion for fashion at the window.”

We’re not slowing down. We’re moving forward. You can be a part of it!

On Demand Webinars 24/7 – A learning lab for design and workroom education.

Our WFCP On Demand video library is live! Choose from over 80+ videos in categories like design, workroom, business, color and more. Check out some of our most popular titles:

LiveWebinars Online learning opportunities to help you elevate your design, technology, business or workroom skills, taught by some of the most talented instructors of our industry.

•

What Everyone Needs to Know About Color with Kate Smith

•

Space Planning on the Fly with JoAnne Lenart Weary

We have a brand new lineup of webinars second quarter 2014. Watch your inbox for more details.

•

Seasonal Decorating with Carol Bass and Sharon Racz

•

Point to Point Swags with Ann Johnson

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History of Window Treatments- with Judy Soccio

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Alternative Methods for Bedskirts with Donna Cash

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Steal This Look! with Deb Barrett

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What Google Authorship Means to You with Ross Dunn

WFCP members have exclusive access to a complimentary library of streaming videos.

Certification Testing Your WFCP appellation shows your clients and market that you are the go-to window coverings expert in your area and that you have taken the time and effort to continue to sharpen your skills. Don’t let your education credits go to waste. Visit wf-vision. com/education, purchase and take the test to get certified with our new easier format.

Get on the Fast Track to Certification Fast Track Workroom Certification. A six week certification program brought to you by WFCP for newer workrooms with a desire to learn how to set up your business properly, market and fabricate. An excellent tool to build a solid foundation for continued success.

Summer session begins soon.

Coming in 2014! Advanced Workroom Fast Track with Jill Ragan Scully.

Fast Track Design Certification This course is designed especially for designers and offers the design professional an extended venue for skills training including all the tools necessary to test as a WFCP, Designer Specialist.

Summer session begins soon.

NEW! Coaching Programs Blogging Basics We’ve tapped our in-house blogging expert, Marie Moudarian, to show you how to get started and build a successful blog. In this four part series, Marie will walk you thru step-bystep how to set up, create content and maintain your own blog. You’ll be blogging in no time!

Design Drafting In his hands on, interactive, online coaching course, participants will learn the basics of Jackie Von Tobel’s easy quick sketching system to use simple, repetitive shapes to create professional quality scale drawings quickly and accurately. Whether you are just learning to sketch or you are an avid artistic type, you’ll have the confidence to use your rendering skills on the job to impress and delight your clients.

For more information or to enroll: wf-vision.com/education • 651.330.0574

2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

JACKI DELL, GOLDEN SCISSORS SECOND PLACE, CURTAINS AND DRAPERIES PROJECT DETAILS This girl’s bedroom features a whimsical fairytale mural in a pallet of colors that lends itself to many different options. The focus of this window treatment was to enhance the unique artwork while not creating anything juvenile, reduce illumination from a nearby streetlight and minimizing the window’s draft.

This fabric, a small print of subtle multicolors, picks up on the softer colors of the mural and is sophisticated enough to suit as the girl grow into a teenager.

A blackout lining was specified for the necessary light control as well as the additional insulating qualities, while the classic pleated draperies were kept at sill length to preserve the mural underneat the window.

A three-finger pleat valance also helps with light control and insultation. The soft curve of the bottom hem mimics some of the clouds and hills in the mural. A multi–colored loop fringe is used for the lower valance hem and the drapery panels’ leading edge.

After the initial design was finished, it was determined that the valance needed a bit detail, so a small braid was added on top of the loop fringe. The trim collection had a coordinating lip cord so the lip was removed and cording was made. This cord was tied in a knot and draped from pleat to pleat.

DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom and designer: Jacki Dell, Golden Scissors, Saint Charles, IL. Installer: Tim Dell, Golden Scissors. Photographer: Austin Berg, Elgin, IL. SOURCES: Drapery fabrics: Robert Allen and Kasmir Trim: Duralee. Lining: United Supply Co. Drapery hardware: Kirsch from United Supply Co. Misc.: Rowley Co. 66

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WFCP WORKROOM CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTOR ELIZABETH GERDES Owner, Stitch Above the Rest, LLC

Elizabeth has worked in the custom window treatment industry for more than ten years and received much of her training through the WFCP and CHF Academy programs. Elizabeth has three children, twin boys that are 12 and a daughter that is 11. She started her business when her children—twin boys and a daughter a year younger—were babies, selling nursery bedding on eBay. Word quickly spread through her local twins club and soon she was consulting and making custom nursery bedding. Having three kids in three cribs, all at the same time, allowed for a great deal of insight on what works and doesn’t work in this specialty market. She’ll share insights on “Converting Nursery Bedding Upcoming webinars (all times listed shown in CST) into Big Kid JUNE Bedding” on June •4 Drapery Workroom Tech- Formulas A-Z with Angela McAree- 10am 18, one of several • 11 History of Window Treatments Part 2 with Judy Soccio- 10am new webinar additions to Workroom • 18 How to Make a Crib Skirt with Elizabeth Gerdes (part 3/4)- 10am Wednesdays from WFCP. JULY Find out more at wf-vision.com/ •2 Common Errors Part 2 with MaryAnn Plumlee- 10am webinars •9 Alternative Methods for Bedskirts with Donna Cash- 10am Embellishments with Susan Kostelecky- 10am • 23 AUGUST •6 Kingstons with Tammy LeNair- 10am •6 Point to Point Swags with Ann K. Johnson- 2pm • 13 Ripplefold Panels with Donna Cash- 10am • 20 Advanced Installation with Roger Magalhaes- 10am

Create a New Career with

Custom Home Furnishings Academy Since 1993, students have traveled from around the world to attend the Custom Home Furnishings Academy, the premier destination for hands-on learning.

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Campus, home study, traveling and private training programs are available.

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• Courses offered include Career Professional™ training in the areas of window treatment and slipcover fabrication, upholstery, drapery installation and decorating.

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• This one-of-a-kind facility in Charlotte, NC, includes classrooms outfitted with professional workroom equipment, industrial sewing machines and a design studio, with instructors who are experts in their areas of study.

Call or email for a complete course catalog.

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Drapery & Design PROFESSIONAL network • Receive the Drapery & Design Professional magazine online or delivered to your mailbox six times per year.

• Gain 24/7 access to the CHF Forum to post questions and answers, share photos and connect to other custom home furnishings professionals, and search a database of over 450,000 posts to find solutions to every challenge.

• Participate in monthly LIVE educational webinars with on-demand viewing on the most relevant and inspiring topics.

• CHFA ah-ha™ moments, network sponsor facility tours and real-life workroom activity.

• Join the industry’s largest and most active network TODAY! info@CHFAcademy.com - 704-333-4636 - www.chfacademy.com

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2014 INGENUITY WORKROOM COMPETITON

SUSAN WATSON AND DIANE SHEA, SHEFFIELD FURNITURE & INTERIORS SECOND PLACE, DECORATIVE PILLOWS DESIGN CONCEPT This client wanted to accent their new sofa with pillows created from fabric left over from their window treatment fabric. Their only request was that the stripes not run vertically and the design step a little outside of the box. Susan Watson and Diane Shea settled on a chevron design with a micro welt, cord and a center button. The fabric, blue-striped with gold accents, with a seamless pattern match from front to back, paired well with the gold cord and button.

DETAILS

CREDITS: Workroom: Diane Shea, Shrawder Workroom, Phoenixville, PA. Designers: Susan Watson and Diane Shea, Sheffield Furniture & Interiors, Phoenixville, PA. Photographer: Jonathan Friedrich, Sheffield Furniture & Interiors SOURCES: Fabric: Pindler and Pindler. Trim: Kravet. Pillow filler: Standard Feather

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS

January 20-22, 2015

wf-vision.com/aboutshows WF-VISION.COM | MAY/JUNE 14 | 69

Product CALHOOK CALHOOK has all the right hangers, fixtures and racks for fabric samples. Wall systems and Max-Space™ floor displays make the best use of your available space and help manage samples efficiently. CALHOOK also supplies a full line of point-of-purchase supplies and equipment for retailers.

HT WINDOW FASHIONS HT proudly introduces Fire Retardant Cellular Shade Fabrics.

