When it is time to travel, it is time to have a personalized luggage tag.  Happy Travels.

Fabricating and installing the valences in this kid's workout paradise

This small U. City home's kitchen was trying to maximize the space by installing a corner seating area for their growing family.  She had the space customized to seat five.  I covered the back board and the cushions were customized to fit.  The pillows were a special gift to the homeowner as that was the left over fabric.  She loved the use of the space and the pleasant seating area. 

Beautiful silk panels with covered button accents.  The fabric was simply scrumptious and it added just the right touch to finish off the room.

The French doors to this little girl's bedroom are lightly covered with sheer white dotted Swiss fabric. This creates a semi-private feel.  The girls are only 2 and 3 years old.  So parents peeking in once in a while is expected.   This room had two windows that balloon shades on a tension rod were installed.  Some sheer dotted Swiss panels were added to again create privacy for the girls.     The tie backs on the french doors were one of the stripes from the fabric turned and fastened in place. Over each bed a flowered corona was placed and sheer dotted Swiss panels and valance were hung.  Each girl sleeps in a big girl bed and feels like a princess.  The chandelier is pink and clear crystals.  Adorable!

Here is a terrific looking heading for a stationary panel.  Creates a column look between windows or just one panel flanking each side of the window.  Eye catching and dramatic.   

Look what I found on my sewing table in my home based workroom.  I just have to stop sewing and play with my darling new grandson.  He won't be little for ever.  So in an attempt to enjoy life's little pleasures, I had some Grandma time!  Our days get busy, and we keep a full schedule, but life is short, so enjoy these precious moments.

For Christmas my wonderful family bought me an Pad. I love things in place. My inspiration for this new iPad case came from an Orange Leaf (frozen yogurt) take home bag. Brought the yogurt home, took the bag to the workroom and inspiration.  Here it is.  Grommets and monogram.

This bedroom was painted a bright aqua and had lots of windows. Actually one of the windows was a set of french doors which led to a balcony. There was lots to cover and a need to close the draperies often so the "teenager" could sleep in if she so desired. My challenge was to create something that was fresh, contemporary and very functional. So knowing how well grommets travel back and forth on a metal rod, I started there. Unable to find any matching fabric to coordinate with the Pottery Barn bedding that had be selected, we chose white duck fabric, lined it with blockout lining and trimmed it with bright aqua pom pom fringe. The rods were mounted in the corners of the bay and floor length draperies were added. The view was spectacular. Unfortunately my photo showing the draperies all closed is dark. Guess why? The lining was doing its job. She was very happy with the treatments.

This is a simple roman shade with blockout lining on the back. It will not let any light penetrate. It was for a bedroom and sleeping during the day was a part of the request. "Can it be dark enough in here to sleep during the day?" questioned the homeowner. To that I replied, "Yes, it can be dark enough to sleep during the day!" When the shade is in its most upright position, it is all tucked behind the valance at the top. Then there is plenty of sunshine. Responding to the homeowners special concern is what "custom window treatments" are all about. I enjoy knowing my client is happy and has exactly what they requested.

This Hampton Park home had a tiny powder room right by the front door. The homeowner wanted to add some fabrics to this "very small space". The window, full of charm was only about 12 inches wide. The homeowner chose a fabulous toile because it had all the right colors in the fabric. I created a small flat scalloped valance trimmed with some great fringe and placed it on the rod. Rich woodwork and years of charm surrounded this little piece of fabric. Sometimes a great looking window has little to do with the draperies. The white sink with original faucets, just sort of hung there. So we skirted it with nice trim and box pleated the floor length skirt to cover the pipes which added some interest to what you see when the powder room door is open. Here is a close up. Look at the amazing tile work. Only ten little tassels. That's a small window. All of this makes a great conversation piece. But, you would be having a private conversation as t...

Sometimes I do things that are a little out of the ordinary . I think that is why I love what I do. My days as a "file clerk" are over. I like the diversity of the things I am asked to create. The designer drew a sketch of what she had in mind and my carpenter and I went to work. Never having made a dog bed, and not even being a dog lover, I visited the local pet store. Humm--just a few ideas there. But this dog bed is perhaps better than a Marriot bed. This dog bed was customized to fit a large size dog. It has a 3/4" plywood base, 2" thick foam and is wrapped around the outer edge to form sides. That seems to be where the dog lays his head. Large wooded bun feet were wrapped with the washable polyester velvet fabric. Color was chosen to match the color of the dog. A large removable cushion was inserted in the center to create just another layer of comfort. This puppy dog has a great nights sleep. One afternoon, I found him napping in the sunshine. That is...

