The Decorating Voice

How to Become A Decorator?

How can I start a decorating business like yours?  I get asked this question more at this time of year than any other time of year; often it’s after the kids are back to school. Perhaps it’s your last child off to college, or in high school, or even as a first grader that you find  time on your hands to do what you really desire… to decorate.  My answer is always the same go to The SDP and find a trainer.   

The Society of Decorating Professionals Annual Conference

Prospecting for Gold in the Wild, Wild, Wild West
August 6-8, 2008

It's not too late.  I just had a good friend sign up, after we talked about why it was important to go and the benefits you'll get in two days.

If you are serious about growing your business, or interested in learning more about the business of decorating and staging you will want to attend this conference.  Not only will you learn how to grow your business, but it's a chance for you to meet other decorators and stagers just like yourself that are hungry for more.

Announcing The Semi-Finalists in Our Annual Decorating Contest

Semi-Finalists in The Society of Decorating Professionals Third Annual Decorating Contest

Winners will be announced at our upcoming conference.

The SDP Conference provides valuable Golden Nuggets!!

¨ Fellowship

¨ Motivation

¨ Networking

¨ Bonding

¨ Recognition

¨ Ideas

¨ Inspiration

¨ SDP Special Announcements

¨ 2009 Conference Reveal

¨ Announcement of Photo Contest Winners

¨ Release of “Recipe for Success” Publication

¨ Relaxation at the Spa

     Register NOW at theSDP.com and join

     us in Arizona to find the golden nuggets

     that will help you and your business

     prosper!

I can Hardly wait To meet Mary Carol Garrity

I just read my first Mary Carol Garrity book, Stylish Weddings, and oh my, I can hardly wait to hear her speak at Conference! The photos are beautiful, the ideas, recipes, hints,tips and tricks are not just practical and inspiring but do-able. This summer we are going to be having some casual extended family outdoor meals at our home and I've been gleaning ideas from this book. Just because we'll be sitting around a fire pit roasting hot dogs, doesn't mean I can't have the lawn and patio decked out and looking lovely!

I can't wait to get my hands and nose into her other books, and I can hardly wait to hear and meet her in person!

FAQs about The SDP

FAQs about The SDP

Happy Birthday to The SDP.  On May 24, 2006, four enthusiastic women, launched a new organization devoted to increasing the credibility of the interior decorating industry.  Last week, this 'reporter" announced it was our third birthday, in actuality, it is our second birthday and the beginning of our third year.  My apologies, I think because we have accomplished so much already, it just seems like we have been around longer. But let's move on this week with a selection of Frequently Asked Questions about The SDP.

 

 

 

SDP Roving Reporter with More

HGTV has become a bit disappointing lately with most of it's attention devoted to selling, staging, and flipping houses.  I love staging but I miss the real decorating shows that I couldn't stand to miss a few years ago. But, when I hear people talk about HGTV and their favorite shows, one always stands out, Candace Olson, Divine Design.  The thing we all love the best are her drawings.  Well, I don't know about you, but I can't draw like that! But I can make it appear like I do, with Minutes Matter Studio by Debbie Green.  With this amazing program, you can do beautiful rooms with your client's real photos or room templates already provided.  Debbie will be a guest on a future Decorating Lollapalooza, sponsored by The SDP.  In the interim, take a look at their site and download a trial version of their program.   

Hey Blogging Experts-I need Help

For you expert bloggers, can you give me a hand.  We all know I can come up with plenty to say, but I am not as techie as some. So can someone guide me?  First of all, a wise person (but I can't find your email) said to sign up with feedburner so people could subscribe to the blog...I did.  But whenever I try reading the directions of what to do next to make it work effectively, my eyes glaze over, my mouth goes slack, and I fall into a techie coma.  I am simply a visual learner so can someone guide me?  JoAnne

The SDP Roving Reporter-Post 2

  It's JoAnne Lenart-Weary, The SDP Roving Reporter bringing the IWCE show to you!  Remember as you look at the photos, click on them to see a larger view. I found a great company called Adaptive Textiles, a digital textile printing company.  jeanelle Dech, President of Adaptive Textiles, shared her line with me and impressed is an understatement. Basically, you can choose one of the great looking patterns and colorways they have in stock or create your own.  You can custom design fabric, floorcloths, wall hangings and more with your photo's, designs, etc. Quite frankly, you are limited only by your own creativity. Fabrics sell for $25-$50 a yard and there is no minimum order.  What a fabulous way to customize a home. It also could be a signature staging tool for windows, pillows, table coverings, etc.

 

One of my favorite elements of the show are the Window Vignettes.  These were done by a variety of Drapery Pro workrooms. The inspiration was to create a window treatment inspired by a celebrity and the crowd needs to decide who the inspiration for each was.  The following was one of my favorites..not for the design but for the feather trim around the bottom.  Not too real life perhaps but can't you just see the homeowner in her silk pegnoir set, smoking a long cigarette in an ivory holder, (okay, not very politically correct anymore, but can you see it?)          

 

  Now look at this...not sure who this is inspired by...perhaps cat in a hat? What a unique design!  Okay, come back soon for more great ideas!  JoAnne Lenart-Weary

Conference Confidental

Are you thinking about whether to go to conference in August? Wondering whether you should make the investment of time and money? Wondering what you'll get out of it AND, most importantly, wondering whether you'll be able to unbury the kids from the ceiling-high pile of laundry that will inevitably appear while you're gone???

I hear you and I think they are excellent questions.

We women know all too well the constraints on our time - we run the show not only in our business but in just about every area of our lives. Sometimes we just need that "Calgon" moment - time for us. Time to relax, unwind, and reinvigorate our minds, bodies, and businesses. That's one of the reasons I'm a huge believer in attending conferences and conventions. The change of scenery always helps me appreciate home. It also gives me perspective - on life and business. I always leave with my batteries recharged.

Conferences also give me the opportunity to rub shoulders with like-minded women who are more than happy to share their successes and challenges - who let me know I'm not out there alone. I love getting girl-time to stay up late or sleep in a bit - what a luxury.

While my business is definitely feeling the pinch of the challenging economy here in Northeast Ohio, I've been putting away $25.00 from each job I've done since right after last August in my "Conference Fund" jar to help pay for expenses. How great to have a job where I can get a vacation/tax write off and professional enrichment!!

I'm looking forward to chilling out at the Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa and soaking in the sun while soaking up all the wonderfully fabulous ideas I know we're going to get. Have you read the great reviews on TripAdvisor about the resort? Sounds like heaven!

If you're thinking what I'm thinking, then I know I'll see you in Arizona in August - and I'm going to leave a shovel in the laundry room so they can dig themselves out!

Diana, Devine Designs