Madella's Decorating-Behind the Scenes...

Tricky Window Fix

2011-09-17T10:19:00.001-04:00

I just installed these valances yesterday. My client has a lovely home and this room was "finished" except for the final touch of window treatments. All the room needed was a simple banded valance to pull everything together. They were inspired by the pillow on the green chair. The tricky part was the bulkhead that the builder cut into the window when he put on the new addition. I built a frame to accommodate the bulkhead cut out and wrapped the valance around the frame.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Blinds gone terribly WRONG

2011-08-19T09:34:00.000-04:00

I realize it has been FOREVER since I've written in this blog. Aside from my typically busy schedule, I've decided not to write just to keep up with all the other "bloggers" out there. Clearly, I'm not going to make blogging a profession. Instead, I've decided to only write when I feel I can add some value to someone out there.

Today I'm hoping to help someone else from making this TERRIBLE blind mistake........


BAD BAD BLINDS

OK, for the explanation. We are on vacation this week in North Carolina and we decided to have dinner in one of our favorite pizza places. It is a favorite NOT because the food is so good, but because the restaurant sits between the ocean and the intercoastal waterway. The sunsets here are magnificent!

So mistake number one....DON'T BLOCK THE BEAUTIFUL VIEW WITH BLINDS!!!! I realize that light control might be an issue here, but we go to this restaurant for the view....not to be sealed up in a dungeon. Someone else must have complained so the owner came over to the table to let in some light. Are you ready, wait for it because this one is good....


I guess 1 layer of blinds wasn't enough

Not only did they hang wooden blinds, but then they hung woven woods on TOP of the wooden blinds. Don't even get me started about the sizes either...that is a whole other issue. And finally this last photo take the cake......

Customer has to open the blinds because owner can't reach them

REALLY? Come on now...how about investing in some decent motorized blinds with light control options so that your CUSTOMERS don't have to open the blinds for you!

Until next time,

How To Sew A Pillow Closed Using An Invisible Stitch

2011-02-22T13:42:00.000-05:00

I recently finished a big job for pillows and used this stitch to close them (after sewing them all shut, I wish I had used zippers).

This ladder stitch is an great stitch to use when sewing pillows shut because you can't see the thread and it gives you a nice clean line. Upholsterers often use the ladder stitch to finish off chairs and sofas. In this video, I'm sewing a pillow shut that has a small flange edge. Hope you enjoy and please feel free to share any of your special sewing stitches with me and my readers.

Sorry if the video cuts off quickly, this fabric was difficult to work with and my needle broke in the next clip....I had to edit a few expletives.

My alternative to the little red dress

2011-02-04T15:41:00.000-05:00

Can't say I'm a huge fan of the upcoming "holiday" known as Valentine's Day.

Not that I don't like my fair share of romance. AND I definitely LOVE chocolate, flowers and kisses (only from Doug of course). But I really feel like Valentine's Day is over rated. I want the flowers when I'm least expecting them, not on the day when every other girl/woman on this planet is receiving them!

OK, so what is my alternative to the little red dress? Well frankly, I don't own a little red dress. So let's try the next best thing (in my mind anyway).

How about the little red...

Window Treatment?

Or maybe you desire something a little more FANCY PANTS....

I just finished both of these treatment this past month for the loveliest client (who just happens to have one of the most beautiful yellow Labrador retrievers...can you tell I'm missing our lab?)

So I thank you Debbie, for allowing me to work on this project for you and getting my "RED ON" for the month of February!

Love This Table!

2010-10-23T09:40:00.000-04:00

My Mom (who is clearly still in the technology loop in spite of her retiree status) sent me a link this morning to this new coffee table through Microsoft that will be available to the public in the next 5 years. This is very cool technology...my only question, what happens when someone spills a drink?

Christmas Comes Early to Dana Court

2010-09-22T09:21:00.000-04:00

Christmas arrived a little early yesterday afternoon....

This is the new fall line of fabrics from Kasmir. Seriously, I get so excited when my new books arrive. The UPS man probably gets a little uncomfortable when I come running out the door to great him. This box was pretty heavy and Doug wasn't home so I had to do the "pick up the box fast, get it into the house and push it across the floor with my feet trick." (Works every time)

I was a little disappointed to find so many "beach themed" fabrics in this shipment. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense since I'm in Maryland and it is the end of September.

However, I did find several fabrics that would work in many of my clients homes. These are some of my favorites.

Ah yes, these are the simple pleasures in life that bring me happiness. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Wanted: The Tooth Fairy

2010-08-31T09:20:00.001-04:00

The tooth fairy forgot to show last night. Damn that little fairy...what is wrong with that little winged bitch? Doesn't she know I'm going to pay the price at the bus stop when my daughter tells her friend she lost her tooth and the friend says, "What did the tooth fairy bring you?" and my daughter replies, "Nothing".

The friends face quickly turns to me with a look of utter disgust. No words were spoken, but I got the message loud and clear. If I ever catch that fairy, I am going to wring her little fairy neck.

Beach Treasure Jars

2010-08-31T08:50:00.000-04:00

We are finally settling back into school and work after returning from vacation at the beach. This time, we were in Ocean Isle Beach, NC. This quiet little beach town 30 miles north of Myrtle Beach, SC is another one of our favorite summer getaways.

Doug and I were able to sneak out most mornings for a run while the kiddos got some cuddle time with Gammy and Pappy. It was during those runs that we found some of our beach treasures.

We found some unusual things this year, but I haven't had a chance to get photos yet, so I thought I'd share some of our findings from last year. There were tons of sand dollars scattered across the beach and we had a lot of fun collecting them. OIB also has quite an assortment of unusual shells.

In these photos, we placed some sand, shells and sea glass in Mason Jars, the kids and I hot glued the sand dollars to the lids and tied a piece of raffia around the top. We put tea candles inside the mason jars. They look great on the deck at night.

We also made some driftwood bundles that I have placed around the house.

I just hate letting go of summer and having these little reminders of summer spread throughout our home helps me get through the winter a little easier.

What does your family do to remember your summer vacations?

Loving Southern Livings Lakeside Retreat

2010-08-20T16:52:00.000-04:00

The long rock on this "rock island" is a diving board.
Photo Courtesy of Southern Living Magazine

I've always been a beach girl, however the latest issue of my FAVORITE magazine EVER.....SOUTHERN LIVING features the most spectacular Lakeside garden I've ever seen.

This place is a playground for big kids and little kids.

Truly, I don't normally get THIS excited about outdoor spaces, but this one keeps me up at night. I love every inch of it.

This table sits at the same level as the water
Photo Courtesy of Southern Living Magazine

LOVE LOVE LOVE the natural wine cooler created from water in the lake.
Photo Courtesy of Southern Living Magazine

Mr. Scott, if you ever read this....I promise Doug and I would bring some REALLY good bottles of wine to add to your table cooler if we could just come and play in your garden.

