Angela Thee

Elegant Dining Room

2012-02-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

I always love it when a project comes to completion. I love seeing the changes take place and I love seeing visually what my mind was seeing in the design process. This dining room is one of my favorite projects. It has a lot of glitz and sparkle.

The changes from before and after are really amazing. The dining room was originally painted red. The trim was an off white and the cabinet was stained. The ceiling did not have any interest or detail and the chandelier was to ornate.

Dining Room Before

I decided to go with a very neutral color palette and really add a lot of surface materials that had shimmer and glitz, but still had an elegance to it. The walls were faux painted in a Shimmer stone technique in grays and taupe. Shimmer stone has a lot of sparkle in the finish and the technique really adds a lot of texture and dimension to the surface. To make the built in china cabinet feel more like a piece of furniture, I had it painted a medium gray and then glazed with a gray/black glaze. Then the cabinet doors were stenciled. The cabinet now feels like a distress and aged piece of furniture and becomes a focal point in the room. The ceiling was wallpapered in a Candice Olsen wallpaper that has a shimmery light gray background with a sand textured trellis design. I replaced the chandelier with a fixture that had an aged silver finish and beautiful silk shades. Style was simple but the details were amazing. The trim was painted gray and then glazed.

Wallpaper in the ceiling.

Cabinets were painted then glazed and stencil was added to the cabinet doors.

Then a large dining room table was added. Fabrics were very neutral but had a medallion design that added motion and dimension to the room. And the final detail was a beautiful silk floral with dried hydrangeas, branches, moss in glass containers.

Beautiful floral design made with all natural and dried flowers, leaves, twigs and branches.

Area rug repeats the trellis design in the wallpaper on the ceiling.

Beautiful table runner and pleated drapery panels with a box pleated edge and beaded trim down the leading edge.

I love this dining room. Very simple, yet filled with details and elegance.

My Pinterest Addiction

2012-02-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm coming out of the closet! I am addicted to Pinterest! I know there are others out there that can relate. It is the best thing since ahhh! I can not think of anything! It's the best. For years I have been saving pictures on my computer, when that filled up I moved them to an external hard drive.
http://pinterest.com/angelathee/

With Pinterest I have so many other people helping me find pictures of the things I love, the things I want to do, decor that speaks to me and recipes I want to try.

I have 26 Boards and 2890 pins (at this time that could change at any given moment). I am now finding that I need more boards to organize my pins.

Pinterest allows you to save pictures to links for things that you like. You can set up boards such as Home Decor, Recipes, Travel, etc. You can follow other people and their pins and they can follow you.

Like many others, I can spend hours on Pinterest. I don't consider this wasting my time, I think it's an investment in myself. Supposedly Pinterest is for finding ideas and getting up and doing them, well I have discovered, that there are probably not enough hours in the days ahead to do all the things I have pinned, but it will be fun trying.

So here are a few of my favorite pins.

I love this bedroom! I love the silver and blue. And that black pillow, oh my my!

I have this obsession with burlap. I love the texture and I really love the simplicity of it.

I love to crochet and have found great tutorials and patterns.

I love pillows and I love making pillows. I have found some great ideas for pillows.

Go on, take the leap. Join me and many, many others that just can not seem to get enough of Pinterest.

Beginning Sewing Class

2012-02-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

Beginning sewing class is off to a great start. Monday they learned how to drive their sewing machines and earned their license. One of the most challenging issues in sewing is trouble shooting machine problems. Having machine problems is one of the major reasons people pack up their machines and never turn them on again. Once you know what causes problems and how to fix them you are ready to sew and feel much more comfortable and confident. I always think it is so funny when my students tell me they have been afraid to even turn the machine on!!

Every machine is different and in a small class, we can tailor the class to each person and machine. Proper maintenance is also very important to keeping your sewing machine running smoothly. So understanding how and when to clean your machine is very important. It's like keeping your car in tip top working condition.

The best part of class is when you give them a scrap of fabric and thread the machine and send them off on a test drive. It's such a thrill!!!

Next week, we learn how to read a pattern, how and why pressing is so important, choosing the right fabric for a project, how to cut out the pattern and fabric and how to transfer markings. Then we will tackle button holes and zippers.

I love sharing this art with eager students! What a life changing lesson they are learning. It makes me think back to when I first learned to sew. There wasn't enough time to make all of the things I wanted to make. I would wake up in the middle of the night and go to my sewing machine. When I am involved in a sewing project, I loose all track of time. It is amazing to look back through my portfolio at all of the things that I have made myself over the years. My passion for sewing also created this eagerness to learn many other techniques such as embroidery, smocking, quilting and just simply manipulating fabric and figuring out how to push the envelope and come up with new techniques of my own. And what a better way to earn a living than doing what you love!

I also love sharing the gift of sewing with children. The only way children are going to learn to sew is if we teach them. They don't have home economics in school anymore and unless you teach them, how will they learn. Kids get a huge thrill out of making things themselves.

But my favorite part of sewing is making things for other people. I love giving handmade gifts to people as much as I love receiving hand made gifts. The time and thought that goes into them is priceless!

Sewing Room Under Construction

2012-01-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

I love it when I have a project under construction!!!!! I'm working on a project that just has me so excited. When I am sewing, the world just disappears. And I just noticed, so does my organization and cleanliness. Thought I would show you what my sewing room looks like when I am engrossed in a project. Stuff ends up everywhere, it looks like a Fabric and Notions Store just exploded.

