ARTISAN ATELIER SCHEDULE
Join Us at Workroom Central for a
Hands-On Experience!
THANK YOU 2024 SPONSORS
Artisan Atelier is the place that brings the industry full circle. Annually, designers, fabricators, installers, and upholsters gravitate toward the booth to be inspired by the creative aspects of vignettes, gain valuable information from instructional presentations and learn new skills during hands-on demonstrations. This is also where beautiful fabrics, trims, hardware, and supplies our vendors so generously donate are brought to life by the artisans and showcased in their final form. Over the years, due to the visual and interactive aspects of the booth, it has become a gathering place to meet new friends, reminisce with old ones, and share our knowledge and vision of what’s to come.
Interested in donating products? Please email Artisan Atelier Director Sandra VanSickle at sandra@sandravansickle.com. Thank you for your consideration.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
10:00 AM
In this session, Industry Expert, successful entrepreneur, and owner of Designs by Donna Atlanta, Donna Cash, will lead you in a discussion on business growth and share ten things she wished she’d done sooner in her business journey. Attend this informative session and learn what to do, what not to do, and how to gain confidence as you grow your business. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned business owner, this is for you.
10:30 AM
Artisan Meets the Apprentice Series – Session One: No Topstitching Ripplefold Draperies
Presented by: Terri Booser and Rachel Lusk
Location: 2-Hour Artisan Class
Welcome to the inaugural session of our exclusive Artisan Meets the Apprentice series! In this class, renowned artisans Terri Booser and Rachel Lusk will unveil their no-bulk, no-topstitch method for creating stunning ripplefold draperies. Throughout the session, Terri and Rachel will guide the apprentice through the essentials, from calculating yardage to deciphering charts for various fullness and hardware applications. They will demystify the complexities of ripplefold drapery fabrication, making it accessible to all levels of expertise. The chosen apprentice will have the unique opportunity to roll up their sleeves and craft a sample using the no-topstitch technique. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, this class is your gateway to mastering the art of ripplefold draperies with precision and finesse.
11:30 AM
Taking the Guesswork Out of Mock Roman Valances
Presented by: Kristen Vince
Locarion: 30-Minute Eyes & Ears
In this presentation, you will learn how to figure fabric, at a glance, for any size mock roman valance, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to fabricate them without using strings, rings or spacers.
12:00 PM
Smocking techniques have been used in the fashion industry for many years. In recent years, smocking has been introduced into window treatments. This presentation will teach students how to create the lattice smocking methods. Students will be shown how to make a template, as well as the use of smocking tapes to create beautiful headers, leading edge bandings, tiebacks, embellishments for pillows and many other creative designs. This method is created with the use of a tag gun.
12:30 PM
Embroidery is an excellent way to embellish fabrics. This presentation will look at leading-edge drapery, lambrequins, shower curtains, and chairs that utilize embroidery to add that extra touch of luxury.
1:00 PM
Artisan Meets the Apprentice – Session Two: Mastering French Blackout Panels with Hand-Stitched Pleats and Contrast Lining
Presented by: Sandra VanSickle
Location: 2-Hour Artisan Class
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This is the second session of our exclusive Artisan Meets the Apprentice series. In this unique workshop, we'll immerse ourselves in the world of high-end window decor, mastering the creation of low-bulk French blackout panels adorned with exquisite hand-stitched Euro pleats and striking contrast lining. Sandra VanSickle, our expert artisan, will guide the apprentice through the meticulous process of crafting luxurious French blackout panels. These panels provide optimal light control and add a touch of sophistication to any space. Our apprentice will gain hands-on experience, mastering the art of hand-stitching Euro pleats for a tailored look and incorporating contrast lining for a stunning visual impact. Discover the secrets to creating timeless, elegant window decor that leaves a lasting impression.
2:00 PM
Sewing Shade Rings with a Sewing Machine
Presented by: Joann Wieberdink
Location: 30- Minute Eyes & Ears
Joann Wieberdink will demonstrate how to sew shade rings on with a sewing machine with no pinholes of light.
2:30 PM
When your client wants a roman shade but they cannot decide if they want privacy or just light filtering, shall they opt for a sheer shade or shall they go with lined product? Worry no more, because you don't have to deal with these shilly-shally moments anymore. Give them both with one product!
