Storibook Designs Open Studio

The Interest in Pinterest and Olioboard!

2012-03-06T13:23:00.003-05:00

I'm pretty sure by now, that most of you have heard of Pinterest. What is it you ask? Well, essentially, it is your old traditional bookmarking, mulitplied to infinity. Back in the day, we would find something online we liked and click, "add to favorites". Before we knew it, we'd end up with a long list of hyperlinks and no idea of what they went to. The thought of clicking through to find out, too much work.

Pinterest is essentially the same thing, with two exceptions: (1) it's visual and (2) it's public. Now what I "bookmark" or "pin" is easier for me to recall because I have an image and is also shared for the rest of the world to see. Have a quick peek!

Here is a snip from my "Crisp, Clear Color" inspiration board:

Here, a snapshot from my "Stripes" inspired board:

Here a quick peek at my "Pinks & Berries" board:

You might be asking yourself "why?" about right now. I hear you. For myself, being in design, I think its obvious that these boards are useful not only for me, but for my clients. It provides a place for them to search for inspiration and/or a place for me to create inspiration boards specifically for them.

It's not just for designers and artisans though. It's truly amazing how many industries are finding Pinterest helpful. Infographics, for example, provide useful, factual and/or tutorial-type information:

The AARP displays boards that illustrate the retirement "lifestyle" and of course draw viewers back to their site and organization:

So, whether you are a dance studio, an educator, a graphic designer or an engineer, chances are, there are real value and productive ways that you can benefit from Pinterest. It's not all just time wasted or fluff, unless of course that is what you want.

But, maybe, just maybe having all your "stuff" out there in the public is not what your after. You want to collaborate with clients privately as you work together on a project. Olioboard offers you that. Olioboard is a social commerce site and currently boasts a record 60,000 active users in it's impressive 2-year life cycle.

What is truly amazing to me, is that Olioboard does not limit you to what you can upload Though they are an affiliate site, you are free to create sets (collections, if you will) of your own, from anywhere on the web or from your harddrive- and this is true for their free accounts, as well as their Pro plan. You always have the control whether to keep these items and the boards you create public or private.

I can see potential for quilters, landscape designers, event planners, cake decorators, cabinet makers. Olioboard offers a quick way to create great looking marketing materials as well (web-use; resolution not high enough for print). A good example of this is for a muscian/band. Quickly upload pics from the last gig, along with pictures of the venue, logo and performance dates and voila... export to a jpeg file and you have a great looking photo to upload and share on your Facebook page, blog, twitter, Pinterest, etc.

There are so many ways to use these two sites together and so many benefits that many do not realize. That being said, I invite you to join me on Friday as I discuss the benefits, cautions and value of Pinterest and Olioboard as I see it and some creative ways you can use them in your business.

Hope you can make it!

Las Vegas Market: Was it an Epic Fail?

2012-02-02T17:09:00.002-05:00

Well, for my feet it definitely was! As for the show itself, not at all!!

I wore flats, specifically chosen for comfort potential + style - Naturalizers as a matter of fact- but still, after only a few hours on the first day, I was literally close to tears with how badly my feet hurt. When it comes to pain, my feet have a very low tolerance! Darn good thing I didn't wear these...almost grabbed a pair over at Caeser's Palace!

I had so many plans I had hoped to cross off my list on this, my first visit to the Las Vegas Market, but alas, my feet ruled the day and as such, I was forced to leave a bit early on day-one. I returned for day-two though, refreshed and renewed; and wearing sneakers, of course! No, not a fashion statement, but productivity was the priority of the day so fashion had to be pushed aside.

What was FANTASIC at the show, you ask? To see so many on the packed shuttles to the center, seeing so many in showrooms writing business and experiencing the general mood which, in my translation, was positive, upbeat and collectively ready to do some business!

What did I LOVE?

This chair......

... give me a jingle and we will order one of these straight away for you!

This bedding......

This mirror.....

What KEPT ME GOING?

Scores... when I found specific items for a client; the mirror below satisfied one of those searches.

Unexpected Inpirations.....

Time to raise the level of elegance in your office environment? Don't you think you'd just automatically sit up taller at this desk?

What SURPRISED ME?

This lamp.....

...........yes, you heard read that correctly, this is a lamp, seen in the Priscilla Presley showroom.

I was surprised I did not see more tangerine, being one of my favorite colors and the 2012 Pantone color of the year. I saw very little. The color I saw over and over was green and a fair amount of purple still showing strong. It was a HUGE market though and I wasn't able to visit every single showroom. I would love to know if others who attended thought the same.

What TEMPTED ME?

Fabric! Of course fabric always wants to steal my undivided attention. I did well though. I was on a mission for rugs, mirrors, lamps and art, so though I wanted to dive in to every fabric showroom there, I knew I really would have suffered a time sink so I resisted. I did allow myself a quick gander through JAB though.

There was no shortage of fantastic pillows to admire, with this one below from Palecek receiving my vote for Best-in-show. [The picture does not capture it's true beauty; trust me, it is amazing!]

What DO I REGRET?

I never made it to the #Withit panel discussions, therefore missed out big-time on meeting some of the amazing, energetic women, such as Julia Rosien, I've been following and dying to meet and Dana, aka @MrsHelm, who was so helpful in answering some of my show questions on Twitter. Huge regrets, wish I could fly-back and/or have a shoe do-over!! Next time!

What DO I RECOMMEND?
Planning on attending a big show yourself? Highpoint is not too far away. If it's your first time headed to a new show you are unfamiliar with, I want to share a few tips:

Plan ahead, but even at that, realize your plans may go askew! I had the floor plans, showrooms I wanted to visit listed and lined up but even with all that, though I made it to a lot, there was still some I did not get to.
If it's your first visit, plan one more day than you are inclined to.
Go with or meet a "veteran" show-goer if you can to help you get a hang of the layout and make the best use of your time.
Bring time-tested comfortable shoes and don't be afraid to wear sneakers!
Have fun!

I have more to share but it will have to wait for another post! Stay tuned!

~ thanks for stopping by, Sarah

Please, share any comments or questions
by clicking the image below.

Good, Better, Best: 3 Ways to Dress a Window

2012-01-23T16:59:00.004-05:00

We all have different needs, desires and budgets when it comes to any purchase we make, particularly with luxury items.

The above are all lovelies for sure, but the reality is, most of us are not driving a Porsche, will never wear Christian Lecroix - though, I must pause: ...can you stand that skirt detail? Starting my career in fashion and apparel, I literally skip a breath every time I look at it - and we probably will never even see Christopher Michael Shellis' diamond-studded sandals, let alone wear them.

I'm not sure about you, but I'm ok with that! I drive an SUV, don't have anywhere to go to wear the dress and at 5'10", with a size-11 foot, I'm pretty confident I wouldn't do those sandals justice, aesthetically or functionally. This does not mean I must forgo lovelies all together though. A good-looking car, beautiful dress and great shoes still fit in to my life, just from a different vantage and budget point.

GO NAKED?
Your home is much the same. Great design, home decor and window dressings have a definite element of luxury, in addition to their place in the functional+neccesity category. Too many times though, I see homeowners qualifying purchases of furniture, home accessories and window treatments in the luxury category only - aka, "I can push this off", causing them to do nothing.

Why is this so? I think it's because it's easy to fall to the thought, "who has the time?". Purchasing window treatments, thinking about working with a designer or decorator, knowing where to buy quality furniture - let alone WHAT to buy and HOW to select pieces that will "play nice" together - are illusive to most. Because these are purchases that homeowners rarely make, occurring only once a decade for many [sadly]; people feel they just don't the time or energy to invest in making sure change happens.

The result: naked windows, or even worse, windows dressed for the sake of dressing them! Remember my window contest? That is what I'm talking about!

CAN YOU COMPROMISE?

There are often two things needed when making any big investment: flexibility and compromise! Good design can be achieved within any budget but you have to understand at the start that - as with any investment worth making - some things may have to be put off, substituted or forgone completely.

When your looking at a new car and you ask if they can drop the payments, what happens? That's right, there goes the leather interior, the sunroof and the heated seats. You can still get a great car though, you just have to compromise.

The same is true for your window treatments. You may already know what you want but you just don't feel you can get there, on your own. The most common thing I hear from clients is that they, "have no idea what window treatments even cost." That is no surprise because the answer is not a simple one. Window treatments can really vary, depending on the size, function and design you need and like, the materials chosen to fabricate with and the hardware of choice.

BALLPARKING
On average, I tell clients that an average size window [less than 40" wide] of average height [84" length from top to floor] can realistically be ball-parked at $1,500 to $2,000 a window. Yes, it can go higher and it also can go lower. Either progression, up or down, results from a change in materials or design.

Let me show you how a window can be dressed on any budget! I'm starting with the inspiration image from Fabricut, [drapes only]. It's close, client loves the scale of the pattern and the coloring generally, though wishes for a warmer gold (not so yellow) and does not want any birds in the print.

via

Best: Maxwell/Telafina, Topanga, Azure, 100% Silk Taffeta

Better: Corbin, Opal, 100% Cotton Damask

Good: Mingei, Bristol, 100% Cotton, Screen print on 7oz. cotton

HARDWARE
I never recommend skimping on hardware, you have to maintain a level of quality because (1) you want the hardware to be substantial enough to hold up the weight of your treatments and (2) hardware is an investment that often times can become an additional architectural element in a room. It would be a rare, rare day for me to ever recommend you purchase off-the-rack hardware from a Home Depot or Lowes. If that must ocur, I strongly suggest the use of more substantial brackets and better quality screws.

Best: Helser Brothers [please excuse the mis-match; showing as sample only]
Helser Brothers makes beautiful hand-forged iron hardware. Their "workhorse" Artigiani collection has a great 1-3/4" smooth pole, with exceptional feature that it can go 108" wide without a center support. It's that durable! That, to me, is worth it's weight in gold!

Better: Kirsch[please excuse the mis-match; showing as sample only]
Kirsch has been around a long, long time and I always feel confident suggesting and using their product. I love their wrought iron collection for quality, price and style. A couple drawbacks: the rods only come 4, 6 and 8 ft. in length so a splice is often necessary. I don't mind the center support, but I don't love to have to splice a rod in the center.

Good: House Parts [please excuse the mis-match; showing as sample only]
House Parts really has a lot to offer for the price point they fit in. If I am working on a project with budget concerns, they offer some pieces I've had some luck with.

WHERE DOES THIS LEAVE YOU?
There are ways to get the look you want, you just have to figure out where you can, and are, willing to compromise. Everyone should look forward to going home; it should be the place that brings you beauty, security, rest and comfort.

I've already talked about many facets of design: bringing harmony into your home, tips for furniture selection and important elements of Feng shui to ensure relaxing and healthy environments. Today, I want you to look at your windows. How do they make you feel?

I have provided the scenarios in this post to illustrate the many variables that contribute to the cost of custom window treatments. Each are based on a 38" - 40" window with single-width drapery panels at approximately 84" in length.

Please, keep in mind, that I'm not in any way saying that the "Best" and the "Good" category will give you the same exact look; they will not. No matter how well I fabricate, I can never get a 7oz. cotton to drape the same as a beautifully lined and interlined silk panel. Likewise, the damask also has a softer hand which will show in the draping of the fabric. Compromise is exactly that, compromise!

You will decide what is right for you and what look you ultimately would like to have, but isn't it nice to know there are options?

I hope this has helped you to think about how you can be creative with your interiors and has you ready to get started creating the Style Your Home Deserves!

Please, share any comments or questions
by clicking the image below.

Go ahead, get started! If your not sure what you want, head on over to my Pinterest boards for a little inspiration, here, here and here.

Thank you for stopping by! ~ Sarah
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Want to talk linings, drapery style and fullness? Yes indeed, all important, but I don't want your head spinning so I'll be dishing those out to you in a future post!**

Bubble-Wrap Window Treatments? Let's Talk!

2012-01-22T13:34:00.001-05:00

Ok, peeps, fess up, where have you seen something like this before? Gotta admit, I find it hysterical... for a comic strip that is. I would not find it amusing if I actually saw it hanging in someones house.

My guess is this is a concept born out of a frat house. You agree?

Tomorrow morning we will be talking about Budget Creativity for Window Treatments. I promise you though, we will not be recommending you string together bottlecaps, braid old cassette-tape ribbon or using bubble wrap in lieu of sheers. All novel concepts but just not the look any of us should be going for.

Please share with me here, in the comments below, the most ingenious window treatments you have ever seen and join us tomorrow morning (1/23/12), and every Monday, on Twitter so we can share great ideas for creativity with others!

See you then!

Beyond the Fold: Window Shade/Cord Safety Standards

2012-01-10T14:45:00.005-05:00

Change is hard. Change is especially hard when it needs to take place with something that we’ve been doing the same way for years and years and years. And so it is with Roman Shades and corded curtain and drapery products!

For as long as I can remember; and probably as long as my mother can remember – in short, a long, long time - roman shades have been fabricated using strings and cords. The problem: exposed cords and strings present a strangulation hazard.

Change is always good. Anytime I dug in my heels and resisted, I’ve always been led to the same final conclusion: change is good! And so it is with the new shade safety standards. These standards have forced fabricators and manufacturers to go back to the drawing board, so to speak, and develop new ways to create and meet new safety requirements.

Source: Leatherwood Design Company
Table & supplies set for new fabrication method to meet standards

Every Monday morning I host #customwrkrmchat on Twitter, as a forum for networking, collaboration and education among custom workrooms, installers, designers and decorators. This morning, January 9, 2012, I invited Jenna Abbott, Director of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) - the only non-profit association for the Window Coverings profession - to share the latest standards with the group. There are still so many in the industry, let alone homeowners, that are unaware of the compliance issues related to this topic. That being said, if there is one point from the chat that I want to drive home, it is this:

The standard affects YOU whether you are a workroom, designer, installer or touch Window Treatments in any way. No one gets a pass. There is no WAIVER. Standard must be followed. It doesn't matter if you are a company of ONE person, or a large multi national, you must follow the standard.

In short, anyone along the supply chain of providing custom window treatments to clients must comply to new standards, copies of which can be found here:

Read-only copy available (free) to the public on the WCAA website.
For-purchase copies available on the WCMA sells copies.

What does the standard dictate?
In a nutshell, window treatments with exposed lift cords must not form a hazardous loop. It does NOT stipulate HOW to make the shade. It will tell you WHAT the OUTCOME must be. Want a visual? Here you go:

Source: Both images from Traditional Home, April, 2009
p.s. shades are not required to be automated, just so happens the ones on left are = compliant!

This effects roman, austrian, balloon, london shades, etc., as well as italian-strung draperies and roller shades. I'm probably forgetting a few.... to make it easy, any cord - whether it be behind, in front or on the side of a window treatment; if it has a hazardous loop, it's not compliant. Simple as that.

Common Misconceptions:

The first misconception that many have is that there is a choice. When in fact, there is not! As designers, decorators, workrooms and/or installers, we are RESPONSIBLE and LIABLE for what we produce, whether we know the standards or not. Creating the standards was voluntary, complying is not!

The second big misconception is holding a belief that having a client/homeowner sign a waiver or disclaimer will protect you. Not advisable. Having a client sign any type of waiver or disclaimer - no matter what you may want to call it - says you knew it was a problem and did it anyway. It actually can do more harm than good, seen that you were aware that a threat/danger existed yet chose to sell anyway.

Finally, a third misconception, in my personal and individual opinion, is that this is only a concern for those who have small children in the home. Let's be realistic. Most homeowners have children who visit. Many also decide to re-sell their homes and a new homebuyer is likely to be one who has children. For these reasons, you can't predict whether or not a child will be at risk or not. For these reasons, I consider the standards to be critical for ALL clients, leading me to decide a year ago that I would only sell cordless shades.

Is it realistic to meet the new standards?
Yes, the standard is realistic. There are lots of ways to make a safe shade including cordless options. Many manufacturers have released fantastic new products and the custom workroom industry has also adopted many innovative methods for fabrication. [Focus of January 16, 2012 #customwrkrmchat, 9:30am ET].

Source: Storibook Designs
Cordless, Custom Roman Shades

Source: Leatherwood Design Company
Backside view of two compliant fabrication methods

As a design professional, the options, as I see them, are:

Stop selling any corded treatments! This is extreme but I guess for some this may be their alternative. It is not my choice. There are many new, exciting and creative alternatives available to offer clients.
Motorization. Who doesn’t love a remote? Motorization is a convenient and safe option for lifting functionality.
Retrofit. Retrofit kits are available (www.windowcoverings.org). This provides you with an opportunity to communicate with and educate past clients, providing them with a new alternative.
Embrace the change & Expand Offerings. Design professionals can offer safety-audits to homeowners as a new service.
Best bet: (IMHO) Know the standards and adopt new fabrication methods! As a homeowner, know the standards so that you can be sure you are putting the safest products in your home.

