Flowers: Fresh, Silk or WOOD?

Laguna Beach has the greatest galleries and public art. It's also a great place to take visitors because there is something to offer everyone in a lovely setting steps from the beach. Last weekend I took visitors to lunch at Sundried Tomato and we got drawn into Xanadu Collections. These flowers are all boldly painted wood specimens! The whole store has a fun tropical feel.

They have the largest selection of unique vases that are very narrow in dimension. This type of vase is great for small spaces as they lay flat on the wall.

The vases are a work of art in and of themselves.

Yes, my favorite. An arrangement of Zebras!

Chair Cushion Ties

I have probably made every type of chair cushion imaginable. It's a personal thing, but I never like the look of cushion ties. Whether the are bows, or tabs, or 1/2" ties I always find them less than perfect. So, when it came time to make a cushion for my antique rocker I chose to use a tassel and cord. I cut it in half and attached each end in the seam. Now I have a look I am happy with and yes, it does keep the cushion on the chair.

Mattresses Go Sky High

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I was reading the article in the Wall Street Journal on the new mattresses that are getting bigger and bigger. Just several years ago the box springs were deeper that the mattress resulting in the duster having a longer drop than the bedding. Now the reverse is happening. A 19" mattress top will result in a 22" - 24"drop for a coverlet or duvet. In these cases, which are the norm these days, Decorative Textiles always ensures the client has the bed they are going to be finally using before the quote. Clients often change their mind after approving the fabrics. A bed such as this from the E.S.Kluft Company requires several considerations. The first, it requires two people to make the bed. Second there are new considerations in the way the duvet or coverlet drops that differ from the older mattresses. If the interior designer does not use our measuring service, I request a photo of the end corner angle of the bed to ensure exact fabrication.

Quilted Bedding and Pillows

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Not all workrooms have the ability to machine quilt in custom designs or in small squares. Decorative Textiles uses several different quilters that can produce a quilted design that enhances the bedding. Dense quilting around a pattern, for example the orange flowers in the pillow above, will make the flower "pop". Custom quilting helps to avoid eye sores such as vertical lines quilted on a stripe fabric....without matching each and every line.

Traditional Quilting

The quilt of Lynn Thompson and Pat Hershock

I recently introduced a client to some contemporary textile art and she said, "These look like quilts!" Technically they are, as a quilt is 3 layers connected by stitches. The traditional quilt above is made from a pattern and stitched by hand. The value of the quilt is influenced by the quality of the work (which is the lack of stitches showing in the construction of the quilt) and the precision and size of the quilting stitch. The stitches should be the same size on the front as they are on the back, and that only comes from years of experience. Today, it is getting more and more difficult to find hand quilters. Jean Judd is one of the few artists who creates contemporary art quilts that are hand quilted.

Custom Lampshades

I purchased these lamps at a local thrift shop this weekend. They were such a find and the first thing I thought of was how fun it will be to make a custom lampshade for them! My head is spinning with ideas! Custom lampshades are hard to find. After some serious looking I found a source. Now to find the perfect fabric for the shade.

Buttons, toggles, buckles and frogs

Check back later to see these buttons on a pillow!

A button (or three) adorning a pillow can be that finishing touch that completes the look for your home interior. Finding buttons is an adventure in and of itself. Ever since one of my interior designers ordered a pillow with a mitered face and a large square wooden button in the center I have been on the look out for all colors, sizes and types of buttons. I'm ready to share my secrets. M&J Trimming has a diverse selection of decorative buttons. I prefer buttons from bone, horn, shell, wood and metal. You can also find a great selection from Durango Button Company. If you're in a rush, the best place to look locally is yarn shops. They stock large buttons for sweaters and bags. Lastly, vintage buttons are a great accent and can be purchased on garments at used clothing stores.