Last Chance to Register for the Party!!!

This is it!!! Today is the last day to take advantage of the 3.0 Presale Savings and it's also the last day to register for the Launch Party happening tommorow, March 31st at 1:00 PM (Eastern time.)

I know it's hard to imagine but now we will be giving away $8,000 worth of door prizes, even more than last week. Check out the prizes below! This is an opportunity, you just can't afford to miss. The event is FREE but there is a catch...you must attend the live online Webinar to win! Log on early, we will be giving away over $1000 worth of prizes during the first 10 minutes of the Webinar.

Door Prizes . . .

Yes you read it correctly, we are giving away almost $8,000 worth of door prizes! So join 15 minutes early for your chance to win in every session!!

1:00PM - Debbie & Casey welcome everyone & Session I Door Prizes:

• $197: Jackie Von Tobel Module
• $189: Studio Space Planning Module
• $100: Orion Designer Bag
• $ 49: Minutes Matter University Course Voucher
• $247: Studio 3.0 Upgrade
• $220: M'Fay Patterns - Designer's Digest & Workroom Manual (includes supplement 8)
• $ 50: IWCE/Vision09 Seminar Voucher from Grace McNamara Inc.
• $180: Three Design Directory of Window Treatment, by Jackie Von Tobel

1:15PM - Features & Functions of Studio 3.0

1:25PM - Session II Door Prizes:

• $197: Jackie Von Tobel Module
• $147: Quick Start 2009 for Designers
• $150: Orion Iron Art, Wood Art, Italian Collection, Tropical Collection
• $247: Studio 3.0 Upgrade
• $ 50: IWCE/Vision09 Seminar Voucher from Grace McNamara Inc.
• $ 65: One-On-One Studio 1-hour Training Session
• $247: Blog setup by Minutes Matter (New Service)
• $ 49: Minutes Matter University Course Voucher
• $ 59: DeGangi Group "Accessorizing for Design Professionals"

1:35PM - Merlyn demonstrates Studio 3.0

1:50PM - Session III Door Prizes

• $ 197: Jackie Von Tobel Module
• $ 65: Pate Meadows Laminated Designer Packet
• $ 147: Quick Start Class for Designers 09 by Design Success University
• $ 65: One-on-One Studio 1-hour Training Session
• $ 49: Minutes Matter University Course Voucher
• $1000: Creative Camp 2010 Voucher from The Custom Sewing Institute (Houston, TX)
• $ 247: Studio 3.0 Upgrade
• $ 395: Drapery & Window Coverings Full Conference pass (Jacksonville, FL)
• $ 398: Custom Home Furnishing Academy 2-Day Course (CHF)

2:00PM - Jackie Von Tobel discusses images and new fabric designs

2:05PM - Merlyn demonstrates how to create a rendering from Jackie's book

2:20PM - Session IV Door Prizes

• $197: Jackie Von Tobel Module
• $495: Society of Decorating Professional (SDP) conference Pass (Kansas City, MO)
• $349: Interior Design Summit - Spring 2009 ($349 value)
• $247: Studio 3.0 Upgrade
• $120: Two Design Directory of Window Treatment, by Jackie Von Tobel
• $ 49: DraperyPro one year memberhip to online forum
• $125: Minutes Matter Measuring System
• $ 65: One-On-One Studio 1-hour Training Sesson
• $ 55: Rowley Company's Finestra Decorative Hardware Sales Binder
• $600: Simplified Websites One year website hosting for customized website

2:30PM - Questions from audience

Register NOW or miss out on all of these fantastic prizes!!!!

www.minutesmatter.com

I'll see you at the party.....

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Sneak Peek - JVT Fabrics

I've been burning the midnight oil on my fabric designs for the past month and things are beginning to come together. I have thrown out twice as many patterns as I have kept but I'm narrowing down the final selections. We want to have 40 distinct patterns available in the collection available in several color ways all on organic grounds.




It's quite a challenge to try to create designs that are classic but still address current trends. I think this may be one of the most difficult projects I have ever taken on but it has also been very rewarding.




I've learned many new skills on photoshop, although I still have a lot of room for improvement and I've learned a bit about using watercolors. It's also given me a whole new appreciation for the talented designers who have created all of the beautiful fabrics that I used over the many years of my carreer. I had no idea the amount of work that goes in to creating one pattern. The man hours are staggering!


