I've gone to the dogs!

OK, well, those of you who have known me for a while know that I "went to the dogs" a long time ago!  But this is a little different.

My good friend Leslie Gallager (owner of K9z Etc.,) has a very cute Dachsund named Claudia.

Claudia

Leslie found an adorable canopy bed online for Claudia and then it was my turn to create bedding for "Princess Claudia".  Leslie chose a great teal cotton print for the mattress and a shimmery, sparkly blue and green sheer for the canopy.  Here's what the bed looked like before.

First, I upholstered a board to lie underneath Claudia's cushion so she wouldn't fall through the metal bars.

Next, I made a cushion for her to sleep on and of course, a pretty pillow for a head rest!

The finished product with sheer curtains

Crown on top of bed with pretty sheer fabrics

When Leslie came to pick up the bed, she cried when she saw it!  The bed was a Christmas gift to her daughter, as Claudia is "her" dog. 

Do you know a doggie princess who needs a throne? Call me and I will custom design one for you!

To learn more about Leslie's pet sitting and training business, you can view her website at http://www.k9zetc.com/







Very exciting news!

In February I submitted an entry in the Custom Home Furnishings Academy Alumni Showcase contest.  I was recently notified that my design was selected as one of the winners!

I will be traveling to the Custom Home Furnishings Academy in Charlotte, NC at the end of March with the other contest winners to fabricate my design.  We will be treated like "Project Runway" designers and will have several industry experts from across the country assisting us as we fabricate our designs.

In April my design will be on display at the International Window Coverings Expo in Las Vegas.
 
I am SO excited about having been selected as a winner! I will be posting regular updates here during the coming weeks.  For now, I am sworn to secrecy and cannot reveal my design.  However, I will be taking loads of pictures to walk you through my experience and will post them when it's appropriate.

A great place to visit in Cape Girardeau

My local WCAA group (Window Coverings Association of America) took a field trip to Cape Girardeau this month. We visited a charming store called "Under Cover" which is owned by one of our chapter members, Debbie Bruns.

Under Cover custom slipcovers, 2117 Broadway Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

573-334-8979

Under Cover specializes in slipcovers, window treatments and other home decor items. Debbie has some fabulous items on display in her store. From one of a kind fabric artwork to her lovely slipcovers, you're sure to find something to fit your tastes in her shop. Several of us from St. Louis took home one of her creations.

Lovely custom tableround - and elegant coordinating pillows right next to it!

I love this pillow.  I am SO copying this design.  Thanks, Debbie!

Adorable slipcovered chair!

Lovely wall art and other home decor items

I think many of us who own workrooms have the occasional wild fantasy about someday having our business in a retail space. Until now, I didn't really think it was a successful business venture. Visiting Under Cover changed my mind!

Owner Debbie Bruns, in the center, flanked by her two fabulous employees,

Audra (on left) and Candie (on right)

The next time you're in Cape Girardeau, stop by Under Cover and look around.  You'll be glad you did!

Love those pillows!

I really enjoy making pillows. Here's some pictures of an envelope pillow I made recently. The nice thing about envelope pillows is that all you have to do is flip them over and presto - you've got a whole new look!

My Studio

Here's a picture of my studio. My husband finished it for me while I was away taking classes for a week at the Custom Home Furnishings Academy. Needless to say, I was totally surpised to come home and find my grey dungeon room transformed into a beautiful workspace! It's such a delight every day to walk into this lovely room and create lovely things.

My very first blog.....

One of my business goals for 2010 is to start a blog for my custom drapery workroom business, so here I go. Wish me luck!