Everyone has heard that quote, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” I love what I do…but I’ll be honest. It is work. Rewarding, (worth it) work. Fabricating custom home furnishings through the years, has brought me so much joy. I’m able to meet lovely people, and I get to visit some of the most beautiful homes in the Bay Area! I embrace the new challenging tasks that come my way. What will I get to create next?
While installing some custom draperies I made for a client’s home, I couldn’t help but gasp at their view! She joyfully ushered me on a tour of the back yard, which was in the early stages of landscaping. She showed me where the putting green would be, the fountains, etc. When we arrived at the magnificent fire pit overlooking the luscious Northern California hills, she inquired about custom outdoor cushions. Voila! Right there a new project began.
My client selected two beautiful, coordinating Sunbrella fabrics* which will endure the elements for years. (*Empire Dove for the accent pillows, and Canvas Taupe for the seat cushions.) I always recommend using Sunbrella outdoors because of it’s durability and clean-ability. They are conducive to the environment and backed with a five year warranty. To quote Sunbrella directly, these fabrics are “beautiful, durable, bleach cleanable and worry free!”
I ordered four inch thick, quality foam for 10 custom seat cushions, each cushion approximately 6 ft long. (That’s right, 60 feet of seat!) I used extra large, poly-silk inserts for the 26″ accent pillows with covers that can be easily removed for laundering.
Take note: DO NOT put Sunbrella fabrics in the dryer or they will shrink. You have been warned!
See my suggestions for cleaning your patio furniture.
Once I finished fabricating these incredible, oversized cushions, it was time to deliver. As I began loading them from the workroom, I started to worry that they may not fit in my van!
Whew. Gotta love the minivan…but I digress. My clients were so pleased with the cushions! They were installed just in time for their big event to celebrate summer and the finished backyard. How awesome is this space? Star gazing and s’mores anyone?
I am so grateful that I started this business journey. For 12 years it has challenged me, stretched me and taught me. I get to make beautiful creations with some of the most amazing textiles from all over the globe. I get to collaborate with talented designers and interact with wonderful homeowners. Every week there is something new in the studio.
I love what I do.
