Unique Treatments with a Common Theme

I'm sending out our newsletter today and have included a section called "Unique Treatments with a Common Theme". It talks about one of our clients that have a home full of draperies and pillows made by Window Works Studio, Inc. As there wasn't enough room in the newsletter to post all the photos, I'm including the additional photos here. Enjoy!!

In the bedroom, we made the swags to go over the ready made panels and tied fabric into pillow on bed. We made new cushion covers for the chair and ottoman that were originally white.

BEFORE





 In the dining room, they had brown silk ready made drapery panels. The client chose a lighter, softer fabric that really brightened up the space. We used that fabric to create draperies, pillows for the side chairs and new covers for the chair seats.

AFTER

October is Window Covering Safety Month

It doesn't seem possible that it has been a year since the last Window Covering Safety Month! I would like to say that the issues with window covering safety and children has been resolved, but there have been more deaths.

Over 200 children have died since 1990 by strangling on shade/blind cords. Many more have been injured. More recently, three children have been strangled on product cords. Millions of window coverings are being recalled by six companies: Lewis Hyman, Pottery Barn Kids, IKEA, Lutron, Vertical Land and Victoria Classics. Some of the coverings were also sold at Target and Expo Design Center stores. If you have purchased you window coverings from any of the sources, please contact them about your product.

The window covering industry is working to engineer changes in the cord mechanism for blinds (horizontal and vertical) and shades.

Here are some tips to help you keep your children safe:

1) Install only cordless window coverings in young children’s bedrooms and sleeping areas. Replace window blinds, corded shades and draperies manufactured before 2001 with today’s safer products.

2) Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, preferably to another wall.

3) Keep all window pull cords and inner lift cords out of the reach of children. Make sure that tasseled pull cords are short and continuous-loop cords are permanently anchored to the floor or wall. Make sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement of inner lift cords.

4) Lock cords into position whenever horizontal blinds or shades are lowered, including when they come to rest on a windowsill.

We have free retrofit kits available for blinds and shades. If you have these products that were purchased prior to 2001, you will need one of these kits. Amy and I will be happy to provide you with the appropriate kit and show you how to install it. Please contact us at 336-854-6085. For more information, go to www.windowcoverings.org

Two Amy's for the Price of One!!

I am extremely excited to announce the formation of a new business...Window Works Studio, Inc! I have joined forces with a fellow business owner, Amy Gilbert of Refining Design and Sew4U. Amy and I have known one another for 2 years and have worked together in our local WCAA Chapter (Window Coverings Association of America).

Amy started her business in clothing alteration 28 years ago. She began offering custom window treatments in 1984. She too worked out of her home for many years before moving into her current retail location in 2003.

Amy and I have a very similar outlook on life and a passion for our businesses. So, it seemed logical to combine our resources to create an even more successful business!

Our new business, Window Works Studio, Inc. will be located in the former space for Refining Design. The clothing alteration company, Sew4U, will continue to do business from this location as well. Our contact info is:

4915 Piedmont Pkwy.
Suite 107
Jamestown, NC 27282
336-854-6085
info@windowworksstudio.com

In addition to offering high quality custom window treatments, we provide full service interior design. Our in-house interior designer, Dawn Russell, does a fabulous job working with clients to provide them with a unique space that reflects their personal taste.

We will be having an Open House in September, so stay tuned for the date. Amy and I are also going to be the cover story for Guilford Woman magazine's September issue. You can pick up the magazine at Harris Teeter, Lowes Food and many local businesses.

The Northfield Plantation

I recently took a 4 hour trip to Cumberland, V.A. to participate in a phenomenal event. Approximately 40 Window Treatment Artisans came together at the Northfield Plantation to work like wild women fabricating dozens of upholstered pieces for this home over a long weekend. And, we even had a wedding during the weekend! One of the women participating in the previous weekends wanted to have her wedding on the Northfield property. If you look at the photos of Northfield, you can see why!

The Northfield Foundation is a non-profit organization established by Gwen Seiler. She desired to create a place for young girls with eating disorders and unplanned pregnancies could go for medical assistance and counseling in a Christian centered environment. The Foundation purchased the Northfield Plantation in July 2006. Since then, the home has been in the process of complete renovations through financial donations and the countless hours of labor put in by many, many volunteers. God willing, the home will be open this fall.

Last spring, as a member of the Custom Home Furnishings Forum, I read about a request from one of the members, Christine Shepherd. Christine had become involved with the Northfield Foundation and was asking for anyone that would be interested in doing some sewing for window treatments and upholstery items that would go into the renovated home. She received an overwhelming response from Window Treatment Artisans all over the country. Christine organized the first "Upholstered Headboard Weekend". 46 ladies, including myself, attended the weekend! We worked from sun up to sun down creating 12 twin upholstered headboards, 2 queen upholstered headboards, six upholstered bench tops, one 36″ tufted round ottoman, 12 monogrammed bolster pillows and re-upholstering a loveseat and an arm chair! All in ONE DAY!!!

There was a second weekend in the fall and then the final weekend last month. This was such a phenomenal experience. I was honored to work with such an awesome group of talented, generous ladies. I created many friendships that I will always cherish.

KUDOS to Christine Shepherd for all the hard work she has done in coordinating the renovation. I'm thrilled for Christine because she has won the 2009 Vision World of Windows Humanitarian Award. She was nominated by her peers and is so deserving!!

In order to complete the renovations and the requirements for licensure, the Northfield Foundation continues to accept donations. If you would like to donate or just read more about The Northfield Plantation, please go to www.northfieldfoundation.org.

Southern Ideal Home Show

Last weekend, I attended the Southern Ideal Home Show. It was quite well attended when I was there Saturday. I saw many vendors with great products. Some really unique. I thought I would share some of those with you...

These were laser cut metal pieces. I have something similar and as it moves in the wind, the colors change. Fun piece. This company can be found at www.flagsoveramerica.com.







This is a great copper tub from Beeson Hardware in High Point, NC. I love the texture and color. Anyone have a lovely rustic home we can put this in?
www.beesonhardware.com

This is certainly a unique product! These mushrooms were carved by a man from England. When companies 'deforest' in England, they leave stumps. This artisan takes the stumps and carves them. All the proceeds go to the English Foresty service.








These tigers were carved from Teak wood by a man in Bali. It took 30 days to do this work! These unique wood products are offered by Antiques & Interiors in High Point, NC... www.antint.com



Ferguson Lighting Gallery had a number of gorgeous lighting samples....ooh! It's like shopping in a candy store!

www.ferguson.com

These were my absolute favorite finds! Green opal stone products. Can you see how the light glows from behind because of it's transparency? Can you imagine this atop a bar with light glowing from below....Fabulous!! They have all kinds of unique and beautiful stone! www.malavegranite.com

Please visit the noted websites for more information about these products. The Furniture Market is in High Point this month, so I'll have some more photos of great new and classic products. Stay tuned....

Faux Painting

I like to pass along resources for interior design since I can't do it all! I just love faux painting when it is done well. Awhile back, I met Laura Reine of International Faux. She and her husband Silvio are based in the Triad, but do work in various part of the country as well as internationally.

I saw a large portfolio of their finishes. The work is exceptionally beautiful! So much attention to the proper layering of color. They can create unique works of art for home or business. The faux painting can be applied to walls, furniture and concrete! Check out their website at www.internationalfaux.com