As you can see, I am a little messy. Disorganization helps me be more creative.

I do have the water bottle, just to make sure I keep hydrated.

Geez, I don't even need all of the things laid out on this table.

If you look closely, you will get a hint into what I am working on!!

Oh and are you jealous of the HUGE work table. 3ft x 9ft. I have been know to take a nap on it!!

Well hope you enjoyed a peak into my world of madness and confusion. Know back to sewing!!

Fabric Flowers and Fabric Origami

2012-01-26T09:14:00.000-08:00

Fabric Origami and Fabric Flowers (Kanzashi Technique)

If you have been looking around on Pinterest and in Home Decor Catalogs, one thing that you will notice is pillows are taking on a 3 Dimension look. More and more you are seeing flowers sewn on, buttons, beads, and even felt. I love this new trend. I have always loved making fabric flowers and I am one sewer that is very excited to see it as a new trend.

Fabric Origami has been around in the quilting circles for awhile. Fabric Origami is not much different than our childhood favorite of paper origami, and actually most things that you make with paper, you can make with fabric, with a little ingenuity, a needle and thread and an iron.

Below are a few samples of fabric origami quilt squares that I made.

This is a hexagon shape with a fabric covered button.

Different folding technique than above. This is very similar to the little finger puppets that kids make.

On this sample, I folded the corners back to create a flower .

My favorite technique is Kanzashi. I learned to make these by hand, however, Clover know sells a tool that helps you fold these quicker. These flowers look beautiful on pillows, window treatments, as well as fashion accessories.

This flower is made out of beautiful silk fabric and I glued a very unusual button that I found.

I used two different techniques of Kanzashi, layered them and put a fabric covered button in the center. I cut the squares large to create a bigger flower.

In the center of this I used a glass bead.

This flower is made from silk. I had a very unusual mother of pearl flat button and I add a diamond gemstone to the center. I also alternated the front and back of the flower pedals.

On this Kanzashi, I used two different folding techniques , layered them and then added the little pearl button.

These are a great way for you to really create a lot of texture and add a little unexpected to your sewing projects. I hope you will take the opportunity to learn these great techniques. I will begin working on a tutorial and will post it soon.

Don't Disturb This Groove: Chair Makeover with Beadboard Wallpaper

2012-01-24T16:29:00.000-08:00

Don't Disturb This Groove: Chair Makeover with Beadboard Wallpaper: Way back in June, I purchased this chair at the thrift store for $2.50. It sat in my garage until recently, because I was really unsure wha...

Valance - Most popular window treatment...

2012-01-24T09:54:00.000-08:00

Today in the workroom, I am preparing for my upcoming "Valance Class", everything you need to know to make beautiful and custom valances for your home.

So I thought that I would share with you some great inspirational pictures, to get you in the mood to start making valances.

A valance is one of the easiest treatments to make if you know a few simple ways of breaking them down or dissecting them. With this knowledge, you can truly make one of a kind pieces of window artwork. You don't even need a pattern if you have the know how!! Well guess what, to get the skinny on the know how, you have to attend the class. I can not give away all of my secrets.

But to give you a little teaser, all you have to know is the 5 types of valances and you will be able to create your very own designs as well as make anything you see in a magazine. You can change up the horns, cascades and jabots and really make a one of a kind treatment. Yes we will be talking about those too!!

A very simple valance can be made into a very eloquent window treatment by using the right embellishments. You know tassels, trim, beads, embroidery, cording, banding, etc. We will talk about when and where to use embellishments and how to think outside the box when using them.

I hope I have sparked your interest in learning all there is to know about a valance and will come and dissect them with me. You will be making amazing valance treatments in your home before you know.

Oh and did I mention you will be making your own valance in class!!! So start thinking about which room you want to dress up!

Very elegant shaped header with exaggerated jabots.

Very fun and simple valance with fun and playful pom pom fringe.

Mixing fabrics and a decorative buttons with tassels.

This treatment filled a large bow window. All of the tassel fringe really made this treatments flow and move about the room. Again a mix of fabrics and the cute bow made this treatments.

Simple yet very tailored and elegant.

Installing this treatment on a decorative iron pole gave this treatment a touch of class.

The embroidery design in the middle brought the gathered jabot fabric and the solid center fabric together and gave your eye a little bit of eye candy. Simply stated yet very unique.

This is one of my favorites!! This is a simple awning treatment, but the amazing mural on the wall is what dictated the design. I wanted to pick up where the artist left off. The tree and leaves are appliqued on, this give the effect that nothing stops.

Hope you have enjoyed some of my favorite valances.

Call me to register for the Valance class
You to will be making these for your home!!

(770)597-7003 or athee@bellsouth.net

Original Sewing & Quilt Expo.

2012-01-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

It's that time again!! The Original Sewing and Quilt Expo. is coming to Duluth, GA. I love this event. I have attended every year for the past 5 years. I have been blessed to help one of the instructors one year in her classes and I have volunteered to work in the Viking booth. If you are a beginning sewer or an advanced sewer, there are classes that will fit your needs. If you are a quilter, there are a lot of classes to inspire you to reach new dimensions. If you are interested in embroidery, you can hone your skills and feel much more confident in exploring your creativity. If you are interested in starting a sewing business, there are classes for you.

