The Decorating Diva

Cheaper by the Dozen

2012-01-05T06:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years!

Great news! I just heard from our printers, and our new book, Cheaper by the Dozen is being shipped and will be here on February 8th! That's just a month or so away! I'm so excited it's almost here. It really has been a labor of love for both me and my co-author, Debbie Homer. This book will have my Valance Template collection and over $200 in embroidery designs, all on a CD. The hardcover book has 176 pages, full color, with a concealed wire binding for easy readying. Be one of the first to receive it! To preorder your autographed copy, go to http://www.pamdamour.com/.

2011-05-18T18:48:00.000-07:00

My 3oth anniversary in Business!

Dear Friends,
Since this marks my 30th anniversay in business, I'm offering 30% off specials each month to everyone on my email list. These specials are not listed on my webpage! If you're not currently on my email list, please email me to get on my list. My next special is going out this week!

Also, I'm the new Home Dec Expert for Sew News, so if you have a decorating question you'd like to have answered, please feel free to write and ask. All published questions will receive a free Decorating Diva How-to DVD!

Happy Decorating!
Pam

2011-05-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

2011 International Quilt Market in Salt Lake City

I’m so excited to be at the Salt Lake City Quilt Market! I’m here in booth 840 working for the Hamil Group.

Sidebar: the Hamil group is a well know fabric company supplying fabrics for clothing manufacturers, as well producing great lines of cotton “quilters” weight cotton and home dec fabrics.

My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to design projects made from their fabrics, along with written instructions for all to enjoy. For more info and photos of Quilt Market, go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Decorating-Diva/118631641548832, and check "like" on my new page!

News from Boot Camp!

2011-03-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

This is Elaine, a student from one of my recent Window Treatment Boot camps!

Linda G. from Boot Camp

Linda from fall 2010 boot camp

Day Four of Ski & Sew

2011-01-23T19:23:00.000-08:00

On day four, Kathy and I went to Northstar, getting there bright and early. We were the only two who wanted to ski, while the rest wanted a girls' day of shopping in Truckee. The conditions were amazing, and the crowd was minimal until lunch time. By then we had had our fill and were ready to call it a day.

Ski & Sew Day Three

2011-01-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

Day three of Ski and Sew has been a sewing day. I worked on my article for SQE, Tammy worked on a silk gaments, Kathy worked on her blog and helped CJaye learn her new serger. Pat worked on a quilt and CJaye sewed her new knit tops. We enjoyed Pat's lasagne for lunch and will be savoring Kathy's Beef Stew and "Kathy Buns" for dinner, along with her special apple crisp!

Day Two of Ski & Sew

2011-01-22T09:41:00.000-08:00

If day one was perfect, day two was even better. Tammy, after taking an eight year break, was skiing like a pro. Pat got a private lesson from Melvin, and by the end of the day, was swooshing. Kathy skied, looking like a European ski model, in her self-made custom fitted ski outfit, in purple iridescence.

Ski & Sew Day one

2011-01-21T13:42:00.001-08:00

Our first day on at Northstar was epic. . .beautiful 50+degree weather, lots of sunshine and good cover. We'd really like to see some new snow, but there's none in the upcoming forecast. Fortunately, there seems to be good coverage everywhere, and the nights are going to be cool enough to keep the snowpack. Kathy Ruddy commented that it was the first time she can remember skiing, when the breeze off the mountain was warm. We were treated to a Mexican themed dinner cooked by Tammy O'Connell. It's so much to be surrounded by so much sewing and teaching talant!

Ski & Sew Retreat

2011-01-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

What happens when you put 5 sewing educators/ business women who also ski together for a week? It's our first annual Sew and Ski Retreat. We've been planning this for a year or so, since we were together on the beautiful slopes of Breckenridge. Keep posted for the daily posts of our times here at magestic Incline Village on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. We think this might be a great event to offer to students next year, so if you ski and sew and would like to be put on our wait list, send me an email to decor8d@aol.com

Pam and Carmen have an adventure!

2010-12-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

An adventure of a life time. Or so we thought?. . . . .It all started on the morning of December 4^th, a chilly, but sunny Saturday morning. Carmen and I left my house at approximately 6:45 am. We knew we weren’t on any tight time schedule and several bathroom breaks and perhaps some shopping along the way would be in order. The start of the “adventure” began two hours when we were unsuccessful in finding the Queensbury outlet stores, . . .but on the bright side, had a lovely drive through the old historic downtown Glens Falls.

