Back to School ..... again.....Sheridan College

I just can't stay away!  Recently I attended the Business Class for the Interior Decorating Program at Sheridan College.  I was there in my capacity as an Ambassador for CDECA - Canadian Decorators Association of which I am a proud member, Director and part of the GTA West Chapter.  It is a great Association and of course Sheridan is a great school so I went and spoke to the evening class about joining CDECA and gave them the a, b, c's of why it is important for them to become members as students even before graduating.  We had a great time interacting.   

I had the company of my daughter, Megan, who is a professional photographer and had been asked by the instructor, Audrey Macdonald, a professional interior decorator herself,  to give some "tips" for taking photos of their projects in a way that would highlight the best features of the space.  She emphasized the importance of having great photographs of your work.  After all the photos are like your "calling card"  -  a picture says a thousand words!    All in all it was a great night and everyone came away with some sound information.    
Thanks to Audrey and her students for inviting us.          

                                                     

Megan and Audrey



Yours truly and Audrey

A very attentive class!

SOFA and Jane Lockhart

SOFA - Source of Furniture and Accessories - located in the International Centre is a great place to visit when you are sourcing just about anything for Interior Decor.  This is a trade only resource centre, however bringing clients to this location is a great way to promote excitement when they see everything available.  SOFA is a huge space with many vendors and they often host seminars and new showroom openings.  The seminars are presented by knowledgeable speakers and are very in depth and offer detailed product knowledge.  I recently attended a Fabric, Window & Wall Coverings Vendor Showcase event which presented all of the newest offerings from 20 vendors.  What a great opportunity to see so many great products in one location.  Very time efficient.  Following this we listened to the guest speaker - Jane Lockhart who everybody knows from "Colour Confidential".  I had attended one of Jane's seminars in the past and knew this would be worthwhile to attend and it was.  She is a very knowledgeable designer as well as a pleasant speaker with a sense of humour.  She spoke about everything to do with textiles and the importance they play in designing spaces.
Following her presentation everyone, including yours truly wanted to have the photo with her.

 Here I am with Jane - one of my first ventures out after the accident!

CDECA Professional Development Day

Every year CDECA offers a Professional Development Day to its' members.  This year as in the past we enjoyed our day at the International Centre.   This is a day of inspiration, information and ways to improve our business.  Lots of networking opportunities and time to visit our Affiliate partners who displayed the latest design products and trends for us. Our presentations were from:


JANICE LINDSAY - ‘White or Wrong? Getting White Right’ courtesy of PPG Pittsburgh Paints

GAIL DOBY –  ‘How to Avoid Interior Design Fee Fiascos...     And Attract Your Ideal Client’

TRACY KUNDELL -  ‘Qualifying Your Clients and Building your Business’   Tracy Kundell, owner of Avalon Interiors and star of Food Channel’s Restaurant Makeover