As an industry, we need to work in unison in sharing this information with all our industry partners, colleagues and clients. We have only touched the surface in spreading the message. To quote Jenna Abbott, “ignorance is not a good defense”. With that in mind, I do hope you will share this post or information with others.

Please weigh in here too, by leaving a comment below. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions on this issue.

Holiday Magic with Scraps!

2011-12-04T13:47:00.003-05:00

Have you heard about our Custom Workroom Chats on Twitter, aka #customwrkrmchat? Every Monday at 9:30am EST professional workrooms, along with decorators, designers and installers, "chat" on Twitter for an hour. It is our time of networking, collaborating and educating one another - experiences range from new-to-the-trade, young entreprenuers to those with more than 20 years under their belt. These conversations have ranged from, Pillows - details, design and what contributes to their cost- to the importance of the workorder, understanding how to estimate costs, to where professional workrooms get their training.

Pillows fabricated by Kristen's Kurtains ; Designer, Eddie Ross

Last week we talked about deadlines, timelines and organization around the holidays. The point was to share ideas with one another that would keep us on schedule and less stressed. The holidays can be hectic for everyone - whether you have a workroom or not and we all need to find ways to stay sane so we ENJOY them. Along those lines, tomorrow we are going to have a little fun and WE INVITE ALL OF YOU TO JOIN US! Tomorrow, our topic is: HOLIDAY MAGIC WITH SCRAPS!

Pillow Ornaments by Storibook Designs

As custom workrooms, we are inundated with scrap fabrics and trims, and well, yeah, we're a bit creative! So tomorrow, we are going to share with you some fun, festive and fabulous ideas for using scrap fabrics around the holidays.

You have great ideas too but you're not a workroom? That's ok, we are inviting every creative to join us. Take some pictures, share a video or tutorial. The more the merrier, so please, bring it!

Maybe you've had this idea rolling around your head for a while but you've never let it get beyond the idea stage. Well guess what? There is no time like the present! I ADD A CHALLENGE.

I want everyone to go in to your workroom, sewing room or fabric stash and grab a chunk of scraps... doesn't matter how big...and then tonight, while watching TV - [preferably while drinking a glass of wine or beverage of choice] - or working quietly somewhere:

Create something fun you can use in your holiday decor.

It can be something serious.
It can be something off-the-wall.
It can be a craft that would be great to do with kids, or
It can be a treasure, sweet enough to pass down for generations.

Have fun with it!! Take pictures or even a quick little video and share during #customwrkrmchat tomorrow am!

Ready, set ....... GO!!

To join the chat, I recommend logging in to http://www.tweetchat.com/ tomorrow am with your Twitter ID. Then enter the hashtag #customwrkrmchat to join the conversation. Everything you post will automatically be posted then with the hashtag automatically so everyone can follow in on the conversation.

Not on Twitter? It's easy to sign-up, here are a few videos to show you how:

Twitter, Part I: http://youtu.be/jxnuluTyyUo
Twitter, Part II: http://bit.ly/qVB82W
Twitter, Part III: http://screencast.com/t/IkLRD6HAKprP

Not on Twitter and not sure you want to join at this time? You can still share you Holiday Magic with Scraps creations. You can send me a note with a link to your Pinterest, Flickr or Facebook pages [or whereever you might have images loaded] and I will share your links with the group.

As always, you will have a transcript of this call available, thanks to the wonderful CurateDe. This will allow you to revisit the conversation and links/photos/videos that will have been shared.

Thanks for joining in! Looking forward to your magical creations!

~ Sarah

Fabric 101: Consider Repeats for Calculating and Cutting

2011-10-13T12:29:00.000-04:00

Continuing our discussion [video] from yesterday, now that you know what a repeat is, here is a short video on how to apply it.

Why is it so important to calculate and cut based on the repeat?

If you were simply going by the cut length and not paying attention to the repeat, every additional cut you make will be at a different point in the pattern.

If you calculate and cut according to the repeat, then every cut will be at the exact same point of the pattern.

Next up.... drop repeats. Oooh, now that can be a tricky one! Thanks for stopping by, please share if this has been helpful for you!

Until next time.....

Fabrics 101: Repeat vs. Scale

2011-10-12T16:55:00.004-04:00

Repeat? What the heck is that?

Have you ever tried to figure out how much fabric you need to make drapes and had someone say, "well what's the repeat?"

Umm, hello... what the heck is a repeat!?

The repeat simply refers to the distance measurement equal to where a pattern occurs on to the point at which it repeats itself again. It is critical to know for calculating yardage, so that you can plan to have the same pattern show up in the same place on multiple treatments, centered across the back of a sofa, or throughout multiple widths or treatments throughout a room.

We recently had a contest on our Facebook page, and the following photo was submitted in a plea for help. This is probably one of the best pictures that I can show you to illustrate the disasterous results that can occur when you fail to consider the size of the pattern repeat when planning your project. [Note: not only does the pattern not line itself up next to the other pattern, I believe one of the bouquets is even upside down.]

We had a lively "chat" about this on Twitter the other day. During that discussion - because we were moving so quickly in our conversation - I felt there may have been some confusion relative to repeat vs. scale. Scale refers to the overall size and proportion of the fabric pattern, whereas repeat, as stated above, is a distinct measurement, used primarily for the purposes of calculating yardage and planning placement. When considering a printed fabric, scale is one of the most important elements to consider. The scale of the pattern design within the room, for example, will play into decisions on what other fabrics, trims and furnishings to mix with each other.

Still unclear? Hopefully, this quick little video will drive the point home!

Let me know if this "lesson" helped. I love to hear your feedback or comments and am more than happy to answer any additional questions you might have too!

Until next time,

Sarah

2011-10-07T20:50:00.001-04:00

Hi, I’m Susi, a writer for Design Shuffle, a fabulous online community of design lovers and design professionals, where you can search for inspiration and even upload your own images. And we find our inspiration in places like this; I love visiting StoriBook Designs to see what Sarah is showing or working on.

Sarah asked me to visit today and write about using pillows and throws in interior design. Easy, peasy, I love both! Both add style and comfort to a space. So here are some of lovely ways of using pillows and throws in décor.

Pair Them!

A throw and a pillow can transform a plain cream wingback chair. Layer them. Love them. Love the two throws over the back of the chair.

via

Strive for Striking &Sensible!

Pillows bring a bed to life. You don't want to get too carried away (it's easy to do) and over-fill a bed with cute and colorful pillows. You want a striking, yet sensible, mix of pairs and singles [odd numbers work great], like the fabulous Meredith Heron did in this fabulous bedroom design.[and, can I add, the headboard... I drool!]

via

Indulge in Trends!
Throws and pillows are great ways to bring a hot design trend into your décor. These chevron blankets are so chic and could work in a bedroom or living room.

via

Spice it Up!
A mix of colorful patterned throw pillows can change the look and feeling of a room. Invest in neutral upholstered pieces and spice them up with clever decorating ideas like pillows and throws.

via

Make it Pop!
Pillows and throws add color, pattern and texture to neutral spaces, like a white bedroom. Pick a throw or pillows in contrasting colors or bold patterns to add some pop to a bed or sofa.

via

Renew, Recycle, Refresh!
Look for pillows made from interesting and unexpected materials for added interest. These pillows are made from recycled Kilim rugs.

via

Seasonal Splash!
Throws can be used to bring a seasonal accent to a room. Fall colors and patterns are perfect for now. Plus a throw is a must on a chilly evening, no matter what time of year.

via

Texture & Pattern Play!
As in this bedroom design, the well-made bed dressed with patterned pillows and a fur throw add color, depth and warmth. Play around and mix it up for a chic look.

via

Can't find what you need? Work with Sarah and she'll surely help you design and fabricate fabulous pillows and throws to liven up your space! Enjoy!
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Thank you Susie for this guest post and thank you readers for stopping by. Please visit Susie over at Design Shuffle, where you can browse tens of thousands of design projects for inspiration and show off your latest project.

Twitter Twextations.... do you have them?

2011-08-26T09:21:00.004-04:00

Do you have Twextations?

Twitter is an interesting tool, as many of you may know I’m a pretty avid proponent of social media and social media tools as marketing agents for a small business, Twitter being one of them. I have to admit though that as of late, Twitter is one that has caused me to pause, because I’m intrigued - and sometimes shake my head a bit - by what I see in terms of social norms and expectations, something I have termed as Twextations.

There are many ways to interact on Twitter and many reasons why a person may want to interact through the blue bird. For example, I personally love Twitter for its immediacy, for the ability to reach an incredibly large number of people at one time with a question or a query, when I find myself in a situation where other view points and experience will be helpful to me. I love the open collaborative nature of Twitter, whether using it for informal friendly conversation or to maintain discussions and dialog during specific events, conferences, and/or meetings.

Some people are using Twitter in place of instant messaging/texting. That being said, I’ll share a little bit of my Twitter expectations (yup, I admit it, I've got a few of my own). Here goes...@mouthneverstops and @alwaystalksback – when it goes beyond 16 tweets each, yes, sometimes I get annoyed. I don’t care if your going to the beach, I mean, I get it and good for you, but do I want to be watching that conversation bounced back and forth in the middle of my stream? No. Take it offline; dare to go beyond 140 characters! For the love of all things that are right in this world, please know when it’s time to switch to email or text!

Source: Licensed, via

Here's another one for you... "Big-man on campus" tweets. It happens quite a bit and sometimes I just laugh at its obnoxiousness as an attempt to show friends – ahem, tweeps – that one is “tight” with someone perceived as impressive. Ah yes, the search for social status in the Twittosphere. In my social media classes and writing, I do emphasize as one of the benefits of Twitter and social media is that it gives you the opportunity to connect with those you would never have a chance to before, but when you start bantering about simply to show you can carry a convo with them...spare me, please. And if you won't spare me, I guess I'll spare myself because Twitter has a great little tool....... BLOCK.

The real deal is this though: people can do what they want! Twitter is fast and furious and fun. If some tweets annoy me, I can just move past those tweets, laughing at their ridiculousness as I zoom by. There are a lot of rule-makers on Twitter though and groups among which social norms have developed. With these groups, many adopt an “unwritten” set of expectations as to how they think others should be interacting. And this not only applies to content, but also - which I find really amazing - to the amount of time a person and/or business should be spending on Twitter. Have you seen that? What’s your thought? Pushed you away or drew you in?

I was never one to take well to forced expectations. Case in point: there wasn’t a chance I was ever going to start a Sunday dinner ritual with the family – not that I don't love them - but if I did, I knew that after only a few consecutive Sunday’s that could easily run the risk of being translated as a tradition aka - in my mind - expectation, and I'd never be able to plan anything new on a Sunday ever again. I was raised to believe that you value the time, knowledge, and the interaction that you have with people when you’re with them, but that you don’t force an expectation translated to rules and obligations as a way of measuring their value. So for me, seeing this crop up among groups pushes me away. I have enough obligations and expectations in my daily life, I simply can not burden myself with more.

There are so many ways to interact on Twitter, there are chats, many of which occur with weekly consistency. There are informal groups that meet every day for breakfast or for wine at 5pm, and then there are those who simply use the tool at scheduled times during their day. Despite what the self-proclaimed "rule-makers" may dictate or tell you, there is no right or wrong way; it’s what works for you and what works for your business. Everyone has a different goal and a different reason for what that will be, whether it is personal or professional.

Not that long ago a received an email from someone because I was inappropriately using a Hashtag. Seriously? I was astonished. That was a pivotal moment for me, and since that time caused me to look at Twitter and the social interactions taking place in an entirely different way . It began to feel glaring to me; the number of people who held expectations beyond the basic rules of add value, interact and be social. I started to feel it was too much.

Many groups, in my perception, are beginning to subconsciously (or would it be subliminally?) enforce Twextations. That is a turn off to me. I will never post 37 tweets in an hour, 25 tweets per hour and I unfortunately can never promise that I will be online every morning at 5:30 am to have coffee with my Tweeps – though it is fun when I can. I’m usually out walking at that hour, enjoying the limited time of my day that is full of fresh air and enjoying some real-life conversation with my niece. In the same vein, yes, it is true, I unfortunately cannot participate in every Twitter chat that takes place. It’s too bad, because there are many that provide really valuable insight and information [#blogchat, #intdesignerchat, #designtv and the soon-to-launch #customwrkrmchat] .

Does this mean I don’t add value? Does it mean that I'm breaking the rules, or that I’m letting people down?

I’ve had some interesting feedback from people saying “you disappeared”, “ where are you?”, “we expect you to be here?”. I have a business, a husband, a dog, a family, daily responsibilities and obligations that are my here and now, and where I need to be present. If I’m not drinking my morning coffee with you on Twitter, it’s probably because I’m sitting across the table having it with my husband or I’m out walking with my niece. If I’m not on an evening chat it’s probably because I’m on an appointment, having dinner or I’m sleeping. If I’m not tweeting every minute of every hour of every day its simply because I’m working, living, and spending time with the people who are right next to me or in front of me. So I’m sorry if I’ve let you down, I’m just trying to live my life in balance. Please, don’t take it personally.

I think it's just the natural progression of anything new - that lead me to step back and look at Twitter from a different lens. It's hard to avoid being overly involved with social media when you first begin, but as time goes on you have to reevaluate and see how to fit it into your life with the best balance.

I have made some incredible contacts and have expanded my network of business colleagues, all of whom I value greatly; but at the same time I've had to step back from Twitter to reevaluate and strive for greater balance. Honestly, it has been since receiving that email relative to hashtag use, and seeing so many comments/feedback about what people should and shouldn’t do relative to the amount of time they spend on Twitter, that initiated the change. I come from such a huge family, I have many interests and I work A LOT! Having so many people in my life and always so much going on, I’ve always found it necessary to have time by myself, with no noise, interruptions; without need to be in constant dialogue. Don’t get me wrong, I can talk (ask my husband), and I love to meet new people, but I require limits on my time – both online and offline.

We all only have so many hours in the day. If I’m sitting at the dinner table and tweeting while my husband, friends or guests are sitting across the table, what kind of value am I’m providing to the most important relationships in my life?

So let me ask you, is social media playing the role that it’s supposed to be playing in your life? Are you being successful at setting boundaries and maintaining limits? I’m really curious and would love to hear your feedback.

I still love Twitter and I am working toward new goals that will keep me focused on the areas I am passionate about, while at the same time keeping things in balance for me. So I encourage you, while I also caution you, if you are new to Twitter, be aware you may experience Twextations, from others, as well as yourself. Don't give up though, step back and reevaluate. It's a great tool with great people and tremendous value.

You may want to think of it like a new exercise program. Take it slow if you need to and know that balance may not be immediate, but can be strived for!

Teaching Textiles at CHFA: are you joining me?

2011-07-21T16:35:00.000-04:00

Have you signed up for an-almost-end of summer get-a-way? Before becoming immersed in the hustle and bustle of a busy school year, how about treating yourself to a few days at the CHF Academy?

I've got my flight booked, bags packed and I can't wait! On August 3 - 5, I'll be teaching Textiles and Fabric Coordination. We are going to have a ball! No more color, pattern and textile dilemmas ~ with your new knowledge and way of looking at things you will create design boards that will WOW. And you'll know exactly what fabric is the right choice [beyond aesthetics] for function it will play.

Chatting at CHFA with Melanie Macha Henry

[Designs by Melanie, Houston, TX]

This class will give you knowledge, skills and confidence that will help you create design boards and vignettes that are spot-on and you will be able to do it faster! No more agonizing and wasting infinite hours to put a collection together. It will also arm you with the language and understanding to better educate your clients putting an end to "the wrong fabric for the job" that causes you stress, frustration and lost time - [and let's face it, we all know time is money] - from additional labor hours.

After this class, fabric selection and coordination just may become the favorite part of your job!! That's how enjoyable it really is! :-)

So who will be joining me? It's not to late to sign up.

Fabulous Fretwork!

2011-07-15T13:31:00.001-04:00

I hope you'll enjoy today's guest post, put together by our friends over at the Arcadian Lighting Blog. I love Fretwork myself and think they did a great job putting this post together for our readers. Hope you enjoy!