About three and a half hours later we arrived at our hotel in the Tarrytown area, (which, since took a chance and purchased it on hotwire, was not the hotel we wanted.) After a yummy lunch at Eldorado’s in Tarrytown, we decided to take the train into New York. Since the street, where we knew we could park was up hill, we decided to park in the Walgreen’s parking lot. (big mistake!)Leah had warned us that there was a 30 minute parking limit, but since there were no signs in the far end of the parking lot, we thought it would be safe to park.

Once in the city, we met up with Leah and proceeded to the TKS line in Time Square to procure half price theater tickets. After hours of waiting, and as we got to to the from of the line, we were told we could have gotten to the front of the line, with Carmen's handi-cap status . . .oh well. After a nice Italian dinner, we went to see ‘La Cage aux Folles” starring Kelsey Grammar. . . very funny.

P.S. After the long train home, we walked back to out car to find it was wearing a boot! 20 minutes later and $70 later we were finally on our way home back to the hotel!

Day two, Sunday December 5:

Today should have started with us having a relaxing breakfast and then finding our way into the city to get on the ship. However, due to a crane accident when the boat was in dry dock, there was no ship to get on. Plus there was no place in our paperwork that indicated which pier we needed. So after driving around Manhattan and a few phone calls we found our way to the pier. Once there, amongst all the screaming of frustrated angry passengers, we were sent to the Sheraton in Times Square for the night.

Here we are waiting to find out where they were going to send us for the night.

We decided to take advantage of our extra day in the city by venturing into the fashion district, where Carmen bought some beautiful wool flannel to make a cape. Then we hiked a few more blocks down 7^th avenue to see Leah at Mustang Sally’s.

Day Three, Monday December 6: We started the day with room service breakfast, which Norwegian is supposed to cover. We called Norwegian about our credit due to the shortened length of the cruise and we were upgraded to a balcony cabin! Woowhoo!! We took a Taxi to the ship, and imagine our excitement when it was actually there at port!

We tried to check into our upgraded cabin, only to be told that it was already occupied, so we checked in with our original cabin number. So we had a cocktail while we waited for them to work things out.

Once in board, I stood in line at the customer service desk until we got the upgraded cabin.

We got to our stateroom, our bags came with out much delay, and life was good. We were on the ship, and our vacation was finally starting. We had dinner at the Asian restaurant, a combination of sushi and Asian Fusion. It was very nice. We topped it off with a trio of crème Brule: Green Tea, Red Bean, and Ginger

The show for the evening was a comedian and a magician. We found the magician funnier that the comedian, but they were both great. In the spirit of the ship, we decided for fun to make our own towel animals. (I know, don’t quit our day jobs )

Tonight's towel animals: Snail with no head & snake.

Day four, Tuesday:

Our Day at seaToday we started the day with deep tissue massages in the spa. At one point I thought I had lost my cell phone, only to find it later in the trash. . . phew!!After the spa, I went to the gym to work out & Carmen went to a cooking demonstration. This was held by the ship’s head chefs and they showed how many of the ships dishes were prepared. They even shared many of their recipes! After lunch at the buffet, I retreated back to our cabin, to resume work on my book.

Carmen went for the “free” bingo, after a half hour of selling raffle tickets, and other foolishness; she played her free game, and didn't win. L

This was dress up night, so we did, and had our pictures taken. We decided to have dinner in the French restaurant, and again, the food was excellent. The show was a musical review of 70’s music. We were all singing in our seats.

Tonight's towel animals: stingray & bunny

Day five:

In Port CanaveralToday we decided to go to “Islands of Adventure” which is part of universal studios. The new Harry Potter ride was open and we liked it so much we went on again! We did a few other rides, but the Harry Potter and Spiderman rides were our favorites!

When we returned to the ship, we were pretty wiped out and happy to be back at the ship again.

After a light dinner, we crashed for the night.

No show, no towel animals. .

Day 6:

Great Stirrup Cay This is a private island owned by Norwegian. It’s a beautiful island, with white sand beached and crystal teal water and a locals straw market. We each got “bahama mama” hair braids by the ladies in the straw market. We had a relaxing day reading and soaking in the views.

Once back at the ship, we dressed for dinner, and ate in one of the main dining rooms. I had the scallops with cheddar cheese grits, and Carmen had the tortellini . . . mmmm

The show as the comedian and he was even funnier that earlier in the week. We then saw that last bit of the Glen miller tribute before heading back to the cabin.

Tonight’s towel animals: frog and swan

Day 7:

At Sea As we have every day, I started the day by working out, while Carmen read and relaxed in the room. We went on a bit of a shopping spree, we sewed and started Carmen’s wool cape and polished off a nice bottle of chardonnay

We had an amazing dinner at the Italian restaurant. And enjoyed the comedy/magic show of Jean Pierre Parent ( who we think might be a long lost cousin on Carmen’s!! Day 8: Our last day at seaToday we had a bit of excitement as a coast guard helicopter hovered over our balcony as they came to retrieve an ill passenger.