But the most fun and exciting thing to do is shop!!!!! The exhibitors floor is filled with vendors that have the latest and greatest in sewing notions, sewing machines, and FABRICS oh beautiful fabrics. One of my favorite vendors at the show is the scissor guy. I take my scissors for a much needed sharpening and love exploring the unique scissors and sewing tools available.

There are fashion shows, hands on demonstrations and some of the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen. Come and get inspired.

OHH! Did I mention that they have fantastic drawings and prizes to give away!!!

The event is scheduled to start on March 8, 9 and 10th. Register on-line to make sure the classes you want to take are available.

To Register follow this link

http://www.sewingexpo.com/AtlantaGA.aspx

Check back in March. I will be blogging about some of my classes and the great finds that I have found on the exhibitor floor. I will be interviewing some of the great and talented instructors. I am going to explore the exhibitors floor and show you some of the great finds that I discover. But don't take it from me. Register and attend this event, even if you don't want to take classes, if you are a sewer, scrape booking, embroider or other needle craft you need to come and visit the exhibit hall.

See you there. Let me know your coming and I will give you a personal tour of the floor. Need help deciding what classes to take, let me know and I will help you.

For those that have attended in the past, I hope that you will leave your comments below and tell me what your favorite thing is about the show. I will be doing a drawing for for a $25.00 Visa Gift Card that you can use at the show!!!!

Don't forget to register

http://www.sewingexpo.com/AtlantaGA.aspx

How to make a valance class

2012-01-20T04:45:00.000-08:00

February 2, 2012
9:30-12:30 every Thursday for 3 weeks.
Hobby Lobby, Buford, GA

Learn how to measure and figure yardage, about the different types of valances and how to construct them, choosing the appropriate fabric, adding details, lining and interlining, and hardware and installation. We will be making a sample valance in class.

Cost is: $150.00

Call me or email me to register 770-597-7003 or athee@bellsouth.net

Sewing Class Project

2012-01-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Not much sewing excitement in the sewing room today. I've been preparing for my Adult Beginning Sewing Class that will start on January 30th. Today I worked on the class project. A beautiful pillow for your home. Not just a beautiful pillow, but a learning experience that pays off. You will learn button holes, zippers, hand sewing techniques, how to read a pattern and how to decipher the foreign language on the pattern, you will learn about notions and tools and tricks to make your sewing projects come out professional and smooth. The most important tool you will gain is how to operate and maintain your sewing machine and how to trouble shoot stitching problems.

You will learn professional trade-only techniques and tricks of the trade.

You will leave this class with the confidence and knowledge to immediately choose a pattern and fabric and start your own project.

Contact me immediately if you want to get into this class, I have 2 openings.

Bama Jammies

2012-01-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have to set you up for this blog post. Today my sewing project was a pair of pajama pants for my brother. So here is how this started. I love football, actually I love college football, but mostly I love SEC football. And more than anything I love UGA football. Yes I am a Dawg fan. This year when my daughter was getting ready to go to college, I was so looking forwarded to her attending the University of Georgia. However, much to my disappointment, she chose University of Kentucky (Go Cats!). Now my youngest has always been a Georgia fan, however, this year she decided she was a Bama fan (Roll Tide). I don't know what brought about this change other than my brother is a HUGE Alabama fan and she adores my brother. A few months ago, I made her a pair of fleece Bama Jammies and once my brother saw them, he had to have a pair too. Now my brother is 40 years old. So today that is my project!

Pajama pants are one of the easiest items to make and what a great gift they make.

I used a pattern by McCalls M6252 and Alabama Fleece.

Steps:

1. Cut out your pattern pieces according to package directions.
2. Match Front and Back from crotch to bottom and sew in a 5/8" seam allowance on both sections.

3. Stitch crotch all the way around from front to back.

4. For easy insertion of the elastic in the waist band, I sew the seam allowance down about 3" on all the inside seams at the waist band.

5. Fold Casing down at waist line and fold under 1/4" and stitch. Remember to leave an opening for your inserting your elastic or drawstring.

6. Insert your elastic (I opted for a drawstring, so is opened the seam on the inside instead of leaving an opening in my casing.

7. Hem the bottom.

In less than 1.5 hours I had a pair of pajama pants made.

Pajama pants are easy to sew. They make great gifts and you can really make them cute and fun. Mix fabrics, add trims and use a great fun and playful fabrics. And they are very affordable to make. These are pictures of pajama's I found on-line.

I love the bright fabrics and look at the ruffled edge on the bottom.

Cute fabric. I love the Capri length. Great for summer.

Notice the contrast drawstring and the contrast around the bottom.

Great pattern for girls. You could make a slumber party theme with this pattern. This pattern can be found on Amazon. Pattern is by Cindy Taylor
http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Made-Designs-Patterns-Sew-Pajama/dp/B00158U83U

These pajama pant instructions can be found in Amy Butler's Book "In Stitches"

Hope I have inspired you to make pajama's today. They are great projects for beginners as well as advanced sewers. Try adding trim, mixing fabrics and make them fun and one of a kind. These are so cute, you could wear them out to run your errands and if your daughter is like mine, she wears jammie pants to school. Who would have figured this would happen.

Now excuse me while I go and try to repent for making these Bama Jammies and see what I can come up with to make for a DAWG fan.

2012-01-15T05:40:00.000-08:00

This is a beautiful book. The projects are great for beginning sewers as well as experienced sewers. Tanya Whelan from Grand Revival! has a beautiful collection of fabrics. I recommend you check out the book and make it a part of your sewing library. Her new book, Sew What You Love has projects for the home, children, bags and adult clothing. It comes with 3 large pattern sheets as well as many sewing tips and techniques.

