http://www.ehow.com/how_7338179_grow-large-hanging-flower-baskets.html
Have you ever wondered how to make these beautiful hanging flower baskets? Wonder no more we have the link for you.

Social Media Fitness- personalized to fit your business!

Dear drapery friends,
If you are planning on going to Las Vegas for IWCE 2015 in a few weeks be sure you sign up for Social Media Fitness on Wednesday, January 21. Here is the magazine article highlighting this awesome class! Here is a link to the article recently featured in Window Fashion VISION Magazine. http://impressivewindowsandinteriors.com/2015.pdf

Easier Pleating Methods for Soft Furnishings

Running out of time?????

Remember, Impressive Windows and Interiors can also take care of holiday decorating for you (any holiday you wish). We take inventory of what you have and based on a budget approved by you, we add to your collection. We do the shopping, set up and take down (if requested) for you. Also included, photos of your space for next year so you remember how it was all put together. What a bargain!!!

Challenging windows? Not for us!

We can make window treatments dress up any challenging space, no matter the difficult wall angles. Client was thrilled to have this completed just in time for Thanksgiving! What is your challenge? Let us know if you need help.

This recent project shows you can have a beautiful window treatment, even in the smallest of spaces.

How to Make Rose Edge Detail for Soft Furnishings

IWCE 2015 (January 20-22) classes....hope to see you all in Vegas:

9TU – 11:00−12:15
Astonishing Arched Cornices
Jill Ragan Scully, Owner Impressive Windows and Interiors, WFCP Workroom Certification Director, WCAA, CHFA Instructor
The grandiose arched cornice makes a statement in any room. You will be taken through the detailed fabrication process of intermediate to advanced level treatments of this type. Attendees will learn the history of various styles, different fabrication methods in which they can be made and installation methods for each. We will also cover embellishments and applications of trims and details
1 WFCP Workroom/Design Credit and .1 CEU
WFCP Certified Member: $35 Non-Member: $50


4WE-S – 9:30−12:15
SUPER SESSION: The Ultimate Soft Treatment Runway Show
Jill Ragan Scully, Owner Impressive Windows and Interiors, WFCP Workroom Certification Director, WCAA, CHFA Instructor
and Tammy Paradoski, Owner of Daisy Chain LLC, WCAA and CHFA Instructor
Encompassing two leading industry powerhouses, this all-new soft treatment runway show has endless inspiration and exquisite technique. We will be showcasing panel variations, valances, cushions, shades, slipcovers, upholstery, bedding, pillows and accessories to name a few. Be sure to bring your camera to capture your favorites and be prepared to be wowed with creativity. You will get twice the talent in one super session with Jill Ragan Scully and Tammy Paradoski. 3 WFCP Design/Workroom Credit and .2 CEU
WFCP Certified Member: $120 Non-Member: $165


12WE-S – 2:00-5:00
SUPERSESSION: Social Media Fitness
Jill Ragan Scully, Owner Impressive Windows and Interiors, WFCP Workroom Certification Director, WCAA, CHFA Instructor
and Tammy Paradoski, Owner of Daisy Chain LLC, WCAA and CHFA Instructor
In order to maintain a growing business that stays relevant it is important to have an online presence. If a potential client was to Google you, what would he/she find and would it adequately represent you and your business? Join Tammy Paradoski and Jill Ragan Scully for this class as they assess your social media fitness and review the many aspects of keeping your business updated. We will examine the benefits of having an online presence that accurately represents your business while reaching your target clientele. In order to provide a personalized assessment each attendee will be asked to submit specific information to the instructors in advance. Attendees will leave energized with practical ways to improve their business image. 3 WFCP Business/Technology Credit and .3 CEU
WFCP Certified Member: $250 Non-Member: $250
STRICTLY LIMITED TO 16 PEOPLE


1TH – 9:15−10:30
Fashioning the Pagoda Pelmet & Cornice
Jill Ragan Scully, Owner Impressive Windows and Interiors, WFCP Workroom Certification Director, WCAA, CHFA Instructor
The grandiose pagoda pelmet/cornice makes a statement in any room. You will be taken through the detailed fabrication process of intermediate to advanced level treatment of this type. Attendees will learn the history of, various styles, different fabrication methods in which they can be made and installation methods of each. We will also cover embellishments and applications of trims and details
1 WFCP Workroom Credit and .1 CEU
WFCP Certified Member: $35 Non-Member: $50

For a list of all classes click HERE

Add some sparkle to your window treatments!

There are many different ways to add glitz and glamour to any soft furnishing. Our favorite way is to add gems! Here is a pagoda cornice with some brush fringe trim and sparkly upholstered nail heads. What do you think?

So in love with Bohemia Finish from ORION art,it brings a little hollywood glam into any window treatment.http://www.ironartbyorion.com/bohemia.asp?catid=47

Check out of the before and after for a recent project that we worked on. The addition of a backsplash in this newly renovated kitchen makes a big impact.

Something borrowed

While I always strive for new and innovative content for my readers, occasionally I find a friend or colleagues blog post so engaging I need to pass it on. Case in point, Organized Audrey, a speaker in which I was fortunate enough to see many years ago. She is a professional organizer for individuals and businesses. Here is an article that came to my inbox this morning from her which speaks to all of us. I encourage you to sign up for her e-newsletters. They are short, sweet and helpful.

In Minnesota, the cooler weather is our first hint. Then comes the first frost. Eventually the snowflakes will make an appearance and then before we know it, we'll be acting surprised that the holidays have snuck up on us once again.