Inspired by the Island

2010-08-09T11:34:00.001-04:00

The girls and I just returned from one of my favorite places on earth...Stone Harbor, NJ. Our family has vacationed there every summer since I was a little girl and each time we come over the bridge and see the big blue water tower with STONE HARBOR written on the side, I feel like I've returned home. Poor Doug was stuck at home with a big deadline so us girls had a little getaway. (and boy did we have fun!)

(No timeouts or yelling for 9 days!!!! Maybe junk food and ice cream on the beach had a little something to do with it.)

The island has changed quite a bit since I was little. The streets used to be lined with little beach cottages with gravel yards. Today is a completely different story, the houses are new and VERY BIG and I drool over the landscaping in the yards. I've tried to take pictures and recreate the landscaping in our little Ellicott City yard, but I haven't been able to get there yet....ahh maybe one day...for now...I'll just dream....

(I want to know what is behind that gate covered by the trumpet vine! This path is just ASKING me to take a peek.)

This is the house owned by the Hoys....they are known for their huge 5 and 10 store on 96th street. It is a kids dream world. Filled with all kinds of beach trinkets, towels, jewelry and just about anything you can imagine. I love the mandavilla vines they have on the top balcony.

The man who owns this house builds his own bird houses out of natural materials he finds on the beach. I have counted 9 bird houses on his property, but I'm sure there are more....he has them tucked all over the yard.

Another tempting gate......

and then there is Poseidon

The beach always gets under my skin and when the summer is over, I hang on to every last grain of sand in my sneakers. So instead of letting it go, I searched for some beach inspired design items for my home. Unfortunately, I won't be making any purchases in the near future....but one has to dream!

16 piece table in marine at Cottage and Bungalow

Adams Medium Wall Tricorn with Chimney at Cottage and Bungalow

Bodega Distressed White Driftwood Lamp at Cottage and Bungalow

Coral Orange Pillow at Cottage Coastal

Crab Claw Tote at Cottage Coastal

Easton Chair and Stool at Cottage and Bungalow

Metropolitan Pendant at Cottage and Bungalow

Navigators Desk in Ivory at Cottage and Bungalow

Navy Leaf Pillow at Cottage Coastal

Spiral Conch at Seaweed Designs

I hope you will be inspired by these beach inspired items and carry a little sun and sand into your homes.

Make This!!!

2010-08-03T19:44:00.001-04:00

BLACKBERRY-BASIL VINAIGRETTE

I don't normally post recipes, but I made this one from Southern Living Magazine and it is delicious and I felt like it should be shared. This is a must have topper for summer salad. I poured it over a salad of fresh greens, carrots, broccoli, fresh peaches, raisins and feta cheese. Since our oldest daughter, Madison is allergic to nuts, we didn't include them, but it would be great with walnuts, almonds or pine nuts.

1/2 Jar seedless blackberry preserves

1/4 c red wine vinegar
6 fresh basil leaves
1 garlic clove, sliced
1/2 teas salt
1/2 teas seasoned pepper
3/4 cup vegetable oil

In blender or food processor, combine blackberry preserves, red wine vinegar and next 4 ingredients. Slowly add vegetable oil while blender is on until smooth.

My favorite blogger

2010-07-26T21:30:00.000-04:00

I have never met Layla Palmer of The Lettered Cottage, but I'm pretty sure if we met in person, we'd be great friends. The only thing is, I'd never be able to live up to her creativity...this girl has IT and I mean IT. She comes up with the coolest ideas. One of my favorite posts is about decorating mantels...ughh, they can really be a challenge. Not for Layla though...check out her summer mantel:

It is pretty funny because she has no idea who I am, but I am in LOVE with her blog and her work...I think I have a chick crush....check out her blog and you'll see what I mean. If you dig a little, you'll see a great post she wrote about decorating mantels in the spring. Here is a picture of her spring mantel:

Damn she is good!

There are several blogs I follow (when I actually have time to read them, but this one is by far my favorite, Layla always makes me smile and I really love her work).

No women is an island

2010-07-24T16:24:00.003-04:00

...or man for that matter. The point is yes, you might be confident and capable, but no one can succeed without help.

Last week I had an incredible opportunity to help on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". They asked me to coordinate the window treatments and soft coverings for the home. This was going to be the largest home "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" had ever built and there was no way I'd be able to tackle this job alone. I immediately reached out to my local WCAA Baltimore Chapter members requesting volunteers. 12 of my friends quickly rose to the occasion.

Kris Ozgar, Beth McFeely, Barb Smith, Me, Trish Albano, Margaret Blunt
(Wish we all could have been in this picture)

This morning the Baltimore Sun published an article about my involvement in "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition". It was an honor to be recognized for my efforts, but I never would have been able to pull it off without my friends in WCAA. Kris Ozgar, our chapter President, was my right hand person in this process. Kris and I spent 9 hours with the designers the first day. We spent the rest of the week coordinating with the designers and our team members to distribute fabric, pillows and other items for the home and we spent the last day installing window treatments in 100 degree heat. Our group included Kris Ozgar, Margaret Blunt, Barbara Smith, Barb Morton, Carolyn Lawler, Beth McFeely, Trish Albano, Denise Owens, Denise Hooper, Pat Schneider, CJ Hunt (Pat and CJ drove from Delaware to help), and Pam Gough. All of these talented ladies are local custom window treatment business owners and members of WCAA.

Alexander Blank Fabrics owner, Steve Richmond donated several thousand dollars worth of fabric and his workroom also helped with the fabrication of window treatments. Alan Ibello, of Ibello Upholstery donated several custom made pillows and EmbroidMe of Westminster, MD embroidered some of our pillows at the very last minute.

And finally, my Mom, Julie Brown traveled from Harrisburg, PA last week to Baltimore to help Doug and I with the girls while I was working on the show. She even helped me sew pillows together at night. I feel very fortunate to have been part of the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" show, but more importantly, I'm grateful for the professional women that surround me every day, I wouldn't be able to do what I do without you. Thank You!

I have many more pictures to share with you, but I have to wait to show them until the show airs. I've heard it should be some time in September. Stay Tuned!

Mom

Extreme Heat, Extreme Rain, and Extreme Makeover!

2010-07-16T13:49:00.001-04:00

I've been a little busy this last week working with the Extreme Makeover team helping Boys Hope Girls Hope here in Baltimore. It has been a lot of fun, but I can't give you any details right now. Thirteen of our local WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America) Baltimore chapter members signed up to help with drapes, pillows, bedding and cushions for this job and we have been sewing our hearts out this week.

The rain has delayed the project so if you know anyone who does trim carpentry or dry wall, please send them to 5830 Hillen Road in Baltimore. Tell them LisaMarie from Extreme Makeover sent you and they will put you to work right away.

I can't wait to share more details with you......

Flowers from scrap fabric

2010-06-18T11:58:00.001-04:00

I hate to throw away fabric. I donate most of my scrap pieces of fabric to the local elementary school art department. But this week, when my Robert Allen representive pulled a fabric book from my library and told me it was discontinued, I couldn't part with it. (I know, it really is a sicknesss!)

