Welcome to the very first entry of Camo and Pearls blog.  I hope through my postings, you will get to know more about me and about some of the things I love.  I will also share the latest projects from the workroom.  We have a wonderful array of projects on the board for the Fall which include slipcovers, lots of upholstery projects, and some incredible fabrics!

You may be asking, how in the world did she come up with the title of Camo and Pearls – it makes no sense.  I can understand why you think that, but it makes perfect sense to me!  I have never been described as a prissy gal or a girly girl.  Those who know me best know that I am most happy when I have on a pair of old blue jeans, a pair of boots, and a fishing rod in hand.  My favorite days are those spent exploring the bottomland hardwood forests with my husband Jonathan.  We have shared many sunrises in the timber hunting ducks and drinking coffee.  I am an avid outdoors woman who loves every part of being out and about in nature.  That’s the “Camo”.

But I also love creating beautiful things out of a bolt of fabric.  I love the glisten and sheen of silk panels as they fall into elegant folds.  There is just something special about the hand of a beautiful velvet. And oh the tassel trims from Scalamdre would make anybody swoon!  I am like a child at Christmas when new fabric books are delivered to the workroom.  I love the challenge of taking a designer’s vision and bringing it to reality.  I absolutely love visiting beautiful homes and hearing stories of how they acquired special treasures.  I even like dressing up when I meet with designers and clients – though I must admit I seldom wear heels!  That’s the “Pearls”.

I consider myself quite fortunate in that I love a variety of things from one end of the spectrum to the other!  My very favorite movie is Gladiator but I also love Tammy and the Bachelor with Debbie Reynolds!  I love listening to the music of Yo Yo Ma but I also love Journey and Alison Krauss.  I love the fact that I can go duck hunting in the early winter mornings and then come back to the workroom and work with a beautiful Cowtan and Tout embroidered linen fabric!

I love that my circle of dear friends includes many personalities!  My “heart sister” is Kim Chagnon of Kim’s Upholstery.  In some ways we couldn’t be more different, in others we are just alike!  She loves pink, me not so much!  And I would NEVER wear pink camo!!!!!  But we love to talk, we love our industry, and we love to just laugh!!!

You totally get the “Camo and Pearls” now don’t you?  I knew you would!  I hope you come to visit often as I share my adventures and the happenings in the workroom!  I will be sharing posts on education within the Soft Home Furnishings Industry, highlighting instructors, technical centers, and conferences available for continued education.  I will also be sharing information about choosing the best fabrics for upholstery and slipcover projects.  What pieces of furniture are suitable for slipcovering?  What is the difference between “recovering” and “reupholstering”?  What does “custom” soft furnishings encompass and how do you choose a workroom?

Until next time, may you laugh till your side hurts, may you experience an incredible sunset, and may you share the treasure of a true friend!