Setting Up A Sewing Space.

2012-01-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

Ok I will admit it! Like many of my girlfriends, I AM ADDICTED TO PINTEREST!!!! Now I just need to find the time to do all of the over 2000 pins I have.

Since I am a passoniate seamstres, and enjoy teaching sewing classes, I think I am going to start from the beginning. Setting up a space to sew. I found some great ideas on Pinterest. You can start with a small space in your home or designate a whole room. Here are just a few ideas that I hope will spike your creativity and motivate you to set up a place to explore your creative side.

http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/

http://www.scrapbook.com/gallery/image/scraproom/3139967.html

http://chaletgirl.wordpress.com/2011/04/02/the-new-sewing-room/

If you are like me and already have a space set up, but have the major problem of how to store and organize all of you fabrics, notions, patterns and just stuff you have to have. Then you will enjoy the storage and organization ideas below.

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/04/craft-room-part-1.html

http://acreativemomma.blogspot.com/2011/11/thread-organization.html

http://deliciouslyorganized.blogspot.com/search/label/Deliciously%20Organized%20Series

http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2011/04/sewingcraft-room-ideas-and-updates.html

For more ideas http://pinterest.com/angelathee/sewing-spaces/

Next we will begin exploring projects and sewing tips and tricks as well as following along on the numereous projects that I will be taking on this year. Sewing Classes will begin on January 30th so stay tuned for pictures and final projects from my students.

New Year, New Plans

2012-01-11T06:32:00.000-08:00

I have been very blessed that God gave me the talent to create. I have so enjoyed the many years I have spent decorating my clients homes as well as sewing and creating some amazing and beautiful window treatments, pillows, bedding and so much more.

Recently I have felt the desire to teach others what is becoming a lost art. Sewing. I want to share that deep passion and desire that I have for creating. When I am sewing the hours tick by, my mind goes into this deep concentration and settles down from thinking and stress. So this marks the year that I will be sharing my passion with others. Giving the gift that God gave me to others.

I have also decided that a portion of the profit from teaching will be going to help others. I have discovered that there are so many people that could benefit from learning to sew for a trade. There is a need all over the world to teach women a trade so that they can support themselves and feed their children. I don't yet know where God is leading me on this, but I am definitely up for the challenge and the journey.

Keep checking in to see where my journey takes me and to follow along with the students that are giving themselves the gift.

If anyone knows of a group or organization that could benefit from learning to sew, please let me know. Ask and God will send you where you need to go. So I am asking!

Sewing Classes, Suwanee, GA, Gwinnett County 2012 Schedule

2012-01-11T06:20:00.000-08:00

Give yourself the gift of learning to sew!!

Sewing classes in GA., Gwinnett County

The following classes are scheduled:

January 30th, February 6 and 13th 9:00-12:00

Class willl meet at 671 Main Street, Suwanee GA

February 9th, 16th and March 5th 9:30-12:30

Hobby Lobby Classroom - Buford, GA

February 14th, 21st and 28 th 9:30-12:30

Hobby Lobby Classroom - Duluth, GA at States Bridge Road

February 14th, 21st and 28 th 6:00-8:00

Hobby Lobby Classroom - Duluth, GA at States Bridge Road

Cost is $150.00

1. Adult & Teen Basic Sewing

We will be learning the following:

A. Operating a sewing machine

B. Notions and tools needed for sewing

C. Choosing the appropriate fabrics and threads

D. Reading and following a pattern

E. Cutting and measuring

F. Different types of seams

G. Button, zippers, cording and embellishments

In this class we will be making a pillow. Class will run for 3 weeks. You will provide your materials and supplies. Bring your own machine.

Price: $150.00

Other classes offered upon completion of Beginning Class

2. Embellishment:
In this class we will learn how to turn your projects into a work of art. You will be making a sample catalog of many different trims: welt cording, rouche cording, pleated edges, micro cording as well as how to sew purchased trims. Learn how to layer trims, add bead work, embroidery and use decorative stitches. We will also learn how to make your projects 3D by adding flowers, yo-yos, trapunto, ribbons and a lot of other techniques and ideas.
Cost: $150.00 all supplies and materials provided, except for binder and page projectors for the sample catalog.

Learn to Sew Home Décor projects like a pro!!

3. Making a pair of pleated drapery panels for your home. (Need to have basic sewing skills)

We will be covering:
1. Measuring and figuring fabric yardage
2. Choosing the appropriate fabrics, lining and interlining
3. Adding details
4. Cutting
5. Sewing and hemming
6. Different types of pleats
7. Drapery Hardware
You will be making a drapery sample with several different types of pleats. You will be learning professional techniques that will allow you to make draperies that are truly custom-made.

4. Making a valance (Basic sewing skills required)

We will cover:
1. Measuring and figuring yardage
2. Choosing the appropriate fabrics, lining and interlining
3. Adding details
4. Cutting
5. Sewing and hemming
6. Mounting and hardware

You will be making a valance sample. You will be learning professional techniques that will allow you to make a valance for your home that will truly be custom made.

5. Teen and Tween Bedroom Sewing: (Basic Sewing skills required)
Does your teen want that hip, cool, funky bedroom, but you don’t know where to begin. I will be teaching teens how to custom make items for her bedroom or dorm room that her friends will be so envious of.

