Friday, June 3, 2011

Drapery Install


I thought I would share what I did on my birthday. Here are pictures of some of the installation.

There was a little planning going on to figure a way to install the 241 inch long drapes beside the staircase where there was not enough room to put the ladder on the wall beside the window. We had to use a walk board, open the window, so we would not damage the window ledge. There was a ladder at the other end of the walk board with a very large C clamp to make sure it was secure when moving around. The second ladder for the other wall has extension legs that we had to use that worked perfect. Of course the cautious person I am I had Johnny attach a tie down strap to the center mullion of the window. The plan was if we fell we would take the window with us. Next issue was the grand piano, was it possible to install the Living Room drapes without moving the grand piano. With a 24 foot extension ladder, we could angle it to the wall and miss the piano by inches. We were set for the install all problems resolved.


Then after the main drapes were installed, I have to climb the ladder dress the drapes at the top and add the flag, they were embellished with 9 inch black bullion and another beaded trim on top, of course let's not forget the applique that was at the bottom of the flag. I do not like heights so you will notice I kept a hand on the ladder at all times.

The drapes with the flag really brought your eye up. The beautiful wrought iron at the top was just icing on the drape.



The Dining room curved bay was really a easy install, we had separate brackets for the iron work, we just had to walk it up the ladder and sit it in the brackets, and the drapes were ready to install and dress. After I dressed the drapes the designer put his touch on the design with a few embellishments.

The last room was the Master, and I only wish I could have taken a picture of this room completed. The headboard and bed were breath taking but still under construction so it was not photo worthy at the time. The drapes were a power blue with a 8 inch fur lead edge, with 3 rows of rhinestones 1.5 inches off the fur so it would not be lost in a pleat all hand sewn on of course. I really thought when making them how fancy they were and how they would stand out when installed. Little did I know that the bed would be the star of the room. When working with designers you really don't know what the final design concept is, I just love it when I can see the design come together when installing.
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