Anway, I decided to pull the book apart and use the pieces for fabric flowers appliques. I found a flower template on the internet and used my copier to enlarge the template and shrink the template. I had the kids cut out the different sized paper templates and we transferred them to stock paper. We cut the stock paper out and transferred those to the fabric. Once the fabric was cut, we layered the petals and secured them together with a french knot in the center. We decided to put them on pillows, but really you could use them for anything...cards, bags, blankets, towels. So many possibilities and such a fun project!

Creative Minds Are Rarely...

2010-06-15T11:35:00.001-04:00

TIDY!!! Maybe that explains how this....

has turned into this...

Just a dose of real life folks! I'm a little tired of seeing perfectly decorated rooms on blogs! Yes, we may strive for order, but lets be realistic. Isn't this how most of us with kids REALLY live?

What a great way to send a card

2010-06-10T12:41:00.000-04:00

I love to get cards from people. However, I must admit I think they are a waste of money. When I receive a birthday card for example, I feel obligated to find a spot for it somewhere in the house. Often, it ends up on the mantel. But as soon as someone turns on the ceiling fan, all those damn cards go flying all over the family room and I have to pick them up and put them back on the mantel. (Even though I secretly want to throw them away I don't feel I've given them their due "display time".) So they sit there until I can't stand it anymore and either pitch them in the trash OR if someone has written something extra special, I have a box, in a closet where I store them. (Even though I never open the darn box and it is just collecting dust.)

I recently received an invitation to Homecoming from my high school (seems like I was there decades
ago...well I guess it has been 20 years). Anyway, the invitation came through email from a company called Paperless Post. I'd never heard of it before, but when I opened the email, there was a picture of an envelope. I clicked on the envelope and it opened like a card. The card that appeared out of the envelope was just as nice as some of the fine stationary you can purchase. This was the nicest card I've received through email so I made one for one of my recent clients. You can check it out here: Sample Letter. The company is still in beta stages, but I love this concept and I hope they are successful.

I still believe people like to receive hand written notes and what I love about Paperless Post is that the cards look so much like real stationary. AND you don't have the guilt of throwing them away! I'm sure there is controversy over the etiquette of email notes versus snail mail notes and I'm also sure that my family and friends who have taken time to pick out the perfect card for me over the years will have a thing or 2 to say about this subject. Okay, let the comments begin.....

How to put a zipper in a pillow

2010-06-02T08:00:00.003-04:00

For all you do-it-your-selfers out there....I was once just like you. Fortunately for me, there are thousands of helpful people around the world willing to share their knowledge. My friends at the Window Coverings Association of America have become extended family and I'm so grateful to know them. (Ok, I'll get off the teary-eyed soap box and get to the point) Since they were so willing to share their secrets with me, I am passing them on to you. And before you beat me to the punch, let me just say this.....I am sure there are MANY ways to put a zipper into a pillow, this is just one that I like to use. If you have a better way, I'd love you to share it on this blog. Happy sewing!

Begin with 2 pillow sides serged

Both sides are serged and cording is added on one side

Cut a pillow flap the length of the pillow and 1 3/4" wide. Use a see through ruler to make it quick and easy.

This is the cut strip for my pillow flap.

Fold the strip in half and use your finger to press it down along the edge.

Cut the zipper the same length as the pillow. Place folded edge of zipper flap about 1 1/4" above the zipper when sewing.

Zipper is 1 1/4" below pillow flap. Using a zipper foot, sew as close to zipper as possible.

When you get to the end, there will be more zipper than flap.

Pull the zipper apart about 1.5" above zipper flap.

Cut the flap side of the zipper off

Continue sewing to the end and cut off left side of zipper to be even with zippper flap.

Place zipper pull on long side first and then short side. Holding both ends together, pull zipper up. (This can be a little tricky hahhahaha) Seriously, it takes a little getting used to this part as it feels like you could use an extra set of hands!

Fold over 3/4" seam allowance on NON-CORDED pillow.

Line up zipper flap with edge of pillow. The pillow edge should be lined up with the stitching on the flap.

After lining up the edge of pillow with the stitching, start sewing as close to zipper as possible.

About 1.5" from where you started stitching, take a few stitches across for zipper stops.

Continue sewing down length of pillow.

Before you get to the end take a few stitches back and forth again.

Here is 1 side of the pillow attached to the zipper flap. (I got a little too far from the zipper on the far left side....yes, we ALL make mistakes)

Line up corded side of pillow with edge of pillow flap.

Flap and corded side are aligned.

Place zipper side on bottom and corded side on top. Using a cording foot, stitch just inside the previos stitching line. Here, I'm stitching just inside the blue thread.

Don't forget to open your zipper before you start stitching.

Stitch the entire way around your pillow.

Here is the finished pillow with the zipper and cording.

"Memorial Day is the Day to Remember.....

2010-05-31T00:00:00.003-04:00

"Memorial Day is the day to remember those who fought and died for our country so that we could be free."

My Dad made me memorize this when I was young. I haven't forgotten.

Thank you to all those who serve our country. No job is greater than yours.

4 Reasons why I love Thibaut

2010-05-26T14:06:00.001-04:00

Need I say more?

Beloved chairs get a fresh new look and some matching valances too

2010-05-24T21:05:00.000-04:00

This job started as a design consultation for fabric and paint. The client wanted me to help her pick some fabrics for 3 chairs that were being re-upholstered by Joeseph's in Columbia, MD. (didn't they do a nice job?) She had a lovely blue rug in the living room so we picked 3 fabrics for the chairs based on her rug. (rug not shown as floors are getting a face lift first and the rug is getting cleaned) Here are 2 of the completed chairs. (I LOVE these fabrics)

Next we picked some new paint for the walls in the living room and attached dining room. Then we decided to add some new window treatments! Yeah...of course, that is always my favorite part. Here is the dining room before the paint and window treatments.....

This is my rendering of the proposed treatment.

And here is the finished dining room window treatment with new paint on the walls!

It never ceases to amaze me what a little paint and some beautiful fabric will do to change the look of a room.

The floors in the living room are being refinished. Once they are completed and the rug is back, I'll post some pictures of the living room with the newly upholstered chairs and the valances......

Sunshine Pillows

2010-05-03T09:09:00.002-04:00

Pillows can easily add that extra PUNCH in your room. They can change the whole look of your room and if you are a little crafty, you can make these yourself. I love the rectangle pillow with the buttons. What a great way to use up some fabric scraps! I could see the sun pillow done in different colored fabrics around the outside edge for a child's room.

You can get the instructions on how to make these pillows and many other great project ideas at the Sew4Home site.

Amazing memory of a 3 year old

2010-04-23T15:30:00.002-04:00

This has nothing to do with design, but this my neighbors little boy and I just couldn't resist sharing it!

Update those walls without spending anything!