Cost for all of the above classes: $75.00 (material and supplies not included)

6. Christmas in July

This is a weekend class. We will spend all day Saturday and Sunday making Christmas gifts and holiday decor. Projects include: Scented eye pillows, pot holders, tote bags, Holiday pillows and personalized journals.

Call or email to register, this class will fill up fast.

Cost for class will be $250.00, some supplies and materials will be provided.

7. Decorating 101
Have you always wanted to know how to decorate your home like a pro? Well know you can. Learn the ends, outs, tips and techniques used by professionals to decorate your home. We will cover space planning a room, choosing the color scheme, choosing fabrics and designing the soft furnishings, we will cover products and materials, adding interest and texture, creating a great lighting design, and accessorizing. You will walk away comfortable and skilled in putting a room together and having it be cohesive and flow.

Cost: $150.00

***Additional classes will follow based on demand.

Sewing Classes in Suwanee, GA, Gwinnett County

2011-08-31T04:46:00.000-07:00

Sewing is a passion for me. I love the feeling I get when I complete a project. It is such a shame that schools are no longer offering this skill. I have enjoyed teaching children to sew and it is my purpose to make sure that this gift of art is not lost in our society. This fall I will be offering several sewing classes in my workshop in Suwanee, GA.

Come join me on a great adventure, that will last you a lifetime.

Give yourself the gift of learning to sew!!

Call me at: 770-597-7003 for dates, times and availablity. Email for information and registration form. athee@bellsouth.net

Sewing Classes 2012

The following classes are scheduled:

January 30th, February 6 and 13th 9:00-12:00

Class willl meet at 671 Main Street, Suwanee GA

February 9th, 16th and March 5th 9:30-12:30

Hobby Lobby Classroom - Buford, GA

February 14th, 21st and 28 th 9:30-12:30

Hobby Lobby Classroom - Duluth, GA at States Bridge Road

February 14th, 21st and 28 th 6:00-8:00

Hobby Lobby Classroom - Duluth, GA at States Bridge Road

Cost is $150.00

1. Adult & Teen Basic Sewing

We will be learning the following:

A. Operating a sewing machine

B. Notions and tools needed for sewing

C. Choosing the appropriate fabrics and threads

D. Reading and following a pattern

E. Cutting and measuring

F. Different types of seams

G. Button, zippers, cording and embellishments

In this class we will be making a pillow. Class will run for 3 weeks. You will provide your materials and supplies. Bring your own machine.

Price: $150.00

Other classes offered upon completion of Beginning Class or upon request. Call to get on waiting list.

2. Children’s Sewing Class 8 yrs. Old and up

We will be learning the following:
A. Operating a sewing machine
B. Notions and tools needed for sewing
C. Cutting and measuring
D. Making a pillow

Cost is $75.00 Class will last 2 weeks 1.5 hrs per class. Class limited to 6

Advanced Classes:

Learn to Sew Home Décor projects like a pro!!

3. Making a pair of pleated drapery panels for your home. (Need to have basic sewing skills)

We will be covering:

1. Measuring and figuring fabric yardage
2. Choosing the appropriate fabrics, lining and interlining
3. Adding details
4. Cutting
5. Sewing and hemming
6. Different types of pleats
7. Drapery Hardware

You will be making a drapery sample with several different types of pleats. You will be learning professional techniques that will allow you to make draperies that are truly custom-made.

4. Making a valance (Basic sewing skills required)

We will cover:

1. Measuring and figuring yardage
2. Choosing the appropriate fabrics, lining and interlining
3. Adding details
4. Cutting
5. Sewing and hemming
6. Mounting and hardware

You will be making a valance sample. You will be learning professional techniques that will allow you to make a valance for your home that will truly be custom made.

5. Teen and Tween Bedroom Sewing: (Basic Sewing skills required)

Does your teen want that hip, cool, funky bedroom, but you don’t know where to begin. I will be teaching teens how to custom make items for her bedroom or dorm room that her friends will be so envious of.

Cost for all of the above classes: $45.00(material and supplies not included)

6. Design Like A Pro:

We will take a room in your home and design it start to finish. We will cover:
1. Space Planning and furniture arrangement
2. Creating a focal point
3. Selecting paint colors
4. Choosing fabrics
5. Accessories and lighting
6. Managing the project.

Cost is: $150.00

***Additional classes will follow based on demand.

Looking Ahead To Spring

2011-02-22T15:19:00.000-08:00

This weekend I will be heading to Charleston for a gymnastics meet with my daughters. I am really looking forward to hearing the ocean, smelling the salty air and walking in the sand. This has been a very long and hard winter for a lot of us. Living in the south, we were not an exception. I really thought for a while that I needed to move to Florida to escape the cold. But just like always, mother nature throws us a little tease of what is to come. It has been an amazing week in Atlanta, GA, nice warm weather and beautful skies. Driving through my town, I even noticed the cherry blossom beginning to bud. I love spring, well I love it until the pollen comes in, then it's not quite so enjoyable.

Which brings me to my topic today. Sprucing up the home for the spring. Today I thought I would share with you some photos of some rooms that make me feel good and that invoke that taste of spring that is right around the corner.

I could really curl up in either of these rooms for a good read. The soft colors make the room bright and cheerful. I love the crisp white with the soft accent of blue and green in the top photo. The warm buttery yellow wall color and the mix matched furniture in this room makes it cozy and inviting.