The holiday season represents a time of year when lots of memories are in the making. And because one of the biggest components of being organized is planning ahead, this is a good time to think of things you can do in the next month or two that will help you to celebrate the holidays with less stress.

Here are a few things I hope to work on over the next 4-6 weeks:
• Review family photos to find the one I plan on sending to friends and family and order reprints online.
• Write our Christmas letter and update our mailing list.
• Get my carpets cleaned in time for holiday entertaining.
• Hang outdoor lights before the snow arrives!
• Order wreaths from the Boy Scouts.
• Purchase as many gifts online as possible.
• Plan out my baking list and purchase all of the ingredients needed.
• Be prepared to ship out-of-town gifts the week after Thanksgiving.

Link to sign up for Organized Audrey newsletters and free articles.

Are you a know-it-all?

This is a little story that I like to call the curse of the know-it-all. We have all met one, seen one, avoided one or perhaps you ARE one! Regardless, I want to share a little story from my life that I hope will help you at some point in the future. Last week, I was asked to install what was described as a very simple drapery job. Original installer had hung the 4 motorized drapery tracks and the sheer drapes closest to the window. I was to arrive, hang outer drapes, program the remote control and steam out any wrinkles- easy enough (or so I thought). Upon arrival, homeowner had informed me of what they thought was a wiring issue. While, I don't claim know everything there is to know about home automation- I have the necessary contacts to find out what I need to get the job done. So while I was on the phone with the drapery track motorization company (and sending pictures to the company of the current wiring) they determined that the initial installer did not set up system with all correct parts to program the draperies to function properly. Furthermore, since the home automation system runs these drapery track motors an infrared remote would not work. I realized soon after this why the original installer was not asked back to finish the job, incompetence. As soon as the necessary parts arrive later this week I will be going back to program the system alongside the home automation company next Tuesday. I will never claim to know all there is to know about the home furnishings industry, that is a ridiculous thought. We live in a world where items are updated and outdated constantly. All I can stress is to have a great support team to call if you do have problems. Get to know your reps, sales staff, customer service and product manuals. It is not embarrassing to call a support line and get the right answers. It is however embarrassing to lose a job because you were too embarrassed you did not know everything. Hint: you will never know everything.

I am proud to annnouce....

That I begin training at the end of this month to be a lead instructor for bedding and pillows at the Custom Home Furnishings Academy in Pineville, North Carolina. I am thrilled that I have been given this opportunity to share my knowledge and love of learning with students from all around the world. I will be teaching on a part-time basis, around 4-6 weeks per year. This still gives me plenty of time to run my business, design and sew for my wonderful clients as well as continue my duties within the WFCP Program as their Workroom Certification Director. I will be busy yes, but I always seem to get more done in an extremely efficient manner so I welcome this with open arms.

Workroom Wednesdays with WFCP Series- How to Fabricate a Flat Roman Shade

Wednesday, October 16, 2013 10am CST/ 11am EST/ 8am PDT/ 9am MST. This is the first webinar in our "Workroom Wednesdays with WFCP" series which will take place the first and third Wednesdays of each month. In this class you will learn how to fabricate a flat-roman shade using the most up-to-date safety standards. WFCP Workroom Certification Instructor Sharon Konrad will share with you many of her unique tips and techniques for beautiful and efficient flat roman shades. Click HERE to register. $35.00 for WFCP Members, $50.00 non-members

New products- new possibilities

WINK The clear, dry erase coating that lets you turn any paintable surface into a write-and-erase canvas. Now, let the true color of your wall show through, without the limits of a whiteboard. Wink is not your typical whiteboard, this is red-board, orange-board or purple-board. You can write on any color wall with stuff-very cool.

Pantone's top color for Spring 2014 is.....

Dazzling Blue! When I see this color, royalty comes to mind. Specifically Kate Middleton in that smashing blue lace dress she wore a few months back. Or perhaps my fondness stems from its keen resemblance to Facebook. Nonetheless, what a rich, luxurious addition for 2014. Can you imagine injecting a little of this hue into your wardrobe- or your homes interior?

SteamPunk Interior Design

Steampunk style gained its popularity through a compilation of different literature genres, such as science fiction, fantasy, and alternative history. Now that it has evolved from fashion to interior design, you can clearly see the Victorian Era elements throughout. What distinguishes Steampunk interior design from other design styles are of course the gadgets that are supposedly designed during the Victorian Era. These details of interior are the future’s elements seen in a Victorian Era perspective. Even if it is a computer, a machine for XXI century, it is visually perceived as a machine designed in XIX. Additionally, the colors that are used in Steampunk design are often tinted with copper.

I recently had the pleasure of attending MinneCon in Minneapolis, MN. Although a relatively new design tradeshow, I was delighted to come out of the show with some great inspiration. Formica, one of the oldest laminate companies, has come up with a few new "woodsy-like" patterns! Okay they are not actually supposed to be "woodsy" but that is what immediately came to mind when I saw these featured earlier this year. I thought these would go perfect in the bar area of that "man cave" or a cabin kitchen. What do you think?

Cord Safety for Workrooms

Cord Safety for Workrooms with MaryAnn Plumlee Friday, September 20, 2013 10 am CDT/11 am EDT/ 9 am MT/ 8 am PDT This webinar explores the hazards posed by corded window products. The objectives of this webinar are to learn ways to prevent death and injury, discover hidden hazards, and learn about exposure to risk and liability. Attendees will learn what "safety standards" mean, specifics of how many accidents have been reported, and what types of products have been involved. WFCP Members $35 Non Members $50 LINK to PURCHASE