FR fabrics are newest addition to our broad selection of cellular shade material. FR rated fabrics passed the latest NFPA 701 standard. Building on our “everything cellular...” concept, HT is a leading alternative supplier for all cellular shade needs.

Please contact us for detailed information.

Call 800/879-9512, fax 626/839-8861 or visit our website www.htwfonline. com.

Call for a free catalog: 800/422-4665 or visit us online at calhook.com.

Take another look at value.

Take another look at HT Window Fashions

ONA DRAPERY Ona Drapery Hardware Company brings exquisite designs and exceptional value together in our Classic Collection of Wrought Iron drapery hardware.

All of our hardware is individually handmade and finished exactly to your specifications. We pride ourselves on quality workmanship, timely delivery and customer satisfaction. Select from our Classic Collection and order with confidence.

Website: onadrapery.com. Call for a free catalog: 800/231-4025 or fax a request to 888/2314026.

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HT HT proudly proudly introduces introduces FIRE FIRERETARDANT RETARDANT CELLULAR CELLULAR SHADE SHADE FABRICS. FABRICS.FR FRfabrics fabrics SUREWIN is is newest newest addition addition to to our our broad broadselection selectionofof cellular cellular shade shade material. material. FR FRrated ratedfabrics fabrics passed NFPA 701 Building Providing quality at competitive pricing from our Florida passed latest latest NFPAproducts 701 standard. standard.

Building on cellular...” concept, HT warehouse.

Custom sourcing available. on our our “everything “everything cellular...” concept, HT Plastic bead chain in rolls (nuis merous colors, conis aa leading leading alternative alternative supplier supplierfor forall allcellular cellular shade tinuous chain cordshade need. need.

loops (in all lengths) and metal bead chain.

Stop balls, connectors, safety devices, C-Clips, alligator clips, tassels, lift cord, vertical components, cord locks, and the easyto-fabricate low profile Sure Lift Roman Headrail System for shades up to 50 lbs. Contact: surewin@optonline. net, tel: 203/655-1102, fax: 203/655-8571.

Please Please contact contact us us for for detail detailinformation. information.

Call Call (800) (800) 879-9512, 879-9512, fax fax (626) (626)839-8861 839-8861oror visit our website www.htwfonline.com. visit our website www.htwfonline.com.

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Fashions.

Product WINPLUS

WOODMART WoodMart is a fully integrated manufacturer—from rough milling through finishing and packaging. Louver sizes range from 1" to 5". Visit us at Woodmart.com or call 818/785-1528.

As original inventor of the Combi Blinds, Winplus in South Korea has steadily grown and now export worldwide. Recently, we have developed new great Blackout Combi Fabrics, Component and special component for Combi Blind Duo-Lux System.

Visit us www.winplus.co.kr +82-43-232-4801

WOODMART Exterior Shutters by WoodMart. Made from Incense Cedar. Available in a quick ship standard design with three louver options and/ or raised panels. We also manufacture custom exterior shutters with a variety of louver sizes, board and batten or Bahama Style.

Visit us at Woodmart.com or call 818/785-1528.

CALL for PRESENTATIONS CALL for PRESENTATIONS CALL for PRESENTATIONS CALL for PRESENTATIONS CALL for PRESENTATIONS

Window Fashion Vision magazine is looking for presentations for our Window Fashion Certification Program seminars at the annual IWCE as well as other speaking opportunities.

We are looking for advanced educational seminars to introduce the latest in products and innovative ideas to our IWCE audience which consists of interior designers, workroom specialists and design students.

If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please visit our website at wf-vision.com and click on the‘Call for Presentations 2015’ link.

WF-VISION.COM | MAY/JUNE 14 | 71

What’s SUMMERTIME BLUES It’s hard to already be thinking of the end of summer when spring seems to have barely arrived! Fortunately we’ve got something great to look forward to. The July/August issue of Vision will be filled with all the information you need for the second half of the year—highlights fom NeoCon and ICFF, informative business columns and our annual Industry Resource Directory. Shown here, fabrics from the Sonoma collection by Clarke & Clarke, distributed in the U.S. through Duralee.

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