Seems the design world is having a mad love affair with fretwork. But what exactly is it? Fretwork is a design element characterized by interlaced designs that range from simple, straight lines to elaborately curved and ornamental motifs. Traditionally, fretwork was seen in metal and wood designs where it was cutout using a saw like a jigsaw or fretsaw. Thomas Chippendale, the famous 18^th century English cabinetmaker, popularized fretwork in his furniture designs, which were distributed and copied throughout England and America. Inspired by Chinese metalwork and woodwork, these designs are often called Chinese Chippendale. In metal and wood there are two types of fretwork: open and blind. Open has an open space between the carving; blind is raised but is solid and not pierced.

Today's designers have embraced the fabulousness of fretwork. It can be found on furnishings, fabrics, light fixtures, rugs and home décor accessories in both bold and subtle colorways and patterns.

Circawho (via)

These antique illustrations of Chippendale chairs show a variety of fretwork patterns on the backs and legs. A combination of straight lines, interlocking elements and curves have inspired countless fretwork patterns throughout the years.

Designed to the Nines (via)

Fretwork and glass cabinet doors have been around since the mid 18^th century. This is a modern interpretation in white that feels anything but antique especially with the recessed lights illuminating the beautiful pattern.

House Fabric (via)

This Chippendale fretwork pattern is a simple graphic patterned fabric that would be great on upholstered furniture, curtains, linens or pillows. Pair this with a chandelier to highlight the beautiful pattern of this fretwork.

Simplified Bee (via)

Love the subtle fretwork pattern on this tile. The elegant geometric pattern is sophisticated without being bold.

Crafting a Green World (via)

The elaborate fretwork pattern on this green and white area fabric recalls Victorian ironwork.

Simplified Bee (via)

Like the tile above, tonal wallpaper with a fretwork pattern feels sophisticated. There are so many variations of fretwork patterns.

Nesting Newbies (via)

Love this fretwork rug by Emily Todhunter for The Rug Company. Like all fretwork patterns it has an interlocking geometry.

The Light Archive (via)

Gorgeous fretwork patterned tile from Popham designs. This patterned tile would look amazing in an entry or bathroom.
Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. Come visit us today!

Decorative Trims: Beaded Bedazzlements

2011-06-18T13:55:00.001-04:00

Can you tell I had trouble coming up with a great title for this post? Got you this far though, so I guess I did pretty well. Now, the trick is to have you keep reading. Please, let me bedazzle you with a bit about beads.

Is it just me or do you agree, that beads add something special and have a way of captivating the eye? Wherever you find them, beaded trims add softness and feminine, elegant appeal. I had a young client in not long ago and she immediately walked over to a treatment and said, "I really love this... is that tacky?" Absolutely not! Another very young client was too cute, as I showed her fabrics she kept turning around and looking behind her in the studio. Finally, after I was done she said, "can I have one of those with the beads on it?" From the minute she walked in, it had captured her attention.

If you've been following the blog, you already know that yes, I love trim, and in that category is beaded trim. If you go through my shop, you'll see many, but in case you have not I pulled some pretties on over here.

When done up to the nines on grand scale, beading can be flashy and glamorous. Lucky for you, you don't have to don the beading and fringe a la 1920s fashion if it's not your thing. Your home is a great place to take some risks -- small or large -- and try out some jewelry-like design elements to suit your style, that can be anywhere from quiet to ostentatious, you decide.

The trim on these pillows fits the "quiet" appeal, I think, especially so as done in subtle tonal hues. They create such a soft, almost ethereal, and definitely feminine look. They'd be pretty plain-Jane without the trim, don't you agree?

Samuel & Sons (Lori Weitzner)

I love, love, love beaded trim on the lead-edge of drapes [yes, that is the lingo for the edge of the drapery that faces the center of the window... lead edge]! They provide an excellent contrast to the visual weight of the tassel tieback and add a little brightness and lightness. This photo is another image from one of the most delightful showrooms in New York: Samuel and Sons. For you non-sewing readers, their showroom brings to me, the equivalent of a "kid in a candy store" feeling! Take away the trim changes the whole feel, in my opinion, immediately making the drapes more masculine and weighty. And I am absolutely in love with the trim that the Canadian, Studio La Beaute used on the ivory panel below. Elegance defined!

Samuel &Sons

Studio La Beaute

I can hear your "Wowww" over here, as you scroll your eyes over this next image. It's fantastic, isn't it? I can immediately think of about seven clients who are going crazy over this right now. It's a fabulous creation from Sonya Hamilton Interiors. The flat braid trim paired with the beading adds the perfect complement to the fabric [awesome on its own; beyond awesome with the contrast!]. This wouldn't work as well if it weren't for the solid chocolate fabric above the trim. What feels whimsical and fun would probably feel a lot busier with all pattern.

Beyond the Screen Door Designs

Here's a space designed by Phoebe Howard in a waterfront home. I love the addition of wooden bead trim on the bottom edge of the valance to add an earthy appeal. I know its difficult to see it clearly, but I think you can tell enough that the trim is just enough to break all that pattern.

Phoebe Howard

So what do you think? Is it high time we bedazzle some goodies in your home with beaded trim? Is it something you'd like to try? The great thing about beading is that it can added to treatments or pillows you already have, whether custom or ready-made, creating a truly unique look. Let's go for it! I'd love to help you jazz things up a bit!

Get a group of your friends together to see trims up close and personal, by hosting one of our Wine & Design Events. We can focus your W&D event specifically on "transformations with trim", if you so desire. Send me a note, or call me at 978-230-2239, and we can set a date!

Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House

2011-06-15T21:33:00.002-04:00

Day one of Blogfest 2011 finished with a sneak peek of the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House. What is that exactly? Located at 540 West 28th Street in Manhattan, the Modern Life Concept House features designs by five of Elle Decor's designers to watch from last year, as well as five who were recently announced for this year. Each designer paired with a leading brand to design modern indoor and outdoor spaces for two condo units. And while you know my personal aesthetic leans to the more traditional (I am a New Englander, after all), these spaces were downright amazing.

Image: Elle Decor

To get your own sneak peek, take a tour of the house by Editor in Chief, Michael Boodro.

First let me start by saying that this is New York, readers, so it should come as no surprise that the spaces were small. With about 100 of us milling about saying "Excuse me, excuse me" on a particularly and unusually humid day in May, I couldn't possibly take it all in. And as a result, there's no way this post can even do justice to these incredible spaces. This is definitely not meant to be a comprehensive overview, but rather a "big picture" look. You can bet I'd love to visit again on a less crowded (and hot!) day.

That being said, I was still able to take in enough to leave me thoroughly impressed with the designers' ability to maximize the space. Each room used every ounce of space and the eye was never left without something to occupy its attention.

When I think back to my visit, one thing above all comes to mind -- texture... from the draperies to the Venetian plaster, what brought each space alive for me was the dramatic use of textures and finishes. Sara Story of Sara Story Design (who partnered with The New Traditionalists) "really wanted to do a woman's salon." While I can't exactly bring you to see it, I did find this video featuring the room on NBC New York. Check it out!

This rich, hand-painted door opens right into the room. This does not even come close to doing this justice and shame, shame on me that I did not get a closeup of the draperies in this room because they were to die for. Talk about making a grand statement to set the tone for an elegant space!

Image: Mochatini

Image: Attic Mag

If you watched the video, you know that Sara started the project by adding Venetian plaster to the walls and the ceiling, which, in her own words, adds texture and reflective qualities that - in a small space - will create a larger feeling to the room. The walls were literally the first thing that caught my gaze; they were unreal. The effect was like that of lacquer -- shiny and sleek. And the hand-painted work? Amazing. I was not able to get any great photos of my own, but fortunately, others attending did. I share these with you now and hope that you will take the time to visit their amazing blogs as well.

Image: Attic Mag

Is this nothing short of incredible?

Image: Quintessence

Here's a great close-up of the gorgeous bedding. Again, I love the richness! A mix of pattern and texture adds playfulness, too. I also love the geometric repetition in the circles and squares in the fabric, decorative finishes, light fixture, and tables. They're subtle and really unify the room.

Image: Mochatini

Speaking of playful, note the portrait of Sara herself above the vanity! And take note of all of the details - both under and on the desk and chair. Each room was designed and styled so that it really seemed like someone was living there. In this photo, you can also catch the tiniest of glimpses at one of my hands-down favorite elements in this room. I'll give you one guess.

Yup. The drapes. The fabric and body were amazing -- construction perfect. It was truly love at first sight! It was brushed with gold - if my memory serves me correctly, the fabric was Italian - and were finished with a beautiful weight lining and interlining. I have yet to see a photo that truly captures their beauty, so my words and these images will have to do.

Image: Attic Mag

Image: Quintessence

One thing is entirely obvious to me as I share this highlight with you: I would so love to go back! I wish I lived closer to New York! To really appreciate this space -- and all of the spaces in the Elle Decor Modern Life Concept House -- I'd love to just sit in the center of the room and soak it all in. Only then could I truly give these spaces the attention they so rightly deserve. And what an honor to have been a part of this preview!

Thank you to Quintessence [an incredible journalist ~ I promise you will love her blog] and Mochatini [who I had the pleasure of sitting next to during the panel discussions ~ so sweet and talented], for taking such great photos. Please be sure to pop over to their blogs and read about - and see - more of what caught their eye at the MLC House.

Can you believe these first two posts were just of my first day at Blogfest? Me neither! My next post on the Kips Bay Decorator Show House kicks off day two! Hope you'll join me!

The Child in Me: Blogfest 2011 Day One!

2011-06-04T10:14:00.001-04:00

You can't help but be struck by the incredible architecture of the Hearst Tower in Manhattan, home of the Hearst publications, including Town & Country, Veranda, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor (a few of my favorite things)! Isn't it amazing? How'd you like to show up to work here every morning?

It's a little hard for me to believe that this is where I showed up for work (well, sort of) on Monday, May 16th to participate in Blogfest 2011. To say it was a whirlwind experience is an understatement. What an opportunity I feel so fortunate to have been a part of! And I'm just as excited to share my experience with you! With such a packed agenda, Blogfest can't be summed up right here, so you can look forward to a several posts in the weeks ahead.

Our first day started with a luncheon hosted by House Beautiful on the 44th floor. Check out this view!

View of Central Park from the 44th floor

Image courtesy of: Mike Lee via flickr

Okay, I confess. It was totally foggy and we couldn't see a thing. I have to look on the bright side (no pun intended), though, because if we had views like this, I don't know how easy it would've been to pay attention!

About the "child in me" reference in my title. Do you remember how you felt on your first day of grade school? Overwhelmed...excited...inquisitive...awe-filled? Who do I talk to first? Where do I sit? Yup. That was me. There I was on the 44th floor of the Hearst Tower surrounded by all these people I've heard about, read about, seen on blogs, twitter, and facebook -- amazingly talented people I was meeting in real life! Add the editorial staff and key members of the Kravet team. It took me right back to those feelings from first grade; a little bit overwhelming.

From L to R: Ann Feldstein, Cary Kravet, Jennifer Powell, Beth Greene [Kravet]

and Newell Turner [House Beautiful]

Photo Courtesy of Kravet

One of the first people I saw and wanted to say hello to was Linda Merrill from Surroundings. Although we're both in Massachusetts, it took a trip to New York for us to meet up in person! I also had the opportunity to speak with Ellen Kravet -- I laughingly admit, I thought I was speaking with Ellen from Kravet, not Ellen Kravet - as in owner of the company, Kravet - who I found to be welcoming and down-to-earth! And I found that to be true of all the Kravets I met - like long-time friends. [A highlight for me during Blogfest was meeting Uta Kravet, mother to the fourth-generation Kravet's that now head the company -- but more on that in a later post!]

Beth Greene, VP of Communications and Marketing at Kravet, welcomed us. She was really the reason any of us were there in the first place. Beth conceived of Blogfest-- it's her "baby" as you'll hear in the video -- and brought her idea to the magazines;all of them immediately jumping on board.

Watch live streaming video from blogfest2011 at livestream.com

In her welcome, Beth said, "As bloggers, you are quickly being recognized as tastemakers and trendsetters. The group gathered here represents the brightest stars and the best of the best in the design blogging world. You have the creativity, passion, and talent that will usher our industry into a new era." I must say, I was so honored to be among the small audience to whom these words were spoken. [We all enjoy a little pat on the back now and then, right?].

A panel discussion, "The Importance of Blogs to the Print Magazine Today," with the Hearst editors followed lunch, as well as inside looks at Veranda and House Beautiful from their respective editors. One message that came across loud and clear (and one that made me oh-so-happy) is that print magazines are here to stay! In case you may have been fooled to think otherwise, they're not going anywhere. For those of us who love to turn the page - many of my customers falling to this category - we don't have to say goodbye.

From L to R: Mark Rozzo, Newell Turner, Dara Caponigro

I have to say that throughout the day, I was incredibly impressed with the level of respect these consummate professionals had for each other. I enjoyed meeting their teams and hearing about their individual journeys. It was evident that they are clearly working toward the same vision and we are a part of that vision! For me, I left the panel discussions feeling inspired, validated and respected. Working as a solo-entreprenuer, it was incredibly rewarding to hear from these "big players" that they recognize, watch and read the content that we produce. "You, bloggers, are our beat reporters; you are our eyes and ears to seeing what's going on about the country."

And for my readers who are also bloggers, you will be interested to hear some of the advice that was given. Talking about what makes for a great blog, the editors seemed in agreement. Having and staying true to your own point of view is key, as is writing well and holding yourself to the level of a journalist. And a point that really rang true for me was: Have a mission! Know who you're writing for and stay focused on them. In my case, Storibook Designs Open Studio is for my customers. I aim to educate and serve as a resource for what the decorating and design world has to offer so you, my clients and readers, can make the best decisions for your home.

My mission mirrors something that Dara Caponigro (Editor in Chief at Veranda) said when describing her magazine: "Our emphasis is on beauty and quality. 'Buy less and buy well.' So many people are so quick to buy things just to buy them." Yes! I love that! That's exactly what I strive for when working with clients. I strive to provide answers to the questions, here on my blog, that I am asked so often in order to guide my clients in "buying well".

Each of the panelists shared so much with us, from their respective missions and vision to what they have planned for the future. From magazines to brands, they are reaching out and finding new ways to bring us their content. In addition to the beautiful glossy print magazines we're accustomed to, we will continue to find many new ways to read, search and experience their content. Just one example -- Architectural Digest just released an app called AD Amazing Kitchens available for download on iTunes, which will soon be followed by others. House Beautiful will also be launching apps, putting fun, interactive design literally at our fingertips.

Image: iTunes

There is so much more for me to share with you, too much for this one post, so I hope you'll continue to join me as I share my Blogfest experiences!

My highlights of the 3-day tour include a "meet-the-designers" event at Mayo Studios, a delightful afternoon with Barbara Barry, exclusive tour of the Kravet Design Studios and so much more!

Decorative Trims: Strike a Cord!

2011-06-02T11:58:00.001-04:00

Next on our tour of trims comes decorative cord. (I'm starting to feel like a tour guide. Someone get me a bus and a microphone!) Cord trim is...well...a cord. I've pulled small samples from the Storibook Designs gallery to show you the interesting patterns that can be created, from traditional to funky!

Storibook Designs

I pretty much always use some type of cord trim, because it finishes the treatment and emphasizes its shape. But as you surely know, these trims aren't just for window treatments, so let's strike a cord and take a look at some other possibilities!

In this image, the trim perfectly accents a chair cushion, giving it a polished, finished look. You do want to be careful when using in this fashion if it is a piece that will get a lot of use. A corded edge on a cushion if you have a cat, for instance, can sometimes be an irresistible invitation for play.

Michael Whaley Interiors via Samuel & Sons

But if gentleness is the use your piece will be cared with, its a look I highly recommend. In this bathroom designed by Charlotte Moss, I love the cord trim on the chair cushion because it frames the boxing detail so nicely. Of course, the room itself gives much for the eye to land on (chandelier over your tub, anyone?)!

Charlotte Moss via Veranda

Can you say, Wow! I love using contrast trim in upholstery and this shows you exactly why! This banquette in the showroom of Lora Piana Interiors is a total stunner. How lifeless it would be without cord trim. It is the perfect example of using cord trim to emphasize shape and/or add drama to an otherwise simple silhouette!

Loro Piana Interiors via Veranda

In this room by Phoebe Howard, the scalloped valance trimmed with welting (custom-made cord covered with fabric) finishes the look and provides just enough of a break from all the blue. I bet you're not surprised to learn that this space is in a waterfront home!

Phoebe Howard

Layering trims is always an interesting option too. This combination of trims -- two rows of bobble fringe with cording between -- adds amazing dimension and texture to these draperies.