2010-04-20T15:55:00.000-04:00

This is an easy one folks. It is free and can really change the look of a room. Take down all the pictures in your home. Hopefully you won't have to paint once they come down! Put them all in one room and lay them out on the floor. By placing all of your artwork in one spot, you will be able to see new configurations and pairings you may not have considered before. Try not to put the art back on the same wall or even in the same room. Identify your empty wall spaces and then find pictures to fill that space. If you are going to use several pieces of art on the same wall, it helps to lay it out on the floor first. I like to see art mixed in odd pairings such as 3's and 5's. If you have a large space to fill, but your art is too small, you can group several pieces together to fill the space or you can consider a larger mat and frame to meet the scale of the room. Or, instead of a mat, consider a piece of fabric. You can achieve the look of a mat with fabric.

By changing out your pictures, you will "see" them again. Ever notice that when something stays in the same place, you don't really look at it anymore? By changing them around, you'll find new appreciation for the pieces you love. (And, by the way, you'll also quickly identify the pieces that are ready to give away.)

How to determine size for area rugs

2010-04-18T10:06:00.027-04:00

What are the "rules of thumb" for area rugs? The space will dictate the size of your rug and each situation is different, but here are a few quick guidelines to get you started:

Most people like to see at least 18" of bare floor space around an area rug.
Arrange your furniture around the room, each piece of furniture should have at least the front legs of chairs and sofas on the rug. (unless you have several conversation areas and then this rule changes)
Under a table, there should be at least 24" of rug beyond the edge of the table on all sides in order to maneuver chairs....I like to see even more than 24" if the space allows.
For a rug under a bed figure at least 18" beyond the sides of a King or Queen size bed and at least 12" for a full or twin bed.

Proportion, balance and scale are key design elements. When in doubt, learn to trust your eye. If you can't picture it in your head, take some painters tape and place it on the floor. You will be able to feel the difference in proportion when you can visually see it on the floor.

'News from Madella's Decorating'

2010-04-16T12:43:00.000-04:00

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'News from Madella's Decorating'

Design your own shade

2010-04-15T10:06:00.001-04:00

I am so excited about these new roller shades by Comfortex! If you are looking for an inexpensive custom option for your windows, this product is awesome! You can put any picture you can think of on a roller shade or roman shade. If you aren't real creative, they have some stock designs available and more coming next month. You can play with the stock designs available on the Persona website and print out your design.

Persona just entered into a licensing agreement with Major League Baseball (and yes, I know the picture is of a football player) to gain access to their stock photos for use on these roller shades and roman shades. What a great idea for a kids room to have a picture of a favorite player or stadium on their windows! The possibilities with this product are endless. If you can take a picture and have access to email, you can design your very own shade. I'd love to hear your feedback, how would you use this product?

If you are interested in these shades email me at lbower@madelladecor.com.

The enchanted sun room

2010-04-13T07:26:00.002-04:00

On a recent search for design inspirations I came across this design by Charles Pavarini III. I love his design style and there is something about this room that makes it feel enchanted. His choice of accessories surprises, yet works in this space. I love those wheels hung on the wall, the art work hung above the doors at an angle, the white light fixtures and chairs, the green faux painted walls, the blue pots and of course, the living plants. (If you are able to keep plants alive, they are a great way to fill up empty spaces.) I'd love to have my morning coffee in this room. What do you think?

Some recent projects

2010-04-09T10:21:00.003-04:00

The weather has been so beautiful and although I'd love to be inside, I've been working on some window treatment projects for my clients. Here are a few of my latest creations......

These panels are stationary. There was only 1/8 inch above the window frame which made hardware difficult so I used hook strip from one of my vendors (Rowley Company)

This is the coordinating valance in the kitchen. We used the same fabric as the stationary panels for the contrast lining and the button detail.

And this is a simple inverted box pleat valance. Yes, simple but the entire Dining Room is faux painted so this style and pattern works well with the rest of the room.

This is a great time of year to give your home a fresh updated look!

Paper Flower Pom Poms

2010-04-02T21:00:00.002-04:00

I fell in love with these pom pom tissue paper flowers over at Daisy's blog, Daisy Pink Cupcake so we decided to make some for Madison's 8th birthday party. They are really pretty and not difficult, both girls made their own.

Photo courtesy of Daisy Pink Cupcake

Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

And here come the shameless pictures of the girls....

We've been looking for a sun for Ella's beach room and this worked perfectly!

The instructions for these are really simple:

Place 10 pieces of STURDY tissue paper on top of each other. Sturdy is the key here, we tried the really thin stuff and it just rips apart. I found packages of 20 sheet paper in different colors at Tuesday Mornings.
Fan fold the tissue paper in about 1 inch folds. I think Ella started with 1 inch and at the end her folds were about 5 inches.
Tie the center with a piece of floral wire.
Cut each end of the fan in a V or U in order to make the petals.
Pull the "fan" open on both sides of the floral wire.
Carefully start pulling each layer of tissue paper away from the layer underneath of it. Work both sides of the "fan" equally.
You can tie a piece of fishing line or a pretty ribbon around the center and hang them from the ceiling.

If my directions are a little unclear, you can find pictures on making these on Martha Stewarts website.

Enjoy!

ooohhhh Neti

2010-04-02T09:52:00.000-04:00

I hate being sick and admitting I AM sick. Every year around this time, the sinuses start acting up. I blame it on the pollen, but I'm pretty sure it really is a cold. Regardless, sinus infections really suck and they are painful. I few years ago a friend recommended I use a Neti Pot. You fill the little pot with water, add a little salt (not table salt) and pour the water into one nostril and it comes out the other nostril. I know it sounds GROSS, and quite frankly, it is gross. But it works! I had to pull my Neti out from the closet and dust it off. It has been sitting on the bathroom sink for a week. Anyway, I realized today that if it is going to sit out, couldn't it at least look a little prettier? So I started looking around the internet for Neti Pot designs and here are a few I thought I'd share:

This is my current Neti...blue plastic...yuck!

This one looks a little too INDUSTRIAL...it almost looks scary to use!

Ella loves elephants, I might be able to get her to use this one.

This is the winner! I found it at Chopra and hopefully it will be on my counter soon!

Do you use a Neti Pot?

Easter Fun Finds

2010-03-30T09:28:00.003-04:00

We are getting ready for Easter here....well honestly, we just celebrated Madi's 8th birthday and I've been sick so we aren't REALLY getting ready for Easter, but I should be. And if I were, here are some inspiring crafts I found this morning.....

I love this shell egg. These are smashed up egg shells, but I wonder if you could use seashells. We've collected so many shells over the years and I have bags of them waiting to be turned into something extraordinary. You can learn how to make these at FamilyFun.

Found these adorable burlap bunnies over at Room to Inspire and you can find the directions on how to make them at La Famiglia Design.

And of course I can't leave out Martha...she really does have some great craft ideas and I found these at craft of the day. I love their simplicity.

It is raining here in Ellicott City and I can't wait for the sunshine tomorrow!

Gotta love a trip to the city!