3:30 PM
Social Proof-Marketing for the Workroom: Panel Discussion
Presented by: Moderator: Elizabeth Gerdes
Panelists: Ronica VanGelder, Jill Ballew, Linda Tully and Mark Perel
Location: 1-Hour Panel Discussion
Get ready for practical insights and inspiration to boost your workroom's social media marketing. Join our panel discussion moderated by Elizabeth Gerdes featuring industry experts Ronica VanGelder, Jill Ballew, Linda Tully and Mark Perel. Our esteemed panelists will share their wealth of knowledge and personal experiences, shedding light on the following key discussion points: approaches to social media marketing, target audience, personal branding, in-house versus outsourcing, platform insights (Reels, Stories, etc.), time management, paid advertising and more.
4:30 PM
Do you love what you do but don’t have a plan for growing your revenue? Do you worry about what your revenues will look like this year? Follow these six easy steps for custom window treatment professionals. Try these steps now and watch your revenue grow! These practical steps start with your existing customers and products and are easy to implement.
Friday, April 12, 2024
10:00 AM
Artisan Meets the Apprentice Series – Session Three: Crafting a Custom Skeleton Cornice
Presented by: Linda Tully
Location: 2-Hour Artisan Class
This is the third session of our exclusive Artisan Meets the Apprentice series! In this two-hour workshop, we'll unveil the art of crafting a shaped skeleton cornice, guiding our apprentice through the entire process, from inception to the final upholstery finish. Linda Tully, our expert artisan, will reveal all the essential steps and materials needed, including batting, interlining, staples, tack strip, welt, lining, gimp and the precise use of necessary upholstery tools. Our apprentice and onlookers will gain in-depth insights into every facet of creating this elegant window treatment. We'll also delve into unique details that elevate your work to an extra level of custom quality.
11:00 AM
Home automation is here to stay: your clients want it and it is profitable. Are you missing out? Take the guesswork out of programming shades and draperies in this presentation. Donna Cash will lead you in pairing and programming your motorized shades and draperies in five easy steps. After this presentation, you will have the confidence to wow your clients with your expertise in offering automated shades and draperies for their home.
11:30 AM
These challenging windows are difficult but not impossible! Ever wonder how the master carpenters measure, do the math and cut their boards. Learn the secrets they use to cut quickly and accurately.cThis technique works equally well for any mitered board you may need, whatever the angle.cIt is simple geometry. As a bonus, learn how projection affects proportion.
12:30 AM
Before you throw away your leather scraps, think about how you could utilize those pieces to embellish other fabrics or leather. These ideas are a great add-on to just about any project. We’ll work with buttons and tassels, as well as look at making leather handles.
1:00 PM
Artisan Meets the Apprentice Series – Session Four: Style My Ottoman Slipcover
Presented by: Karly Dickson
Location: 2-Hour Artisan Class
This marks the fourth session of our exclusive Artisan Meets the Apprentice series! In this engaging class, our artisan, Karly Dickson, will start by discussing the framework of an ottoman and explaining the intricacies of creating a stylish and tailored ottoman slipcover that not only enhances the aesthetic of your ottoman but also elevates the overall look of your living space. Under Karly's expert guidance, the apprentice will be taken through every step of the process, from measuring and cutting the fabric to expertly sewing and finishing.
2:00 PM
Get a brief introduction into the process of printing your designs on fabrics and wallpapers. The class will discuss some of the software and techniques used to make your art and designs fabric-ready, where to begin, what to consider and how to get design ideas from your head to a finished product.
2:30 PM
Adding banding is one of the top requests from Donna Skufis' clients. She's asked to add this decorative addition to every style of treatment—from panels to cornices to valances of all types. Each student will create take home samples using several banding techniques, all Donna's go-to methods. Learn what Skirtex is and how versatile it can be when making a wide variety of banding.
3:00 PM
In the world of professional installation, one crucial skill is knowing the importance of using the right screws and anchors to securely mount treatments and hardware on the wall. Join seasoned professional installer Ken VanSickle as he delves into the world of screws and anchors. In this class, Ken will share valuable insights on selecting the perfect fasteners and techniques for secure mounting. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to refine your skills or a novice eager to learn the ropes, this class is your opportunity to elevate your wall mounting game to the next level.
3:30 PM
Join Cathy Tucker as she share the newest and best tools to square up fabric!