Brimar

Well, that's the stop on this leg of the tour. Oh...and don't worry -- there won't be a quiz on trims at the end of the road. So as your planning your next design project, I hope this travel through trims will cause you to consider adding some fabulous details when you're working on your next project.

Next up? Beading! Hope you'll come along! Before that though, I'm going to give you a break from trims and take you on another journey. Look forward to tomorrow when I share my first post with you about my 3-day Inspired Design Tour -- Blogfest 2011, sponsored by Kravet and Lee Jofa.

Who Wouldn't Love a Custom Ottoman? Would You?

2011-05-26T12:34:00.002-04:00

No, really, who wouldn't love one? A place to relax and read a book...extra seating for guests...instant coffee table? In our first blog post about ottomans ("Blog Bites: Kick Up Your Feet"), we featured some amazing ottomans of all sizes, shapes, textures, and styles. We also promised a follow-up post on ottomans, and I am so excited about this one!

When I blogged about my Wine & Design events, I promised an amazing incentive for hosts -- 50% off of the labor of a custom ottoman [promotion amount valid to change post 9/30/11]. Incredible savings! I'm thrilled to be able to show you some of the designs to get your imagination flowing! Not interested in hosting an event? Not a problem! These custom ottomans are available to everyone (just not at a discount).

Before I show you little eye candy, I have to answer the question I'm sure is on some readers' minds: Why do I need a custom ottoman? Can't I just get one at a furniture store? Yes, of course you can. And for many people, this works just fine. But I can't tell you how often I've entered clients' homes to hear that their chosen ottoman was "the best we could find" or "not exactly what we wanted." That doesn't sound too exciting, does it? Custom pieces allow for so much flexibility to create the size, style, and look you really want. And guess what -- the price of these quality custom pieces you see here are actually comparable to the "best you could find" in the stores. Really!

Okay...on to the fun stuff!

Here's a traditional look -- tailored with nail-head trim and wooden legs. Want to see what this sketch looks like "in real life"? Check out the second image to see a chic incarnation!

Love this fabric, by the way...traditional meets slightly funky modern. Very cool.

I can't help but think "girly" when I see this next one. I can envision it in a dressing room, sitting room, or even a little girl's room. Hmmm...maybe the three fabric choices in the second image are influencing my vision! I just have to draw your attention to the differences between the sketch and this particular custom piece. Beautiful button and banding details truly make this piece custom (and add to the "girly" factor in this case)!

In the mood for something fancy? Take a look at this turret ottoman! But just when you thought the sketches said it all, the "real life" ottoman sample creates a more casual look with playful fabric and cord detail (matching the fringe) to give this a cohesive style I can see in a family room, bedroom, or sunroom. Love how cheerful it is!

While I don't have a sketch of this next piece, isn't it adorable? Can you imagine it with more masculine fabrics?

And speaking of masculine, here are a couple that really fit the bill. Can you see leather on this first one? I sure can!

Here's a contemporary look for those interested in a more modern aesthetic with clean lines.

And finally...maybe I'm a little biased here, but I just had to share this before-and-after of a piece courtesy of Storibook Designs. Who doesn't love a little before-and-after? I do for sure!

Before:

Voila! A lively, playful, and sophisticated "after"! More than one of you has professed a love for this fabric!

Custom pieces leave you with so many options, and believe me, I know it can be overwhelming! That's why working with a professional to guide you through the process is worth every penny to make sure you get exactly what you're looking for (or as happens in some cases, what you did even know you were looking for)!

Wine, Design...And You!

2011-05-10T12:39:00.000-04:00

Do you love combining wine and design? Me too! That's why I love my [the original] Wine and Design Events. You provide the venue (your home, typically) and wine; I provide the design. Sound like a fun way to get together with friends? Read on!

Cheers!

If you're interested in home decor, understand that quality makes a difference, and want to learn about what "custom" really means (and what's available), then you will love hosting a Wine & Design event! Wondering whom to invite? Wine & Design guests fall across a spectrum. Some may be potential customers who schedule a decorative consult the next day! Others might want to order custom draperies, slipcovers, or upholstery. Others may simply love the opportunity for a night out - "another glass of wine, please" - and just "file" the information away for a future date if custom isn't on their "need right now" list of priorities.

Photo description: Storibook Designs
pillow face sample showcasing fusible applique technique

No matter where they're at, everyone enjoys the creative ideas and new-found understanding of what custom really means and is. Seeing and touching the product is the best way to do that; it's the only way to really showcase custom workmanship and fine detail.

Photo description: Storibook Designs
Embellishment sample showcasing fabric origami technique

People don't have to feel like they have to place an order, though. No; that's not what this is about. This isn't a Tupperware party, and I say this with no disrespect (because I love my Tupperware). These events are a chance for me to share things I love -- enjoyable events where I often make new friends, new "fans," and yes, some new customers.

So what are my requirements? I just ask that at least six homeowners be in attendance. And since I can't legally provide the wine, that one's up to you, too. That's it!

As a fabulous incentive for hosts, I'm so excited to offer up to 50% off the labor of a gorgeous custom ottoman -- a huge savings! I can't think of anyone who couldn't use and enjoy a custom ottoman. Can you?!

So do you think hosting a Wine and Design event is for you? Please send me a note at storibookdesigns@verizon.net if you're interested so we can get your date on the calendar!

Countdown to Blogfest 2011: View from Veranda

2011-04-25T14:07:00.000-04:00

I have long been romanced by the covers and photography from Veranda. To me, they are one of a few magazines that has stayed consistently true to who they are, always inspiring with their classical elegance and romantic appeal.

I don’t think they’ve ever printed a cover that I didn’t LOVE either, which leads me to think that perhaps I should do what the oh-so clever Ellen did, over at Noveau Stitch, and think about framing my Veranda covers; I would definitely do gilded frames though.... .something like this .....

Can you picture it?

With my long-held love of the mag, I can't begin to put to words how psyched I am to visit their headquarters and to hear from Dara Caponigro, their current Editor-in-chief! I can only begin to imagine the wisdom she will share with us; she has so much to draw from with her prestigious background that brought her from House Beautiful, to Domino and now Veranda. seriously, hello.. I don't come across too many in my daily routine with such an impressive career track...

source: sohautestyle

In August last year, ShelterPop published a short interview Dara regarding changes she planned to make and what we could look forward to seeing. I was relieved to read then that she was planning on maintaining the same standard of beauty Veranda had always stood for and that it would continue to maintain "a very gracious approach and a sense of refinement" . Those are the exact things I have always loved about them so I was of course quite happy that she would not be taking the magazine in a totally different direction. And she's kept her word.

I believe we will also be hearing from many of their stylists and special-projects editors too, as Veranda takes us on a tour to provide more of the intimate behind-the-scenes details that lead them to the feature homes of past issues. It is sure to be enlightening to hear more of how this process works and hopefully, we'll also learn more about how designers today can put themselves out front and in a position for to be featured in future issues themselves.

If you were in the audience with Veranda, what questions would you want to ask? Let me know and I'll try to share as many of the answers and details they enlighten us with in my follow-up posts on my return!

And to think, I have only touched upon a bit of our Day #1 schedule. I'll be posting more as my Countdown to Blogfest continues....

Are You a Band Leader?

2011-04-20T17:00:00.002-04:00

Banding from companion fabrics and used as trim to draperies, adds definition and contrast and is used in many applications, from pillows, cornices, to valances. One of my favorite ways to use is on draperies. A simple drapery .....with banding - simple no more. Impact!

A simple gold drapery with an 8" band on lead edge and hem is suddenly amazing:

A simple box valance and drapes make much more of a statement with the banding detail added:

Otherwise plain white drapes make a strong statement with the navy band set in on lead edge:

See what I mean? Impact.

Take a look at this roman shade from Jane Churchill's line, Flower Fairies™ collection. Although the primary shade fabric, appropriately called Blossom Flower Fairies, is stunning, alone it just wouldn't have as much appeal as it does now trimmed with a yellow band and ric rac [yes, you heard that right, ric rac.. it's baaack]. I can't imagine this shade any other way. Sweet perfection [as is pretty much the end result of anything with the Jane Churchill signature]!

Jane Churchill

The bands on these bedroom drapes really bring the bed to life to truly make it the vibrant centerpiece that it is. While the turquoise is certainly repeated on the ceiling, I even love the step stool. As small as it is, it really grabs my eye and draws more attention to the curtains.

House Beautiful

Another designer I have long admired is Phoebe Howard. Breathtaking and timeless style, she was top of mind when I thought of finding banding used in high-style. I love her aesthetic so much because she never denies a space its full potential when it comes to fabric and custom window treatments. Gotta love her for that!
Now this room below is definitely leader of the band! How much do you love it? The solid red band defines the drape from the sheer and balances out the more bold print on the bed throw. Love it!

Images: Phoebe Howard

This next room comes from a magazine clipping I saved from years ago and then scanned, which you can obviously tell from the slant to the picture.. not to worry, you aren't suffering from vertigo.. its simply bad scanning on my part. I absolutely love (LOVE) this space. This treatment adds a serious "wow" factor and the light fixture is so perfect too. I wonder which came first, the light fixture or the treatments? What do you think?

Source Unknown

Another that I'm over the moon for is this:

Source: Unknown

Seriously, can you stand it? I think this room is perfection [note the amazing wall detail!!] and am only sorry to say that I do not remember what magazine I saved this page from either. This torn page is another that has been in my binder for quite some time. If you know the source, please alert me and I will gladly and willingly share. Bravo to this designer!!

So, tell me, are you ready to strike up the band? (Wink, wink.) If you have something simple that is feeling rather ho-hum, can you jazz it up with some banding? Take note, what's great about some of the trim styles I'm showing you is that they can be added to treatments you already have. They're a great way to give your room a whole new look.

I hope you're looking at trims and treatments in a whole new way with these posts. As promised, there is more to come!

Countdown to Blogfest: Want to Come Along?

2011-04-19T14:08:00.002-04:00

Well you all know that I'm excited about Blogfest, right? So, I decided that while I've been looking up additional information related to the activities planned for us, I should let you in on the excitement and share it all with you too. On May 16th, I'll be heading to New York for this fabulous event....

Bustling through NY Crowds

It's not that far away, and our "tour" could not start off anywhere more appropriate. We will all meet in New York for a kickoff Lunch at Cafe57 in the Hearst Tower, home to Hearst Magazines - including House Beautiful, Veranda, and Town & Country - all sponsors of Blogfest, along with Kravet.

Of course I needed to look up Café 57 and in doing so, found that it is simply the personal cafeteria of Hearst Tower. No biggie really, but what is cool is that they regularly feature monthly menu items that had been features of the various Hearst publications. Well that could be fun, since you know who.... none other than The Barefoot Contessa has been featured in all of the above!! We all know she can whip up more than your average deliciousness, and who knows, maybe they'll surprise us with a treat of the Contessa herself preparing our lunch....(I know, I know...don't get carried away!).

Yes, I fear that food may be a central portion of our energy boost for the three days, considering they just announced the "The Official Ice Cream of Blogfest 2011." Thank heavens Tamara, over at Nest, has planned a walking meetup for the morning! Whew! Okey, dokey, enough about food... time to move on.

The World's First Designer Ice Cream

The Hearst Tower, in and of itself, is worthy of a visit on its own too. The first building to be Gold LEED certified - core, shell and interiors - in New York City; well, to me, that is pretty impressive, so I'm looking forward to taking in its magnificence. Not sure what the big fuss is with LEED? Take a look-see here to find out more. Yeah, it's a pretty big deal and this "46-story big deal" I'm sure can't be captured in a photo, so the live visit is one I'm really looking forward to.

After our lunch, we'll head off to a panel discussion on "The Importance of Blogs to the Print Magazine Industry Today". With the major players of the design magazine houses I've mentioned above, and speakers that include Beth Greene, Newell Turner, Dara Caponigro and Mark Rozzo, this is sure to be an enlightening and captivating dialogue!

Can't wait!! And stay tuned, I'll be posting more details in the days ahead as I countdown to Blogfest 2011!

Decorative Trims: Bullion Fringe

2011-04-05T11:20:00.002-04:00

To continue on our trip through trims, we're going to stay on the fringe path to take a look at bullion fringe. Bullion fringe is a fringe made of looped threads that are twisted together, varying in lengths that can range from 3" to as much as 12".

I love this quote from Barry Dixon that House Beautiful featured in its "101 Makeover Ideas from 101 Designers." The makeover tip? Dress up curtains, of course! Barry says, "If you want to accentuate the height of a room, apply braid, tape, or trim to the leading edge of the draperies." [Barry has long been my kind of designer!!]

Hand Model: Me.. ha, ha

Bullion is not to be confused with bouillon. Unless you're hungry and in the mood for soup. In that case, bouillon it is!

This kind of fringe is to be used tastefully and in measured doses. You know the saying that you can never get too much of a good thing? Well, in this case, throw that saying out the window (pardon the pun). In this custom chair by Barry Dixon, the fringe is just divine -- so elegant!

Barry Dixon

And in this next amazing space (space seems like an understatement), a stunning and lush ottoman takes center stage. Again, it's classy and elegant. Can you imagine if fringe was all over this room? Too much. And it would easily take away from the detail already there. Instead, the small dose in this one eye-catching piece adds such richness -- so chic!

Veranda

In this amazing living roome below, however, the fringe is in full-dose and looking amazing! This room needed a window treatment with some "weight" and adding the bullion brought it! The owner of this home, William Thames, states, "You get a little bit better results when you let the professionals do what they know". A "little bit"? Just look at this room, it's exquisite. I think, "a LOT better results"!

Robert Cole Architects + Jimmy Sellars, Decorator

Here in Jeffrey Bilhuber's own room, bullion fringe is used as a sofa trim, and again, it's the only use of this fringe in the space. It adds interest and balance to the walls, and brings a new dimension to the sofa while still maintaining the room's comfortable, casual feel.

Elle Decor by Jeffrey Bilhuber

As I mentioned in my first post about fringe, some clients cringe at the thought of fringe and respond with a gut reaction, "no, no, Sarah, I'm not a fringe person". Until, of course, I help them see it in a new way. It's not your Grandma's fringe anymore! Remember that fringe styles abound; here we're showing you a small sampling to get you thinking. I can literally get you drooling over some of the delicious options available as we explore the multitude of options that might suit your style or project.

So, tell me, has this whet your appetite? What do you really think of what you've seen so far?

Dreaming of Custom Draperies? In Love with Kravet Fabrics? ...What a Deal!

2011-03-30T23:35:00.003-04:00

We've had a long, long winter - unbelievably, we are expecting a Nor'easter here on Friday too - so I think we all need a lift to joyfully welcome (and maybe, coax) in spring!

What better way to do that than with custom draperies? I know how many of you readers love Kravet fabrics, so in addition to promotional pricing on our drapery panels, we decided to pair this offering with promotional pricing on special-order Kravet fabrics as well. .... (applause)

Take a closer look: Promotion

Well what are you waiting for? Take a hop on over to Kravet site and figure out which fabric you can't live without... once you've got that settled, give me a jingle and we can get you one-step closer to gorgeous custom draperies !!

Looking forward to the happy smiles once the new drapes go up!

Decorative Trims: Have You Considered the Fringe Benefits?

2011-03-29T13:30:00.001-04:00

To continue with my focus on window treatments, I thought I'd take the time to go through some of the options you have in decorative trims -- and you will see throughout this series, the options are endless! It is very common when clients think of window treatments, to limit those thoughts to fabric and style, as well they should. But often overlooked are the trims and embellishments that can infuse a major "wow" factor.

Trims on window treatments can have a great effect on the overall impact of a room. In some cases, it can truly complete the room. Different decorative trims can, of course, create different effects -- classic, traditional, glamorous, bold -- you name it!

To get us started on this trip through trims, I thought I'd start with fringe -- a place where options abound! Many of my clients cringe when I mention fringe. They think they don't like it; for most, it's because it conjures up images of an old great aunt's home. But once I show them some of our amazing trim collections, we begin to open up the imagination; they can see it on lampshades, window treatments, pillows...you get the idea!

While it's true that fringe isn't for everyone, I'd like to show you fringe in a whole new light! Tassel fringe, shown in these next images, is the category I sell most often, because the range of offerings is so broad. Take a look at the white tassels on the lead edge of these drapery panels. Do you see how it softens the look and makes these panels so much more interesting than if finished without that detail?

Elle Decor

Scalamandre

A simple solid is given an entirely different look by breaking the panel horizontally. Gorgeous and elegant.

Brimar, Inc.