2010-03-13T08:00:00.004-05:00

Took a trip to DC this week with my fellow window treatment "peeps" to attend some seminars and get some fresh ideas. Boy did we get an eye full. For those of us addicted to fabric, this place is a big kids playground. Here are some pictures of my favorite finds: I just love this vignette at Kravet. I want to live in this room....love the beach and the glass canisters filled with ocean treasures.

We found these tassels and tiebacks at Robert Allen. Love the way the crystals catch the light.

There were several layers of fabric featured in this window, but what really caught my eye was the tieback

Books covered in fabric at Scalamandre? Ah ha...now I know what to do with all those little fabric scraps!

Hello gorgeous fabrics.......
These first 2 fabrics were at Osborne and Little

The linens we saw at Cowtan and Tout were fresh, clean, airy and absolutely stunning. I wanted them all for every room in the house. Sorry for the dark photos.

Sometimes it isn't so easy to make a trip to a design center to see fabric, but there is nothing like seeing several yards of a fabric rather than inches to really get the feeling of how it will look in a window treatment.

We attended a session with House Beautiful Editor in Chief, Stephen Drucker, and designers Jamie Drake and Celerie Kemble. Many interesting comments came from Celerie and Jamie regarding industry trends. Such as the hot colors...blue, watermelon and apricot. In the world of headboards, clients are looking for upholstered, tall and curved. What I found most interesting though was a comment by Celerie. Her clients are looking specifically for items that are unique and made locally. They get excited about these pieces and I agree completely. The most treasured pieces in my home were not mass produced. They were made by someone I love, someone I admire or they were made by me. I hope you have a great weekend!

Lisa

Guest Room Valance

2010-03-11T20:21:00.003-05:00

Here is the finished valance you voted for this week. Yes, I couldn't help myself in adding a little embellishment. I still need to add a roman shade, but at least it will be ready for the arrival of Gammy and Pappy this weekend! They won't need the shade anyway because the girls will wake them up WAY before sunrise!

And the winner is.....

2010-03-10T07:24:00.005-05:00

The top picture! I've been working on it and of course had to add a little embellishment. Here is a quick glimpse:
You'll have to wait to see the rest.....

You Decide

2010-03-06T13:18:00.011-05:00

Okay friends, I need your help. We recently moved our youngest daughter into the guest room and painted the guest room in one of my favorite colors (Sherwin Williams Breezy). I found the perfect fabric (although you can't really tell how great it is in these renderings), and now I need help deciding on the design. This room is used mostly by family when they come to visit. There will be a blackout shade under the valance, but I need your help deciding on the design. So you pick, top design or bottom design? Once I have the votes and complete the valance, I'll post the finished valance.

Robert Allen-Feline Feeling

Good Reads

2010-02-24T16:29:00.017-05:00

I've recently RE-discovered my local library. It is such a great resource and one I had forgotten. I found a great design book called domino written by the editors of domino magazine. Lots of useful design ideas and good pictures.
While I'm at it, thought I'd share a few other resources. The jury is still out on this book, but I started it last night and found a great tip I thought I'd share from the author.

It is called the golden rectangle. The the basic principle is that a rectangle in perfect proportion is visually pleasing. It is simply a rectangle that can be broken down into a square and another rectangle. The key is in the proportions. The formula is fairly simple, if you know the width of something and want to figure out the perfect length, you would multiply the width by 1.5. For example, if you are trying to figure out the perfect proportions for a coffee table and you know the width should be 36", the length would be 36x1.5=54. The perfect visually appealing size of the coffee table would be 36"x54".

I'm still at the beginning of this book so I'll let you know what I think about the rest when I'm finished. I did notice on Amazon.com, there were several readers who were disappointed, but I think most of them were more interested in seeing pictures. There aren't a lot of pictures, but so far, I think it is filled with some good information.

And it wouldn't be fair if I didn't include in my "good reads" my favorite magazines. These are my top 2:
I LOVE Southern Living magazine. I look forward to it every month. It is always filled with beautiful rooms, great decorating tips and the BEST recipes. Over the years I've had lots of magazine subscriptions and this is one I renew every year!

Architectural Digest is another "must have". Although the homes shown in this magazine are typically part of my dream world, the designs are worth studying. And I do mean study. The more you look through these magazines, the more you can learn about design. Don't just look at the pictures to see if you like the rooms or the colors. When you really study how the rooms are put together, you can see how the designers utilized rules of proportion and balance and how they bring harmony to the spaces.

What are your top reads?

Pure Talent

2010-02-23T19:47:00.004-05:00

I am so proud to be part of the WCAA (Window Coverings Association of America). We have a fantastic chapter here in Baltimore with some incredibly talented ladies. This month, we held a mini trunk show to share some of our creations with each other. One of my very dear friends, Trish Albano of Wellington Interiors showed us this mini sample of a drapery treatment with Celtic banding on the lead and bottom edge. She made the banding from bias tape and then used a pattern to create the Celtic design on the treatment. I love the contrast with the cream and black too. What do you think?

To Iron or NOT to Iron

2010-02-09T17:07:00.006-05:00

Recently, I completely a job for a client who wanted a custom headboard, drapes and cornices in her master bedroom. When my installer and I finished the job, I asked if I could help her make the bed. She had removed all the bed linens and cleaned them before we attached the new headboard. She was happy to let me help her put the bed back together so I could take some pictures of my work. When she arrived with the sheets and bedding, she informed me that she had cleaned and PRESSED everything. While we were making the bed I tried to play it off that I wasn't shocked by the fact that she'd taken the time to press all of her bed linens. "Of course you pressed the linens...that is what I always do........" Ha, Ha, Ha! Always do in MY DREAMS. Are you kidding? I'm trying to raise 2 young girls and run a business. I'm lucky that my sheets even get washed, let alone ironed! Now I know perfectly well that linens look better when they are pressed. So, I would like to know for the record, how many of you actually press your sheets?

More Wallpaper

2010-02-07T09:48:00.005-05:00

When we moved into our house 10 years ago, we recruited family to help us take down the awful wallpaper in our dining room. It came off in tiny pieces and I vowed NEVER to put wallpaper on the walls. But when I see exquisite designs like these papers from Graham and Brown and I can't help but think.....well maybe....

This might look like tile, but it is

wallpaper and is great for kitchen and baths!

Looks like beadboard, doesn't it? This one can be painted too!

Holiday Table

2009-12-25T15:53:00.001-05:00

When I was a little girl, my Gram always made the holidays magical. It didn't matter whether it was Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving or a birthday, Gram went all out. At Christmas, she turned her home into her own version of the North Pole. Animated dolls adorned the mantel along with carousel horses and twinkle lights in every color imaginable. But what I liked the best were her holiday tables. A beautiful tablecloth served as the backdrop to china that matched the holiday. If it was Christmas, there was a red ceramic pitcher of old St. Nick himself filled with freshly squeezed orange juice. In addition to the wonderful food, there were tiny trinkets hidden among the candles, bowls of sweets and sparkling glasses.