We finished Carmen’s wool cape, and went to two shows all before dinner. The first was another comedy/magic show by Jean Pierre, and then we were entertained by the crew with their own review, which was both entertaining and funny.

On our last dinner on the ship, we ate at the Teppanyaki restaurant. We sat next to a couple from Montreal named Paul & Priscilla. We hope to get together with them once we all get home.

We returned home son Sunday the 12th, relaxed. rested and ready to go back to work.

What I found is this cruise will be the perfect ship and itinerary for our next sewing cruise!

2009-06-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

Mmmmmm Vacation!

Here are some photos from a whirlwind vacation. We spent a most amazing day at a Scandinavian Spa, where we sat under hot waterfalls, icy waterfalls (brrr. . .but oh so refreshing), steam baths, dry saunas, hot tubs & relaxation rooms.

I was so relaxed at one point while trying to read my book, I fell asleep!

We spent a day of golfing on a championship golf course, which looked like it was designed by a mountain goat! Even with alcohol, I had no business being on this course. (p.s. yes, I did cheat and I'm not ashamed to admit it!)

We had an amazing culinary experience at an acclaimed French restaurant. This restaurant boast to be one of the few in the world (24 to be exact) to possess the coveted duck press. The chef, Olivier Tali, has added his own twist to this protected recipe. He had to approach the recipe preservation society, known as the "Master's Canardier Association" to be approved, before offering this change to his customers. This recipe is called "Duckling a` la Rouennaise", and the duck is literally pressed to extract all the blood to make the most amazing sauce!

On this mountaintop, the panoramic views were nothing less than spectacular. From the summit, we watched at the weather turned almost instantly from sunshine, the where it began to rain on our little French village, watching the storm travel up the mountain to where we sat enjoying our lunch. After it passed, we descended in a gondola, much like the ones we have at our home mountain, and drove through the mountains.

My friends humored me one evening and let me cook some of my favorite dishes. I SOOO love shopping in food store of different countries, the cheeses, olives, breads and pates make me salivate in the aisles. This market was no disappointment! Escargot: 2-dozen for $1.29 in USD! (Should have bought a case!) Look for this recipe in a future blog!

Our resort had a private movie theater, where we could reserve time, and choose a movie from their library. Since the English TV was at a premium, we reserved and had our own private viewing of ”Catch me if you Can”. (I wanted a movie that would appeal to the men in our group, with out turning off the women. 27 dresses just wasn’t going to cut it!)

We finished off the vacation with few days with extended family and a birthday celebration for our Aunt Vivian (known as Vin). She turned 80, and with her children & grand children, we represented the rest of the family and helped her celebrate. She is truly an amazing woman, having worked as a nurse her whole life, including a stint in Algiers. She raised four children alone who have gone on to marry well, and have great careers. I have only one thing to say: when with the Gledhills, be prepared to PARTY!

It’s good to be home. I need a rest after this vacation!! I'm ready for the slower pace of a work schedule.

Sew Sensational Tour NYC '09

2009-06-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

NYC Sew Sensational

Fabric Tour
On Memorial weekend I took a small group around my favorite fabric MECCA, New York City, for the Sew Sensational Fabric Tour. Among the many fun things we did, some of the weekend highlights were: Touring the FIT Museum Fashions exhibit, going to Liberty Island, the Cloisters, the Empire State Building at night, The Metropolitan Museum’s Fashion Exhibit, seeing Broadway’s “Wicked”, going to Mood Fabrics, M&J Trimmings, Paron’s Fabrics, and surprising fun was “the Spandex House”! Ladies on the tour aged from 20 to (lets just say older than 20). But I think on of the most memorable activities for me was going to mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. (Definitely a must-do on next year's trip) Next year’s trip will be more fun than ever!

Here we are at the Cloisters!

IWCE & The Construction Zone: Overwhelming Success!

2009-05-28T03:38:00.000-07:00

The Construction Zone at IWCE

was the "Hot Spot"

The Construction Zone hosted ongoing demonstrations for the three days of the show. Attendees were treated to programs of inspiration, technology, techniques and marketing.

Pam Damour, self-proclaimed "Rah-Rah Girl" kept the excitment going through out the show, inlcuding hosting the "Rowenta Extreme Iron Off Race"

This race was a combination of the speed and precison pressing of drapery hems and headers. the winning contestents were awarded a professional dx8900 iron, and then went on to race for the grand prize: Rowenta's top of the line steam generator.