A brush fringe is a cut fringe that forms a flat skirt comprised of thin yarns. Here's a great close-up!

Samuel and Sons brush fringe

image via Traditional Home

In this next image, I love the brush fringe on the draperies. While they certainly complement the bedding and headboard (which I love, don't you?), they also add a sense of warmth, comfort, and softness in what could have been a too stark, white room. Picture the draperies without that trim; it just wouldn't cut it... it would have been boring... a word we never want associate with our design and decor!

image via Traditional Home

I love the incorporation of fringe along the hem of these relaxed shades. It softens the look and makes these shades a bit more relaxed and certainly more fun.

Terri Mann

Why Helser?

(we'll be talking about this hardware in a future post too!!

What do you think? Do you cringe at the thought of fringe? [hmm, sounds like a bit like a Dr. Suess line.. definitely not intended]. Let me know if you're feeling fringe love right now.

Blogfest: Why I'm Totally Excited? It's like Christmas in May!

2011-03-26T11:31:00.001-04:00

Yes, yes, April showers bring May flowers. All of this New England snow will have melted and spring will be in the air. All of this is very exciting, especially with the winter we've been having around here! But no, it gets better!

I am so looking forward for May because I'll be attending BlogFest 2011 in New York City from the 16th to the 18th! Yes! May can't get here fast enough. When I first saw the posting for the event, I knew I had to jump on such an amazing opportunity, even in the midst of an already packed schedule that lies ahead.

So what exactly is BlogFest 2011? Its subtitle tells it all: "Access to Inspired Design." The design world clearly recognizes the influence that bloggers have, see bloggers as on their side, and are embracing the blogging community. That is what is behind this weekend in May.

Kravet and Lee Jofa are teaming up to invite interior design bloggers from across the country to join them in a "whirlwind tour" of New York City's design world. How cool is that?! Talk about access! (Sorry for all the exclamation points. Can you tell I'm just a little over the moon with anticipation?)

We are going to be treated as design VIP's, given access to so many different design venues at once. On the BlogFest 2011 website, ninety-two blogs/bloggers are currently listed as attendees. In the conference world, that's small....very VIP-like. With events featuring editors from House Beautiful, Veranda, Town & Country, Elle Decor, and Architectural Digest, I'm feeling quite priveleged and honored for this opportunity.

Hey Margaret, see you there!

photo via bravotv.com

We'll get an insider's look at some of these top design mags, tour the Elle Decor Concept House, be treated to a cocktail parties and a champagne reception -- what's not to love? I'm really looking forward to the panel discussion on "The Importance of Blogs to the Print Media Industry Today" too, as I am all for the longevity of my favorite magazines. Digital is nice, but nothing can replace my stack of design magazines and inspiration pages in my list of favorite things!

What is most amazing about all this, that I haven't made emphatic enough up to this point, is that this opportunity is a direct result of social media. That's right; you know those tweets I've been sending out and those "friends" I've been talking to and about on Facebook? Well, without those connections and without that network I would never have been privy to this event. So in addition to the fabulous agenda and industry icons, I'm pretty darn stoked to that I will be meeting IRL (in real life) so many people I have only known online up to now! I'll be able to not just meet them, but also have some quality time enjoying all of this with people who inspire me on a daily basis. Long list of folks I can't wait to meet: Ellen from Nouveau Stitch, the ladies behind Material Girls, Tobi Fairley, Janell of Isabella & Max Rooms, Leslie Fine, BKLYN Contessa, Leslie Carothers - famously known as @tkpleslie on Twitter - Faith Sheridan, Gretchen Aubuchon, Sharon Laxon and Yvonne Vanderkooy from Layers and Layers, Katy Elliott, the folks behind Design Blahg, Emily Anderson, Tamara Matthews-Stephenson, Linda Merrill, Juliann from CreateGirl, Jen from Made By Girl, and so many more. Told you it was a long list! I hope you'll check out some of their blogs, too!

The agenda keeps getting better too so I can't help but wonder -- will there be surprises as well? [I can't help it...that's the kid in me I guess.] I feel like I've won the lottery and I've only had the luxury of something like that once before, so I'm so glad I was "tweeting" when Kravet made the announcement; I think I had that application filled out within an hour of the announcement... hah! didn't let anything stop me from jumping at this tremendous opportunity.
And for those unable to attend, not to worry, we're bloggers remember? We'll be sure to keep you in the know and you can attend vicariously through us. Follow-up posts for sure! And for those of you attending BlogFest, I'm looking forward to meeting you all!

Decorating and Design: What's Your Man's Perspective?

2011-03-23T14:18:00.000-04:00

Would the man in your life make a comparison that undergoing a root canal--even without anesthesia--would be less painful than having to think about paint colors, carpet swatches, sofa fabrics, and window treatments?

Have you been able to push aside his objections like “What’s wrong with the old ones? These keep the light out and our private lives in, what more do we need?" to let them fall on deaf ears?

My husband used to cringe when he would come home to find our table covered with torn-out pages from my “inspiration file”. He’d have that look that said, “Oh boy, this can’t be good!”

A client told me he knew he was in trouble when his then-girlfriend-now-wife said to him, “We have an appointment on Saturday with a designer."

“What?”

He said, “I didn’t even know what window treatments were, so you can be sure I definitely had no thoughts about calling a designer."

One of my funniest memories, though, is with my husband. I was at the workroom one night finishing up a treatment. Ed had stopped by so I asked his opinion, to which he quickly replied, “I think you should put the welting under the jabots but leave it on top over the swag.” It was good advice and I was impressed, but he immediately dropped his head in his hands, elbows on the worktable, and shook his head. I said, “What’s the matter?” and he responded with an exaggerated, “What is happening to me? Not only do I know the words, but I understand them. It’s your fault!” Maybe you had to be there but believe me, it was hysterical! I will forever remember it as one of my funniest moments in business and life.

What about the man in your life? Is he into the process of design and decorating or completely tuned out? I find that with most of my younger couples, the husbands really want to have a say, and although they may not be talking about it to their buddies when watching a game, shhhh, between you and me, I think they really enjoy it.

Another common scenario I see is that guys surprise themselves. They start to get antsy until they see it; they see something they like. That's it. Then they have an opinion and before I know it, they are totally involved, moving fabrics around, being verbal with their choices and preferences. It's almost like when a child suddenly realizes he can ride a bike on his own. Okay, maybe they don't get that excited. But suddenly their silence is a thing of the past and then the real magic happens:

Hey, she agrees with me! The ones I chose are perfect! And while the price did make me do a double-take (or two) and take a couple of deep breaths, I know after seeing the other options, I just had to commit to this choice. I'm convinced, and it’s not just because I'm ready to get it over with. I'm into it; I actually enjoy it.

Okay, maybe a guy doesn't say all that. But I can tell; he's thinking it!

I love it when a once reticent client says to me after a completed project, “I almost hate to admit it, but this really makes a difference. What's the plan for the rest of the house?" Yup, that's right. Suddenly the man of the house is leading the charge to decorate the house.

Ahhhh, how nice…a convert! I love that!

What Color is Your "Happy Place"?

2011-03-18T10:20:00.000-04:00

Did you know that I guest posted over at Authentic Living Interiors? About a year ago I met Randi DeStefano through Twitter...then Facebook...you know how all that goes, right? Well, I was delighted when Randi asked if I would guest post on her blog.

So please, hop on over and check it out and be sure to take the time to get to know Randi while you're there!

My post is about making sure your home is your "happy place." One of the most critical elements to make that happen is knowing what colors work for you by identifying your color comfort zone.

Is Mardi Gras your thing?

Spring Fling?

Harvest?

or Horizon?

Where do you fall? Please, stop on over at Randi's to read the full post and let us know your thoughts! It was a delight to prepare this post for Randi and stay tuned, I do believe we have another one in the works!

The Designer in You: Creating Custom Textiles

2011-03-10T15:07:00.002-05:00

Do you love the idea of a one-of-the kind look? Then you will LOVE this!

Did you know that you can design your own textiles to use in your home? Afraid you can't handle this on your own? No problem, that's where your designer comes in. With the help of your decorator or designer, you have the option of having custom designs printed on fabrics. Even if you're pretty convinced you don't have a creative bone in your body, you can create YOUR OWN fabric.. that's right, your design, your fabric! Awesome.

A child's artwork, a family crest, or reproduction vintage textiles can all be done pretty easily these days to create truly unique designs. I've put together a list of some exciting companies that are taking "one-of-a-kind" to a whole new level!

first2print has a very large selection of fabrics your designs can be printed on. And with low minimum orders (as little as ½ yard), there's no need for a huge commitment. Pricing is approximately $150 yard plus set-up design fees, and turnaround time is about 3-5 business days. Checking out the company's website, this room caught my eye! Very funky repeated soda can tab in the bedding, pillow, window treatments, and backdrop! And look closely at the pillow tuck where the tabs repeat. Nice touch. Playful and yet grown-up! Imagine the possibilities in your home; a seemingly mundane, possibly overlooked object can take on a whole new life. Start looking at things with new eyes. Is there anything you'd love to see on custom textiles?

first2print

Dream Fabric Printing has a very large selection of fabrics your designs can be printed on, including poly, silk, cotton (and eco-cotton) and nylon. It appears that the minimum is 5 yards. Pricing is available upon calling and the turnaround time depends on complexity of job. Have an artistic significant other, child, or friend? Consider how artwork translates into textile design like this one here.

Dream Fabric Printing

hand-painted art by Christina Mekjian, textile artist

KarmaKraft prices range from $20 to $32 per yard with no minimum order. While time frame information is unavailable on the website, I can only assume it depends on job size and complexity. KarmaKraft features tons of images of customer designs, including this serene fabric.

"The Clouds" by DeAnna Claudette, image via KarmaKraft

Spoonflower uses quality quilting-weight and upholstery-weight cottons. Once again, there's no minimum order with prices ranging from $18 to $32 per yard. The website also has a "shop" feature for purchasing other customers' designs. Though that's obviously not the point of this blog post, I couldn't help but lose myself in a little browsing. Spoonflower also hosts customer contests, and this week focuses on paisley. Check out some of my cute finds!

Paisley Two by Nikki Robb

Tweet Paisley by Antonia Manda

Fabric on Demand prints on cotton, poly/cotton, duck, fleece, and suede. Prices appear to range between $17 and $26 per yard with minimums as low as one yard. Look at these cool chairs from the site's customer gallery; you certainly can't take them too seriously with that upholstery! I am in love with them! What a great way to give a new life and personality to chairs that might otherwise feel too formal.

image via Fabric on Demand Customer Gallery

Have you ever considered using custom textiles for storage bins or liners, hamper liners, or even ironing board covers? How cute are these? Get creative!

image via Fabric on Demand Customer Gallery

Adaptive Textiles has a broad market coverage, including home furnishings, apparel, and soft signage. I first saw this line at the trade show for the Custom Home Furnishings Academy back in 2004. As many of you know, I do teach for the Academy and I do know the founder of this company. My teaching and our relationship however have no relation to their inclusion in this listing. I would be remiss if I excluded them, as they are leaders in the industry. If you've been in my workroom, you have seen some of Adaptives' work. My gridded table cover was printed by them.

Gridded Tablecover by Adaptive Textiles

The company uses direct pigment printing supported by the world-class DuPont™ Artistri® service operation. A prime feature of theirs is that there's no minimum order! Standard turnaround time is approximately 3 weeks after strike-off approval, but express orders can be accommodated with fees applied. The website itself also has interactive designer feature that lets you use stock patterns and color palettes to create your own look; easy to lose track of time with all the playing around!

Have you ever created custom fabrics like these with your decorator or designer? Feel free to share links with pictures of your finished fabrics too!

If I am introducing you to a totally new concept, have your wheels started turning? What might you like to see in your own home?

In case I haven't told you enough, I love hearing your feedback and receiving your comments! So please, let me know what you think! If you're not convinced you want to tackle this on your own, no worries, I'm here and I'd love to facilitate the process and help turn your vision into reality!

CLASS: Create a Strategic Marketing Plan

2011-03-08T07:58:00.003-05:00

The other day, I received an inquiry about the upcoming CHFA Marketing Course I am teaching. If you too are like this business owner and feel "you need to wrap your head around marketing" this 8-week program will help you do that!!

As a business owner myself, I know that one of the challenges we (business owner's) face, lies in translating marketing concepts to an actionable plan for their individual business. Marketing to YOUR Model steps away from a one-size-fits-all approach and mentors business owners in developing a marketing plan that is specific to their company model.

Beginning March 25th at 9am, and for eight weeks following, you have the unique opportunity to participate in this series of small group sessions, incorporating questioning, virtual role-play, group dialogue and homework, so that each student is able to develop plans to their specific business needs. As your PERSONAL MARKETING COACH, I will keep you on task and hold you accountable. With shared support, knowledge and encouragement, you will experience the undeniable POWER of a personal mastermind group.

To answer some questions as to what will be covered, here is a partial list of content areas:

Defining YOUR distinct value proposition
Traditional and Social media marketing strategies
Direct and face-to-face marketing strategies
Websites, blogs and newsletters
Logo, Branding and Collateral
Contracts, Correspondence and Communication
Reaching out: Resources and Strategic Partners
Continuous Content Creation
Creating an editorial calendar
SEO and tagging tricks to increase your exposure on the web
Creating YOUR strategic marketing checklist and action plan

Remember, its 8 weeks X 2 hour classes (+ follow-up coaching calls). In a word: ..... INTENSIVE!

You will be guided through a process that allows you to dissect your business model and use this to create a simplified and actionable strategic plan. The end result: Your marketing plan will be about reaching YOUR ideal client base, with messaging and imaging that is unique to your individual business.

There is a reason why Pepsi and Coco-cola have their own marketing strategy, branding and messaging: they are unique businesses with unique value propositions. A consumer may initially think they are interchangeable.... but their marketing tells a different story. You are not just another small business, it is much more than your business name that differentiates you from your competition. You don't want to be singing the same song or branding the same jersey as your competition either then, do you?

To coin a phrase from American Idol, "Make it your own."

Differentiate your business from your competition and/or colleagues business in everything you do. Say it and Show it! Tell your own story. Have your own look, your own message,your own brand. Stand out above the crowd!

Sign-up and mark your calender! I guarantee you will be blown away by all you will learn and I'd love to have you join us.

http://conta.cc/hPhCWg

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Boys Wanna Have Fun, Too: Bedroom Designs for Teens

2011-03-02T07:47:00.001-05:00

As promised in our blog bites post featuring fabulous rooms for teen girls, we're featuring some pretty amazing rooms for teen boys! We can't guarantee the kids will keep their rooms neat and clean, but maybe, just maybe, designs like these will inspire and motivate young men of style to at least maintain!

I love this first grouping for their cool, sophisticated style. They're not overdone and are suitable for a teen transitioning into adulthood. Black, gray, and white never go out of style and serve as the perfect neutral backdrop for any pops of color. Swapping out accessories, artwork, or accent pieces can give these rooms a new look when the time comes. The upholstered headboards work perfectly here, adding height and contrast that makes an otherwise cramped space appear larger. Handsome!

Ashley Goforth via Decorpad

Here's another room that uses a neutral palette. Adding in metals (like in the lamp and table above), this room features a sleek ceiling fan and bold initial! It also adds another neutral in brown and ivory tones. If you are one that would like to see a little more color, it would be easy enough to add an accent along the narrow wall stripe, with pillows and possibly with a minimal window treatment. Of course all the teen boys I know would be perfectly content in this space, particularly since it includes the flat screen above the desk! Mmmh, would that make it tough to get homework done?

The Boo and the Boy

This next space looks more like a studio apartment to me (and maybe it is). With plenty of seating for friends, a workspace, a comfy bed, and a fabulous television, what teen would want to leave his room? Hmmm...might not want to make it this nice or his parents may never see him again!

Style File

I swear it's not just the Star Wars posters that draw me to this room, though they are pretty cool and add, I think, some needed color to the neutral walls. Still, I can't take my eyes off that daybed. Again we've got gray, but that pop of orange and varied pillow textures add life and energy. And who can beat the storage underneath? We can't see the window, but I'm envisioning a Hunter Douglas solar shade.... maybe even with remote control. You know how those boys love technology!

The Phoenix Agents

Okay, I'm bringing on the color now. Hello, bold! Great use of pattern here in paint, bedding, and pillows. So fun! I really appreciate this room because it was designed for a nine-year-old. Cassie from Hi Sugar Plum set out to take the "baby" out of her little boy's room. I love that upon the room's reveal, he exclaimed, "I feel like I'm 10!" How cute is that? And what a great reward for mom's hard work! That quote reminds me of my young 9-y.o. male client, who, when returning the bureau I refinished, asked, "is that a new bureau or did you just dust it off?" How old are they when, "out of the mouth's of babes" no longer applies?

