Top Projects of 2010

Rhoda from Southern Hospitality is hosting a party to celebrate and highlight our accomplishments from 2010.  It’s fun to look back and see all the progress we have made in our homes.
My master bedroom draperies received an update this year with the addition of banding and new hardware and a roman shade with blackout lining.

The guest room had the biggest transformation with projects like a new roman shade…………….

A headboard with silver nail heads and a sunburst mirror made with an automotive mirror …………

And the show stopper, my Henredon buffet redo with custom spin art records ……………

The year started with a new color for the front door, caramel latte by BM …..

And ended with a new gallery wall art project……………

I’m going to include my favorite project at BG Custom Windows, this is really hard but I’m picking the king size upholstered bed because I love a challenge and I love how it turned out

My client’s living room was one of my favorite rooms……

Looking ahead to 2011……… my top project is going to be redoing my stairs like Rhoda.  My Dad has so awesomely agreed to help me, thanks Dad.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, beautiful new year !

Fabric Covered Christmas Trees

Christmas is only 3 days away and I haven’t made anything festive…….. until today !  I saw these fun Christmas trees made of fabric at The Exchange and Cyndy gave such a great tutorial that I’m going to direct you to hers if you want to make some.

I’ll be giving these away as Christmas presents so they were made to coordinate with each person’s décor.  But in the meantime they’ll be safely hanging out up here……………

The one in the back right was my practice tree so I’ll be keeping that one.

I didn’t have any poster board on hand so I used pellon from the workroom, which is a stiffener like interfacing.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS FROM TAMMY, ZOE AND SANTA !

                                        

I’m linking to DIY Showoff Holiday Highlights

and Elements Interiors Linky Partay

T is for Trims

Trims include decorative cords, bands, fringes and tassels that are used as accents on draperies, valances and pillows.   They are like the jewelry on an outfit and when properly placed can add interest and define the shape of your treatment.

I always recommend using a trim on the edge of an empire swag. This ball fringe is placed on the edge so the balls hang into the window.

Braids come in many different widths and look good across the bottom of roman shades as well as down the leading edge of panels.

I normally inset the braid about 1” from the edge …………..

For fun I added some tassel fringe to these stockings I made last Christmas.

 

My post on bullion fringe will give you some ideas on how to use those kinds of trim and the post on embellishments has even more examples to get your creative juices flowing !

Custom window treatments can be the single most important element in pulling together your decorating scheme. 

Contact me to provide you with up to date window treatments that you are excited about.

What to make with all those wine corks ?

That’s the question I’ve been asking myself for a while now. The answer is …………

A Christmas Wreath !

Supplies:

Cardboard and Hot Glue ….. I used  a 12” diameter end from a cording spool but you could cut a circle out of any cardboard, cut the middle circle out to fit 2 rows of corks.

Corks …. This size took about 60 corks total.  My Mom got me this cork keeper from a local winery.

Add some ribbon and a bow…... really easy project to add to your holiday bar cart.

   

                 

BNOP Holiday Party                        DIY Project Parade

I’m planning my next giveaway so be sure to follow so you won’t miss it !

Zoe's Birthday

Our goldendoodle is 3 years old today !

                                                                 First day home...........

                                                   First birthday....... She grew a lot !

                        Second birthday........ It looks like she got smaller but it's just a haircut !

 Here she is after her first haircut.............

First snow fall..............

I have a million pictures of Zoe, this is one of my faves !

 

Zoe says, "Merry Christmas" !

and "what are you doing to me now" ?

R is for Roman Shade Safety

The ABC’s of window treatments.  My goal is to finish up my series on window treatments by the end of this year.
Roman shades are probably the second most popular window coverings after panels, at least in the South East.

As a result of some accidents involving children and blinds, the Window Covering Manufactures Association has written a new standard for the way shades will be produced from now on.  It is a 46 page document but I'm going to try to summarize it on a very basic level so you will know how it relates to you as a designer, workroom or homeowner. You can find more information at the WCMA or the WCAA website.
The new standard says…………..
* The product shall have no accessible operating cords.
* If they are made with cords they will be encased in a cord shroud.
* They must have a cord tension device on the pull cord or chain that is properly installed.
* A warning tag that identifies manufacturer and location must be attached.
Below is a picture of the new encased lift cord and the EZ rig lift system that is sold by Rowley Company. 

                    Image via Rowley Co
Here is the Sure-Shade lift band system that uses 10” wide sheer bands to lift the shade instead of cords.

                          Image via Rowley Co
Both of these methods of construction have been tested and approved and I will begin fabricating this way as soon as the components are available  in January.
If you are an interior designer that sells window coverings like roman shades and balloon shades make sure that your workroom is aware of the new standards and that they are using the new methods.
Homeowners that would like a retrofit kit for an existing shade can get one at www.windowcoverings.org.  Just be aware that the retrofit kit will render your shade inoperable.
This new standard is being adopted by Canada as well as the US.
Custom window treatments can be the single most important element in pulling together your decorating scheme. If you would like up to date window treatments that you are excited about send me an email.

Schumacher's Chiang Mai Dragon

What’s on my worktable today……….

It’s Schumacher’s Chiang Mai Dragon in colorway Mocha. 

Look, there he is, hiding in the flowers ………….. Isn’t he cute ?

I’m making panels, valances and pillows but doesn’t it look great on this bulletin board by Erin at Elements of Style.

                    Image via Elements of Style

I even found it on a Christmas stocking !

                     Image via Chinoiserie Chic

If you are not already a follower, I’d love for you to click on the follow button so you won’t miss my after pics !

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving !

I’m so thankful for each and every one of my readers.

P is for Pillow Placement

The ABC’s of window treatments

One of my favorite rooms to sew for has to be the bedroom because not only do I make window coverings but I also get to make bedding.  I’ve already written a post about pillows but today I wanted to talk about all the different arrangements for the pillows on your bed.

Five 22” + one 18”……………

Three 24” + two king + rectangle……………

Two queens + long rectangle………………

Two euro + two queen + one rectangle………….

                                             Image via Decor Pad

Three euro + two king…………..

                                            Image via Decor Pad

Two king + two 18” + neckroll…………….

I like all of these but I personally prefer two queen shams and one throw pillow.  I’m happy as long as it doesn’t take too long to make the bed.  How long do you think this bed takes to make ?

                           Image via Cote de Texas

Too long !

Gallery Wall

I have been wanting to put something on the huge blank wall behind the TV and I knew that one or two big pieces wouldn’t work.  Gallery walls are popping up all over blogland and Emily Clark inspired me with hers.  She is a designer in Charlotte, be sure to check out her project…………. it is gorgeous !

I downloaded free images from the NYPL and printed them on cardstock.  The theme I went with was all of our interests and hobbies.  The first sewing machine and trading cards for thread for me…….

The first phonograph for Mr. Stitches………….

Some martial arts for my son who is a 2nd degree black belt in Karate….

I framed a scrap of fabric with a print I love…….

When I ran out of stuff I framed a coaster from The Raleigh Times Bar and a picture of my old beagle, Buster.

Maria at Colour Me Happy is doing a series about inexpensive art and since this whole wall only cost $4.00 I’m linking to her party.

I'm also joining BNOTP Metamorphosis party