Here, Nancy receives her iron.

Monica & Judy manage the Decorating Diva booth, with the help of Susan, Karen & Cindy.

But working a show like this is exhausting.

Atlanta Drapery School

2009-05-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

In Atlanta, on May 7-12, students were subject five Days in intense window treatment instruction, where they learned how to create all types of custom window treatments. This was made possible, in part, due to the generosity of Discover Sewing of Atlanta who allowed us to us their beautiful sewing classroom for the event.

If you're looking for a decorator in Atlanta, let me know. I've just trained some good ones.

Here are a couple of their creations!

My Visit To Somerset, PA

2009-05-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I can't even believe how far behind I am with updating my blog. On May 1 &2, I had a wonderful 2 days in beautiful Somerset County, at Somerset Sewing. Students made my fun and easy expandable zipper bag, and as you can see, the ladies did a wonderful job!! I can't wait to go back in August, when I'll be teaching my Professional Drapery School, my workroom technique class and "Running with Scissors"!! For more info, call Somerset Sewing at (814) 445-7770

life lessons I've learned from my dog

2009-04-25T03:52:00.000-07:00

I've had Chrissie for a little over 4 years now, and it's occurred to me that she's been teaching me life lessons.

Here are some things I've learned from my dog:

Take naps when ever the opportunity presents itself
Stretch whenever I get up
Play and exercise with sheer enthusiasm
Enjoy basking in the sunshine, and the fresh breeze on my face
Enjoy my food, and stop when I've had enough
Cuddle and kiss whenever I can
Be thrilled when my family comes home
It doesn't matter how small you are, to be taken seriously
Walk proudly
Love unconditionally

Happy Tax day!

2009-04-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, after I've taught , I receive lovely thank you notes and emails. I'm so happy to have my blog, to share these! This is what Doris had to say:

"I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your class in Knoxville. I feel I really learned a lot. I was able to finish my table runner by the end of the week and I think it turned out rather well, thanks to you. I can’t wait for your next book. I think you said it was about draperies and such. I hope you include directions on installing the valences and so forth. Your pillow book has very clear directions and they are easy to understand. Keep up the good work!!!!!"
Doris Knoxville

Another friend sent me this:

"Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says, "Oh Crap, She's up!"

And so this is the woman I aim to be!

By the way, spring is here on the point, and I have flowers blooming in my garden to prove it! woo whoo!!!

A special Happy Birthday to my dear friend Shelly Barcomb Toohill! (from your Pamela Pea)

Atlanta Drapery School

2009-04-07T04:38:00.001-07:00

The Atlanta Professional Drapery School is about a month away, so if you're interested in attending, please contact me at decor8d@aol.com! I promise to take 10 years of your learning curve!

It was exactly a year ago that these ladies were in my Kansas City Drapery School!

2009-04-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

photo of runner

A Wonderful Weekend In Knoxville!

2009-04-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a wonderful weekend in lovely Knoxville, TN! It's always nice to see familiar faces, but ! also made several new friends too, and I can't wait to return in September! We had an all day lecture/demo on Friday, and an all day workshop making table runners. Here's an email I received when I got home.

"Thank you again for the outstanding workshop in Knoxville this week end. It was one of the most enjoyable that I've attended. Not only did you expand my knowledge base but you gave me the confidence to try new techniques. I appreciate the patience that you showed with all of us but most of all I was impressed that you obviously love what you do. Your enthusiasm is contagious.

I just finished watching "Romancing the Bedroom" and can't wait to tackle a few more new challenges.

Thanks for a fun learning experience and a table runner that I really like."

Another student sent me this picture!

How did they know it was spring?

2009-03-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

It was the morning of the first day of spring, and I awoke to the most splendid thing. The ice was gone! And, not only was the ice gone off the lake in front of my house, there were tons of geese honking everywhere. I had to ask myself, "How did the ice know to go away this morning? And how did the geese know it was spring too?" Now, keep in mind there's still ice farther out on the broad lake, but in front of my house, spring has sprung! woooo whoooo! (FYI: I'm still not ready to hang up my new skis for the season. I expect to get in at least another few weeks of skiing in!)

And with spring, we all have the feeling of a new beginning. For me, I'm working on my new book. It's going to be a how-to window treatment book unlike no other! I'm looking for designs for my "inspiration pages", so if you've purchased my templates, and you like to enter the design competition, and see your name in print, please email me for the application.

This is the sunrise from my home. The mountain straight ahead with the point is where we ski!