This room definitely says younger to me, but the choices Cassie made were spot on. Some very simple changes to decor and accents would take this room to another level as her "little" boy enters the teen years!

Hi Sugar Plum

Okay, you want bold? Here you go! Primaries are where it's at in this room! Definitely a boy's room, but I wavered on the age. What's your best guess? The color choices and some accessories lead me to think young, but other selections convince me that an older boy lives here. I kind of like that I'm not sure! And, I love the choice of banded roman shade, tailored cornice and the carpet! The banding on the shade seems to play off the patter in that rug. Smart. So fun!

The Boo and the Boy

I love this next one by Jessica Ralph. Classic and playful -- a great combination in my book! With blue and white, you can never go wrong and if you follow me for some time, you'll easily pick up on the fact that stripes ALWAYS catch my eye. This room is bold (stripes), mature (leather headboards), whimsical (Jonathan Adler lamp), crisp (linens), slick (fabulous pillows), and earthy (area rug). How could this seemingly minimal room pack so much of a design punch? Awesome.

Jessica Ralph

This room might not be classic in the traditional sense, but it's adorable and bunk beds (even in modern styles) bring me back. So many patterns, textures, and colors make this room a standout. And hello? There are those polka dots again (you know I love those)! I love the rug, walls, and artwork. I'd be inclined to do a wide brown stripe on the chair though to make it feel more masculine. I think a wide stripe would balance well with the geometric pattern of the rug, which I love!

Jessica Ralph

A nautical inspired theme can go overboard (pardon the pun), but not here. The wall-mounted ships are beautiful and really grab the eye. Keeping colors simple here allow those ships to really stand out. And tied in with the drapery colors (love the stripes to offset the bedding), they really bring the room together.

Jessica Ralph

I'd love to hear what you think of these picks for boys' rooms. What do you like to see in designs, especially for teen boys? While young women tend to jump right into the process, young men are a little slower to warm up. But they definitely have strong opinions, likes and dislikes. It's all a matter of helping him articulate his vision. So tell me, would your boy be happy with designs like these?

Thanks for reading; look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Toddler Decor for the Rest of Us

2011-02-25T08:08:00.000-05:00

Michelle, from Peas Out Mama, is back, sharing some ideas for accessorizing with her son's books and toys to keep her valuables safe from her toddler. Take a read, I love her ideas as much as I enjoy her amusing style of expression. As always, we'd love to hear your ideas, too!

In my last guest post, "Living With a Toddler in Your Living Room," I bemoaned my bare tables. Those poor, sad tables, accesssory-less, longing for some love and affection. After seeing a stack of my son's books hanging out on our living room end table, I became inspired and set out on a mission to find ways to intentionally incorporate his stuff into my home decor. After some careful book selection, I came up with this. Granted, it doesn't look anything like this as I type these words, but the idea is still there!

Board books kinda rock. No, seriously, who would've thought that Goodnight Moon made such a fabulous, functional coaster for a Super Bowl pina colada? Not that I'd know.

I then moved on to blocks. I love blocks. A lot. Like more than my kid. I grabbed a not-so-much used wooden salad bowl and voila!

Then on to Legos, also loved more by me. I took this beautiful basket (received as a wedding gift) out of the cabinet. I don't think this piece was intended to house Legos, but hey, things don't always end up as planned.

Just for kicks, I tried accessorizing my mantel with toys. I really like the results (stacking rings, Thomas the train, a sensory ball, and a glass vase filled with colored blocks), but they were oh so temporary. My son spotted it all and immediately started in with his demands: Want it! Want it! Also, the colors don't really work for my living room, so I was happy to oblige. Still, I think it's pretty cute.

In a quest to find some other ideas, I stumbled upon this. I have a thing for building toys (if you haven't noticed) and think this would look uber cool on a coffee table!

New City

Or how about this next one? These look like vintage trucks probably not for playing with at this point, but could you imagine the fun factor with your kids' own trucks?

via Flickr

And here's another block display I love. Probably not something you'd let your shorty get her mitts on, but on a mantel or dining room table, it'd look adorable. I'm digging the muted colors, too.

Not feeling confident that displaying your tea set in reach of your kids or grandkids? My mom learned this lesson the hard way when my nieces and nephews had their way with her silver service. Yikes. Well, how about this little cutie?

Therapie New York

Personally, I prefer something a bit more subdued. Like this:

Todd Holland Tea Merchants

Hmmm...I really like that set. Boy's second birthday is coming up and he would love this. What? It's not my fault he blurts out Mama get coffee every time we pull into the Dunkin's parking lot. This set would be a hit. Coffee, tea, whatever. It's all good.

In the spirit of fun, I had to share this next table with you. In addition to loving blocks, I also love xylophones. I may or may not have scored a xylophone one Christmas after sharing my love on facebook. Oh sure, technically my son's aunt and uncle got it for him. This table is awesome!

Modernhood

So do you think any of these ideas could work for you? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Have some cool ideas for accessorizing with toys? I'd love to hear them!

How To Choose An Area Rug

2011-02-23T18:14:00.000-05:00

You've just purchased new furniture and your beginning to feel like your living room is almost perfect, but it seems to be missing something...... a rug! Area rugs add texture and softness to a room while also giving you the opportunity to incorporate additional color or pattern but choosing the right might not come so easy to you.

The two most important considerations that go into selecting an area rug for your space are size and material. I want to give you some pointers, based on what my clients often report they struggle most with: how to determine the proper size and the best materials for your needs.

Jenny Keenan via Southern Living
Photo credits: Laurie W. Glenn

Area rugs are typically sold in one of several standard sizes. These includes rugs as small as 2x3 or 4x6 to larger sizes such as 8x10 or 9x12. In most rooms, one of the standard sizes should do the trick. However, if you do need a custom size, your designer, decorator or local carpeting dealer will be able to create a custom bound area rug for you that is only limited by the width of the rug/carpet roll. [And in case its not obvious, yes, I can help you with this.]

Southern Living

Photo credits: Laurie W. Glenn

An area rug is meant to finish a room and to draw all the pieces together. To achieve this, the rug must be the right size. A rug that is too small looks skimpy - I think we can all call to mind visions of rooms afflicted with this issue. An area rug that is too large covers too much of the flooring below, leaving you thinking, "you might as well have wall to wall carpeting". The size of the rug will depend on the rooms function and the furniture in the space but here are some basic guidelines to help you win the sizing challenge:

Bedrooms: you want at least three feet of rug on either side of the bed.

Dining rooms: a trick to figure this is to sit in the chair and pull it out, as you would in getting up to leave the table. What is that measurement? It usually ends up to equal the front to back measure of the chair plus about 12".

Living rooms: you can choose to either have your sofa and chairs anchoring the rug half on and half off, or you can have everything completely on the rug. It is a matter of personal preference, the size of the room and the placement of the furniture. Sometimes I have left a minimal of 6" of floor around the perimeter in small spaces in larger spaces I've left 12" to 18" of floor space uncovered.

Scott Sanders via House Beautiful

When all else fails and you still can't determine the best size for your space, you can use blue painters tape and simply tape off various sizes so that you can get a visual. Works every time!

Once you've determined the sizing, the next big issue is the fiber content. Durability is an issue with all textile products, but especially with those that will be walked on!

Sisal, jute, and seagrass rugs are a great look that continue to be a popular choice among many homeowners and designers. They provide a rugged, textural look that is a fantastic contrast against both casual and more formal furnishings. These natural fibers are eco-friendly and inexpensive, however, they are not the most comfortable material underfoot, do not stand up to high traffic over the years, and are not easy to clean so it is important to think carefully about the areas you want to use these.

Suzanne Kasler via Traditional Home

Wool rugs, as I discussed in a previous post, are amazingly durable and can last for decades, even in highly used areas of the home. Available in endless color and pattern options, you can opt for a solid that is basically bound carpet or an intricate oriental inspired pattern. Let the rug serve as a neutral backdrop or take center stage. Don't be afraid to try a colorful area rug on top of a rug for even more visual interest.
Synthetic rugs are also good options, especially if you are not ready to commit to a more expensive rug. There are nylon and wool-nylon blends that are less expensive than natural fibers and also have other qualities in the pro list, including durability and stain resistance.


Jeff Lincoln Interiors via Traditional Home

Remember when choosing an area rug for space, whether it is your dining room, bedroom, foyer, or living room, that the furniture and scale of the room should work with the size of the rug. A rug that does not work can ruin the entire look of a room, while a rug that is perfectly proportioned with the other pieces can bring the whole room together and add another dimension of texture and comfort.

I'd love to hear from you; please let me know if these tips are helpful for your planning!

Wishing you success with your next rug purchase!

Sarah

Storibook Designs: It all Began with the Overalls!

2011-02-20T16:41:00.001-05:00

There is one question every new customer asks me, "how did you get started in this business?" I've been sewing since I was a kid, somewhat out of necessity I think and somewhat due to my mothers' love of sewing.

I am the 12th of 13 children and apparently, as you can see in the photo above, it was pretty difficult to keep 13 children clothed! That is only partially true though. The photo is pretty funny - and the overalls ridiculous - but the truth is..... I looooved them! My mother kept trying to get rid of them and each time, I would find them in the pile of "must go's" and sneak them back up to my room. Days later I would come marching down the stairs in this attire with a big grin on my face. Finally, she grabbed them while I was at school and instructed my brother, "take this to Goodwill right now because if you don't, she's going to find them again". Really makes me laugh; I had fallen in love with the fabric, and what's even funnier is that to this day, I'm still always drawn to red with yellow!

Watching my Mom sew, I decided I wanted to try it out myself. (After my earliest life memory, from about the age of three, when I sewed my finger with my Moms' machine) I started with doll clothes. I'm pretty sure I taped the fabric on this doll but it was a start! See the little doll with the crazy yellow hair? I realize now I probably should have been more focused on making her a hat as a first project! I loved that yellow-haired doll because she had a heartbeat. Funny though, as much as I loved her, I learned how to use a seam ripper on her. I NEEDED TO KNOW what made her heart beat and that little tool let me right in on the secret. Poor thing. My mending was not at couture standards back then so you can imagine, she was never the quite the same. (You may notice the black toile chair in the background, that was my Mom's slipcover in process.... the apple didn't fall too far from the tree I guess.)

For all you young readers: yes, this "water graffiti" was before computers. But this is what we had to look forward to for fun.....that, or Shirley Temple Movies (which by the way, I loved!). That is me on the right sporting one of the first of my many custom outfits, hand-made by my Mom.

So, without the ability to pop in a movie or hypnotize us with techno gadgets my mother got us sewing. It was a great past time to keep us learning... and clothed (remember... 13 kids?). Pretty much everything I wore as a kid was handmade by my mother and from the 5th grade on by me.

Back then we shopped at this tiny store, Landry's, that was overflowing with huge rolls and bins of fabric. The fabric was sold by the pound! We'd leave with a heap of fabric and the sewing would begin once we got home.

As the years went by, I continued to sew - for myself, my grandmother and my nieces and nephews - and eventually I made the transition we all come to... an apartment of my own. And so it began, the evolution from clothing designs to home designs. So there it is... a little bit about me and how I got started.

What about you? Whether you are in the design business or not, if you sew, who (or what) got you started?

Living with a Toddler in your Living Room

2011-02-09T06:00:00.014-05:00

Michelle, from Peas Out Mama, shares her journey into toddler-dom and the unfortunate results on her home decor. But she's on a mission to find a way to bring life back into her living room. I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with! Thank you, Michelle!

It wasn't going to happen to me. I wouldn't let it. Once a child entered my life, my space, I would retain it. My living room would be mine. Toys R Us would not explode in there and have its way with my furniture and accessories. Mostly that's been true. My son's toys are pretty much confined to his room, which is not to say they never make an appearance elsewhere throughout the house, but to his room they return at the end of good days. And at nearly two years old, he knows it.

Parents have different philosophies about designing their kids' rooms, where the toys should go, and how to use living room space. I say whatever works for you works. For me, I like my living room to be ours as a family, yes, but mostly it's a place for me and my husband to unwind -- a place where our son hangs out and plays sometimes too. But it's not his playroom. He doesn't have one of those.

As a child, I played in my room. That's where my toys were. And somehow, magically, they all fit in there. The same goes for my three older brothers. I suppose that upbringing translated in my philosophy, if you'd call it that. We don't have anything uber-fancy in the living room, so if an accident were to happen, I wouldn't bawl my eyes out. Much.

I love the series Kirsten Krasen featured on 6th Street Design School. Dubbed "Good Design Kids in Mind," the series featured kid-related design questions answered by none other than a team of talented designers. With posts like "Incorporating Kid's 'Tacky' Stuff in Your Home" and "Can Kids and Nice Things Coexist?", the series offers real-life, honest advice. I'm fortunate that I don't yet have to incorporate tacky, but the question of my toddler's coexisting with nice things looms large. And for now, my answer is Sort of, but not totally.

This little creature called toddler is actually quite good with furniture -- not a climber (yet) -- so I consider myself lucky there. But you know those beautiful things (um, accessories, I think they're called by the outside world) that usually go on coffee tables, end tables and whatnot? Yeah, those had to go. They'd all be toast at the hands of a toddler.

See this stack here? That'd never fly around these parts. Or maybe I should say they would fly -- onto the floor in a chaotic mess. Kudos to this fam with two toddlers who don't wreck that stack! The stuffed animals on the chair, though? Very cute and seems to fit this room's style perfectly.

eclectic kids design by media and blogs Aesthetic Outburst via Houzz

I also really like the toys on the floor in this pic. Very sweet and playful. Still, those books scare me a little.

eclectic kids design by media and blogs Aesthetic Outburst via Houzz

Back to my accessorizing dilemma. I recently put the question out to my blog "likers" on facebook, asking whether they have coffee tables or end tables in their living rooms, and if so, what's on them. Seems we're all in the same boat more or less. Some of my favorite responses:

from KS: "I do! With bumpers on the edges. lol It's quite the decorating statement. Um, crumbs from lunch and a Little People truck on top. A preschool laptop and Magnadoodle underneath. Do those things count? ;-)"

from JF: "Just put mine back in. I had one of those upholstered microsuede large ottomans that functioned as a coffee table too. [On it]: At the moment, a truck, a sippy cup, and a 2 year old. Usually, nothing. Pre kids, I liked to think I was stylin with accessories. Now? Not so much. They'd just be used as weapons or something to bang on the table."

from HB: "I also have the leather ottoman coffee table, and it currently houses two sippy cups, one pair of shoes, a snowsuit, and a rather grumpy dog."

from KK: "Yes...however it doesn't hold cups/plates..it hold cars trucks and cute little tushies!!"

from EL: "Yes we have a coffee table in both our living room and family room. Our living room is gated off from the toddler, family room is not. Neither coffee table has any decor on it. Toddler uses family room coffee table as a diving board for jumping onto the couches."

I think it's pretty obvious we moms are rockin' the design world!

So...(sigh)...my tables are bare. And sad. And boring. Which makes me sad. And which got me thinking... What if I could figure out a way to use my son's stuff as accessories? Yup, accessorize with toys. On purpose. For real. You know, so if he touched stuff, it'd be cool. The idea came to me one day after noticing a stack of my son's books on our end table. They looked pretty cute. And now I'm on a mission to accessorize. Wanna see what I come up with? Check out my next guest post!

Blog Bites: Bedroom Designs for Discerning Teens

2011-02-05T16:38:00.000-05:00

There's just something about working on a teen girl's room, helping her make that transition from a tween (or in some cases, little girl) space to a more grown-up place to call her own -- all while capturing her own personal style and without losing the fun! This edition of blog bites features some gorgeous bedrooms designed for teens. With such a fantastic array of designs, it's easy to see the style and personality behind each young woman. Can you imagine who's living in each of these spaces?

Our first post comes from Denise Willard at Dream Design Live. Love the title: "Girly Rooms to go Gaga Over." That's for sure! There's some serious eye candy in this post; you won't be disappointed!

Many young girls love bold prints and color. My young nieces agree; to them, this room is "cooool"! The investment in white is what keeps me loving this space. It works great to soften the bold. The mural is something young girls can get involved in too ~ great party idea (make up some stencils and let them have at it!). Just enough fun, but a great place for homework too ....no need to twist arms to get summer reading done with a window seat like that!