I am supposed to receive a new batch of test strike offs on Tuesday so I will share them with you then. We are experimenting with different ground cloths and colors right now and then I will fine tune all of the motifs and we'll be ready for a final print.


The first patterns of the collection will be unveiled at the International Window Fashions Expo in Atlanta May 12. I can't wait!!! I hope many of you will be there to help me celebrate.


On another note, I know I have been drowing you with shameless self promotionlately but:

Don't forget to register for the Minuites Matter 3.0 and Jackie Von Tobel module launch party on Tuesday, March 31st.

You must register to win one of over $5000 in free products that will be raffled off during the event.

Click HERE to register!

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Minutes Matter Jackie Von Tobel Launch Party!

WOW! We already have hundreds of people registered for our BIG online event on March 31!

We are hosting a live, online, Launch Party for Studio 3.0 & Jackie Von Tobel Modules on Wednesday, March 31st at 1:00 PM (EST).

We will be revealing all the new features of Studio 3.0 and you'll be the first to preview the first Jackie module. Over $5,000 worth of door prizes will be given out during this live event (must be present to win). Merlyn Corcoran, and Caterina with Pate Meadows will be joining us as guest panelists.

Unfortunately, the class will only hold 1,000 attendees. Due to this restriction, we limited the number of private invitations to a select group of 7,500 Minutes Matter Fans and let me tell you the excitement is buzzing!!!

Register Now!!!

Would you like to know what the buzz is all about?

We are preparing for our biggest release ever! Over 3,000 hours have been invested into designing, developing, and illustrating Studio 3.0. Here are a few of the exciting features and functions we will be revealing during the party . . .

~ Studio 3.0 ~

• FREE!! All M'Fay & Pate Meadows Images Included: The latest illustrations from M'Fay Patterns & Pate Meadows collections are INCLUDED in Studio 3.0. Other software companies charge hundreds of dollars for a single M'Fay module; the result is a cost of nearly $5.00 per design!
• Exclusive Photo Scale Tool: This unique tool automatically adjusts the Drawing Scale just by knowing a dimension in a photograph.
• Exclusive "Step System:" A systematic process to quickly create renderings.
• Custom Index: Add your own custom design(s) or image(s) to the Main Index.
• Applied Trim: Trim has been applied to many of the Quick Designs to make illustrating even faster.
• One-Click Trim: Add trim to the drapery panel lead edges in only one click.
• Sleek New Look: Studio 3.0 has a new customized look. This sleek new design includes ribbon toolbars similar to the 2007 version of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Quick Access Toolbar: Customize the toolbar to include your favorite features and functions.
• Icon Preview: Thumbnails images magnify when you hover over the image with your mouse without decreasing your workspace.
• Automatic Backup: Studio 3.0 includes an Automatic Backup feature to prevent accidentally losing your project.
• Ruler Bar Settings: Ruler bars can now be set in either feet, inches or centimeters.
• Professionally Illustrated Images: All Studio images have been completely re-illustrated to bring you fabulous, totally new, designer images.
• Pre-filled Images: All images are pre-filled with a neutral color palette to create a bigger impact when using the innovative "Design-in-5" technique.
• Drop Shadow Tool: Easily add a drop shadow to Studio images.
  
  ... we've saved the best for last ... the release of a Jackie Von Tobel Window Treatment Module!

~ Jackie Von Tobel Window Treatments (Module 1) ~

In addition to launching a new version of Studio, we will also be releasing the first of four modules from the must have resource, The Design Directory of Window Treatments by Jackie Von Tobel. Studio will be the ONLY graphic software program to offer these illustrations! Now you will have the ability to customize Jackie's renderings to meet your client's needs! All four Jackie Von Tobel Window Treatment Modules will be released throughout 2009. Module 1 includes . . .

• An assortment of designs taken from The Design Directory of Window Treatments.
• Over 250 designs are included in this first module; making it less than .69 cents per design!
• Important: Studio 3.0 upgrade is required to install the Jackie Von Tobel Modules. Studio 2.0 and Studio Lite 2.0 users are not eligible to add the Jackie Modules to their existing program.

Order TODAY . . .