Home Town Cable Oldie Goldie

2009-02-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,
I received this email the other day, letting me know that I was on the web. This interview was taped the summer of 2001. http://www.plattsburgh.com/index.php?option=com_seyret&task=videodirectlink&Itemid=78&id=496
check it out if you have the time.
Pam

The sign read 1,212

2009-02-08T15:52:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,
On the sewing cruise, we were curious at to just how many years of sewing experience was in the room. So, we asked everyone to give us the number of years they have been sewing. After adding up the numbers, we placed a sign on the door that read:

"Inside this room is 1,212 years of sewing experience."

I'll be in Dallas and Hot Springs this week! if you're in the area, be sure to drop by!

February 2009

2009-02-03T08:42:00.001-08:00

Hi Friends,

We've just returned from a fun week at sea, with the first ever Sew Sensational Cruise. We boarded the Carnival Valor with 33 in our group, and 22 students. My Co-Teacher, Emma Seabrooke & I taught three all day workshops while "at sea".

The Ports we visited were Nassau Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. All ports were great fun in different ways, but I'd have to say my favorite was St. Thomas, in part due to our guide, Vincent, but also in part to my 8 great friends who accompanied me that day. Here we are hopping out of our "Vince Funmobile" !

The www.Sewsensationalcruise.com website will be updated shortly, with testimonials and photos, but until then, I'm posting some high points here for you all to see.

Here is part of group on formal night.

I want to thank our sponsors for all their help, but especially, Janome Sewing Machines for providing us beautiful machines to sew on all week.

I'm already planning the next trip for anyone who missed this one, and of course be sure to check out www.sewsensationaltour.com for info on our New York Fabric Tour in May 2008.

January 2009

2009-01-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

January 2009 started like no other for me. For the first time in my life, I had a real surprise birthday party, given by my wonderful daughter & husband. While Joe got me out on an afternoon movie date, Leah, with help from our Australian friends, was able to get the house & food ready, complete with 50 guests! I am so blessed!!

I can't believe that January is almost over. I just returned from a wonderful ski vacation in Lake Tahoe, where we stayed with our dear frineds, the Klines. I did most of the legwork needed for my upcoming drapery school in April. For info on my Drapery School, or other educational programs go to my web site www.pamdamour.com.

This photo is a view from Diamond Peak. When you get off the lift, it looks as though you're skiing into Lake Tahoe. It reminds me of Le Massif, in Quebec, less the beluga whales! I won't get much more skiing in this season, as it's time to hit the road running and get back to work. I'm getting ready to teach on the Sew Sensational Cruise, and then teaching trips back to back, most of the spring!

On my website, I'm beginning to work on some youtube clips, so keep posted!

Starting my Blog!

2008-12-30T18:13:00.000-08:00

At the encouragement of my good friend Beckah Krahula, I'm starting my blog.

It's funny how years and years pass by, and then people who were so instrumental in our lives some 30 some years ago just pop back into our lives. This year, I've been contacted by two dear old friends who were in my art program, back in high school.

My friend Beckah, who I grew up knowing as "Becky" is an amazing mixed-media artist, and has done well for a "North Country Girl". She now lives in San Antonio, where she works from her studio when she's not off teaching at this show or that museum. She and her husband confess to own the world's most spoiled dogs! (I beg to differ: note my new company logo!)

My other friend is Jon Harcharek who's a vice president at a PR company in the Princeton NJ area. I'd say that Jon has also done well for a "North Country Boy" but the truth is Jon was never "North Country". His exceptional talents have given him a happy life, including a house full of children and a professional chef as his life partner.

And as for me, I'm married to my best friend, who has the patience of a saint. I think after 22 years of marriage, he's finally starting to "get me".

My Goals for 2009:

to travel to cities I've yet visited, doing keynotes, seminars and workshops
to continue my quest to have worked in every US state
to get at least ONE of my books I'm working on published!
to become better at technology

The Decorating Diva

Cheaper by the Dozen

More Boot Camp Videos

News from Boot Camp!

Day Four of Ski & Sew

Ski & Sew Day Three

Day Two of Ski & Sew

Ski & Sew Day one

Ski & Sew Retreat

Pam and Carmen have an adventure!

Sew Sensational Tour NYC '09

IWCE & The Construction Zone: Overwhelming Success!

Atlanta Drapery School

My Visit To Somerset, PA

life lessons I've learned from my dog

Happy Tax day!

Atlanta Drapery School

A Wonderful Weekend In Knoxville!

How did they know it was spring?

Home Town Cable Oldie Goldie

The sign read 1,212

February 2009

January 2009

Starting my Blog!