Source: DreamDesignLive Designer: Unknown

This room is just gorgeous. Sophisticated, elegant, and sure to transition this young woman into young adulthood. The diamond paper creates such a dramatic backdrop so that headboard really takes center stage! The navy is quite chic, too! I must say though that I wish I could get in there to add a memo board behind the desk in a fun color and pattern. Don't you think that would look fabulous?

Source: DreamDesignLive Designer: Unknown

I really appreciate this next one for its use of traditionally girly colors in a sophisticated way through the window treatments, headboard, and bedding. Check out the artwork, too. Pops of pink and purple add to the fun while black accents and leather (hello? love that piece!) ramp up the sophistication.

Amanda Nisbet, original source: House Beautiful

Laura Casey of Laura Casey Interiors features more beautiful rooms that, in her words, feature "great color combinations that can transition through the ages without losing any personality." Agreed!

Elegant, and a little bit preppy (to my eye anyway), and playful wrapped up into one room! I can't take my eyes off of those panels -- the gorgeous blue draws your eye up; bringing a sense of height, minimizing the angle of the ceiling! The playful butterflies, chandelier, and area rug make it clear that this is a young lady's room but the smart design with the neutrals throughout make it more sophisticated so it won't be outgrown.

via House and Home

I'm back to pink again with this next room. And yes, there's a lot of pink! I can't help myself though, it catches your eye! The wall color can be perfectly described as "bubblegum" and think really, what young girl wouldn't want that?

Stephen Shubel, original source: House Beautiful

In the next post, Brooke Giannetti takes us through the process of designing her daughter Leila's room. At ten years old, Leila was ready for a more grown-up room. And while she's not yet a teen, I think you'll agree this bedroom will carry her well into her teen years and beyond.

Brooke tells us that the design started with the area rug, which Leila spotted at Anthropologie and loved. That set the tone for the room and wall color choice. This room is definitely a gathering place with tons of comfortable seating (and super plush pillows) for friends.

Source: Velvet and Linen

And to remind us that this is a bedroom designed for a ten-year-old, a series of her own artwork adorns one wall. You know I love to see kids' art incorporated into design so you must know I fell in love with this wall! They can be rotated out as she creates new pieces -- a surefire way to allow the room to grow along with her.

Designing a young woman's room can be so much fun, but what's even better is seeing her excitement at the final result. What about your tween? Is it time to style her space with some sassy grown-up appeal? As a parent or a designer, it can be easy to fall in love with certain elements and want to infuse our own design preferences, but the best room designs come about when we allow tweens freedom to express their own sense of style.

I know, I know, you're thinking "what about the boys"? Boys like nice things too and boys have definitive likes and dislikes just like the girls. I grew up with eight brothers so I definitely know this to be true!! Stay tuned, there will be a special post delivered real soon that will be "all boy"!

Extreme Makeover: Upholstery Edition

2011-01-27T09:29:00.002-05:00

Oh yeah, this chair was far past a race against time. Let's just say that time whooped this chairs'....well, you know.. *&^!

Let me ask, would you give this old beauty a second glance? Would you see the there existed a once-lovely heirloom beyond that tragically abused frame?

Obviously left in the elements, this poor gal was destroyed by sun, water and temperature. The wood was totalled, paticularly along the framed trim that so beautifully lined the outer edge.

So happy my client had vision! She had this gorgeous fabric and all she could see was how fantastic this chair would be newly-dressed in Kravet's Tilbury from Laura Ashley.

Having trouble seeing it?......

Does this help?

I could see it too and was pretty pumped to bring this beauty back to life.

I admit though that I wasn't so sure the wood along the outer edge could be salvaged. That was my only hesitation. I was sure the legs and base could be revived. On with it, I'd deal with the edging as we got to it.

So it began... Extreme Makeover: Upholstery Edition!

We dug right in, tearing off the old fabric and removing the mildew infested layers of batting. Yeah, it was pretty nasty!

Clearly it had been quite some time since someone lost their penny.

No, I didn't keep it.

The beauty of this chair was not just in its shape but moreso, in the intricate detailing of the base and legs. Refinishing the wood was something I was really looking forward to.

This front detailing was so great...you just don't see this anymore!

The wood is finally stripped! Next, is the additional clean up in the scrolled. fluted and floral areas.

and some fine sanding and the new finish can be applied.

Finally, the chair is ready to be rebuilt: springs retied, corner joints tightened, wood filled,final finish, all new padding/batting and then finally the new "dress"!

Voila!!! It was time to bring her back home. Don't you love it?

And take a look at the wood edging.... faaabulous!! A little patience, a little love, and this old beauty is back!

We're happy, the chair is happy, the client is happy. Welcome Home, old beauty, welcome home!

Color Your Home with Feng Shui

2011-01-24T19:54:00.001-05:00

Color and its effect on our mood and well being is one of the most basic tenents of Feng Shui. Each and every color touches us in a different way and makes us feel a different energy and emotion. The principles that come from Feng Shui and Color are perhaps some of the most useful, because they reach beyond our homes to our offices, gardens, and even our clothing choices. Whether you are looking to create a room to inspire creativity or a serene, restful retreat, planning your decor decisions around Feng Shui's color principles can be essential to achieving a succesful space both aesthetically and spiritually.

Feng Shui colors are based on the basic elements of the world: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. Each of these elements encompasses different values and emotions and should be used together to create a harmonious home that touches on all of the moods and energy that comprises a person's daily life. Let's look at each of these more closely, along with some room designs that represent each element as well.

Water
Water elements bring about a refreshing and pure calm. In a room full of water colors, according to Feng Shui principles, you should feel tranquil and at ease. Shades of blue represent water; they are peaceful, healing, and relaxing. When used in more vibrant and deep shades, watery blues can also channel the sea and sky and represent adventure, exploration, and wisdom. Use these hues in bedrooms, bathrooms, nurseries, and as a ceiling color alternative to white.

Photo: House Beautiful

Fire

Fire elements bring about passion, motion, and energy in the home. Success, action, and hard work are all inspired by colors such as red, orange, pink, and deep yellow. These colors are useful in rooms where you'll be working for career achievement and recognition. Fire colors, patricularly orange, bring a sense of organization, concentration, and purpose. Use reds, oranges, and yellows in your home office or kitchen desk area for a renewed energy and vigor toward work and life. Watch out for using these colors in excess, though. They can cause anxiety and restlessness if used in overabundance or in the incorrect room, such as a bedroom.

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Celia Berliner via HGTV

Earth

Earth elements are strong, stable, and protective. Beiges, sands, and pale yellows are earth colors that nourish the soul and make you feel grounded and balanced. Use these colors in the center of your home; they'll make your kitchen and main living areas feel balanced, warm, and centered.

Photo: Veranda

Photo: My Home Ideas

Metal

Metal Elements bring sharpness, precision, and clarity of mind. The clear energy of metal colors like gray and white is best used in main entryways and home offices. Metals are pure and efficient so they make an excellent accent color to almost any of your Feng Shui color schemes.

Photo: Elle Decor

Yann Chu via Architectural Digest

Wood

Wood elements represent health, prosperity, and growth. Shades of brown are rich, nourishing, and balanced. Green is the color of healing and growth. These elements are best used in libraries, living rooms, and family rooms to bring vitality and well being to the entire family.

Photo: My Home Ideas

Photo: House Beautiful

Black is not an element of the earth but represents wealth, power, and emotional protection. This is a good accent color in any of the many living or working areas of the home, especially when paired with the Metal colors of white and gray.

Photo: Veranda

Purple is a Feng Shui color of emotional health, spirituality, and creativity. It is a good choice for bedrooms and any area of the home that might need a burst of creative juices and inspiration.

Photo: House Beautiful

With the elements of Feng Shui as your guide, decorating your home with color will create a place that meets all of your emotional needs and places your energy correctly in each aspect of your life.

Blog Bites: Think Pink!

2011-01-21T09:40:00.001-05:00

Last year, we featured a blog bites post on the 2010 color of the year -- turquoise! Get ready for this year's feature on Pantone's color of 2011 -- honeysuckle! “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

I think most people have an immediate reaction to pink, especially a hue this bold. While it might be easy to imagine how the color might translate in the world of fashion trends, many of you may take pause at the idea of bringing pink into a kitchen, bath, living or dining room. Take heart, it's a color trend, not a rule.

Images: Outblush via Glamour Moments

Personally, I love pink in a girl's room, as many do. I also don't want to dismiss the physiological impact of the color - as the Pantone site explains, "A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life." While true, how willing would you be to incorporate pink into your home? Take a peek at these blog bites from Alicia B., The Decorologist and Good Life of Design to see how they have weighed in on the topic.

Our first post comes from Alicia B. Designs. Although she states that she is excited about the new color and loves it, I found it interesting that her take, based on the inspiration photos she chose, was much more subdued. Her eye translated the color of the year with a soft and sophisticated appeal. I love the two room shots Alicia showcased because they show how making a bold statement with shades of pink can also be tempered with neutrals and patterns.

Amanda Nisbet via Alicia B. Designs

In this first room, I was humored by Alicia's not-so-eloquent manner of commending Amanda Nisbet's room: "This looks incredible without looking like a Lilly Pulitzer dress threw up all over a room (not that that would be bad...)." Yes Alicia, I think we would all agree that would be bad!

In the other room, there is just a pop of pink pulled in with the miniscule tiebacks and a throw, both of which can always be swapped out if you lose interest. This is so subtle to my eye that is isn't working for me as a qualification of adding the color of the year to your space. With the depth of the rug, I would love to see more strength in color on that window to balance the weight.

Deborah Lloyd via Lonny Mag (found on Alicia B. Designs)

Alicia introduced this Kathy Ireland room that definitely demonstrates a more passionate investment in pink. It's an interesting mix. I'm intrigued by the decision to minimize the intensity of the colors by going light on the upper wall and softened shades on the windows.

Kathy Ireland via Alicia B. Designs

Our next post comes from Kristie Barnett, The Decorologist. Kristie says, "I love a good pink, and I’m not going to apologize for it." Good for you, Kristie, stick to your guns! Kristie actually had two posts on the topic, the first a quick announcement of the color release and the second a creative tie-in to turquoise.

Here's a room that really goes for it and with a bold use of color .... in the kitchen. Who knew how cool a kitchen would look in pink. Kristie and I are on the same page with the sentiment, I admire it, not sure I could live with it though, could you?

LiveBreatheDecor via The Decorologist

I love this bedroom. As you know, custom window treatments are such a huge part of my business, that show me a canopy and bed drapes and I'm all over it. I also love the custom canopies and coordinating bed skirt (check out the bit of skirt peeking out from the bed on the right.). Love. This room has just enough color without going overboard. The brown lampshade grounds and separates the two spaces and the white keeps the room light and airy. I would enjoy this as a guest room -- do you think male guests would find it overdone with feminine touches?

Decor Pad via The Decorologist

The tie in to turquoise was a brilliant adaptation and again, I was struck by our similarities in taste. Kristie showcased one of my favorite rooms, one that I had shared on my Facebook page several months ago.

Jo Nye Interior Design

And again, we see a lively mix of the two Pantone picks here.

Graham & Brown

Just as Kristie doesn't apologize for her love of pink, Kathysue of Good Life of Design makes one thing clear: Her color of the year is definitely not pink! Kathysue loves blue and white, so she has taken a different approach to her "color of the year" post by well, uh, basically ignoring it. Well, not really, she does show how she will use it - as an accent only - to the scheme that wins for her.... blue:

I just had to include this because, as mentioned previously, I know pink isn't for everyone and Kathysue offers up a different perspective. She shares some images of rooms from her own home to show how she likes to use blue and white (and intends to coninue to use more.)

Good Life Design

Kathysue adds that it's not that she doesn't like honeysuckle; she does plan to add a little throughout her home, but it will be in careful and measured doses. Here's an example of how she might incorporate pink.

source unknown

So what about you? Are you feeling the push toward deep pinks as a foundation color, do you like more subdued tones or are you like Kathysue and only thinking of accents? Whereever you weigh in, I do have quite a few great fabrics in stock featuring varying shades of honeysuckle...I mean, pink...or, well, reddish. Take a peek!

Want to see more of the fabrics we have to offer? Check out the Storibook Designs Shop!

Think pink might be for you? How would you use it? Excited by it? A little frightened? I'd love to hear your take on this year's color. And if you're not in love, tell me...what would your color of 2011 be?

Are You Looking for Eco-Friendly Fabrics?

2011-01-18T19:20:00.006-05:00

The production of textiles is one of the most environmentally devastating manufacturing processes. When it comes to the full life cycle from fiber-to-fabric-to-consumer, there are numerous factors that can lead to unfavorable consequences. On Tuesday, January 18, 2011, I presented a webinar for the Custom Home Furnishings Academy and Drapery and Design Professional Magazine. Sustainable Fabrics: It's More than a Buzz Word, .

provided a comprehensive overview of sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics.

The webinar being only an hour long, there was not enough time to include this video as part of the presentation. It is definitely A MUST SEE however, so I urge you all to watch it. Please keep in mind while watching, that this is an illustration and documentation of what the textile and home furnishings industry is working to eliminate worldwide. Tremendous strides have been made but as you will see, if this is still happening ANYWHERE then we still have a long way to go. This video, Toxic Textiles, is a little over 25 minutes long. It is as alarming as it is educating, unfortunately.

Give yourself some time to process what you just watched. The video is heavy and, at least for me, had me thinking long and hard about my own efforts toward protecting our planet and the people in it.

There are a many groups and organizations that are working toward change. It won't be easy and it won't be quick, but then, environmentalism is something groups have been advocating for for many, many years. I take heart in knowing however, that with every resurgence of effort the determination seems to get stronger.

During the presentation, I talked quite a bit about the needs of people facing chemical sensitivity issues. If you would like to know more about this from someone who is dealing this every day, please visit the blog of Debra Lynn Dadd: http://debralynndadd.com/. Debra has chemical sensitivty and has dedicated her life to educating and

helping others. She is the author of three books, A Consumer Guide for the Chemically-Sensitve (self-published 1982), Nontoxic and Natural (Tarcher, 1984) and The Nontoxic Home (Tarcher 1986). Her website is a wealth of information and includes listings of toxic chemicals in our everyday household products and the consequential effects on our health, as well as a listing of nontoxic products.

Here is a partial list of groups and resources to help you in your journey to understand more about the issues, impact and advances within the textile industry. Please, if there is an amazing organization that I have not listed, please do leave a comment and share so that all my readers can benefit.

http://www.sustainablefurnishings.org/

http://organicexchange.org/

http://environment.about.com/
http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/77266.aspx
http://www.theecologist.org/
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/
http://www.sustainableproducts.com/
http://www.textileexchange.org/
http://www.epa.gov/
http://www.greenguard.org/
http://www.global-standard.org/
http://www.greenamerica.org/
http://www.ejfoundation.org/
http://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/

http://labels.ecotextile.com/?id=labelguide2010 sample

http://www.ecotextile.com/

Thank you to all who attended the webinar! Please note that the recording of this webinar is available to subscribing members to the Drapery and Design Network.

It has taken me a bit to figure out the best way to embed this file, but alas, I have figured it out. The slide below contains the embedded links for each company. During the webinar the question came up regarding notions and supplies. Please note, that I have included two additional resources in the bottom center of the slide.

Links slide

View more presentations from storibook.

Your Best Laid Plans Should Include Window Treatments!

2011-01-13T13:28:00.001-05:00

I was watching an episode of House Hunters, An Ohio Family Relocates to Baltimore, Maryland, last week with my husband. When the couple was down to their final decision, they were thinking about what each property had to offer and what additional work they would have to do. I was impressed when the husband said, "There are a lot of things you have to add, like window treatments.."! My husband made me smile because he reacted immediately when he heard that, saying, "Wow, he even used the correct term -- window treatments, not curtains." (Gotta love that he's paying attention!) I know from experience that this type of forethought is not always the case, though. Very often clients tell me that they "never really thought about a cost associated with the windows."

I posed this question on our Facebook page expecting to get some interesting feedback: While house hunting, did/do you consider the windows in your budget? Most people think about painting, colors, and whether furniture will fit. Maybe you've thought about having hardwoods refinished or new carpet installed. Perhaps you considered custom cabinetry or upgraded appliances. But what about the cost of "dressing" the windows?

With respect to the interesting feedback I expected, well, I was not disappointed. I have to share a response that came in from Tuuli, who commented that when shopping for treatments for her new home, a fellow customer offered some advice: "Why spend money on curtains? Just put t-shirts in your windows." Thanks for the laugh, Tuuli! For the record, I do not recommend t-shirts, even if they are designer ones!