Studio 3.0 (Upgrade) *SALE: $197* (Retail: $247)

(Use Promo Code: prelaunch3.0)

JVT (Module 1) *SALE: $167* (Retail: $197)

(Use Promo Code: prelaunchJVT1)

*Remember only 250 Raving Fans will be able to order at these prices!* Note: If ordering Studio 3.0 & Jackie's Module, be sure to use both codes during checkout.

Upgrade: Click Here To Buy Now!

Have you been thinking about purchasing Studio? Now is a great time to get on board! Not only will you receive our latest version Studio 3.0, you'll also have the chance to pre-order the first Jackie Von Tobel Window Treatment Module at the introductory offer!

New Purchase: Click Here To Buy Now!

Door Prizes . . .

Don't forget, we are giving away over $5,000 worth of door prizes! So join us for your chance to win!!

Prize #1: Jackie Von Tobel Module ($197 value)

Prize #2: Studio Space Planning Module ($189 value)

Prize #3: Orion Designer Bag ($100 value)
Prize #4: Minutes Matter University Course Voucher ($49 value)
Prize #5: Studio 3.0 Upgrade ($247 value)

Prize #6: IWCE/Vision09 Seminar Voucher from Grace McNamara

Inc. ($50 value)

Prize #7: Jackie Von Tobel Module ($197 value)
Prize #8: Nika Stewart's Email Newsletters for Designers book ($179 value)

Prize #9: One-On-One QuickBooks 1-hour Training Session ($65 value)
Prize #10: Minutes Matter Measuring System ($125 value)
Prize #11: Studio Space Planning Module ($189 value)

Prize #12: Rowley Company's Finestra Decorative Hardware Sales Binder

($55 value)

Prize #13: Quick Start 2009 for Designers ($147 value)
Prize #14: Orion Iron Art, Wood Art, Italian Collection, Tropical Collection

(2 Sets of these 4-color selectors; $150 value)
Prize #15: Jackie Von Tobel Module ($197 value)

Prize #16: Creative Camp 2010 Voucher from The Custom Sewing Institute

($1,000 value)

Prize #17: Studio 3.0 Upgrade ($247 value)
Prize #18: One-On-One Studio 1-hour Training Session ($65 value)
Prize #19: Minutes Matter University Course Voucher ($49 value)

Prize #20: Jackie Von Tobel Module ($197 value)
Prize #21: Minutes Matter Measuring System ($125 value)

Prize #22: Studio Space Planning Module ($189 value)

Prize #23: Interior Design Summit - Spring 2009 ($349 value)

Prize #24: Studio 3.0 Upgrade ($247 value)

Prize #25: Jackie Von Tobel Module ($197 value)

Prize #26: IWCE/Vision09 Seminar Voucher from Grace McNamara

Inc. ($50 value)

Prize #27: M'Fay Patterns - Designer's Digest & Workroom Manual (includes new supplement 8) ($220 value)



Check out the new Minutes Matter Blog here.

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Bedding Book - Finished Cover

My new book, The Design Directory of Bedding, is due to hit stores on October 5 and I just received the finished image of the cover! I've written in the past about the process of designing the cover and how many versions are produced before you find one that everyone can agree on.



Here are just a few of the covers that didn't make it!

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New Keyboard & Colorful Fabric Combinations

Hi, I'm finally back in business!!!

I've been crippled for the past couple of months by a worn out keyboard on my laptop. Not to mention my procrastination in replacing it. My Letter N broke months ago and I managed to repair it ( thanks to advice from my buddy Joni) but it was just never the same. It either skipped completely or registered multiple N's at the same time. You would never believe how many N's there are in the average sentence!!! I had to type my text and then go back and add in the N's painstakingly by hitting the N key about a hundred times to produce one single freaking N. I took my computer into the Sony service center to have them replace the keyboard and they told me that I had to buy the replacement part online and then bring it back to be installed. HUH?????? What the heck! I cannot believe how hard it is to get anything done these days.

Anyway, of course this led to more procrastination in ordering the part, and total inaction on my part. Finally I ordered the part online convinced I was buying some weird generic keyboard that would not fit and could not be returned. To my surprise it arrived and looked like my old keyboard only white and clean unlike my old one which is now stained a nice creamy dirt color.