A few years ago her brother hand made a sled for our daughter. Each year, I unload the sled with all the other holiday decorations and the girls pull their dolls around it until Christmas. This year, I decided to use it as the centerpiece on our dining room table. Although this table doesn't come close to what Gram could put together, it reminds me of the wonderful childhood memories she created.

A Place Called Northfield

2009-10-26T17:13:00.017-04:00

I just returned from another weekend at the Northfield Plantation in Cumberland, MD. The story of Northfield is quite amazing...

A few years ago, one of my fellow "curtain ladies", Christine Shephard, fell in love with Northfield. She had driven by the property many times and always thought the home was beautiful. One day she saw some people gathered around a tree in the front yard praying. She soon learned the home was being turned into a safe, Christian environment for young girls with eating disorders and unexpected pregnancies. The dreams for Northfield were great, but the house needed an entire renovation before it could be opened.

Christine introduced herself to the owners and offered her assistance, but she didn't know how she could help. After several days trying to think of how she could make a difference, she realized something, she knew how to make window treatments and she had lots of friends in the industry. That was 3 years ago and since then, Christine has reached out to all of us in the industry to help. She organized 3 work weekends in the last 3 years. Women from all over the country came together over those weekends to make window treatments, bedding, head boards and even built upholstered furniture for the entire house! I had the pleasure of being involved in the upholstery weekend last spring. The experience was truly heart warming. Many of us didn't have any idea how to upholster furniture. But with the help of a few industry experts, we were able to make about 20 pieces of upholstered furniture.

The Northfield Foundation still needs to raise $450,000 before they can open. Stepping up to the plate once again, Christine organized a learning weekend at Northfield to raise money. Last weekend, about 30 of us showed up from all over the United States with our air mattresses and sleeping bags. Only this time, we left our tools and staple guns at home. Some of the top industry experts donated their time and knowledge and we all came to the house to learn. All the money that was raised will go to Northfield.

I feel blessed and privileged to share the Northfield experience with so many wonderful people. Christine Shephard is a true pioneer, her commitment to Northfield is unwavering, she has a heart of gold and she is a true inspiration to all of us.

If you are interested in learning more or donating money to Northfield, go to The Northfield Foundation. To see more pictures from my 2 trips to Northfield, go to my Facebook page under Madella's Decorating

Get Federal Tax Credit for New Window Coverings!

2009-10-22T23:45:00.006-04:00

If you are in the market for new window coverings, now is the time to buy! You could be eligible for a $1,500 tax credit on your purchase of Hunter Douglas Architella shades.

"Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, federal tax credits for energy-efficient products are available for 30 percent of the cost of most Duette Architella shades, up to a maximum of $1,500 in total, when purchased and installed through December 31, 2010, provided the expense meets the tax guidelines. Highly insulating Duette Architella shades, which can more than double the energy efficiency of a window, are the first and only window shades to qualify for the tax credit without add-on insulation systems." Hunter Douglas

This is a great incentive to purchase these energy saving shades for your home!
Learn more here: Hunter Douglas Tax Credit

The Fall Ritual

2009-10-16T11:38:00.007-04:00

It's that time of year again. The warm days of summer are officially over and the cold days of fall take over. For our family, that means I have the dreaded task of switching out all the summer clothing in our closets and drawers for winter wear. I hate this grueling task because I have to do it for Madi, Ella and myself. I don't seem to mind it so much in the spring when I'm pulling out flip flops and bathing suit tops knowing we are only a few weeks away from vacation at the beach. But in the fall, its not fun. The kids try on all the clothes I've put away the year before just to be absolutely sure I can't squeeze one more year out of them. They both complain the entire time as I pull sweaters over their heads and try to convince them they not only fit, but look great too. I typically loose that battle. Despite the fact that I really don't like the whole clothing transition, it forces me to clean out closets and drawers. This is a good opportunity to edit clothing that doesn't fit or is out of style.

I try to teach my clients the art of editing. You can't decorate a space until it has been cleaned, cleared and organized. That task is more difficult for some of us as we tend to hang on to items. This year when you are pulling out your cold weather clothes, pay attention to each piece. If you didn't wear it last season, you won't wear it this one.....let it go and give it to someone who needs it. The same rule applies for your summer pieces, before you even pack them away for next year, think about how many times you wore it this season.

And while your at it, take a look at the inside of the closet. Are there other items that can be donated? Clean it out and then consider painting it; give it a fresh look. There is no reason for your closet to be white. If it is a walk-in closet, think about installing a nice looking light fixture instead of the standard boring ceiling mounted globe.

Yes, it is true I always wait until the last minute to move the clothes, but I always feel so much better about the closets and drawers once its finished!

If you are ambitious enough to decorate inside your closet, please send pictures. I'd love to see them!

Design Your Space Class!

2009-09-24T19:58:00.002-04:00

I'm teaching a class on October 17th from 10-12 at the Glenwoood Community Center through Howard County Parks and Recs. The subject is designing your space; learn how to plan furniture arrangements, select colors and solve window treatment dilemmas. This will be a hands on class where participants can bring questions about their own homes and we'll answer them in class. This class will be lots of fun, hope you can join us! Click on the link below for more information or go to Howard County Parks and Recreation website and look for class 3407.501.
http://www.howardcountymd.gov/rap/rapdocs/AdultFall09.pdf

Picture Power

2009-09-21T21:22:00.006-04:00

I can't believe the summer is already over. We were really busy as a family and Madella's was really busy working on several new jobs. The most exciting (and challenging) of all has been working on motorized window treatments for an entire house. Some of the motorized rods have been installed already and we are waiting for the decorative motorized rods to be delivered so we can install the rest. I will post pictures when the whole job is finished, but for now here is a sneak peak at the office. The motorization here will be in the Silhouette shades by Hunter Douglas. They will be hidden under the valance when they are installed.

Before RenderingFinished Treatment

This fabric is from a company called Texture. It is 100% embroidered silk with 6" wrinkled sections running vertical. Not the easiest fabric to work with....but it is stunning in person!

About Madella....

2009-05-10T20:00:00.005-04:00

I love it when sales people call my office and ask to speak to Madella. If I were a little quicker on my feet, I'd ask, "Which one?" and then hand the phone to either "Mad" or "Ella". I would love to listen in on the call while a credit card processing vendor tries to convince Ella to switch providers.

You see, I named this business after my two daughters, Madison and Ella. Madison is 7 and Ella is 5. They give me so much inspiration; I can only hope one day they will join me in the business. For now, I'm proud just to call them my daughters.

Owning and operating a business is such a fulfilling gift, but my girls bring the most joy and happiness. And on this Mother's Day, I am honored to have their names on my business cards.

Final touches on office project

2009-04-20T20:40:00.016-04:00

I have a very special client who I've been working with for almost 3 years. We've done window treatments in every room on the first floor of her home so you can imagine my excitement when she asked me to help tackle her home office windows. Here are the before and after photos.

We used the same fabric with a different treatment in the joining conference room to give continuity between the 2 spaces.
Here is a close up of the valance in the office with the trim detail.
And here is the conference room close up of the decorative details. It is important to add a cord at the top of ceiling mounted treatments to eliminate the light gap between the ceiling and the window treatment. This cord matched the fabric perfectly.