I can hear the ocean from this room. The beautiful use of blue, white and green in this bedroom is spectacular. The fabrics make a statement, but don't overwhelm the overall comfort and style.

I love the use of peacock blue and lime greens. Peacock blue is an amazing color and has really hit the scene really hard. It is fun and vibrant. And I love the way they painted the chair in the fun lime green color.

Most important, don't forget about cleaning up your outdoor living spaces. Now is a great time in Atlanta, to start using those spaces. Outdoor spaces have really been making a statement the past few years. Many people have been staycationing and are spending quality time at home with family and friends. Your outdoor living space can actually be and extension of your home. Here in Atlanta, we can use these spaces as early as February and as late as Novemeber. Outdoor fabric companies have done an amazing job of manufacturing fabrics that are bright, bold and have beautiful designs. These fabrics would be just as beautiful indoors as outdoors.

Hope these pictures have inspired you to take a look at your home and begin thinking about your spring spruce up. I love looking at photos of great rooms for inspiration. The internet is such a great source for ideas. So if you can not surf the beautfiul ocean, surf the web for inspiration and ideas to bring new life into your home.

2011 Color Trends

2011-02-02T11:46:00.001-08:00

The design world is looking at exciting new color pallets and design styles for 2011. According to Sherwin-Williams, people are ready this year to showcase their individualism through color and style.

We are facing hard economic times right now. These hard times are inspiring softer colors. The space should be fresh, airy, and innocent, flirty but fun. Pastels dominate this style, such as pistachio greens, pastel coppers, neutral browns, and splashes of chartreuse. This gentle medley style features butterfly and dragonfly motifs, vintage florals, mismatched flea-market finds, maps, and hand tinted photos. Think shabby chic meets romance with a flirty fun flair.

World travel is another dominant inspiration in 2011. The space should be exotic, sultry, and primal. Mix and match different ethnic patterns and animal prints, use aged leather and tapestries. A vibrant color pallet featuring hot pinks, rich reds, peacock blues, eggplant, mustard yellows can transform your space into another world. Draw from Moroccan and Turkish influences to design your space.

A luxurious space doesn’t have to scream expensive. True luxury whispers using clean and classic lines. It is elegant and understated. You can achieve this look through textured linens, concrete, and oval shapes with a muted color palette of grays, gray-blues, sage greens, deep lavenders, and splashes of cornflower blues and muted lime greens. This style is refined and classic.

Technology and avant-garde art are another big design inspiration this year. The space should be spontaneous and rebellious drawing inspiration from the Cynical Realism art movement of China and evoke the Carnaval spirit from Rio de Janeiro. Bright reds, lime greens, Kelly greens, sapphire blues, teals, and aqua make up the color pallet for this exciting style. Graffiti art, neon, Latin American influences, pixilated images, modular furniture, and clashing patterns are some of the more prominent elements of this bold, high-energy style.

We are seeing a lot of exciting new things for 2011. Whatever design style that speaks to you the most, be sure that you are making it your own and showcase your individual style. Whether it is the bright color pallet of the world or the muted classic look, put your signature on it. It’s your space-own it and enjoy it!

Thanks to Sherwin Williams and Robert Allen for providing us a look in to 2011.

2010-09-11T17:13:00.000-07:00

UPDATE YOUR LIVING ROOM TO REFLECT YOUR LIFESTYLE

Your living room no longer has to be a place that is stuffy and formal. Gone are the days of matching furniture covered in plastic so that it won't get damaged. We no longer need a parlor type room to entertain friends for afternoon tea. Today we are living a more casual lifestyle. So why do you need a formal room that is never used. You can still have a nice room for entertaining guests, but a stiff, formal room is not exactly conducive to having a nice visit with friends and making people feel comfortable while entertaining.

So what can you do to still have a casual but welcoming living room?

Use more versatile furniture and invest in pieces that are classic in style and comfortable.

Make your living room look more comfortable and "lived in". Don't buy matching sets. Mix new pieces with old pieces. Start with comfortable seating and add in antiques or flea market finds.

Place lighting at different levels in the room. Use a combination of accent lighting, table lamps and decorative lamps to add warmth and atmosphere to your living room

Try to create a 'lived-in' look for your living room, in other words, make it look like you use it more often than you actually do. Place small furniture in the room, accent tables or an ottoman work well. Place magazines or a book on tables – they can spark conversation as well as liven up the room. Don’t overaccessorize, or the room will look too cluttered.

If you tone down the formality of your living room, you can not only make guests more comfortable, but you can make it comfortable enough to make it your own personal hideaway. Wouldn’t you love to have a living room you actually use? Create a place that you will enjoy spending time in.

Country Living Magazine

Celebrate with me and watch this project unfold

2010-04-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

I am honored to have been chosen to help this client decorate their new home. The house is under construction and I have been hired to decorate from the ground up. I am excited to share with you the decorating plans from the beginning to the final photos of the end results. Follow along as this project unfolds. Here are a few of the decorating plans. As the weeks unfold, I will share with you others as well as where we stand on the project.

This is the decorating plan for the Kitchen and Breakfast nook.

This is the decorating plan for the Library. This will be the first room you see when you walk into the home.

Design Outside with Style

2010-03-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day. The weather was warm and sunny, and for a change, no rain. It really had me thinking about spending time outside. Clearing off my deck, cleaning up my outdoor furniture and firing up my grill to cook a great meal.