Black and white is usually considered a basic . As a large buffalo check it made a statement. This Webster Groves home had an addition added to the back of the house. They built a beautiful new kitchen and breakfast room. The area was full of sunshine and big enough to hold their large family gatherings. The client showed me a photo from a magazine and I recreated what she wanted. With pale yellow paint on the walls, we jazzed up the windows with these roman shades. It was just the punch this spacious area needed. The treatments were mounted on the wide white woodwork which "framed" my work. Somehow that makes me sound like an artist. Well, I do consider myself "artistic".  But, when you put a "frame" around something, I think that could make you an artist . What would Van Gogh say to that?  Anyway, I love the statement these simple roman shades made in this room. The homeowners were happy and that made me happy. Basically, the black and white was just...

Doesn't every fashion conscience closet have" the little black dress"? Well in the world of window fashion, these cream woven pinch pleated draperies were crying for some attention. The black banding on the leading edge was speaking for itself, but all those little pleats at the top wanted to be noticed. I accented the "pinch" of the pleat with a covered button. That is exactly what was needed to coordinate with the big black metal rod. I wish the photo showed the finials. There were great. These draperies were lined and interlined. The fabric was a thick woven cotton purchased at Anatol's Fabrics in Brentwood. Here is the link: http://housefabrics.com/ . Great little fabric shoppe. Visit sometime if you can.

This pillow was an orphaned piece of fabric and only big enough for this oblong pillow. My daughter needed a wedding shower gift---so we embroidered the couples initials and the date of the happy occasion. Woo-la. There you have it. A bit of fabric, a bit of purple cording glued in a circular fashion and some embroidery in the Curlz font. The bride to be was thrilled. The colors were perfect for the master bedroom.

This bathroom was in perfect condition.  The Glendale homeowner so wanted to remodel.  But the faucets, tile work, tub, shower curtain rod and light fixtures were in excellent condition.  No need to spend money on remodeling this room was the bottom line. Ami selected a timeless toile fabric for her window treatment and shower curtain. I used the fabric to its "best ability".  The design was box pleated and trimmed with a black and white check on the bias.  The shower curtain is functional under the tabbed valance and the window treatment, a London shade, is perfect for the space.  Take a good look at that tile work trimmed in glossy, black, thick, rounded edged tile.  Ooow--you would think I  loved tile. (I really loved the fabric choice.)  I appreciate quality and loved to be able to accessorize this great bathroom.  It shines as if it were brand new.  I guess that shows that quality lives on.  It was a stunning complimen...

 The homeowners have a view from every side of their home.  It is beautiful.  Not much needs to be said or done when it comes to making these windows look great.  You enjoy the view so much, I think you might not even see the treatments.  However, I was asked to do the treatments for this home.  My son actually built this home.  It was a great project and the attention to detail is what makes this home stand out above the rest.  This is the kitchen window.  I kept the treatment simple as you can see.  Bold fabric, beaded trim, slight scallop all on tension rod. Breakfast room has two french doors in the bay that walks out to the patio.  Using the same fabric on black rods I made sure not to cover up the view in any way.  It was just perfect for the space.

This window is about to be transposed.  You can see the view of the neighbors and that was too close for comfort. The office/study is used by both of the homeowners.  It is a 60" wide window neatly tucked in between built-in bookshelves.  The first order of business was to add wood blinds to the window to filter the light, give quick control of the light and provide absolute privacy when needed.  There will be neighbors soon.  Sorry for the poor quality photo.  So much light pouring in.  But we soon solved that issue.   The addition of cordless 2" wood blinds was a great way to control and filter light.  The next layer was two side panels in a soft gold crushed fabric with contoured tie backs.  It was trimmed in bold flat trim and matching cording. A shaped cornice was added as the third and final layer.  It copied the curve of the window and capped the treatment.  Cording was applied at the top and bottom edges of the co...

This window is in a two story entry way above the front door.  The window is about 72" tall.  The space was enhanced with a hobbled shade out of beautiful appliqued fabric.  The design was spaced three circles across the width of fabric and each were about 12 inches in diameter.  By folding it up and tucking away some of the rust color it brought the appliques closer together showcasing the beautiful fabric and giving the space a lot of punch. Isn't that a beautiful hobbled shade?  It added a lot of rich color to the entry way and the homeowner was thrilled with the design and placement.  I was happy to have it installed and another happy client.