Thread Art

2009-04-19T11:00:00.001-04:00

There are so many talented people in this world and I continue to be inspired by their talents. In window treatments, I work with thread every day and never really think much about it. Other than the fact that as I get older, it is more difficult to get that little piece of thread into an unbelievably small hole of the needle. Check out the creative work of these artists. The designs are all created from spools of thread!

Confessions from an addict....

2009-04-14T15:50:00.001-04:00

I have a confession...I am obsessed with fabric and I can't get enough of it. My studio is filled with books from some of my favorite fabric vendors and when I get a new shipment of fabric samples; I'm like a little kid at Christmas. I immediately rip open the box, plop myself on the floor and pour over the new samples. Oooing and ahhing at all the new colors and designs. When I am finished, my floor and I are covered in lint from the new books.

You have to understand, I am not the type of decorator who flies to London and New York to check out the latest industry designs. I spend most of my research time paging through magazines, researching on the Internet and talking to my peers. I offer design solutions for "normal people". Although I certainly respect the designers who travel the world and have their work published in magazines, most of my clients want REALISTIC design solutions. And, just for the record, realistic can still be beautiful.

Although I pride myself on providing reasonably priced products and services to my clients, I also feel the need to offer something extraordinary, something really special. So when I met with one of my favorite fabric representatives a few weeks ago, I asked her if she had anything really stunning in her samples. And that is when she showed me these silk fabrics from TEXTURE. Oh....they are so, so gorgeous and yes, so very expensive. HOWEVER, placed in the right room, this fabric is worth every single penny.

This first fabric is made from 100% linen with crewel embroidery.

Here is a close up of some of the other color offerings.

This one is studded with Swarovksi crystals, this is breathtaking. I'd love to see it in a candlelit dining room at night.

There are just enough crystals to add shimmer,
but no so much that it looks overdone.
And a few more colors...............

Here is another masterpiece with embroidered silk:

And I saved my favorite for last......

This fabric has just the right amount of shimmer and what makes it really special is it picks up so many different colors depending on the light and the angle. At one angle it looks like a spa blue and another it looks like a lagoon green.

This is the same piece of fabric. The picture on the left was taken from the left angle and the picture on the right was taken from the right angle. Look at the difference in colors.

Fresh and White

2009-04-02T09:31:00.001-04:00

I absolutely LOVE the look of a white bed. There is something so fresh and clean about it; especially against colorful walls. The accent colors in the bedroom below are part of the palette we are seeing in the 2009 spring line of fabrics.

Although all these beds are white, they all have a very different look.

This set is from Eastern Accents, I love the pleated detail on the bottom edge.

This one is from Mystic Valley Traders with clean dark lines, this bedding reminds me of something found in an upscale hotel room. Maybe Manhattan?

This one is from Mario & Marielena, the subtle addition of silvery softens the white palette and I'm not sure that is a true white on the bed...
t

Stencil Glam

2009-04-01T09:05:00.001-04:00

I have always been a fan of changing a room using paint. Color can instantly change the look of a room either for the good or sometimes not so good....ask me how I know that one! A few years ago, I had a client who introduced me to a company called Modello Designs. This company makes custom stencils for designers and professional faux finishers. There are some really beautiful designs available and with a little creativity, they can be used just about anywhere. We have some wonderfully talented faux painters in Maryland. Brynne Lincoln of Paint Design Studio and I have worked together for many years. Brynne specializes in faux finishes. In addition to faux finishing walls, she also paints cabinetry. You can see more of her work at Painteddoordesigncompany. Another talented local artist is Dee Cunningham of Deelite Design. Although she also does faux painting, her murals are gorgeous! Her work is so realistic, you feel like you have to touch it to prove it isn't real.
Here are a few of my favorite Modello stencil designs from the Modello website:

Decorative Artist: Norman Goodwin
Altamonte Springs, FL

Talk about WOW factor! I think this ceiling is stunning, however doesn't the chandelier look too small? Maybe it is larger than it appears in the photo, but I think that ceiling needs something really large to live up to the design.

Decorative Artist: Debbie Hayes
Greensboro, NC
This stencil was cut exactly to fit on the stair risers. The combination of graphic design and black paint turn an ordinary wooden step into a beautiful work of art.

Decorative Artist: Jeff Raum
Moorpark, CA

Decorative Artist: Sheri Zeman
Addison, IL

This headboard was created for an HGTV show called New Spaces. The faux finish is on the headboard and what you can't see is the glass beads that were added to the paint to create shimmer and shine.

Decorative Artist: Jeff Raum
Moorpark, CA

This picture is my favorite but not because of the stenciling, but because of those awesome window treatments! After all, I am a window treatment girl! Look at the new look of "shutters". And the nail head trim...I sure would love to see this one in person!

My hands tell the story

2009-03-26T19:41:00.001-04:00

I noticed the other day as I was working in my workroom my hands are beginning to show their age. I knew this day would come...many have told me it would. But I didn't really think I'd see the wear and tear so soon. There is a scar from my very first iron burn. It happened when I was about 12 years old. I wasn't even allowed to use the iron then, but I did any way...couldn't wait to grow up and iron clothes. (Little did I know I'd grow up and iron every day)

Then there is the glue that gets stuck under my finger nails from various window treatment projects and the latest war wound....I was gathering sticks in the back yard for an afternoon fire recently (shouldn't I be cleaning the yard for spring instead?) and a pointy stick got me good right on my knuckle. That scab is really pretty.

I used to take pride in my hands in my early 20's. Those were the pre-kid, working in an office days. I had beautifully manicured finger nails...those perfect acrylic french manicured nails. It used to make me feel so good to have my nails done.

These days, there is little time to sit in a salon waiting to get my nails "filled". Besides...they would be foreign to me today and I'm sure they'd get in they way of my work.

Today, there are remnants of paint stuck between my nails and fingers from painting a new chalk board in the play room for my girls. My hands are dry from the cold weather, my nail polish is peeling from a bad attempt at a self-manicure last week, and there are many scars from my battles with that damn iron. Yes, my hands tell the story of my life. It is a good one, but I yern for the day when I can sit on the beach with perfectly manicured nails, a nice cold drink in one hand and a trashy book in the other.

Painted Furniture

2009-03-22T15:27:00.001-04:00

I love the look of hand painted furniture and although I've often tried to find my inner artist in painting desks for my girls, I'm really not good at it. So, I rely on the experts when it comes to true works of art. I found this wonderful company, Brighton Pavilion, at market in High Point, NC several years ago. Each piece of furniture is custom made and painted. They are based in Nashville, Tennessee. These are a few of my favorite pieces..
You'll be seeing a lot more of this green this year. It is all over in the spring line of fabrics.

I love the surprise of the blue and white stripes inside this armoire.

What I love most about this bed are the wooden bouquets of flowers at the top of each post. Each flower is painted a different color.

This table would add character to any room. I love all of the colors in the map.