So, here I was last night with my shiny new keyboard and the prospect of having to schelp back down to the Sony store to have it installed for another $100 bucks and I decided to figure it out on my own ( with technical support from my husband of course) I had been assured months earlier when my N key first gave out by Joni, of Cote de Texas that I could fix it myself - so armed with that confidence I dove in. I looked up instructions given by some random guy who claimed to have the secret ( didn't get his name) on the internet and began removing the 185 screws that held the back plate in place. I swear every screw was a different shape and size and I had no idea how I would be able to put this thing back together. I tried to make a crude diagram of the back plate and tape each screw down to its approximate location so I would have a slim chance of getting them back in their appropriate location.

Half way through the screw removal surgery my husband suggested that I should probably look up an official site for instruction to which I said - I don't need to do that I know exactly what I'm doing! So when he came back two minutes later with his laptop and the official instructions that showed that I had just removed 50 extra screws that I shouldn't have he was victorious! I put back the unnecessarily removed screws as best as I could according to my non-official diagram and the removed the ones that the official instruction page told me to.

Okay, I know this is getting boring but I am just so happy to be able to type all of this effortlessly that I am running on. Anyway, I finally figured it all out and got the case open, popped out the old keyboard, put in the new one, and put the back plate back on along with the numerous screws.

Only two problems arose. I dropped a minuscule screw into a crevice while trying to put it in it's hole and it is now inside my laptop in an inappropriate place that I cannot get to and it will surely cause my laptop to catch on fire or explode in days to come. Secondly, I got all of the screws back into the back plate until the last one for which I had only 1 screw left and it does not fit? What the hell! I will hold on to it so when the screw rolling around inside ( by the way I don't know where that one is supposed to go either) breaks something that I have to be repaired by professionals, maybe they can find a home for it.

Bottom line: Yes my new laptop keyboard is working beautifully but that may end at any moment due to faulty screw application or the metal time bomb that I let fall into my computers guts. There are some things that are perhaps best left to the professionals!



Colorful Combinations Check out these fabulously upholstered beds by the UK company Belle Maison.


They use a lot of Tricia Guild fabrics and have such a great eye for matching patterns that you would never think could blend together.

These pictures make me want to paint my entire house white and throw in bright colors. Maybe once the recession is over!

I love this colorway! Delicious.


This is the tame version. Personally I like the more vibrant beds.

Thanks for sticking with me during my blogging lag. Now that my keyboard is working I hope to be posting regularly again. Stay Tuned!!!!

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March Madness

The month of March is ussually a busy one for me but this year is off the charts!



First , I want to say Happy Birthday to my sister Julie. Julie is a sewing fanatic and she loves to make quilts and clothes for her daughter. This picture is a cake believe it or not! ( couldn't find the source but it is amazing!) Julie and I learned how to sew on an ancient pedal machine that looked a lot like this one. We have spent some great times together over the years shopping for fabrics and looking for bargains. She was my inspiration when it came to learning how to sew and we still have a great time sharing projects with each other.

Next, I'm off to San Diego, my old college town, for the weekend with my husband and some friends. Yes, it's shocking! I'm taking a couple of days off for some actual fun!! I haven't had any time off for quite awhile which is my own fault since I am a total workaholic. I'm hoping the weather will cooperate but they are predicting rain! YUK. Oh, well I will just have to do more shopping then.


When I get home it will be time for my adorable daughter to arrive home from San Francisco for Spring Break... Can't wait to see her and hang out together. I miss her so much, but luckily I am so busy the time between visits goes by quickly.


Then I'm off to the east coast to teach my first two-day course on window treatment design at The Custom Home Furnishings Academy in Charlotte, NC.

I'm so excited to finally begin teaching here. The Academy is the destination for hands on education in the field of soft furnishing design and construction. If you have any interest in learning more about design or how to construct professional soft treatments you should look into the courses offered. My class is being held on March 20 and 21 and you can learn more about it here. There is still time to enroll in my class, if you are interested please contact the school.


I'll be home in time to catch the International Textiles Expo which, thankfully, is being held here in Las Vegas!



Last but certainly not least, March 31 is a huge event in my life - the launch of the Jackie Von Tobel modules for Minutes Matter & Studio. We've been working on this one for a year and it's finally ready to launch. Please join us for our big online party, but be sure to pre-register here at www.minutesmatter.com.

I won't bore you with the million other things I have to accomplish before the month is over... but if you are wondering why I am not posting very often lately, now you know why!!!!

Have a great March!

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