Photo: Sagamore Beach MLS Listing

Take a look at this pic of a wonderful condo in Arlington, MA. Looks move-in ready doesn't it? Look a little more closely. Those beautiful windows let in so much natural light -- truly a selling point. But there'll come a time when the proud homeowner will want to cover those glass panes. So easy to overlook budgeting for window treatments in a place like this but those windows could potentially require up to 18 yards of fabric, depending on the treatment style desired.

Photos: Homes for Sale by Owner

It can be so tempting to just throw anything up on the windows "for now." But before you know it, you're still looking at that same "temporary solution" for more years than you'd bargained for! Meanwhile, looking at what you don't want for so long can change the way you see your room and prevent you from envisioning a room's possibilities. You don't want this, do you?

Can you sit down to work when your desk or your house is a mess? Do you find yourself cleaning and organizing before you begin a big project? No, that is not procrastination. What you are doing is removing clutter so you can concentrate. The principle is true when it comes to decorating. Filling space with things you don't like just for the sake of filling space just inhibits your creative process. Better to keep a blank slate so you have nothing in your way from envisioning all possibilities and planning for things you love.

My advice? Approach window treatments as a budgeted item and investment, just as you would a new sofa, dining set, or kitchen cabinets. Plan and budget for what you truly want and you'll never regret it. Those window treatments will be up for a long time and you want to love looking at them!

Photos: Storibook Designs

I'm going to put together a series of posts that will help you to understand custom window treatments -- hardware, good/better/best scenarios, style options, etc. -- so you have the foundation you need to begin thinking and planning for custom window treatments in your home design plans. If you plan for the look you want and budget the finances to get that look, you can't go wrong!

****

Readers, have you ever thought about getting some friends together for an evening of design? Storibook Designs Wine and Design Events are just the answer with presentations tailored to your group's interests. You get the crew together and provide the wine; we've got the design covered!

Interested? Check out our website for more information or email me at storibookdesigns@verizon.net! Can't wait to hear from you!

Creative Camp: I Entered to Win, Did You?

2011-01-11T12:56:00.001-05:00

It's a New Year and if you are like many, you are in planning mode, thinking about your goals for the year ahead, both personally and professionally. I'm sure some of those goals are about learning something new, so to all my industry colleagues, I thought I'd bring your attention to some exciting opportunities that can help you achieve those goals.

There are so many educational opportunities offered from the CHF Academy, IWCE Window Coverings Expo, the Custom Sewing Institute and probably many more I am neglecting to mention (which is not intentional... just can't think of them). Plan for your educational opportunities; put the money aside, research what's out there and decide which are best suited to your needs.

First, I have to share this fantastic opportunity to WIN A FREE REGISTRATION ($1615)
to Susan Kostelecky's Creative Camp, which will be held March 17-20 in Texas. I went to this back in 2008 and loved it.

Not only were the classes great; I made many friends and put faces with names that I had so often communicate with on the CHF forum. If you know me at all, you know I love technology and the many ways to connect across the web and through social media but nothing takes the place of meeting in real life!

I put my name in last week and as much as I'd like to keep the winnings to myself, I just can't do that, so I must share the chance with all of you. [Please note, I'm sharing this with you out of the goodness of my heart, CSI is not providing any compensation for this post]. It's easy to enter, just click on “add me to your mailing list" and do the following:

Provide your complete the contact information
Include 1-2 sentences about why you would like to attend Creative Camp.

I met Michele Williams while attending CSI two years ago and now I'm working with Michele through her affiliation with the Custom Home Furnishings Academy (CHFA) - as a new instructor for 2011 and as a writer for Drapery & Design Professional (D&D Pro) - which leads me to the next immediate educational opportunity:

I'll be hosting my first webinar next week!!

The webinar is free for Professional Members of the D&D Pro Network. Members must register on the CHFA Forum under the Special Features thread. Basic Members and Nonmembers can participate in this LIVE WEBINAR for $20 here. I hope you'll join me!

Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Time: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST

If you want to see what else is going on at the CHFA, take a look at their latest newsletter.

Lots of exciting educational opportunities! Do it, take a chance on the free tuition to CSI and make some plans to invest in yourself this year by attending as many of the classes, seminars and trade shows as your schedule and budget will allow.

Wishing you a year of growth and success!

Interior Inspirations from My Web Favs: Freshome

2011-01-09T16:49:00.002-05:00

The favorite design blog series is back featuring Freshome, a site I love because it provides exactly as its name infers: fresh ideas for your home. Obviously I'm not alone; the site boasts 2 million visitors a month. The site has so much to offer, from room-specific interior solutions, architecture, gadgets and innovations, to case goods and furniture. The possibilities for redesigning your home are endless.

Photo Source: Sagan Piechota Architecture

Here's what i think makes Freshome so great:

Navigation. Looking for specific inspiration for your bedroom, or maybe your kitchen? At the top of the site, there are links that allow you to search for inspiration from apartments, architecture, bathrooms, bedrooms, furniture, kitchens, or living rooms.

Photo Source: Freshome

Another great feature is the "Best Of" tab that has all their most successful and useful articles like "30 Beautiful and Relaxing Bathroom Design Ideas." Home spa? Yes, please!

Tab = "Best Of"

Photo Source: Freshome, 10 Home Staging Tricks to Sell Your Home Quicker

Informative. Not only is their written information on point, just the scan of the images can provide you with what you need. It's inevitable that you'll leave with great idea after perusing the site. You're bound to find one or two... or twenty ideas, that really inspire you to freshen up your own home.

Ratings. Want to know what other viewers have found to be the most interesting articles today? How about in the past week or in the past month? Check out the "Most-Viewed" section along the mid-right margin which shows which articles have been most popular today, this week or this month. It may just be the stop you need to take a break from your hectic day for a few minutes. Something like "23 Amazing Bedrooms with a Panoramic View of the Ocean" might help you escape? Now who wouldn't like that?

Photo Source: Freshome

Stop on over to Freshome and let me know what you think. If you are really intrigued you can learn more about Freshome - and provide feedback as to what you would like to see more of, see improved, etc. - on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 6pm EDT. Micle Mihai Cristian, the founder of Freshome is going to be the Guest Host on the weekly Twitter Interior Designer Chat, all the way from Romania!

If you are unable to make the chat, Micle would still love to hear from you. He sent me a message on Twitter requesting not only positive feedback but also suggestions for what readers "don't like or what they could do better". So if you have some constructive feedback to offer Micle, please feel free to offer it up. He's all ears!

Wrap It Up in Green!

2010-12-22T18:10:00.000-05:00

Back when "green" was just a color, my parents were way ahead of the game when it came to eco-friendly gift giving and wrapping. Or should I say, not wrapping. That's about as "green" as it gets, right? Truly, it still amazes me. As parents of thirteen children, my parents -- um, Santa (as we celebrate Christmas in my house) -- never wrapped a single gift. Now, I've heard of other Santas not wrapping, but get this -- our Santa didn't even use gift tags. No "to/from." In a family of thirteen kids! Sounds insane, doesn't it? And yet, somehow, some way, we always knew which gifts were intended for us. Somehow, it all made sense. I think that is a great testament to my parents!

Think this wouldn't go over so well in your house? I can't say I blame you, and so many of us enjoy the actual wrapping process and receiving a beautifully embellished gift. But there are still plenty of creative ideas for eco-friendly wrapping I'd love to share with you! So many of you may already be done.... but I know all too well, that many of you may still have piles of wrapping to do (if not, dare I suggest, all of it?).

Well, if wrapping is still on your to-do list, here are some fantastic ideas to keep you on task.
Wallpaper
Here's a beautiful gift wrapped in wallpaper scraps with a "to/from" tag cut in a gingerbread man shape from and old playing card. Love the festive colors!

My Home Ideas

The Gifted Blog

Fabric
These gifts are wrapped in burlap and adorned with natural accessories and ribbon.

My Home Ideas

Beautiful, vibrant colors in this next "wrap"!

Flickr via Smartmoneytips

Here's another festive gift wrapping job that uses gathered material right up into the bow.

source unknown

Alternative Papers
Who wouldn't love to receive a gift wrapped so beautifully?

blah to TADA!

You won't believe the original source of this giftwrap! That gift tag look familiar? Check this out!

If you want to see the kind of mileage "blah to TADA!" got out of this bag, you have to see the post linked to above. You won't believe it!

Here's another use of the always classic paper bag (hey, they're not just for book covers anymore) embellished with cut-outs, ornaments, bows, string, and stenciled names!

Daily Danny

And how about this one done up pretty in newspaper? So adorable!

Down Home DIY

Tired of getting all those catalogs in the mail? Put them to good use!

Learning to Live Small

Wrap with a Present

Considered wrapping a gift with, well, another gift? Say, a pretty towel, cloth napkin, tablecloth, or scarf? It's right up there with using fabric for wrap, but it's useful, too! Ever done this?
Here's a gift wrapped in a t-shirt...

Sustainable Baby Steps

If you decide to wrap with paper (of the traditional, paper bag, or newspaper/magazine variety), keep in mind that you may not be able to recycle it due to the tape. Instead, try creating a tightly wrapped gift and securing it with ribbon. The present can be easily unwrapped and paper recycled. Easy as that!

Do you use any of these eco-friendly options? Traditional paper your thing? Tell us what you love! Any tips for eco-friendly accessorizing or tagging? So many out there, but I'd love to hear what's worked for you!

Holiday Giveaway.... WINNERS Announced!

2010-12-20T03:03:00.001-05:00

I am so pleased to announce the Winners of our Holiday Give-away contest. A quick recap of the prizes, generously gifted by several talented Etsy artists:

Prize #1: A Tammy Thorpe original (purse)
Prize #2: A $25 shop gift certificate from Heather of olive and ollie
Prize #3: A day planner from Leah Johnson of The Musing Nerve
Prize #4: An upcycled hat from Chloe Hennesy of Salvador Salamander
Prize #5: A business card holder from Tori of Toriska

Readers left some great comments that mirrored my own feelings about shopping local and supporting small business.

Some highlights:

“I love knowing the money stays in my community. I love supporting someone's dream of having a business and supporting their creativity.” ~ burrito

“That local shop has an owner that knows me by my name and hot food with local names to remind me that I am not in just any old town.” ~ Kathy Zeigler Lindemer

“I shop local because I LIVE local. I want MY money to improve MY community and MY schools. I would much rather MY money go to helping the local community grow stronger.” - Jacqueline

“Can we calculate how much we loose of life in the guise of getting a "better deal"? I want to spend my money in support of a life where we still interact as person to person. I want products that display human expression and artistry.” ~ Eve Young, Somerville, MA

"I support local for many reasons: 1) environmental: sticking to locally made cuts down on Packaging waste, shipping etc. 2) handmade is so much better than store-bought :) 3) supporting local supports the community.” ~ Holly

“I like to see the faces behind what I eat and buy” ~ Glo

“I assume a local business is making an investment in their community--I see that first hand now that my oldest son is on sports teams. SO I feel like we should support them as they support us.” ~ muffintopmommy

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts so eloquently in support of small business!!

Now, who won?

First we used the sequence generator from Random.org to randomize the participants. Following that, we used Random Number Generator to then pick the winners, pictured below.

Matching this to the randomized entry list, we now have our Winners:

So yes Al, that does mean that you won the purse! Amelia has been gifted the $25 with Olive and Ollie. Marie, you will soon be in possession of a new planner to keep yourself on track. Kathy will soon be donning an upcycled hat and Jacqueline will be receiving a fancy new card holder from Toriska.

Congratulations Winners!! I hope you all enjoy your gifts or have someone special in mind that will appreciate them if you choose to gift to another!We will be in touch with you shortly to arrange details in getting your prizes to you.

Happy Holidays Everyone and thank you again for participating!

Homemade Holidays & Fabulous Giveaway!

2010-12-15T17:34:00.003-05:00

November 27, 2010 marked the first ever Small Business Saturday. On the heels of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday was a day set aside to specifically show some love to local small businesses -- the restaurants and shops that support your local economy and community. Did you get involved in Small Business Saturday, either as a shop owner or patron? Tell us how!

As a busy local business owner, I am an obvious supporter of "shopping local" but I also understand that it can sometimes be difficult; running from store to store isn't always easy (doubly difficult if you have kids in tow), which is why many people land at the malls.

A solution?
Well, the internet has made it easier than ever to support not just the big-box retailers, but many of local and/or small businesses as well. And if handcrafted is what you're after, I hope most of you have at least heard of etsy, an online marketplace for all things handmade and vintage. Etsy features a search option that allows you to find local businesses selling the gifts you seek. All without leaving the comfort of your home! Sounds grand, doesn't it? (Under "ways to shop," simply click "shop local" and you're on your way!)

A simple search of my local area brought me immediately to some beautiful gift ideas -- all under $50 -- proof that you don't have to break the bank to purchase a thoughtful gift.

Check out this gorgeous glass ornament from Sterling Glassworks! It comes in other beautiful color combinations, too!

Rainbow Snowball Ornament by Sterling Glass Works

Price: $14

And how about this adorable homemade purse?

Purse by Tammy Thorpe

Price: $30

This beautiful planter looks lovely on its own, don't you think? I can see it on a mantel or as a part of a table centerpiece.

Ivory Planter by Kieffer Ceramics

Price: $50

This copper bracelet would look great with jeans and a sweater. A single piece of interesting jewelry like this also looks great with sleeveless tops or dresses!

Etched Copper Cuff Bracelet by Eclectic Metalsmith

Price: $29.99

Here is just one of the many beautiful jewelry pieces featured in Liz Blanchflower's etsy shop. Bracelets, necklaces, earrings -- you'll find them all there!

Pacific Breeze Blue Drop Earrings by Stone and Sterling

price: $28

Going outside of the local area, I hit on some other beautiful finds as well. As many of you know, I'm not one for a hard copy date planner, but I know some of you are! Check out this custom one. That's one of the great things about etsy. Many artisans and crafters accept custom orders. This planner, in fact, currently features fifteen patterns to choose from!

Customized Day Planner by The Musing Nerve

Price: $20

Want a classy clutch to take along to a wedding, social event, or night on the town?

Satin Clutch by toriska

Price: $42

Satin Clutch by toriska

Price: $42

And yes, all her bags are handmade!

My friend, Heather, of Olive and Ollie created this adorable set. It's just too cute, isn't it? Heather is becoming a bit of a celebrity and rightfully sew (sorry, couldn't resist being cheeky)! Just this week she was featured on the Gerber Babies Blog in their Holiday Gift Guide and this set below was selected by parents.com for it's holiday gift guide, "Adorable Etsy Gifts for Every Kid." It's pretty easy to see why; her designs are fresh and cheerful. Congrats, Heather!

Custom Applique Rocket Lounge Set by Olive and Ollie

Price: $45

I love this scarf for its versatility and it's made from eco-friendly fabric. The scarves also come in a range of color combinations, so if you click the link and can't find this one exactly, check out the rest of the shop to find one that suits you!

Scarf by Estilopronta

Price: $33

This upcycled hat had a former life in felted wool sweaters! And check out the arm warmers featured below, too. Also upcycled from sweaters, these accessories are great gift ideas for those who like to make "green" choices and look great doing it!

wool hat by Salvador Salamander

price: $35

arm warmers by Harry and the Hippie Chic

See? It's not too hard to support small businesses, now is it? So much to choose from that it's a good thing etsy features a "favorites" button once you create an account. And did you know you can add items to your amazon wishlist by installing the universal wish list button? Give your friends and family gift ideas and encourage them to shop small and local for you!

So excited that some of the fabulous shops featured in this post have been uber-generous in offering some prizes to you, our readers! We are so thrilled by and grateful for their participation. We hope you'll visit their etsy shops and show your support. Their work is beautiful and we think you'll agree! (Of course...why else would we have picked them, right?)

Here's what you can win (and huge thanks to these talented folks)!

Featured purse by Tammy Thorpe
A $25 shop gift certificate from Heather of olive and ollie
A day planner from Leah Johnson of The Musing Nerve
An upcycled hat from Chloe Hennesy of Salvador Salamander
A business card holder from Tori of Toriska

That's FIVE chances to win!

Enter our giveaway -- it's simple! There are two ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me why you love to support local and/or small businesses, or
2. "Like" Storibook Designs on facebook and then leave a note stating why you love to support local and/or small businesses.

Whether you leave a comment here or on the facebook page, please remember to leave your email address so we can contact you if you're the winner! You have until noon eastern standard time on Saturday, December 18, 2010 to enter.

Please share this on facebook, retweet, and email friends to let them know and show your support of these artists!

Winners will be chosen at random! Good luck!