But more than that, it really had my creative mind thinking about what I could do to spruce up my deck and really create a space that we would all enjoy spending time in and how to make the most of the space we had and possibly create additional space.

I approached this project just like I approach an interior design project. I measured out the space, gave some thought as to how I would like to use the space. I decided I wanted a space to eat, relax, read and entertain. Then I layed out a floor plan to see how I could make the use of the space I had or create an additional space somewhere else. So here is my deck floor plan.

Stay tuned as I begin to shop fabric, area rugs and accessories for my deck design. You are going to be quite surprised at the beautiful fabrics available for outdoor use. They have really come a long way. Outdoor fabrics can also be used indoors. They are a perfect choice if you have small children. They clean up very easily and the colors are very fun and vibrant.

http://www.angelathee.com

Is It Real or Is It Faux

2010-02-25T16:08:00.000-08:00

Is It Real Or Is It Faux?

Many people have been emailing and asking me about the faux treatments I have had done in some of my clients homes. So I thought this was a great topic to talk about in my blog.

I am a huge fan of faux painting techniques. Faux painters are artist. A good faux artist can make a treatment come alive. Nothing softens and enriches a wall like a rich, warm faux wall treatment. There are hundreds of possible combinations and new techniques and materials are being discovered everyday. Most faux treatment copy nature in one form or another. This may be from the natural pattern of veins in marble, the rich patina of a stone or rock to the natural aging process of tiles, copper, brass and bronze.

Faux (pronounced "foe") is a French word for false or fake.

Faux finishing has been used for many years. From Ancient Egypt's cave painting, however, what we generally think of as a faux finish in decorative arts began with plaster and stucco in Mesopotamia some 5000 years ago. Faux became hugely popular in the form of faux marble, faux wood and Trompe L'oeil murals.

I am very intrigued with French Design. One of the things that inspires me about French design is the use of worn, aged, distressed and painted furniture and walls. I guess this is why I like to use faux treatments. Many of the designs that I have used in my clients homes are recreated from French design books that I have collected.

The most important challenge in doing a faux treatment is to find an artist, a good faux painter. The beauty of the final result is all in the hand and creativity of the painter. Two artist can do the same treatment and both treatments will look different. You are only limited by the creativity of the faux artist. You want to make sure the artist is creative and willing to think outside the box.

The cabinets were stock stained light oak. Kimberly Brandon from Color Your Home refinished the cabinets in a black distressed finish. What is new become old. Aging finishes gives texture and interest.

This is an unexpected faux finish. The floor is this basement is concrete. The concrete was faux finished with different colors of stain, then a coat of poly was applied over the stain..

Ceilings are my favorite places to use faux treatments. Ceilings always seem to get forgotten when people decorate. My motto is bring the eye up to the unexpected. All of the above ceiling treatments were created by Faux Maison, Flowery Branch, GA. http://www.fauxmaison.com/
Faux treatments on the ceiling create an added dimension to the room. The right treatment can add interest and texture and the softness of certain treatments can be the backdrop to beautiful stencil treatments. To me it is like I am hanging a one of a kind piece of artwork on the ceiling.

A few more ideas for using faux treatments: Have a small are of the wall fauxed and trim it with stock trim, then you have a one of a kind painting. Have your favorite saying painted on your kitchen wall or bedroom wall. This is a great idea for a nursery. Have a mural painted of your favorite vacation spot painted on a wall. Accent a niche with a metallic faux finish. Metallic finishes are a great way to add sparkle and shine.
I am also a big fan of shimmer stone. It is a faux finish products that creates a muted shine and sparkle. Ask your faux artist about this product, it comes in a lot of colors and I just love it done on a ceiling.

I hope I have inspired you to try a faux treatment. Consider faux treatments as artwork. The sky is the limit and you can create a one of a kind inspiration in your home. Call me if you would like some ideas or would like additional information.

Black and White Design

2010-02-16T06:18:00.000-08:00

I love a black and white color scheme. It is always so fresh and crisp to me. Just look in my closet. I love to wear black and white. I love when it is popped with a bright color such as fuchsia or teal blue. I found the following pictures on various blogs and design magazines and thought they were simply fabulous. If you want to update your interior and create a space that is fun and elegant, consider a black and white palette.

Pictures from Apartment Therapy, John Jacobs Interiors, and Designer Stephen Shubel.

My latest project

2010-02-15T18:14:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe this started as a blank wall. With a little imagination, a lot of fabric and a fantastic workroom and craftsmen, this is what we ended up with. Now my clients have a room fit for a King and Queen.

So what can you do to turn your Master Bedroom into a romantic oasis? First and foremost start with a great color. One that you love and one that will create the mood that you are trying to accomplish. Cool colors: Blues, greens and yellows with add softness and create a quite calm. Warm Colors: Red, purples and oranges will spice up a room and create the feeling of excitement. Next choose the best bedding you can afford or have something custom made for you. Custom will allow you to choose the fabrics you love. Next add a lot of mood lighting. Lamps and candles will add ambience. Think outside the box when using accessories, try to find other uses for items that are out of the norm. The larger the accessories, the less you will have to have and the less cluttered the room will feel.

Visit my web-site to see other Master Bedroom Designs.

www.angelathee.com

What Inspires Me

2009-12-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am asked frequently "What is your design style?" I have a hard time answering this questionns. First and foremost, my design style when working with clients is whatever their design styles are. Personally, I like a lot of different styles and enjoy combining styles. I get my inspiration for a lot of different places.