The armoire below was featured as one of their
pieces of the week. It is so beautiful inside and check out the addition of the monogram on the door. I think the detail is too pretty to hide inside the cabinet.

The Power of a Picture

2009-03-13T09:01:00.001-04:00

Here is another job I just completed. We talked about several options for these french doors, but in the end we decided on this simple design. A pointed banded valance using a beautiful embroidered linen as the face fabric. The rendering helped the client make a decision on the design. Aren't computers wonderful?

A little background...

2009-03-08T12:55:00.001-04:00

Based on some recent suggestions from readers, I thought I'd share some of my personal background with you. I started this business 5 years ago after my second daughter, Ella was born. I had spent many years in "corporate America" and just couldn't find the right balance between my career and the family life I wanted for us. So, after some convincing from several close friends, I started Madellas. Named after our 2 girls, Madison and Ella. Madison is my oldest and is just finishing 1st grade and dear little Ella is going to Kindergarten next fall.

I have a studio in my home filled with fabric books, trims, and catalogs galore! I also have a workroom where I create my window treatment designs. I belong to the WCAA, Window Coverings Association of America. This organization has been an incredible resource for Madellas and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be where I am now without the help and guidance of the WCAA. I am also a student member of ASID. I love our Maryland chapter. We have monthly lunch and learn sessions at different industry partners....there is always something new to learn.

I always knew I wanted to own a business one day, I just didn't know WHAT business. Looking back I probably could have figured it out sooner. When I was little, I used to change the furniture around in my room all the time. When my parents would take me to their friends homes, I would sit and imagine what their homes would look like if I moved their furniture around.

Thing haven't changed much....last summer my in-laws rented a house for a week in Ocean Isle, North Carolina. The house was lovely, but the furniture placement in the living room was terrible. I lived with it for the first day and by the second day, my mother-in-law and I were moving the sofas around after everyone else went to bed. There were instructions not to move the furniture around, but I couldn't help myself. We left it that way for the week and then changed it back right before we left. We're renting that same house this year and I'm pretty sure moving those sofas will be our first task before we open a bottle of wine and enjoy the ocean view!

So here I am 6 years later...I figured out what I want to be "when I grow up" and I love what I do for a living. And this blogging is new to me....I'm giving it a shot and hope it will create some good dialogue for us!

Are you out there?

2009-03-07T23:14:00.002-05:00

Dear friends,

I want your feedback. If you are following my blog and reading the content, please feel free to comment on my posts. I want to hear from you and I really want this to be an interactive blog. If you add your email address on the right, you will receive emails each time I place a new post on this blog. I want your input! Tell me what you think.......

Lisa

Wall Candy

2009-03-05T14:10:00.002-05:00

Wallpaper is not what it used to be my friends. It is making a come back in a new and fantastic way. Check out this custom mural....yes, it is a custom mural. You can change the proportions to fit on your wall. I found it on http://www.designerwallcoverings.com/

There are so many other wonderful options available including these square inlaid shell tiles.

And I love this wallpaper that has picture frames already printed on it....all you have to do is add the photos. It would be great in a hallway or stairwell. What about a college room?

I'm sure most of you have seen those vinyl quotes you can stick on your walls. (For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, you can buy ready made quotes that will stick to your walls and they look like they've been painted right on the wall.) There are lots of stores who sell them like Michaels and JoAnn fabrics, but there is a website http://www.secure.wonderfulgraffiti.com/ that has some really incredible quotes. You can make your own and they even have them in 3D....very cool. The 3D letters are available in lucite and brushed aluminum.

I wish I had the time to do this in my home......maybe I can live vicariously through you. Please share your pictures.

Lisa

Roman Shade Class a success!

2009-02-25T14:21:00.001-05:00

I just finished teaching a 4 session class on "How to make a roman shade" through Howard County Parks and Recreation. What fun we had! It was learning for the teacher and the students; this was my first time teaching a class through the county. Each student had an opportunity to make a roman shade custom fit for 1 window in their home. Here is a picture of some of the students with their finished shades. The student on the right decided to make her "skirt" a little longer on the bottom for a truly "custom" look. Thank you for those that participated and I'll be offering more classes this fall!

Sumptuous Bathroom

2009-02-16T13:08:00.002-05:00

Isn't this bathroom sumptuous? I know Valentine's Day has come and gone, but when I saw this photo, I couldn't help thinking how romantic is would be to celebrate Valentine's Day in a bathroom as luxurious as this one. I love the details in the cream drapes that flow onto the floor at the entrance.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

2009-02-05T15:32:00.001-05:00

In October 2008, I saw a posting on the Window Coverings Association of America website that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was looking for several people to fabricate window treatments and bedding for a family based in Fayetteville, Pennsylania. I contacted Monique Becker of Becker Window Fashions. She was chosen by the show to put together a team to fabricate the treatments.

I was part of 7 designer workrooms asked to fabricate window treatments and pillows for this family. Several workrooms were based in and around Reading, PA and there were 3 of us from Maryland. All of us arrived on a Tuesday to get the fabric and the design specs from the designers (not the ones you see on TV, but the ones who really do the work). We divided the work between us and had to deliver it back to the house on Thursday. My friend Denise and I were asked to sew the panels that are in the main family room of the house.

Our group arrived to install our window treatments on Thursday at 4:00 and when we were finished installing, the designers asked if we could help more so we stayed on to help do whatever they needed. We brought in groceries, hung up new clothes, unpacked new toys, threw away trash and so much more. We were in the house until 3:00 am Friday morning. The head designer said we could come back to help inside the house before the family came home. We arrived at 11 Friday morning and did more of whatever needed done inside the home.

The Drumm family has 2 sons who are both autistic. The mother works part time as a teachers assistant and she and her husband both volunteer for a local baseball league.

They purchased their 900 square foot ranch home about a year and a half ago without knowing that it was built on a land fill. They had been living without running water and their only source of heat was from one wood burning stove. We were told it was the worst home the producer had ever seen with mold growing on the basement walls.

ABC picked this family from 5 in the Fayetteville area who all qualified. The women who originally wrote the letter to ABC never got to see the Drumm family win because she passed away before it was announced they were selected for the new home.

I haven't watched this show much lately because it always made me cry and I also became cynical that the house was really built in a week (and it was high quality) and they really did all this wonderful stuff for the family. I am here to tell you first hand, it is all real and there are so many wonderful people who you never get to see who volunteer their time and money to make this all possible. Not a dime was spent to put this house together. EVERYTHING was donated. I feel so blessed to have had a chance to be part of it all.

This show aired January 18, 2009.

Arched Window Rendering

2009-02-05T14:23:00.001-05:00

I offer rendering services to my clients so they can see my design ideas before they actually order their window treatments. It makes it so much easier because they don't have to "imagine' what the treatment will look like when it is installed. I also love using this software because it helps me adjust the design before anything is cut or sewn.

Rendering of arched window treatment design

Finished Treatment

Detail of tieback and tassel trim

Detail of top of treatment