ARTISAN ATELIER SCHEDULE
Join Us at Workroom Central for a
Hands-On Experience!
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.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
9:00 - 9:30
Alternative Ripplefold Runway
Presented by: Judi Turner
Location: 30-Minute Eyes & Ears
Judi will describe alternative fabrications with a similar look without the required hardware. Some will be quite simple, and others will be just ingenious. You will want to pick your new favorites after you see them all together and we go over the pros and cons.
I will have actual samples available.
9:30 - 11:00
Bells, Jabots, and Cascades
Presented by: Linda Tully
Location: Workroom Table
Bells, Jabots, and Cascades can finish a valance and add just the right touch to your custom treatments. They do not live with swags only. They play nicely with lots of other valances. Let’s dive into the different styles of these vertical design pieces, when to use them, how to dress them up or down, and how to make them. Learn how these elements can be so versatile. You’ll be happy to have these in your tool box when designing for your clients. Whether designing modern or classic window treatments you will be able to add these for just the right pop of style.
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Embroidery As Art: Beyond The Hoop
Presented by: Donna Scott Johnson
Location: 90 Minute Eyes & Ears
This presentation looks at how specialty embroidery takes on the characteristics of art. We will explore continuous embroidery and large embroidery which go beyond the confines of a normal embroidery hoop to give a more artistic rendering.
11:30 - 12:00
Shade Savvy Series- Part 1: Learning the Bon System for Roman Shades
Presented by: Anna Davis
Location: 30-Minute Hands-on Demo
In this first session of the 6-part Shade Savvy Series, attendees will learn techniques for stringing and using the Bon system for Roman shades. There are 12 hands-on spots available—visit the Bon Booth #350 in advance to secure your seat ticket and bring it back to the Artisan Atelier for the hands-on session!
Didn’t make one of the lucky 12? No worries, you can still watch and learn!
12:00 -12:30
Shade Savvy Series - Part 2: Simplify the Complexity of Roman Shade Systems
Presented by: Sandra VanSickle
Location: 30-Minute Eyes & Ears
In this second session of the 6-part Shade Savvy Series, attendees will dive into the various types of Roman shade headrail systems, from track and tube to spring assist and motorization. While these systems can often feel confusing, this session will break them down into simple terms, helping you confidently choose the best option for your clients.
12:30 - 1:30
Shade Savvy Series - Part 3: Forest RBS System
Presented by: Sharon Gregory
Location: 1-Hour Hands-on Demo
In this third session of the 6-part Shade Savvy Series, attendees will learn how to assemble and string a shade using the Forest Drapery Hardware RBS System. There are 12 hands-on spots available—visit the Forest Drapery Hardware Booth #109 in advance to secure your seat ticket and bring it to the Artisan Atelier for the hands-on session!
Didn’t make one of the lucky 12? No worries—you can still watch and learn!
1:30 - 2:30
Navigating the Social Media Landscape: DIY vs. Freelance Solutions
Presented by: Moderator: Ronica VanGelder
Panelists: Linda Tully and Patricia Hash
Location: 1- Hour Panel Discussion
Join moderator Ronica VanGelder as she leads a dynamic panel discussion featuring Patricia Hash and Linda Tully. Together, they will delve into the varied approaches to social media management, exploring both the do-it-yourself (DIY) route and the option of working with freelancers or agencies. Through Ronica's thoughtful questions, the panelists will share insights on the pros and cons of each approach, including time commitments, and levels of control and customization.
Whether you're just starting with social media or looking to refine your current strategy, this session will provide valuable perspectives to help you decide the best approach for your unique business needs.
2:30 - 3:00
How to Have Fun with Your Social Media
Presented by: Linda Tully
Location: 30-Minute Eyes and Ears
Social media is a vital part of marketing your business in this modern era. I’ll show you how I have built my favorite platform- Instagram. I’ll share some tips about making reels and stories that get attention and help build your following. If I can do it so can you! I was very apprehensive initially about putting myself on camera but I learned how to have fun with it and got over my fears. We will do some fun activities together to help you practice the tools available. Bring your phones and favorite cameras and if you don’t have Instagram yet you might want to get that started so you can participate.
3:00 - 4:30
Pattern Drafting The Empire Valance
Presented by: Sandra VanSickle
Location: Workroom Table
The Empire Valance is making a stylish comeback! Join Sandra as she shares her expert method for drafting custom patterns for this popular window treatment. In this session, you’ll learn how to create a pattern tailored to fit your client’s unique needs, whether you’re new to the industry or new to pattern drafting. This class will equip you with the skills to confidently add this classic design, with a modern twist, to your projects.