I love to create window treatments based on elegant gowns. I like adding a little of nature to the interior of the home. I like adding a little of the unexpected to my designs. I like combining the colors in a beautiful painting and I like using an object in an expected way.

enjoy some of the things that inspire me.

Suwanee Day

2009-09-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate to live in a wonderful city, Suwanee, GA. I love this town because it gives the feel of a small hometown. Even though it is located in one of the largest counties 45 minutes from downtown Atlanta. Suwanee, GA has some of the best parks around and I enjoy walking the miles of walking trails we have. Today we celebrated Suwanee Day. This is an event that happens in September every year. Crafters set up booths and show their talents in arts, crafts and sewing. It always amazes me how many talented individuals there are. So today, I wanted to share with you some pictures of this beautiful town that I live in.

One of the things I love most about this city is the support for the arts. Suwanee has been purchasing bronze statues to be placed around Suwanee, this is one of the first purchased and is located in beautiful Sims Lake Park. This is where I walk every evening.

This is an aerial shot of the human made "S". Isn't that cool!!

Sims Lake Park.

Picture painted on the backside of the amphitheater

This is Pierce's Corner. It is right outside the door from my design studio, which is in the building below.

The caboose is right in front of my my studio. Every Christmas they have a caboose lighting celebrations and Santa comes and the children sing Christmas carols.

This is the new City Hall located in Town Center Park. This where Suwanee Day is held.

Mixing Fabrics and Textures

2009-09-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

I love fabrics. I am so amazed at the beautiful designs, colors and textures. I love to play with mixing fabrics and combining different color combinatons. Here are a few combinations that I think would make any home come to life.

I found these fabric combinations while surfing the web today. These combinations were from the Calico Corner web-site. It is amazing how many fabulous textile designers are out there and how creative they can be.

Teaching at the Custom Home Furnishing Academy

2009-08-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

Just returned from teaching a Goal Setting Class at the Custom Home Furnishing Academy in Charlotte, NC. The students worked very hard creating the business of their dreams and setting goals to in order to turn those dreams into reality. I am so looking forward to hearing about their success. I really enjoyed teaching this class and hope to be able to teach many other business owners how to create and accomplish their goals.

A Few Of My Favorite Fabric Designers

2009-03-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

This is designed by Lila Tuellers

I love the mix of colors in this fabric designed by Lila Tueller

The above fabric is designed by Heather Bailey

I love the vibrant colors of the blue in this fabric designed by Anna Marie Horner

Another Anna Marie Horner fabric.

Other designers to check out are Amy Butler and Sandi Henderson.

I am a fabric guru. I will admit it. I love fabrics of any color, texture, style, whatever it doesn't matter. I have found some great fabric designers. Check out these sites for fabulous fabrics for clothing, home decor', and quilting. I get so excited when UPS comes to deliver my new fabric samples books to my studio. I spend the rest of the day just flipping thru and touching all of the new fabrics and dreaming of which job I could use the fabrics.

http://www.fatquartershop.com/
http://www.quilthome.com/
http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/
http://www.hancocks-paducah.com/

I have alway said "One day I will find a way to use up all of the fabrics pieces I have carried from home to home, because I just can not get rid of them, I may need them one day.

2009-02-14T16:51:00.000-08:00

We are all overwhelmed with the economic news. If you are not careful, you will wrap yourself up in all the bad news and not be able to move forward. Well guess what, we don't have any choice but to keep moving forward. We don't have any control over what is going on in the economy. I heard someone in a meeting say this and I really liked it. "If unemployment is at 7%, well guess what 93% are working. The media doesn't put it that way. They only report the bad news.

So what can we do to stay motivated? Instead of thinking about all the bad news, think about all of the things you have to be grateful for. Live a life of gratitude.

Take advantage of the slow time to create your goals for the year and determine what you action steps will be. Take a class to increase your knowledge or skills in an area you are weak in. Read motivational books and listen to motivational audio tapes. Spend some time creating a vision of what you want your dream life to be like.

Practice turning the negative into positive affirmations.

I guarantee these suggestions will lift your spirits and will even attract good things to you.

I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions.

Interesting Awning Valance

2009-02-05T14:40:00.000-08:00

These are the pictures of the finished valance. I have to admit, this was one of the funniest and most challenging treatments I have done. I did get to use some quilting techniques that I have been reading about.

I also made a trunk for the beautiful elephant. My client wanted a trunk that her children would be able to bend. She really wanted them to be able to swing on it, but I decided that probably wasn't a good idea.

This client had an incredible jungle scene painted on the walls of her children's play room. It is incredible. She contacted me because she wanted a valance that would carry on the theme. When the painter painted the mural, there is a tree that starts on one side of the window and continues to the other. I have been studying quilting and 3D quilting and fabric folding. It finally dawned on me to use this application on this valance. I am going to appliques the branches on the face fabric and then create the leaves individually using the 3D and fabric folding techniques. I am very excited about the project.

Today I cut out the valance and pieced it together, next I cut out the branches and glued them onto the fabric. Tomorrow I will be attaching them to the valance using a satin stitch. I'll let you know how that works out.

Creating Architectual Details

2008-12-07T17:18:00.000-08:00

I found this company that has fabulous stencils. This is a great way to add architectual details to your room. Imagine doing a faux treatment around a dining room chandlier. Modello Designs has some wonderful ideas for adding details to your designs.