Ann K. Johnson's knowledge of her subjects, organized presentation style and gentle humor make her a respected and popular teacher. She keeps the class focused on the subject with easy to follow instructions. Her classes are always packed with tips and techniques to use in many aspects of the business.

Each of her topics are 1.5 or 3 hours long. They can be combined for a full day program. Some topic subjects are listed below. But we can tailor topics to your interest.

Email for scheduling and rates. Read testimonials on Ann's teaching style

TOPICS:

• The Anatomy of a Swag. (3 hr. seminar). Based on 'The Professional Workroom Handbook of Swags, Volume I,' this is THE class on swag pattern drafting. It deconstructs the swag pattern to explain how each of the components work to create the swag you envision. We focus on the basic swag pattern and how it is drawn to create the basic board mount swag, cutout (pole) swags and point-to-point (drapery) swags. I demonstrate how to specify the finished swag and draw the pattern for each swag type. I also talk about troubleshooting, fabrication and mounting. If you use a swag template system, professional patterns or draw your own patterns, this class is a must for all workrooms.

• Advanced swags. (3 hr. seminar). Prerequisite: highly recommended that students have taken "Anatomy of a Swag' and/or read 'The Professional Workroom Handbook of Swags, Volume 1.' This class is based on 'The Professional Workroom Handbook of Swags, Volume 2.'  This class focuses on Austrian, boxed and asymmetrical styles of swags. Learn how simple the Austrian swag is and why it is a great substitute for the standard swag. Asymmetrical swags are very simple - once you learn how to approach them. Take your swag pattern skills to a higher level. The lessons you learn in this class will be valuable when handling swagged treatments of any style.

• Arched swags. (3 hr seminar). Professional patterns for board mount swags that follow an arch curve are very hard to come by. This class, based on 'The Professional Workroom Handbook of Swags, Volume 2,' takes you step by step through the process of drawing a pattern for a specific swag on an arch. The worksheets in the book are invaluable in leading you through the process. We discuss arched styles, pattern drafting steps, fabrication and troubleshooting. Arched swags are beautiful! You want to be the workroom with the skill and confidence to create them.

• Kingston valances: Pattern drafting, fabrication and troubleshooting. (3 hr seminar). Kingston valances can be a bit daunting for many workrooms.  Altering a pattern is problematical because the bells, tails and swags are connected and dependent on each other.  This class will deconstruct the Kingston valance into its various parts:  the bell pattern, the tail pattern and the Kingston swag pattern.  We will discuss the attributes of each piece, how they interconnect on a Kingston valance and how to draw each pattern to specific proportions.  We will cover two different methods of finishing the Kingston valance and the pattern variations for pole mount and post mount Kingstons.   You will leave this class with a new appreciation for the beautiful and elegant Kingston valance and a new confidence in your ability to pattern and fabricate it to your own specifications.

• Old World Pattern Drafting Skills (3 hr seminar). Do you love perusing the old world drapery pattern books, but find the diagrams perplexing? I will translate some of those diagrams and introduce you to pattern techniques that result in truly unusual and stunning treatments. You will not just walk away with a few new techniques, but with your eyes opened to the possibilities for manipulating patterns and techniques to achieve unusual and unique results. This class will stimulate your creativity as well as your skills.

• Workroom and Office tips and techniques for efficiency and quality (1.5 or 3 hr seminars).This fast-paced class offers many tips and techniques in fabrication and workroom procedures to streamline your workroom operations and enhance your finished treatments.  Ann brings 16 years of her own workroom experience plus two years of managing a workroom of seven extremely talented sewers.   Topics will include a wide range of cutting, fabrication and finishing techniques, Ann’s favorite workroom tools, troubleshooting pointers and much more.  The best part of this class is that you will learn why each technique is important and when to use it.  Bring your camera and sharpen your pencils.

  "Hi Ann: I thoroughly enjoyed your webinar last night - it was fast paced, well presented, full of great tips and facts and I learned a bunch even after 14 years in the businesss - great job!" - Susan Kostelecky

   

• Ripplefold panels (1.5 hour seminar). This commercial style drapery style is making a comeback in today's world of clean, contemporary lines. The unusual hardware may seem daunting, but I will make it simple for you. This class explains the hardware, the simple concept behind fullness choices and several fabrication techniques. Whether a designer or a workroom, you will definitely want to explore the ripplefold look and add it to your product line. You will be amazed at how easy and simple the treatment is to specify, fabricate and mount. Add ripplefold to your portfolio today.

• Arched panels and valances. Pattern drafting and fabrication of different arched styles. (3 hr seminar). Arched treatments are daunting and mysterious to new workrooms. I'll make it easy for you. We'll talk about measuring for arched and unusual shaped windows, building an arch frame and other mounting options, step by step to drawing patterns for pleated, slouched and flat treatments and fabrication techniques. I'll teach you how to avoid common mistakes too. The next time your client asks for an arched treatment, you will answer with a confident Yes!

• Plan and manage your custom workroom with growth in mind (1.5 or 3 hr seminars).You are doing what you love and enjoying every minute of it.  But are you working smart?  Plan and run your business with efficiency and growth in mind.  Whether or not you choose to grow the business in the future, setting up the business to run efficiently, with growth as a potential goal, will result in time and dollar savings as long as you are in business.  It will also increase your professionalism, thereby altering how others view you as a business.  We will explore paperwork and filing systems, track the flow of work through the workroom, cover some efficiency tips in cutting and fabrication, talk about written specifications and procedures and discuss steps towards taking on employees.  The goal is to help you view this as a business, yet keep it under control so it will always be fun.

• Top Down/Bottom Up Shade construction. (1.5 hr seminar). Drop the top of the shade to let in light and a view while keeping privacy on the lower half of the window.  What a nice feature to offer your clients!!   Not sure how this would be constructed or strung?  Easy.  Ann will teach you how to fabricate and string these shades for easy install and use.  We will talk about stringing with simple locks and with a soft shade clutch system.  Add another level of form and function to your shades!

• Enhancing your business with design software - the dreamDraper advantage.  (2 hr)  Are you curious about interior design software and what it can do for you? Is it worth the investment for your business? This course will answer these questions and more. We explore the many ways that dreamDraper's design software enhances your professional image, improves client trust, closes more sales faster, and creates opportunities for up-selling. DreamDraper is a visualization tool between designers and their customers as well as a communication tool between designers and their workrooms and installers. It is a premier graphics tool for developing portfolios and marketing tools. We also explore how dreamDraper's Quick Quote for QuickBooks quoting software helps you quote faster and with more precision. You will be amazed at how dreamDraper's Total Solution enhances your professional image and builds your business.
  
  

   

Member of:

WCAA - Window Coverings Association of America

Drapery Pro

Professional Windows

Workroom Association of America

Custom Home Furnishings Academy - Instructor

Greater Cleveland Drapery Professionals