4:00 - 5:00
Shade Savvy Series - Part 4: Coulisse Cordless Spring System
Presented by: Julia Hash
Location: 1-Hour Hands-on Demo
In this fourth session of the 6-part Shade Savvy Series, attendees will learn how to assemble and string a shade using the Coulisse Cordless Spring System. There are 12 hands-on spots available—visit the Coulisse Booth #409 in advance to secure your seat ticket and bring it to the Artisan Atelier for the hands-on session!
Didn’t make one of the lucky 12? No worries—you can still watch and learn!
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
9:00 - 9:30
Spec'ing Drapery Hardware with a Dash of Motorization
Presented by: Sammi Day
Location: Eyes & Ears Presentation
In this presentation, you will learn the basics of how to spec drapery hardware and motorized drapery hardware for residential projects. Designed for beginners, the session will cover key considerations such as choosing the right hardware for different window treatments, understanding weight capacities, and selecting appropriate materials. We will also explore the fundamentals of motorized drapery systems, including power options, controls, and integration with smart home technologies. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to confidently specify drapery hardware and motorized solutions for any design project.
9:30 - 10:30
Shade Savvy Series - Part 5: R-Tech Basics Motorization System
Presented by: Donna Cash
Location: 1-Hour Hands-on Demo
In this fifth session of the six-part Shade Savvy Series, attendees will learn how to assemble and string a shade using the R-Tech Basics Motorization System from Rowley. There are 12 hands-on spots available. Visit the Rowley Booth #509 in advance to secure your seat ticket and bring it to the Artisan Atelier for the hands-on session!
Didn’t make one of the lucky 12? No worries—you can still watch and learn!
10:30 - 11:30
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Increasing productivity thru efficiency.
Presented by: Carol Dykhouse & Jane Secord
Location: Eyes & Ears Presentation
In a 50-minute presentation utilizing both hands-on and eyes and ears, we will be sharing the knowledge and techniques that will be useful for any size workroom, increasing efficiency, quality, and profitability.
Attendees will be provided with handouts and tools to use in their workrooms. During demonstrations of several techniques will be providing samples and written instructions.
A raffle for a few useful workroom supplies will be held at the end of the class.
11:30 - 12:30
How to Dress a Swag
Presented by: Linda Tully
Location: 1-Hour Hands-on Demo
Learn how to dress a swag that is sewn and pressed but not yet ready to mount. Follow along and dress your swag sample with me and take it home with you for reference. You will learn the art of fabric manipulation necessary to get the swag pleats to lay just where you want them and need them to fall on order the get the swag the width and length ordered. This will be a fun interactive class! Swags can be classic or modern. We can alter our pattern to make different size swags. You’ll also receive a pattern to take with you along with your pleated swag.
12:30- 1:00
Ad Savvy: Understanding the Layers of Paid Social Media
Presented by: Patricia Hash
Location: 30-Minute PowerPoint
This is one session you won't want to miss! Join in as Patricia covers the benefits, case studies, and nuances of creating Paid Social Media Ads.
1:00 - 2:00
Secrets of the Bespoke Window: The Art and Science of Manipulating Fabric
Presented by: Deb Barrett & Sandra VanSickle
Location: 1 - Hour workroom Table
Join Deb and Sandra in this exciting and interactive follow-up session from last year. After exploring the anatomy of soft custom window coverings, they’re back to showcase the art (and fun!) of fabric manipulation that brings these designs to life.
In this session, you’ll experience firsthand demonstrations of innovative techniques, clever fabric manipulations, and insider secrets that turn any window treatment into a bespoke masterpiece. Deb and Sandra will share a variety of unique ideas and methods that can be customized for any client, inspiring you to think outside the box and push the boundaries of traditional window coverings.
Come prepared to discover new ways to play with fabric and design, leaving with the skills and inspiration to make every window a standout feature. This is your chance to gain valuable skills while having fun and adding your own creative twist to the world of custom window treatments!
2:00 - 3:00
Shade Savvy Series - Part 6: Coulisse Twin Pull System
Presented by: Kristen Vince
Location: 1-Hour Hands-on Demo
In this sixth session of the six-part Shade Savvy Series, attendees will learn how to assemble and string a shade using the Twin Pull system from Coulisse. There are 12 hands-on spots available. Visit Coulisse Booth #409 in advance to secure your seat ticket, and then bring it to the Artisan Atelier for the hands-on session!
Didn’t make one of the lucky 12? No worries—you can still watch and learn!
3:00 - 4:00
The Workroom Oopsies and How to Avoid Them
Presented by: Nina Zhelev
Location: Eyes & Ears Presentation
Join in as Nina discusses common mistakes in the fabrication process. Why are they happening? Can we avoid them?
