Brenda & Industry Friends Take On France!

Over the past week, Brenda, the owner and principal at Custom Drapery Designs, embarked on an inspiring journey to France to immerse herself in the vibrant world of textiles and the latest industry trends. Now that her adventure has come to an end, let’s delve into the highlights of her trip!

One of the most exciting moments was reconnecting with a group of industry friends. Their gatherings were a true highlight, filled with lively discussions about emerging trends and shared experiences in the world of textiles. Together, they explored local fabric markets, discovering unique materials and innovative design ideas. These connections strengthened their friendships and inspired Brenda with fresh perspectives that she can't wait to integrate into Custom Drapery Designs.

Check out Brenda’s industry friends below:

Lori Carpenter of www.loricaroenterdesigns.com

Marcia Boatwright of www.blindsdrsoerydesigns.com

Tracy and Linda of www.design@tandlinteriors.com

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On the first day of her trip, Brenda and her colleagues enjoyed exploring their charming chateau in Provence, located in the picturesque town of Maillane, Mas des Cervantes.

This beautiful setting allowed them to fully immerse themselves in French culture and get their bearings for the week ahead.

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The following day, the group set off to tour Les Olivades, one of the last seven remaining screen printers in France. They were excited to see the preparation of a terry cloth fabric for @dporthailtparis. The process begins with the cotton fabric, known as grey goods, which is repeatedly washed and cleaned until it becomes pristine white. Once it’s inspected for flaws, the fabric is laid out on a 60-yard-long screen table.

At Les Olivades, blue screen tablets are meticulously washed and placed on a machine across the table. Then, ink is submerged, and the stamp printing process begins. For that day’s project, the team worked on a heart print intended for towels and linens.

After the fabric dries, the terrycloth requires an overnight drying process. It is then dried in a large drying chamber, washed again, and steamed to perfection. Once the machine stamps the first color layer, the process is repeated for additional colors to achieve the desired finish.

For more insights into their impressive work, check out their website: www.olivades.fr

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After a day filled with learning new techniques and styles that France has to offer, Brenda and her colleagues ventured out to the lavender fields to create lavender wands guided by @eslalendal. 

“It was relaxing and lovely to be amongst industry friends and fellow creators,” Brenda shared.

The following day brought even more delights as they visited a charming, generationally owned family home where geese and chickens wandered freely. There, they met Chef William Revoil of @lesterresdepierre, who treated them to a fabulous farm-to-table lunch.

Afterward, the group had the privilege of learning from @prunefauxplumassiere, Prune Revoil, who introduced them to the breathtaking art of plumassière. Her stunning creations inspired everyone, and they even had the chance to test their own talents. 

Prune also sells her unique fabrics and wallpapers featuring exquisite feather designs! Be sure to check them out on her website: www.prune-faux.com.

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On the final day of her trip, Brenda and her colleagues experimented with dyeing various fabrics, a perfect way to wrap up their inspiring week.

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As Brenda returns to Custom Drapery Designs, she carries with her not just new skills and ideas but also cherished memories and lasting connections. The knowledge gained from this trip will undoubtedly influence their designs, bringing a touch of French elegance to projects moving forward!